HDNitehawk, thanks for the insight. I think the 430EX II flash gave me enough reach. Maybe I should have probably brought the 580EX II to this event, but you're right, what I needed was more diffuse results.

The event was a karate competition/graduation. Not exactly a wedding reception environment, where I could stroll up to a group of people sitting at a table. I had to stand away from the group of participants.

jrw, this was event was cluttered with people, and chairs, that surrounded the performers, so I couldn't get in real close. It would have been impractical to set up any flashes, especially where I had to stand, to get the shots.

I do have a 70-200 f/4 IS, but because I wasn't sure of the size of the room, I brought my 70-300 L. I didn't really need the reach of the 300, so it would have been helpful to have had the faster f/4. Wish I had the f/2.8!

So, it sounds like either an f/4 or f/2.8 70-200, with a 580EX II, and a light dome would have given me much better results.

Live and learn, I guess.