last lunar eclipse for a while... - Page 2

JCL · #11 02-21-2008, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ishniknork

I shot with a Nikon D100, Sigma 100-300 zoom, on a shakey tripod and no cable release

. Damn, I gotta get one of those!

I balanced the scope on a Manfrotto 3233, which is great for a camera, but light for the scope. I got away with it close to the house (no wind). There is no cable release available for my D70, and I didn't want the Nikon remote control; I just use the 10 second self-timer so that vibrations are minimized. I don't have a mirror lock-up on the D70 either, but have never needed it.

A few hot pixels showing?

I really have to get a German equatorial mount. And a proper prime focus adaptor for the DSLR. And a Televue Powermate. Addictive hobby. I think I may have to get back into it.

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Ishniknork · #12 02-21-2008, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayxi

Yes, a sturdy tripod, a cable release, and using mirror lock-up is a must. A shakey tripod is still better than no tripod at all though. Looks like you had the ISO cranked up?

Yup, the ISO was set to 800. That one was 3.6 seconds at F/6.7. I think this was the shot with the least shake from pressing the shutter. Forgot all about mirror lock-up! Duh... Really wish I had a cable release. Most of my shots show definite camera shake from pressing the shutter button even though I was trying my best to do it gently. Focusing was a problem too. My eyes aren't as good as they used to be and the clouds, darkness and rather small subject in the viewfinder made it even harder.

If I had really been smart I would have hooked my camera up to my sisters' telescope! Oh well, maybe next time...

Ishniknork · #13 02-21-2008, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCL

...I just use the 10 second self-timer so that vibrations are minimized. I don't have a mirror lock-up on the D70 either...

A few hot pixels showing?

Because of the cloud cover the self-timer might have been hard to time right. Clouds would sometimes block out the eclipse entirely. I had to wait for open gaps. I think the D100 does have mirror lock-up but I'd have to check. I've never needed to use it before. These aren't the kind of pictures I usually take.

Hot pixels: Looks like it. I took quite a few in fairly rapid succession while there was an opening in the clouds.

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