nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

I use registax for images taken with my ASI120mc camera (avi files) for that it works well for planets INMHO there is zero need to stack images of moon when using a DSLR. 1/125 at f/10 , ISO 200 with my 8 inch under exposes 1.5 stops but keep detail.....shooting RAW I can brush in exp pluses and minuses

CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.

AVI's will have to wait till I get a CCD Camera. I've been looking at the same ASI120mc you have.
Right now I would have to shoot MOV's in my DSLR's and convert them.
I'm sure that would cost me some detail. I may try it just to see what happens.
Does anyone know of a program that can do MOV files.???
Craig

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.

Thanks Ed I have that converter but I'm looking for a Stacking Program that stacks MOV files.
Craig

brucew29 Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

I wonder what we are doing wrong? It would be nice if we can get it to work and make our Moon shots even better if possible.

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

There is no need to stack. The detail from one properly exposed moon shot with all things remaining equal (using the same camera, lens, settings, same atmospheric issues....) is as good as it can get. Multiple shots bring with them multiple opportunities for screwups...from atmospheric changes between images to stacking algorithm errors. If you want to give it a go.....use a software program called photomatrix - used primarily for HDR on terra firma and do not vary the exposure. Try a free download of the product. I have seen where others use stacking on moon shots but to me that is like stacking a portrait session.Take your lens and point it anywhere else in the sky and stacking becomes more in play. IMHO the key to a good moon shot is never shoot a full moon, that is like taking a portrait using an on-camera flash, wait until the sun is throwing a shadow across the moon's surface rather than striking the moon's surface head on.....making the craters pop. Then dodge and burn if needed the light and dark areas ever so lightly. Keep the ISO low and sharpen using an Unsharp mask program. When I get back home I will dig through some drives to see if I can find some moonies that I have taken.

brucew29 Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

For the most part, I usually wait until the moon is at the highest point in the sky to photograph it... I like to photograph the Moon when it goes directly or almost directly overhead to reduce the amount of atmosphere to shoot through. The reduced amount of atmosphere reduces the amount of atmospheric disturbances (image shimmering or dancing) and therefore can produce better results when photographing the Moon. I also take several photos of the Moon the same night at different time intervals which will hopefully catch a period of time when the atmospheric disturbances are at a minimum.

Pick the time of the month and time of the year when the moon travels the largest arc, when the Moon is more directly overhead, and between the first quarter through the last quarter and before the full Moon. When the Moon is full it is lit with flat frontal lighting and therefore reduces Lunar details to a minimum... For the best Lunar details there must be side lighting that cast shadows which creates better outlines of Lunar craters, mountains, and valleys... and this is before the full Moon.

In my opinion, it is the Moon's angle in the sky, the Moon's phase, the clarity of the sky, the stillness of the atmosphere, the amount of light pollution, the wind conditions, and the craftiness of the photographer that determine the best results when photographing the Moon... any of these items being off will produce degradation in the results of your Moon shots... one more very important ingredient in obtaining a decent shot of the Moon... that is having some LUCK! Oh, one more thing... I didn't mention everything and I have probably forgotten something... :)

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Whatever you did worked! I am getting ready to head to Church to setup for Trunk or Treat - they expect 2000 kids and other family members to step up for their picture. Man I wish I had the night off! But then it is cloudy and rain is coming later tonight.

stepping beyond Loc: usa eastcoast

I really like the detail you captured , sharp edges KUDOS well done .

brucew29 Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

You will have chances at the Moon during it's waning phases... I hope I can get out and capture some good shots...

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

I am hopeful I will have a decent night and more important, a night off. But it is looking pretty uncertain at this time.

brucew29 Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

Thanks stepping beyond... much appreciated....