Another Night Time Football Question

Penquin

If anybody has any advice I would appreciate it.
Several months ago I joined this forum and did some research to learn how to take night time football photos. It seems that at that time I spent most of my time on the equipment forum. After some help from several very knowledgable sports photographers I set out and built myself a below the camera flash bracket. The bracket holds two canon 580 flashes and two canon external battery packs. I also purchased a dual flash cord from Michael Bass. I have now photographed two football games and I am fairly happy but I'm sure I can do better. I am not sure if I am using the right settings on the camera and custom functions on the flash.
I am shooting JPEGs in manual with a Canon 1D Mark lll with iso 1600 at 2.8 aand 250 with aiservo. I have the FEC set for +0 on ettl with auto zoom enabled and rear shutter speed.
I read in a different post (I didnt want to high jack the post) that if you are using aiservo you dont get the benifit of the flash assisting you with auto focus which causes me to wonder if I am using all the correct settings.
If anybody has any advice I would really appreciate it. I am having so much fun that I am already dreading the football season coming to an end already and it seems it just got started.
Thank You
Penquin

donek

I shoot Nikon, but from what I understand about Canon, you're doing everything OK. The reason you're not getting the help from the flash is that it doesn't illuminate your subject when focusing. If you go to single shot mode in a dark setting, you'll probably notice some red bars on your subject as the camera focuses. This is your AF assist. It doesn't function in continuous or AI servo mode. If you're getting a lot of out of focus images, try to set your camera up to only release the shutter if your subject is in focus. Can tell you how on a Nikon, but not on a Canon. Just read up on your focus system settings.

johng

Yes - the other post is correct. But you shouldn't need focus-assist if you're using an f2.8 lens. The mkIII shouldn't have any issues keeping up with the action using an f2.8 lens.

Penquin

thanks
Thank you much,
I am using a canon 70-200 2.8 lense. I am getting some photos out of focus but I am also getting some very good ones also. I know I still have a lot to learn and I just wanted to make sure I am set up right rather than wait for the season to be over and then realize I was doing it wrong.
I tried volleyball last week and came home frustrated and motivated at the same time. After looking at some of the volleyball photos on this site I see what can be accomplished. I will be meeting with the Athelitic Director this week so we can try setting up some studio lights in the gym to bounce off the ceiling or walls.
Thanks again,
Penquin