zdncer Loc: Vancouver, WA

Say has anyone ever shot the eclipse with the Sony A6000? I am hoping to do that on Sat in Portland Oregon but have never done it before so I have several questions.

Best place to shoot from around Portland Oregon?

Do I need a filter on my 18-200 lens. If so what type please?

Exposure factors since it is ever changing and moving

I'm guessing 100 iso to start then move up
long exposure if using the 500 rule around 14 seconds
f8-11

Any info would be greatly appreciated. I did review some of the forums but did not see anything about the Sony A6000.

Thanks everyone sorry for the short notice. Just got invited to go by a new acquaintance.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

I would think it is just like taking a normal Moon shot. You might have to go a little brighter has it gets covered, but I don't think so. I don't think we will be able to see it here. But I will be out int the yard watching and hoping. Here is a shot I took the other day with settings.:)
Erv

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-296596-1.html

ralfstinson Loc: SF Bay Area

Before the eclipse, auto focus on the moon (or manual) then put the focus in manual and tape it with gaffer's tape (the distance won't change. Don't change the zoom or the focus could change.

No filters, WB in daylight, lens hood.

Before the eclipse (when you should start shooting), the moon is in full daylight, so use a typical daylight exposure (manual). You can put the f/stop on the sweet spot for the sharpest pictures.

As the eclipse is occurring, you will need to increase the exposure, plan for this. The moon is moving! About 1 degree every 4 minutes! Plan on that when selecting shutter speed and lens focal length (w/crop factor).

Use the photographer's ephemeris to know where the moon will be and place it in a good setting (you have to move). The moon should be tied to something like a tree, building, bridge, etc.

Don't use the flash, it won't reach the moon!

Know your camera (how to use in the dark) and if there are other photographers around, good headlight, flashlight discipline! Red LED Headlight is nice.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

You will need to keep changing you shots too. The Moon moves as you shoot. Also use the back screen for focusing. You can zoom in and get it prefect on the back screen. Best to go out tonight and play.:)

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

No filter is needed. The moon becomes quite a bit dimmer when the eclipse is full. The last eclipse in October, I used ISO 1600 and shot for 1/4 sec at F8 using a Sony A57 with a Tamron 150-600mm lens at 600mm and produced this shot. Since the A57 is a crop sensor, this is a 900mm equiv shot. The A6000 will do much the same as the A57. I did not want a slow shutter speed since at 900mm, the moon is moving fairly rapidly across the frame with the earth's rotation.

The spec in the lower left is Uranus.

When the eclipse is full, you will find that in the yellow/orange light, that the moon surface details are not nearly as distinct as they are in regular light. You can see here that the full is in total eclipse, but the lower left is the darkest portion meaning that it is deeper into the earth's shadow.

Oct 8, 2014 total eclipse of moon

(Download)

zdncer Loc: Vancouver, WA

WOW. Nice shots Erv and Jim. Thanks all of you for the info I will be out trying to get a good shot. First attempt. And also thanks ralfstinson I hadn't even thought about the white balance, good catch. And yes I should have gone out last night for test shots. If I get anything good I will post it. I really do appreciate this. I wish each of you a fabulous day. The kindness of UHH members is awesome.
Jamie K