We, on the North East coast of Australia will soon have a full solar eclipse (Nov13) and I wouild like to try for some meaningful exposures. Never tried it before and probably wont get another chance later. Has anybody have some (not too technical) advice that I could apply?
My equipment is a Canon 60d and a Tamron 18-270mm lens, both only a week old, a Canon 70-300mm is usm lens and a 100mm 2.8mm macro, suspect that will of no use!!!!.A tripod, cable release and an alarm clock so I can get out of bed in time! any thoughts?
Thanks, Tradscot
JR1
Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK
Hi Tradscot,
I would suggest that you use the longest lens you can get your hands on. Tripod absolutely essential.Cable release also essential. I would strongly suggest that you use Canons 'mirror lock up facility. Scroll through the menu and you'll find it, I think under C.Fn111: autofocus/drive. The first press of the shutter raises the mirror, wait for all possible vibrations to have stopped then release the shutter again, this time only the shutter operates thus reducing the possiblity of camera shake. Use an ISO that gives a reasonably fast shutter speed so that you can stop all the motion during the eclipse. Good Luck, and I look forward to seeing your pics.. Norman
The eclipse actually occurs on Nov 14 local time. The Nov 13 date is in Universal Time, but as Australasia is some 8 to 13 hrs ahead, the corrected date is Nov 14. Better to wake up a day early though than a date late.
http://www.rasnz.org.nz/Eclipses/2012Eclipses.shtml#timesNov13 A reflective filter is a good idea to stick over the end of the lens as you can fry the camera. You can get solar filters from here though you shouldn't drag the chain on this. Because of intense interest in this event, there is the likelihood that they may be sold out.
http://www.ozscopes.com.au/sale/solareclipse?p=1I shall be outside,weather permitting, to shoot this with a 150mm Newtonian telescope and my trusty Pentax.
Good luck.
Use appropriate filters when you look at the sun. Protect your camera, too - don't burn up your sensor. Consider renting an even longer lens.
Good luck! & post your results.
Thanks to all for the help and advice, now for "clear sky's".
Tradscot
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