Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

Jeff, here's my hap-hazard attempt at the 2017 solar eclipse from central Florida, my first and only attempt at a solar eclipse. It was more of a party along the Florida coast that day as everyone was out enjoying the sunny clear day, in their beach chairs having an eclipse party, watching and waiting

I was using a Sony A77II, 600mm with Tamron 150-600 and a screw on ND10-stop filter. I used the flip screen to focus on the sun, although with that filter, I could have used the evf. The apex of the 2017 solar eclipse for Florida was a sliver crescent of the sun, but it was not total. Not sure where I'll be in April next year, but we have family in NM and we could be out there, if so, I may take another attempt and hopefully improve on this...CHEERS!

(Download)

1grumpybear

Here is my results with my Nikon D5 at the time. I now will be using a Nikon Z9, with a 180-600mm lens and will run tests with the lens when it shows up hopefully in the next couple weeks. Back in 17 I used a mylar film with a 200-400mm lens, for this eclipse I have ordered a couple 95mm ND filters, a 10 stop and a 15 stop. I will test these out when the lens shows up. I also will test with a Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x and Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x. Out of curiosity I just went out side with the Z9 and set the camera to f22 and 32000 shutter speed and looked at the sun the sky was a little hazy but still got the impression that I may not need the ND filters. Will call Nikon support and see if the camera can look directly at the sun. Just called Nikon support and I am glad that it was hazy could have damaged the sensor on the camera. Support sent me an email with an address for more info on how to shoot the eclipse. When get to my age memory is not what it used to be.

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/a/tips-and-techniques/how-to-photograph-a-solar-eclipse.html

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

levinton

Thanks for the advice. Nikon Z9 looks exciting. May return to Nikon from Fuji to do underwater stuff. Thanks again!

Judy795

[quote=ELNikkor]We drove 800 miles to southern Illinois for the 2017 eclipse. Even booking well in advance, we could only get a bad room in a cheap motel nearby]

We have reservations for a house outside Dallas. Taking the whole family and saving this thread. Already bought solar paper to make filters.

levinton

Sounds great. My last experience with an annular eclipse was in upstate NY (late 70s?). I had a 5-inch reflector telescope focused on a white screen and my Hasselblad focused on the screen. The moment arrived and I squeezed the cable release...nothing. My 6 year old son said..."Dad." I ignored him. Three more tries and he said.."the screen in the camera". He was right..I had failed to pull out the screen. I did, got the shot. It was perfect. Now life is easier, but is it more fun?

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

For 2017 eclipse I used a “Star Guy” white light solar filter, personally I consider this a must.
For a few days prior to the eclipse I practiced focus (I ended up using my af on the suns edge) and got settings where I wanted them.
One thing I never heard of and was amazed by was the 360° sun set.
I’ll probably try to get a shot of that next time if I get lucky.
Best of luck!

levinton

Thanks for your thoughts- good idea to practice focus.

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

Another thing I didn’t know, if you want the diamond ring shot you gotta be ready!
I only got this shot without the filter but there was only a few seconds between when it it so bright it overwhelms the sensor and then totality.
I missed it prior to totality but got it after totality.
Also someone already mentioned being so keyed on photography they missed enjoying the moment and I think they totally hit the nail on the head. I spent half my time on the eclipse, including during totality and half just soaking it all in and am Very glad I did. It is indescribable!

Edit: this is a bit snobbish of me as not many people see a total eclipse but it is SO awesome. The difference between 99-1/2% eclipse and total is literally night and day!
Again, best of luck!

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

One's eyes are the biggest concern with any solar photography. With digital and an electronic viewfinder, a filter is only needed to protect a camera's sensor and shutter (both can be burned with unfiltered direct sunlight). With digital and an optical viewfinder, not only can one burn the sensor and shutter with the unfiltered sunlight, one can burn and permanently blind one's self. There are many articles and suppliers for information as to how to photograph annular and total eclipses and needed and necessary equipment. NASA is one of the best starting points but definitely not the last or only one.

levinton

Thanks! I am one of those who saw a ca 99% and it was cool but not that dark. My friend waded across a channel to get a total eclipse off cape cod in same eclipse in 1970. Have only seen annular in 1980s upstate NY.