better approach the moon with dslr

[charmedkelly]

i know i have already post a thread about this but i have decided maybe to try using my eos 10d DSLR camera on the moon its big enough lol no do i have my iso setting on low or high currrently on 1600 also do i need any more settings for that

kelly

the moon is so interesti

[iamjulian]

1600 on the old 10D will be a bit grainy, plus you don't need anything like that sensitivity for something as bright as the moon. I'd stick to the lowest ISO you can get away with. Just experiment and see what you get.

[barkis]

Hi. Kelly.

The moon as you know varies a lot in brightness due to it's orbit around the earth. This results in the moons phases.

When it is full, it is a tremendously bright object, and therefore the camera exposure time must be very fast.

If you are using a digital camera, you can afford to experiment, as there is no cost involved. ie, No film to pay for:D.

The ISO could be left at 100/200 for the moon.

Exposure times for the full moon could be 1/500th second.

Do an exposure, then check the result. If it is over exposed, then increase to 1/1000 second. Chances are, these fast exposures may be too fast, therefore slow them down until you like what you see.

When you are happy, make a not in a book for yourself.

Noting the phase of the moon, and the exposure time that gave a good result.

Repeat the procedure for different moon phases, until you have a record of the exposure times for all the phases of the lunar cycle. Remember that you must have the camera set to Manual, so that you control the timings. Auto exposures will not work properly if black sky is in the frame too.

It will be a good project for you to do.

Ron.

PS. Spend a lot of time on the focusing, sharp images of the moons details depend on spot on focusing.

[mike.brightmore]

I've had decent images using ISO 400 and exposure time 1/1000 sec for a full moon and 1/250 sec for first and third quarter moons. Crescent moons need a bit more exposure. Probably the best way is just to experiment.

[charmedkelly]

hi thanks i know how to change iso setting but not to sure on how to change exsposure it doesnt say in my booklet any help there

[iamjulian]

Exposure is the combination of shutter speed and f/ stop. You cannot set the f/ stop if you are using the scope as a lens, so you are limited to the shutter speed. The moon is bright so use the shutter speeds mentioned above.