The Moon I Always Wanted

[AprilEye]

If you look at my signature, you will see I have the basic low end zoom lens (comparable to all that is out there). But before I purchased it, I was never able to capture the moon. It too me seven shots to get it and it ended up like this in manual mode. Cropped it to try to apply the rule of thirds too. I was laying on my back outside on a chaise lounge pointing up. Its maxed at 250mm. Just wanted to show it off. Say what you must and provide suggestions that you think might help me (based on my equipment) xo!

 

[eddlum25]

This moon was taken using Canon 55-250mm at 250mm with manual focus. It's actually a pretty good lens (image is 100% crop).

 

[Vinny]

It's a good start.

Do you have a tripod? Using one would help to steady the camera and helps in getting sharper images during longer exposures. Don't know what ISO you used but if you used 100 or 200 you might have had the shutter opened for a longish time. Sharp photo = 1/focal length.

What type of metering did you use? You can try spot metering with the spot on the moon itself.

With something like the moon I wouldn't use the rule of thirds unless there was something else in the photo. Just stick the moon in the center, meter it and snap the photo.

If you're interested in craters then wait until the moon isn't full for the light to be at an angle (learned that here!).

 

[AprilEye]

This moon was taken using Canon 55-250mm at 250mm with manual focus. It's actually a pretty good lens (image is 100% crop).

This is the same type of lens I have! How come your moon is so much clearer? I also had mine on 250mm. What did you do differently? WOW!

 

[darkchild]

he was on manual focus... and i'm betting he used a tripod.

 

[AprilEye]

It's a good start.

Do you have a tripod? Using one would help to steady the camera and helps in getting sharper images during longer exposures. Don't know what ISO you used but if you used 100 or 200 you might have had the shutter opened for a longish time. Sharp photo = 1/focal length.

What type of metering did you use? You can try spot metering with the spot on the moon itself.

With something like the moon I wouldn't use the rule of thirds unless there was something else in the photo. Just stick the moon in the center, meter it and snap the photo.

If you're interested in craters then wait until the moon isn't full for the light to be at an angle (learned that here!).

I don't have a tripod but by this weekend I will! Also, if you go to this link you will be able to see all the shooting info. Exif | My Moon | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
If you look at it, can you tell me what you would do differently? I had it in the center and then changes it... but now I know its okay to keep it in the center. thanks!!

 

[loosecanon]

Don't get a cheap tripod, it will be a waste of money. Get something with some backbone and preferably a ball head..... I went the cheap route twice, could of had a real tripod for what I spend on cheap ones. A sturdy tripod will last a lifetime and serve you well. Vinny's recommendations are spot on. Hope to see some more soon with some improvements.

 

[Tulsa]

Don't get a cheap tripod, it will be a waste of money. Get something with some backbone and preferably a ball head..... I went the cheap route twice, could of had a real tripod for what I spend on cheap ones. A sturdy tripod will last a lifetime and serve you well. Vinny's recommendations are spot on. Hope to see some more soon with some improvements.

Listen to that!

 

[Darkhunter139]

Don't get a cheap tripod, it will be a waste of money. Get something with some backbone and preferably a ball head..... I went the cheap route twice, could of had a real tripod for what I spend on cheap ones. A sturdy tripod will last a lifetime and serve you well. Vinny's recommendations are spot on. Hope to see some more soon with some improvements.

Listen to that!

Meh I got a cheap tripod and it is actually decent. It gets the job done. Sure i'd like a better one but could not afford one and a cheap one is better then nothing.

 

[kundalini]

A couple of tips April....

Set your aperture to at least f/8 (typically f/8 to f/11 is your sharpest)
Set your shutter speed to 1/160s to 1/250s
Remotes shutter release or self-timer
Tripod, of course, or some stable mount. (a beanbag is good)
Pre-focus and then turn AF off (and any vibration reduction).
The moon moves fairly quick, so adjust tripod as necessary. (may require another AF blast)
Post processing is your friend. Don't oversharpen as been demonstarted already in this thread.
The full moon is one of the hardest to expose right. Personally, I like a cupped moon (1/4).

There's more, but a nudge for a start.

 

[AprilEye]

A couple of tips April....

Set your aperture to at least f/8 (typically f/8 to f/11 is your sharpest)
Set your shutter speed to 1/160s to 1/250s
Remotes shutter release or self-timer
Tripod, of course, or some stable mount. (a beanbag is good)
Pre-focus and then turn AF off (and any vibration reduction).
The moon moves fairly quick, so adjust tripod as necessary. (may require another AF blast)
Post processing is your friend. Don't oversharpen as been demonstarted already in this thread.
The full moon is one of the hardest to expose right. Personally, I like a cupped moon (1/4).

There's more, but a nudge for a start.

THIS I will need to print out and definitely try... I appreciate it THANKS MUCH!

 

[AprilEye]

Don't get a cheap tripod, it will be a waste of money. Get something with some backbone and preferably a ball head..... I went the cheap route twice, could of had a real tripod for what I spend on cheap ones. A sturdy tripod will last a lifetime and serve you well. Vinny's recommendations are spot on. Hope to see some more soon with some improvements.

This is also good advice. I am looking and have never bought a tripod before so I am hoping to get some good recommendations.

 

[kundalini]

Tripods?

Here's some light reading for you.

Tripods and Ball Heads by Thom Hogan


Personally, I went with Manfrotto. O55XPORB legs and a 488 head, but then swapped out for the 322 Pistol grip. I had shoulder surgery and the one handed operation was right down my alley.

Things to consider:
Weight of your gear. The legs/head should easily exceed your future need.
Maximum height and minimum height.
Leg Locking mechanism.
Will it (center column) go horizontal?
QR (quick release) plate?

If you're not extending your kit much more than you have, the questions may not be so prevalent, but future growth is a consideration. I started out much like yourself, (but with Nikon) and now will easily hang quadruple the weight on a tripod.

Just my 2¢.

 

[PerfectlyFlawed]

This moon was taken using Canon 55-250mm at 250mm with manual focus. It's actually a pretty good lens (image is 100% crop).

Hmm....way to over processed.:er:

 

[eddlum25]

[/quote]
This is the same type of lens I have! How come your moon is so much clearer? I also had mine on 250mm. What did you do differently? WOW![/QUOTE]

Some good tips already given. I took it with IS off as well.

This moon was taken using Canon 55-250mm at 250mm with manual focus. It's actually a pretty good lens (image is 100% crop).

Hmm....way to over processed.:er:

I posted this pic on a different thread b4 unfortunately I haven't had anyone as honest as you. Thank you for pointing it out. :thumbsup: