vanderhala Loc: Los Angeles, CA

We will be going to Joshua Tree.
Any recommendations about setting for my D7200 ?

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

lock the mirror up (may have to be in live view), Use you widest angle lens, set your shutter speed to "B" or say 30sec, Set the F-stop to wide open. Set you lens or camera or both to manual focus. Use tape to hold the lens in that focus position. Focus on a distant car light or the moon then lock it in manual and tape. Use a good sturdy tripod. Shield it from any wind. Use a self timer or remote, to trip the shutter. Try ISO 2500 first then you my have to go higher. Just keep shooting shots. You will most likely only be able to see shooting stars after you load them in the computer. Have your thermos of hot coffee, tea, or hot coco. Don't forget your lawn chair. If you have a red flash light use it to attend to your camera....it saves your night vision and keep you from tripping over your tripod or camera bag. Don't buy one. Just pull out your old red filter from your film gear and tape it to your current flash light. Sit back and enjoy...

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Great location just below the observatory at the first pull-off for parking.

iamimdoc

For the rule of 500, I presume a 50mm lens on APS sensor is considered to be a 75 mm lens , yes?

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

The rule of 500 has to do with sensor density vs. focal length. That's no matter what the sensor size. For a 24mp DX camera, I would probably try to shade more toward a "Rule of 300," which is what I at least try to use with a D850 or D810. I'd do the same thing with a D500 (21 mp) because the sensor density is very nearly the same. But in the end, you've got to get the shot, so it may be necessary to just accept a little bit of star movement if you find yourself up against the wall on your camera's ISO capability.

vanderhala Loc: Los Angeles, CA

Thank you ORpilot.
Andre