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tghaines
27th of February 2007 (Tue), 20:43
Hello fellow Sports lovers,

I was shooting a Triathlon on the weekend in apauling weather and had loads of problems with ETTL flash. It was dark and raining and I needed to use a flash until conditions improved. I was shooting a 1DIIN, 70-200f2.8, 580EX with external battery.

#1 This one was great for exposure. ISO 1000, 1/400, f2.9, 70mm, 580EX in Auto
150978

#2 This one was a terrible exposure. ISO 1000, 1/400, f2.9, 70mm, 580EX in Auto
150979

Road position of the cyclist is similar. The flash says it fired in the EXIF (and the sign in the BG is lit-up).

Can the fact that I used ETTL cause such differences in subject exposure. I believe that there will be a slight delay while the ETTL operation fires a pre-flash then has a think. Can that delay cause differences in exposure on moving subjects.

I will try to use manual in future, so happy to take any tips on shooting moving targets with Manual Flash and Manual Camera.

Thanks,
Curtis N
27th of February 2007 (Tue), 22:44
The reflective sign caused the problem. Those things really make E-TTL throw fits. As much as you can, try to keep those things out of the frame or they're mess you up every time.

Manual flash is always an option, but I don't think it would give you more good shots at the end of the day in conditions like that. You could dial in the right power for a certain distance, but taking multiple shots of the same cyclist as he approaches would be tough.

I complain a lot about E-TTL indoors, but for outdoor fill it usually serves me well.
tghaines
27th of February 2007 (Tue), 23:21
The reflective sign caused the problem. Those things really make E-TTL throw fits. As much as you can, try to keep those things out of the frame or they're mess you up every time.

Great - Thanks. That actually makes sense. The pre-flash will be all over the place due to reflecting off the cyclist or the sign. One to think about for future. We needed that backdrop of the Husky Pub sign to "locate" the shot.

Manual might be better for a front-on shot where I know the distance at a set framing. i.e. when they are in frame they are 15m away??

Anyway, will keep practicing and thinking.

Cheers,