Night Flash Football Question

[bnorm27]

Here is another question regarding the use of flash for night football games. I've read through the other threads, but cannot seem to find these specific answers. I have been using an Opteka flash, but have a 580EXII coming in any day now.

1. What ISO should I shoot at when using the flash? I have been using 640, 800, and 1000. Will I get better results if I go lower (400,200)?

2. Been using the 70-200mm f2.8. I would like to throw the 1.4x TC on there, but it does slow down the AF on my 50D in my opinion. Is it OK to shoot f4, or higher with the flash?

3. Finally, when you use the 580EX II, what settings would you use on the flash? Do you shoot ETTL? I tried reducing the power on the Opteka and usin the manual settings (setting zoom, ISO, and f stop ) on the flash.

You guys have been a tremendous help to me so far, and my photos have definitely improved since I first started hanging around here. THANKS!

[canonnoob]

bnorm,

Take a look at my site and look at the exif for my flash football photos. I use ISO 800-1000 normally, at 2.8. shutter speed 1/320th. Normally that is perfect enough for me to get a correct exposure..

you can shoot f4 or higher but at tiems it all dpends on how much avaliable light there is on the field also.

i dont shoot ettl well because i use my flash off camera... normally 1/4-1/2 power at 105mm.

hope that helps.

[bnorm27]

What about the shutter sync speed Dave? Isn't the max 1/250? By the way, the Pats could have used your cousin on Sunday!

[canonnoob]

i dont use my flash on camera.. I can get 1/400th and then I get some shutter in my shots.

[wyofizz]

I use ISO 800, f4 as a starting point. Set flash to 1/4 power and manual.
Zoom = 105mm
f 4 seems to be a good choice for night flash. Remember if you want to shoot defensive action f4 and above is a better choice.
I use Sauk's advice and use f stop to control light as action moves closer.
Action approaching 50 yds and I will bump to 1/2 power.
Just started using a better beamer so I think I'll be able to remain at 1/4
power as soon as it gets dark and just use f stop to control light.

Dave

[bnorm27]

Thanks to both Dave's!

[dmwierz]

Maybe I'm just in a grumpy mood, but things like this just make me go "???"


1. What ISO should I shoot at when using the flash? I have been using 640, 800, and 1000. Will I get better results if I go lower (400,200)?

2. Been using the 70-200mm f2.8. I would like to throw the 1.4x TC on there, but it does slow down the AF on my 50D in my opinion. Is it OK to shoot f4, or higher with the flash?

3. Finally, when you use the 580EX II, what settings would you use on the flash? Do you shoot ETTL? I tried reducing the power on the Opteka and usin the manual settings (setting zoom, ISO, and f stop ) on the flash.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=375847

Everything you've asked, and more, is contained in the thread linked to above, which is on the first page of this forum...the answer to your first question is in the first post of the first page of this thread.

[bnorm27]

Must be grumpy. Thanks for your input Dennis.