I have a question regarding the Milky Way...looking for help: I'll be in Reno in early October, we are going to head to the hills at night so we can get away from the lights and so I...

RE Loc: California

I'll be in Reno in early October, we are going to head to the hills at night so we can get away from the lights and so I can attempt to photograph the Milky Way. I have never tried to do this but it is something I'd love to get good at. I have a Nikon d5100, tripod and remote, any tips on settings and such to assist me would be greatly appreciated!

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I suggest a very wide angle lens, such as a prime or zoom in the 10 to 15-mm focal length range.

Here are several articles on photographing the Milky Way, and combining several images to make star trails for multiple Milky Way photos:
FAQ: How to Photograph the Milky Way
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-111393-1.html

RE Loc: California

Nikonian72 wrote:

I suggest a very wide angle lens, such as a prime or zoom in the 10 to 15-mm focal length range.

Here are several articles on photographing the Milky Way, and combining several images to make star trails for multiple Milky Way photos:
FAQ: How to Photograph the Milky Way
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-111393-1.html

Thank you, that is very helpful! I have been querying UHH but had not found this yet.

Allen Hirsch Loc: Oakland, CA

ISO 6400, f2.8 or more open, 20 secs shutter speed (no longer, or you'll start to get streaks instead of dots for stars). Probably want 24mm or wider on a full frame camera.

These I took last month at Yosemite and Bodie:

http://allenh.zenfolio.com/p166289019

RE Loc: California

Allen Hirsch wrote:

ISO 6400, f2.8 or more open, 20 secs shutter speed (no longer, or you'll start to get streaks instead of dots for stars). Probably want 24mm or wider on a full frame camera.

These I took last month at Yosemite and Bodie:

http://allenh.zenfolio.com/p166289019

Thank you for responding I appreciate it. I checked out your photo's which just so happen to be at two of my favorite spots! :-) Very, very nice!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

RE wrote:

I'll be in Reno in early October, we are going to head to the hills at night so we can get away from the lights and so I can attempt to photograph the Milky Way. I have never tried to do this but it is something I'd love to get good at. I have a Nikon d5100, tripod and remote, any tips on settings and such to assist me would be greatly appreciated!

Most of the roads that rim the valley are too bright due to city-gaud. Your best bet is Mt. Rose highway (#431) or the Virginia City highway (#341); both are at the same crossroads to US395 south of Reno,.

RE Loc: California

Mogul wrote:

Most of the roads that rim the valley are too bright due to city-gaud. Your best bet is Mt. Rose highway (#431) or the Virginia City highway (#341); both are at the same crossroads to US395 south of Reno,.

Thanks Mogul, we were thinking the road to Virginia City as well...I'm hoping for clear skies!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

RE wrote:

Thanks Mogul, we were thinking the road to Virginia City as well...I'm hoping for clear skies!

Just past the Geiger Grade monument and lookout ½ - 1 mile is a very large dirt pull-out, high, dark and probably deserted due to the cold.

RE Loc: California

Mogul wrote:

Just past the Geiger Grade monument and lookout ½ - 1 mile is a very large dirt pull-out, high, dark and probably deserted due to the cold.

Thanks, sounds like a good spot as long as the weather holds! :-)

daldds Loc: NYC

There also is the "rule of 600." Your focal length (full frame) divided into 600 is the maximum shutter speed that will produce unstreaky stars.

MarkintheHV Loc: Hudson Valley

Keep in mind, during October, you will not be able to see the core of the galaxy (what most people photograph). So you will most likely only be able to see one of the galactic arms.

I have taken quite a few Milky Way pics this year. My settings with my Tokina 11-16 are Bulb mode, 25-30 seconds, ISO 5000, F/2.8, and white balance set for sunlight. I generally use the 500 rule as I have read from those who do far better pics than I that the 500 rule is better, but depending on your lens, you may need the extra light gathering.

Do not expect the pictures to come out of your camera looking like what you see online. These pics need post processing to get everything to pop.

Lastly, make sure you shoot RAW.

If you want to see mine, here is the link

http://www.markinthehv.com/Milky-Way-Photos/

I hope this helps

Mark

Albuqshutterbug Loc: Albuquerque NM

RE wrote:

I'll be in Reno in early October, we are going to head to the hills at night so we can get away from the lights and so I can attempt to photograph the Milky Way. I have never tried to do this but it is something I'd love to get good at. I have a Nikon d5100, tripod and remote, any tips on settings and such to assist me would be greatly appreciated!

I have used this formula with pretty good success when I remember to use it. ;o)

shutter speed = 600 / focal length (for full frame sensors or)
shutter speed = 400 / focal length (for crop sensors)

But the lower, the better for the sharpest image possible.

Then select the ISO that will work with this by using the following formula:
ISO = 6000 * f-stop (Squared) / shutter

For example:
crop sensor, 15mm lens, at f/4.
shutter = 400 / 15mm (approx. 26s)
ISO = 6000 * 16 ( 4 Squared) / 26 = (approx. 3692 so choose ISO3200)

I hope this helps a bit.

mogilvie Loc: San Diego, CA, USA

Allen Hirsch wrote:

ISO 6400, f2.8 or more open, 20 secs shutter speed (no longer, or you'll start to get streaks instead of dots for stars). Probably want 24mm or wider on a full frame camera.

These I took last month at Yosemite and Bodie:

http://allenh.zenfolio.com/p166289019

Great shots! I notice vertical streak reflections on the lake in the 9081 shot and cannot figure out what they are.

Allen Hirsch Loc: Oakland, CA

mogilvie wrote:

Great shots! I notice vertical streak reflections on the lake in the 9081 shot and cannot figure out what they are.

They're reflections from the Milky Way. The water wasn't totally smooth, so that's why they ended up streaks , I think.

mogilvie Loc: San Diego, CA, USA

Allen Hirsch wrote:

They're reflections from the Milky Way. The water wasn't totally smooth, so that's why they ended up streaks , I think.

That makes sense. Thanks.