BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

How to shoot the moon?

To love this question, log in above
May 29, 2007

The usual method is to tripod mount the camera, use self timer and pre-focus on a spot.
Squeeze the shutter release, run to the spot of pre-focus, turn away from the camera, bend at the waist and drop your pants.
In the old days, we would do this while a friend drove the car; in which case, these new VR lenses will be of no good, so a very fast shutter speed is in order.

On a more serious note; what are you trying to accomplish? Big moon rising behind a mountain range? Craters?
...or maybe just a view of the moon as it appears in the sky.

Focal length will play the biggest part here. Long lenses get good shots to a point..Beyond that, the earths rotation will cause the image to blur; not to mention mirror slap.

Let us know what you want to do.

Pete

To love this comment, log in above
May 30, 2007

Try this website:

http://home.hiwaay.net/~krcool/Astro/moon/howtophoto/index.htm

To love this comment, log in above
May 30, 2007

To love this comment, log in above
May 30, 2007

1. Wait til dark and be sure there's a moon to see and/or photograph.

2. Go outside; set up tripod. Be sure to bring along camera [film or digital.]

3. Affix camera to tripod.

4. Turn camera towards subject [moon.]

5. Focus lens [you might watch to consider using telephoto lens if available.] If you do go telphoto, adjust zoom to get desired size.

6. Set aperture [f/11 or f/16] to start. You might find that you wan to open up to f/8. Your choice.

7. Set shutter speed [1/60 or 1/125] to start.

8. Use a cable release if available.

9. Cock shutter if using manual camera, otherwise simple press shutter button.

10. Word of warning. Be certain you're shooting the moon. If by some minor error you focus on a bright subject [e.g. the sun] this recipe could lead to permanent blindness.

To love this comment, log in above
May 31, 2007