I have a nikon d 5000 with a nikon 70-300 vr lens. I need help with the camera settings for the lunar eclipse scheduled for Tuesday morning. Can anyone help me out? I know I need a long exposure of 3-5 seconds but what mode/settings should I use for maximum quality? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Happy Holidays
Rick
Posted by Bob Miller on December 19, 2010 at 4:07 PM
I think you'll be unhappy with the settings you've stated. Keep in mind that it's full on daylight up there . Start at 125sec@f11, ISO 100 and ck your LCD. Adjust to taste.
Richard, I just blogged about this. Check out How to Photograph a Lunar Eclipse by MrEclipse, and also Photographing a Lunar Eclipse by Sean Bagshaw. There's some really helpful advice and considerations in there, a lot to think about and plan. Unfortunately, it looks like it'll probably be cloudy down my way. Good luck to you, and anyone who gets out there with a clear sky!
Posted by Paul DeCesare on December 21, 2010 at 2:04 AM
Rick, here's one of my shots from the 2/20/2008 eclipse. You'll see that it's a bit underexposed and noisy, but for reference I shot it at:
1/2 second
f/4
ISO 320
Canon 5D, 70-200mm at 200mm. HEAVILY cropped!
I used the live view zoom feature to ensure focus was sharp. What I would do differently tonight (if the clouds leave!!) is shoot at ISO 400, 640 and 800 and see how it comes out. You have to be careful, the highlights will blow out quick. I don't suggest a longer shutter speed at 200mm, the moon's movement will cause blur. I took one image at 2½ seconds and it was all blur. Maybe 1 second tops.
BTW, these settings are for a full eclipse. If you shoot half eclipse, you'll need two exposures, because the exposed moon is several stops brighter.
Have fun!
Posted by Paul DeCesare on December 21, 2010 at 2:06 AM
BTW, a quick gripe: Phoenix has over 300 totally clear days and night a year... did the clouds have to show up TONIGHT??? LOL!
Discussion
4 repliesHappy Holidays
Rick
1/2 second
f/4
ISO 320
Canon 5D, 70-200mm at 200mm. HEAVILY cropped!
I used the live view zoom feature to ensure focus was sharp. What I would do differently tonight (if the clouds leave!!) is shoot at ISO 400, 640 and 800 and see how it comes out. You have to be careful, the highlights will blow out quick. I don't suggest a longer shutter speed at 200mm, the moon's movement will cause blur. I took one image at 2½ seconds and it was all blur. Maybe 1 second tops.
BTW, these settings are for a full eclipse. If you shoot half eclipse, you'll need two exposures, because the exposed moon is several stops brighter.
Have fun!