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Is it me or the lens
Sep 29, 2015 19:05:11 #
EdM wrote:
most focus problems trace back to camera shake, tho condensation could very well be a factor... another possible factor is the setting of compensation for near/far sightedness on the camera...
In night photos I use spot metering and and spot focus. The Moon can be focused using AF.
But I like to use MF on a Star in the Live View magnified then move to the Moon.
And YES use VR a tripod and a remote release. The Moon is moving.
Craig
Sep 29, 2015 19:08:27 #
OldNotMold wrote:
Bill and others, when shooting the moon and perhaps other very distant objects, would you agree that it is best to manually set focus (spot focus on moon) at infinity or very slightly short of it and leave it there? That seemed to work best for me, one less thing to fool with as well.
Yes, generally, if the lens is in good shape and proper alignment. Some lenses don't really focus at 240,000 miles, let alone true infinity. They may need adjustment. I have an old zoom that focuses "past" infinity. I have to focus that one on the ground glass...
Sep 29, 2015 19:09:25 #
Los-Angeles-Shooter wrote:
A clear sky full moon is lit by the sun, so the exposure tends to be very close to the "Sunny 16" rule of thumb.
I believe the settings explained just above do follow the rule. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Oh, yeah, NICE shot. Now let's paint in a little color and make it a blood moon ...
I believe the settings explained just above do follow the rule. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Oh, yeah, NICE shot. Now let's paint in a little color and make it a blood moon ...
Yes LA, the Sunny 16 Rule does apply and remember the Dark areas are like being in the shade so I find f/8 and f/11 work really well for the contrast.
Craig
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Sep 29, 2015 19:10:52 #
CraigFair wrote:
In night photos I use spot metering and and spot focus. The Moon can be focused using AF.
But I like to use MF on a Star in the Live View magnified then move to the Moon.
And YES use VR a tripod and a remote release. The Moon is moving.
Craig
But I like to use MF on a Star in the Live View magnified then move to the Moon.
And YES use VR a tripod and a remote release. The Moon is moving.
Craig
Check your manual. Never use VR AND a tripod. It's either/or.
Sep 29, 2015 19:13:45 #
burkphoto wrote:
Check your manual. Never use VR AND a tripod. It's either/or.
Get a grip Burk you are shooting a moving object not a portrait.
Craig
Sep 29, 2015 19:17:26 #
CraigFair wrote:
Get a grip Burk you are shooting a moving object not a portrait.
Craig
Craig
So? VR only works for CAMERA SHAKE. It does nothing for moving subjects! And at the high shutter speeds used to shoot the moon, movement is not a concern.
Sep 29, 2015 19:38:08 #
burkphoto wrote:
So? VR only works for CAMERA SHAKE. It does nothing for moving subjects! And at the high shutter speeds used to shoot the moon, movement is not a concern.
I respect your abilities in Portraiture, although you have never posted a single photo.
Having shot 100's of Moon shots I'll tell you outright you are wrong on both counts.
The VR freezes the frame for a short period of time whether the Camera is on a tripod or rolling down a hill.
And the Moon in a telephoto lens is moving fast.
Craig
Sep 29, 2015 20:35:25 #
I learned the whole manual focus thing at a bad time, the blood moon. I got some really nice shots but they are not sharp and in good focus and now I can only hope to live another 20 years to try again. You guys sure do help us amateur photography inclined. I for one really appreciate your time, knowledge, experienced and just being kind enough to share your settings and help. You hogs are great and I for one wish you the best and thank you very much. You help out more than you know..
-Bushy
-Bushy
Sep 29, 2015 22:27:38 #
The idea of focusing on the moon for focus or exposure information is foolish. Modern lenses do focus beyond infinity making it hard to get to infinity .
Find a distant bright point of light. A star would due. Focus with the center of the lens. you may want to use the same aperture you will use to take the picture. The edges may cause an error so use the ceneter of the lens. That should be infinity. Don,t try to get an exposure from the moon. start with the sunny sixteen rule and judge the exposure from the screen or the histogram.
It is interesting to photograph the moon and I have tried it a few times. It is educational.
The truth is you can't hope to equal the photos taken by the folks at NASA with Hubble or the pros Mountain tops in Chile.
Just enjoy it and you will learn learn at the same time.
Good luck
Find a distant bright point of light. A star would due. Focus with the center of the lens. you may want to use the same aperture you will use to take the picture. The edges may cause an error so use the ceneter of the lens. That should be infinity. Don,t try to get an exposure from the moon. start with the sunny sixteen rule and judge the exposure from the screen or the histogram.
It is interesting to photograph the moon and I have tried it a few times. It is educational.
The truth is you can't hope to equal the photos taken by the folks at NASA with Hubble or the pros Mountain tops in Chile.
Just enjoy it and you will learn learn at the same time.
Good luck
Sep 29, 2015 22:43:24 #
Sep 30, 2015 07:48:36 #
jrodenhuis
Loc: Southeast NH
[quote=coj]These are the settings that work for me pretty well - I use a D3300, an 18 - 300mm ED G VR II lens. Set the ISO to 100 (manual mode). f/5.6. shutter speed is 1/400. On the lens, turn off the VR. Turn the lens on M, NOT A/M. Focus the lens perfectly on infinity and do not touch it. Do NOT use auto focus. I usually extend the lens to 300mm, although shorter ranges will work. Use spot metering, single point focus. I shot this image last night (9/28/15). If you like it try my settings.
coj, that type of shot is exactly what i was hoping for!
jrodenhuis wrote:
Greetings happy Hedgehogers! I'm fairly new to DSLR's but have a decent background in video & a fair understanding of concepts. I've recently tried a few (hundred) nighttime shots including last nights eclipse but
coj, that type of shot is exactly what i was hoping for!
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Sep 30, 2015 07:55:29 #
jrodenhuis
Loc: Southeast NH
All, THANK YOU for all the helpful suggestions and feedback. I did post a few of the pics but really want to go experiment with the suggestions on the moon this weekend.
John
John
Sep 30, 2015 12:34:25 #
Sep 30, 2015 12:43:55 #
coj wrote:
Thanks so much. I actually did try and play with the tint to try and do that, but it didn't work that well. It would be lots of fun to "Fake" a blood moon with a crisp full moon shot and creative PP, seeing as how it is next to impossible to get a crispy bloody shot (except at the bar).
With Photoshop you could make a green (cheese) moon.
Sep 30, 2015 12:47:37 #
coj
Loc: NJ, USA
Another note - I shoot in raw (nef) mode only, not jpg. You will have to tweak your menu options to do that. Also, after I get the shot, I use the free Nikon editing software for a little post processing. I crop it (enlarge) and usually add sharpening to it and maybe a bit of contrast. If it comes out too dark or too light you can use the exposure sliders to compensate for that. Have fun. If you still need help send me a private message.
jrodenhuis wrote:
coj, that type of shot is exactly what i was hoping for!
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