help for using flash(sb900) in stadiums

[milky]

hi all been using my flash and i love it to bits but i have hit a wall when using it under low light in indoor schools or staduim either under low yellow light or dark and the subject under spotlight. does anybody rekon a good setting for this on the Sb900 i did use repet setting but it not powerful enuf fro wot i want (or im not using it right lol) i need that repeat but a powerful flash to get the subect in focus and bright. any hint and tips welcome. thanks

MIlky

[PaulMontgomery]

The problem is that repeat mode uses a lower power setting to allow a rapid rate ( I think you can actually set how much power to use). If you need a rapid repeat an power and portability, I think you're looking at a studio system with a batter pack. Depending on other factors (camera, ambient light etc) You might be able to raise the ISO to allow less flash to be required for the shot. (Can you lengthen the shutter speed to allow more of the ambient in?)

[greenwing]

If you really want to get the best range from your flash, manual is the way to go. Camera on manual, flash on manual, full power (1/1). Open up your lens to its fullest, crank up the ISO to the highest you can stand (at least 800, more with D90 and a lot more with D700). Now practice. Get someone to stand at the distance your subject would be. Overexposed or under? If over, you can turn down the ISO to reduce noise, or close down the aperture to increase DOF. If underexposed, move closer or increase the ISO.

Ambient light isn't going to help a lot. Opening the shutter for longer will only introduce blur (I take it the subjects are moving?)

Forget repeating flash, or FP sync. They'll reduce your flash power.

Hope this helps
Chris