please double check my Football settings (40d)

[doubledragon]

Hello all,
I have a football game to shoot tonight but I'm trying something new (for me, at least),
I am going to use my flash mounted below my camera on a monopod for the darker parts of the field. I have it rigged similarly to the way it is shown in this image... http://www.harfordsports.com/hidden/forumImages/BRACKET_3.jpg
(which is from THIS THREAD (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=227467))
however, I have mounted the flash right-side-up so I may easily change it's settings, if necessary.

I'll be using my 40D on AI SERVO, M mode probably 1/250th at f4, ISO 1600 with my 70-200 2.8 & 1.4x teleconverter (which will keep me at f4)

As for the flash, should I dial in + or - Exposure Compensation? I was thinking I could just add a lil' bit to the ambient, as only to fill in the dark shadows, and I planned on keeping it around -2/3 or less. I was also wondering if I should use Second Curtain Sync ... guess it can't hurt?

[clarence]

I'll be using my 40D on AI SERVO, M mode probably 1/250th at f4, ISO 1600 with my 70-200 2.8 & 1.4x teleconverter (which will keep me at f4)

That sounds about right. The starting point is 1/250, f/2.8, ISO 800. So since you're adding a stop for aperture (2.8 to f/4), you're making it up by bumping ISO from 800 to 1600.

I'm doing the exact same thing right now... I just added a 1.5x TC to my 70-200/2.8 (for 140-300mm at f/4) - trying to decide if it focuses faster in low light than my 100-400L

[clarence]

As for the flash, should I dial in + or - Exposure Compensation? I was thinking I could just add a lil' bit to the ambient, as only to fill in the dark shadows, and I planned on keeping it around -2/3 or less.

Start at FEC=0. Most people bump it up. IMHO, it always looks too flashed at FEC +1.

Although I have to admit, in the thread you linked to, with FEC -2/3, gatorboy's shots look better balanced than any of my flashed shots.

Use ISO to adjust ambient. If you start at ISO 1600 and the ambient is too dark, raise to ISO 2000. If the ambient background looks too light (and/or you see ghosting or motion blur) drop ISO to 1250.

I used FEC 0 last week. I'm going to start at ETTL FEC +1/3 this week. But I'm at a new field, so the lighting won't be the same.

[doubledragon]

Thanks for the tips Clarence,
I'm heading out soon and i'll post up later if I get anything good!

[clarence]

Good luck and have fun getting some great shots!

If you're using your 430EX, make sure you let the action get within flash range.

It won't reach across the field like your 200mm lens with, especially with a TC. So plan on using the zoom to get up tight on their helmets, not for whole bodies from a long distance.

[doubledragon]

update:
this setup worked for me, I think better than I was doing without flash...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2428/4061866556_ea8dda72a4.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2730/4061123435_794ea74bfd.jpg

[Steelydad]

is that with the 1.4 tc on the canon 70 200 2.8 L? I am about to buy a 70 200 2.8 L ISand am thinking about a 1.4 TC will the IS not work with the TC on?

[clarence]

Those look really good doubledragon... great colors, nice and sharp, not over-flashed.

[F.S.P.]

Looks to have worked from the photos i have viewed.I did not think you would be allowed to use flash photography.

http://www.picasaweb.google.com/fspdoncasterrugby