How to Photograph the Moon
Feb 20, 2012 03:35:08 #
How to photograph the moon:
For focusing purposes, the moon can be considered an infinite distance from earth. It is always noon daylight on the lighted side of the moon, so your exposure should be 1/ISO (shutter duration) at f/16 (aperture). Full moon, half moon, quarter moon will be the same exposure, or very close.
Mirror lock-up, and manual focusing with enlarged LCD image is suggested. Using a Hoodman HoodLoup 3 will aid critical focusing (below).
Recommended starting exposure at ISO 200, manual settings of 1/200-sec at f/16 (= 1/400-sec at f/11 = 1/800-sec at f/8), lens pre-focused as above: do not rely on "infinity" focal setting of lens.
Cable or remote electronic shutter release advised.
Longer lenses means shorter shutter duration (to reduce camera shake) and a little wider aperture. Shutter duration should be shorter than 1/lens focal length. That means 1/500-sec for 400-mm lens, etc.
When using a tripod turn OFF your IS (Image Stabilization) or VR (Vibration Reduction).
A prime lens will always be sharper than a zoom lens. The longer your lens, the less cropping required to enlarge image.
Using a Tele-Extender will noticeably eat light (and a bit of resolution). Expect longer shutter durations. Take an initial photo, and review on your camera LCD. Check for exposure, and enlarge (+ button), using the HoodLoupe to check for acceptable resolution. Make exposure adjustment, and continue.
For focusing purposes, the moon can be considered an infinite distance from earth. It is always noon daylight on the lighted side of the moon, so your exposure should be 1/ISO (shutter duration) at f/16 (aperture). Full moon, half moon, quarter moon will be the same exposure, or very close.
Mirror lock-up, and manual focusing with enlarged LCD image is suggested. Using a Hoodman HoodLoup 3 will aid critical focusing (below).
Recommended starting exposure at ISO 200, manual settings of 1/200-sec at f/16 (= 1/400-sec at f/11 = 1/800-sec at f/8), lens pre-focused as above: do not rely on "infinity" focal setting of lens.
Cable or remote electronic shutter release advised.
Longer lenses means shorter shutter duration (to reduce camera shake) and a little wider aperture. Shutter duration should be shorter than 1/lens focal length. That means 1/500-sec for 400-mm lens, etc.
When using a tripod turn OFF your IS (Image Stabilization) or VR (Vibration Reduction).
A prime lens will always be sharper than a zoom lens. The longer your lens, the less cropping required to enlarge image.
Using a Tele-Extender will noticeably eat light (and a bit of resolution). Expect longer shutter durations. Take an initial photo, and review on your camera LCD. Check for exposure, and enlarge (+ button), using the HoodLoupe to check for acceptable resolution. Make exposure adjustment, and continue.
Hoodman HoodLoupe 3.0 LCD screen hood loupe
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