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08/01/2004 04:06:01 AM · #1 |
Am I the only D70 owner (other camera?) who can't get sharp focus on the moon? I've tried the standard kit lens and a 70-300 zoom. Fast shutter (1/1250), slow shutter (2 sec). Autofocus, manual focus, infinite focus. Tripod. Remote. Nothing I do gets a sharp picture of the moon. I considered it might be vibration from the shutter but I would think the fast shutter would negate that. I can't say I've noticed a focus problem at any other time or situation. It looks clear and in focus through the lens (can't tell on the LCD) but then when I bring it into PS it's fuzzy. This is driving me nuts!!!
Message edited by author 2004-08-01 13:04:07. |
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08/01/2004 04:10:50 AM · #2 |
How nice of a tripod are you using? With my cheap but somewhat sturdy tripod I had to leave it sit for 10 to 15 seconds before trigering the shutter to get a clear picture.
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08/01/2004 04:13:20 AM · #3 |
| One suggestion would be to set the self timer so your hand doesn't move the camera when you release the shutter. |
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08/01/2004 04:13:58 AM · #4 |
You have done most the steps for a sharper image; tripod, fast shutter, remote. The remote should negate the need to try a timer shot, but it might be worth a try. As for what ails your images, the best way to find out is to post the best you have so far so we can see it.
I can say when I tried shooting the moon, getting the auto-focus of my camera to focus on it was a problem, but once it did the shot was fairly sharp.
David
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08/01/2004 05:16:17 AM · #5 |
| Just adjust the focus slightly and take like 50 shots. Also, if your camera supports it, use mirror lockup. |
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08/01/2004 07:37:06 AM · #6 |
Don't forget that to get a "good" moon shot, one that you can enlarge,
you will need to make sure that atmospheric particals are at a minimum.
How to do this I have no idea, I was talking to a guy last week at an art fair. He owns four observatories and has been published on the
cover of "Time" and "National Geographic". I was talking to him
about taking pics of the moon and he said to wait for the particals to
be at a minimum. Otherwise when you blow it up, you have just a fuzzy mess.
edit typo
Message edited by author 2004-08-01 07:38:27. |
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08/01/2004 08:23:28 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by superdave_909:
Don't forget that to get a "good" moon shot, one that you can enlarge,
you will need to make sure that atmospheric particals are at a minimum.
How to do this I have no idea, I was talking to a guy last week at an art fair. He owns four observatories and has been published on the
cover of "Time" and "National Geographic". I was talking to him
about taking pics of the moon and he said to wait for the particals to
be at a minimum. Otherwise when you blow it up, you have just a fuzzy mess. |
Absolutely, you need very good "seeng". That involves not only minimizing particles (haze) but turbulence as well. The best way to accomplish this is to get yourself to a high altitude. Since there's no spot in Florida over about 23 feet, that might be difficult. The other way is to watch the daytime and sunset sky. A minimum of haze and moisture results in a deep blue sky and minimal sunset color.
Minimizing turbulence is more of a crap shoot, 'cause conditions at ground level don't tell you directly about upper atmosphere conditions. One indication of less turbulence is less "twinkling" of stars; with practice you can look up at the night sky and pretty much judge whether the seeing conditons are good or bad.
With good seeing conditions, proper exposure, a steady mount and a remote release, you should be in good shape.
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08/01/2004 12:14:01 PM · #8 |
| I set the timer on the camera, so i dont have to push the button. I set it at 1/20sec. I also attached my camer to a telescope. I have some really good pictures of the moon. |
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08/01/2004 12:21:47 PM · #9 |
in general the winter months tend to be much less humid - so there is less haze in the air.
florida - muggy all the time - but...
in vermont here the winter sky is as about as clear as it gets - when it isn't snowing ;}
try a polarizer - might help with the haze some.
ISO 100 - 1/60 - 1/250 - f:11
timer release - tripod - multiple exposures.
wait until the dew has settled - and the air will be clearer.
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08/01/2004 01:05:33 PM · #10 |
Here's the best shot I got:
//www.dpchallenge.com/image.php?IMAGE_ID=94925
I had to use a bit of USM just to get it this sharp.
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08/01/2004 09:18:15 PM · #11 |
i got a couple with my sigma 70-300 the other day. came out looking a lot like d14's post, basically identical.
use a tripod, focus at infinity, spot meter off the moon if you don't want to do it manually.
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