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Nikon P1000, moon shots, tripod, focus issue
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Apr 20, 2019 09:37:56   #
Marlz
 
Pretty new at all of this ... I am trying to figure out if it is the camera or the tripod that makes it almost impossible for me to get a good focus on the moon. Zoomed out, I get a focus, but then the moon just slides away on me. I have to manually somewhat support the camera to keep the moon in frame, which negates the whole reason for using a tripod. Is my tripod just not up to holding the weight of the "Beast," as I call it, or is this just how this camera works at max zoom? If it is the camera, it is a bit tricky to keep the frame when zoomed out super far. Some of my handheld shots have been better than those taken using the tripod.

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Apr 20, 2019 09:43:22   #
PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago
 
Marlz wrote:
Pretty new at all of this ... I am trying to figure out if it is the camera or the tripod that makes it almost impossible for me to get a good focus on the moon. Zoomed out, I get a focus, but then the moon just slides away on me. I have to manually somewhat support the camera to keep the moon in frame, which negates the whole reason for using a tripod. Is my tripod just not up to holding the weight of the "Beast," as I call it, or is this just how this camera works at max zoom? If it is the camera, it is a bit tricky to keep the frame when zoomed out super far. Some of my handheld shots have been better than those taken using the tripod.
Pretty new at all of this ... I am trying to figur... (show quote)


My sense is you are getting lens creep tht is knocking out your focus.Focus and tape the focus ring so it can not move with masking tape or electrical tape for the focus issue. If after focusing the moon creeps out that is a balance issue of your lens on the tripod.

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Apr 20, 2019 09:45:11   #
williejoha
 
There is plenty of info available on the net or even within theUHH. It takes a little research to get it down pat. Take courage and good luck.
WJH

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Apr 20, 2019 09:51:56   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
The moon will continue to move in the viewfinder as it transverses the sky.
Zoomed in, you only have so much time to make the shot where you had it originally located in the viewfinder.
An equatorial tripod would do wonders, but they are expensive.

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Apr 20, 2019 09:52:33   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Marlz wrote:
Pretty new at all of this ... I am trying to figure out if it is the camera or the tripod that makes it almost impossible for me to get a good focus on the moon. Zoomed out, I get a focus, but then the moon just slides away on me. I have to manually somewhat support the camera to keep the moon in frame, which negates the whole reason for using a tripod. Is my tripod just not up to holding the weight of the "Beast," as I call it, or is this just how this camera works at max zoom? If it is the camera, it is a bit tricky to keep the frame when zoomed out super far. Some of my handheld shots have been better than those taken using the tripod.
Pretty new at all of this ... I am trying to figur... (show quote)


It's not unusual for a camera with a long lens to tilt down a bit after you lock it in place on the tripod. You can spend a fortune on a tripod or head that doesn't let the camera move, or you can do what I do. Notice how much the camera droops, and then position it that much above your focus point. When you lock the tripod, the camera should droop just the right amount. If it doesn't stop drooping at all, then you need a new tripod head.

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Apr 20, 2019 09:58:26   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
jerryc41 wrote:
It's not unusual for a camera with a long lens to tilt down a bit after you lock it in place on the tripod. You can spend a fortune on a tripod or head that doesn't let the camera move, or you can do what I do. Notice how much the camera droops, and then position it that much above your focus point. When you lock the tripod, the camera should droop just the right amount. If it doesn't stop drooping at all, then you need a new tripod head.


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Apr 20, 2019 09:59:13   #
Goober Loc: Southeastern PA
 
What are you using for a tripod head? My guess is you are getting camera creep because your tripod and tripod head are not beefy enough. At your max focal length it does not take much movement to “lose” the moon from your viewfinder.

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Apr 20, 2019 10:09:12   #
mas24 Loc: Southern CA
 
I was told by someone who owns the predecessor to your camera, the P900, that a tripod is unnecessary to take moon shots. But, that was his opinion, as I am sure others, who don't use a Bridge camera, but rather a DSLR, with a high focal range lens, probably do use a tripod. You do have an advantage though, over DSLR lenses. A focal range that can reach out to 3000mm. The P900 has a focal range of 2000mm, and does not have the capability to shoot in RAW. As does the P1000. One of my cameras, is a Nikon Bridge camera, that has a maximum focal range to 855mm. If, I do decide to take a moon shot. I will take the advice, not to use a tripod. And perhaps later, use a tripod. And compare. I do have a sturdy tripod, that can support both my Bridge and DSLR cameras weights. Good luck. I have seen some very good moon shots, posted on this forum, from DSLRs, and the Nikon P900. Good luck.

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Apr 20, 2019 10:13:17   #
agillot
 
first , the moon is lighted by the sun , so , your exposure time will be similar to a day light / sunny day on earth . so you are not taking a long exposure .the moon does not move noticeably in the view finder in a short time .so , if you see the moon moving , the camera is moving .also nothing wrong in hand focus .

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Apr 20, 2019 10:13:32   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
mas24 wrote:
I was told by someone who owns the predecessor to your camera, the P900, that a tripod is unnecessary to take moon shots.
.....
.....

Haha, "I" need a tripod, especially if zoomed a lot!

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Apr 20, 2019 21:11:13   #
Stardust Loc: Central Illinois
 
The "Beast" weighs a ton and the lens extends out about 5 inches at full reach so you are definitely changing its center of gravity. Make sure you have lens extended out over a leg of the tripod, your tripod it weighted if any type of breeze, and you may wish to "lead" the moon a little and let it come into frame for you. Are you using the "Moon" setting on the camera - a couple notches from the Automatic setting?

Also, here is a parallel discussion going on with the same topic.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-588163-1.html

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Apr 20, 2019 21:31:54   #
Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA
 
The less you zoom, the slower the moon will move across the frame. Telescopes have motors that move the scope in synchronization with the rotation of the earth, to keep any object in space in the center of the eyepiece.

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Apr 20, 2019 22:20:35   #
Keen
 
The moon seems to be stationary, but it is moving. Shoot quickly.

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Apr 20, 2019 23:41:40   #
speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho
 
Marlz wrote:
Pretty new at all of this ... I am trying to figure out if it is the camera or the tripod that makes it almost impossible for me to get a good focus on the moon. Zoomed out, I get a focus, but then the moon just slides away on me. I have to manually somewhat support the camera to keep the moon in frame, which negates the whole reason for using a tripod. Is my tripod just not up to holding the weight of the "Beast," as I call it, or is this just how this camera works at max zoom? If it is the camera, it is a bit tricky to keep the frame when zoomed out super far. Some of my handheld shots have been better than those taken using the tripod.
Pretty new at all of this ... I am trying to figur... (show quote)
That's a duh, if you have to baby the camera, while on the tripod, well YEAH, its the tripod! Some other aspects may come into play, but that would be another story!

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Apr 21, 2019 06:36:24   #
GPappy Loc: Finally decided to plop down, Clover, S.C.
 
At 3000 the moon will be moving pretty fast! It WILL move out of the view finder quickly. It's a bridge camera so no lens "creep". Try hand held, the vr works pretty good.

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