Meteor shower photos??? would like some assistance with taking pics this weekend, using Nikon D7000, suggested settings pls. thx much...

Farview Loc: PA

would like some assistance with taking pics this weekend, using Nikon D7000, suggested settings pls. thx much

verichrome Loc: California

AutoFocus: OFF
AutoEposure: OFF
Vibration Reduction: OFF
Focus: Infinity ∞
Camera: Manual
Shutter: B
Focal length: 50mm or shorter.
ISO: 400+ until noise becomes a problem
F/Stop: wide open or 1 stop smaller.
Use a tripod, cable release and sunshade (if you are in an urban area).
Exposure varies depending upon too many things. Try starting at 10 seconds.
Examine the exposure and increase or decrease it by 5 second steps until you can see some values in the sky.

Or, you could point the camera at the North star and get some star trails and a meteor or two. Star trails require much longer exposures.

It is tricky, Hope this helps.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

verichrome wrote:

AutoFocus: OFF br AutoEposure: OFF br Vibratio... (show quote)

Thanks for the great info. Now I just have to hope for clear skies. :thumbup:

Farview Loc: PA

Yes, hoping for clear skies here in SE PA but most of all need to find a darker location. Last night was good viewing here, should have tried some preview shots, didn't think!!! Was more concerned that a skunk or fox might sneak up on me out there in the dark; both in abundant supply.
thx verichrome for the info, knew focusing would be an issue.

zincgt Loc: Tucson AZ

DateTimeOriginal - 2012:05:05 20:17:13
DateTimeDigitized - 2012:05:05 20:17:13
SubsecTime - 39
SubsecTimeOriginal - 39
SubsecTimeDigitized - 39
ExposureTime - 30 seconds
FNumber - 16
ExposureProgram - Aperture priority
ISOSpeedRatings - 100
ShutterSpeedValue - 32 seconds
ApertureValue - F 16.00
ExposureBiasValue - -0.33
MeteringMode - Multi-segment
Flash - Flash not fired, compulsory flash mode
FocalLength - 85 mm
FocalPlaneXResolution - 5728.18
FocalPlaneYResolution - 5808.40
FocalPlaneResolutionUnit - Inch
CustomRendered - Normal process
ExposureMode - Auto
White Balance - Auto
SceneCaptureType - Standard
Image Sharpening - Canon EOS 60D
Focus Mode - Firmware Version 1.0.8
Noise Reduction - EF85mm f/1.8 USM
I think I had to close down the aperture because it was "Super Moon" night on 05/05/2012 and it was so bright here in the desert, it was giving "Moon Flare"

jerryc41 wrote:

quote=verichrome AutoFocus: OFF br AutoEposure: ... (show quote)

verichrome Loc: California

Nice long trail. Good job!

don1884 Loc: Dennis Port, MA

I wish I had seen this article yesterday. I'm guessing similar settings would apply for the space shuttle. It was very bright and flew directly overhead at 9:58 p.m. last night coming from the South west. I was just curious if I could get some pictures and what they would look like. My experiment was a failure. I was using a 55-250mm lens on a Canon T3 Rebel. If anyone has any pictures of the shuttle at night and the settings used, I would love to see it. Thanks

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

verichrome wrote:

Nice long trail. Good job!

Theme song of star photographers: "Happy Trails to You." Roy Rogers

Goldwinger Loc: Boynton Beach Florida

don1884 wrote:

I wish I had seen this article yesterday. I'm guessing similar settings would apply for the space shuttle. It was very bright and flew directly overhead at 9:58 p.m. last night coming from the South west. I was just curious if I could get some pictures and what they would look like. My experiment was a failure. I was using a 55-250mm lens on a Canon T3 Rebel. If anyone has any pictures of the shuttle at night and the settings used, I would love to see it. Thanks

I assume you mean the space STATION ? lol

don1884 Loc: Dennis Port, MA

Oooopppsss.... You are correct. I meant the space station.

pigpen

Farview wrote:

Yes, hoping for clear skies here in SE PA but most of all need to find a darker location. Last night was good viewing here, should have tried some preview shots, didn't think!!! Was more concerned that a skunk or fox might sneak up on me out there in the dark; both in abundant supply.
thx verichrome for the info, knew focusing would be an issue.

Your not that far from Cherry Springs State Park. It is listed as one of the "darkest" spots on the east coast. They even have "star parties", check it out.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

pigpen wrote:

quote=Farview Yes, hoping for clear skies here in... (show quote)

Thanks for the info. I'm not that far from there.

Starr Loc: St. Louis, MO

On August 11th-13th, 2012, you will have a chance to see one of the rarest meteor shower. The Perseid meteor shower will peak in intensity, on those dates. Several meteors will be visible streaking across the sky every minute and will still be visible until August 23.

The exact peak will be around 2am early Sunday morning (Saturday night), on August 12th. The moon will be in its waning crescent phase during this time so the sky will be fairly dark and good for viewing.

So glad I will be on a camping trip in Arkansas and hopefully able to get a few good shots. Thank you for the tips!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Starr wrote:

The exact peak will be around 2am early Sunday morning (Saturday night), on August 12th. The moon will be in its waning crescent phase during this time so the sky will be fairly dark and good for viewing.

You think they could arrange a better time. I'm usually sleeping at 2:00 am.

don1884 Loc: Dennis Port, MA

Goldwinger wrote:

quote=don1884 I wish I had seen this article yest... (show quote)

I have an Aunt that lives on Ocean Drive in Boynton Beach !!! Any ideas on settings to try and capture the Space Station, it's moving pretty good.