Camera Labs

Hi Guys,
Had a go at some star trails, i only managed to get one, as it clouded over! I used my 40D with 50mm f/1.8 on a tripod! I am going to try again when the cloud clears or another night! Its a 721 second exposure (12 mins) at f/5.0! Any C&C and advice for the future would be appreaciated!




Thanks

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Ed


Canon 40D + Grip | Sigma 10-20 EX | 17-85 | Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX II | 50 F/1.8 | 430 EX II + Other Stuff
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I drove home from family tonight and the sky was clear so was wondering what to do. When I got home the cloud had moved in. Typical...

Looks like you don't have much light pollution there, so can afford more exposure with a bigger aperture. That would help the fainter stars be picked up. I assume the patterns on the trails are due to faint cloud moving by.

Might also consider using the wider angle to get more sky, maybe frame it with something in foreground.

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

Thanks, yeh the cloud is really annoying, i think that was the culprt! Next time i might use maybe a wider lens and include some land! I am lucky because i live in the countryside So the nearest city is approx 15 miles away!
Thanks

_________________
Ed


Canon 40D + Grip | Sigma 10-20 EX | 17-85 | Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX II | 50 F/1.8 | 430 EX II + Other Stuff
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may i just ask, what's the maximum exposure on the 40d and 400d?

30 sec or bulb (when your battery runs out )

_________________
Ed


Canon 40D + Grip | Sigma 10-20 EX | 17-85 | Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX II | 50 F/1.8 | 430 EX II + Other Stuff
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could i read about this somewhere? i can't seem to find this option anywhere...

Right well bulb, basically means that the shutter is open for as long as you hold down down the button! Shutter release will help you there! Or also you could be makeshift and use some sellotape ! Like me!

_________________
Ed


Canon 40D + Grip | Sigma 10-20 EX | 17-85 | Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX II | 50 F/1.8 | 430 EX II + Other Stuff
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Oh to enable bulb mode, set camera to manual (M) and go through the shutter speeds until it says BULB!
Thanks

_________________
Ed


Canon 40D + Grip | Sigma 10-20 EX | 17-85 | Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX II | 50 F/1.8 | 430 EX II + Other Stuff
Flickr
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thanks for the quick answer =)

Good attempt here, although it seems a little dark, i.e. there does not appear to be much in the way of stars, is this due to the cloud? The trouble with one single exposure is the noise that becomes apparent thus limiting you on how much you can push the exposure in PS. What ISO did you have the camera at?

In the past I have gone upto 800, but I use a different technique where I let the camera take 100 or so 30sec exposures one after the other.

Try reading these threads that I have posted on my technique

Star Trails

Star Trails

Star Trails Take 2

Star Trails Take 3

I have been meaning to write a guide on this, as promised to Gordon. I will try and do this after my exams on the 12th Jan. In the mean time, if you need anything else clarifying feel free to let me know.

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Lee Diggle
My Astronomy Blog | My Photography Gallery

Why sellotape I could use Duct tape instead

But don't take it for granted I don't want to strip out the shutter button that would be a serious curse

When using Bulb mode I usually use to hold the shutter button through the body sadly this will create blur which will ruining my masterpiece . the best solution would be use wireless remote shutter button ( but pricey) just sit back just hold the button lightly

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Soon.....

See, I dont have a remote or cable release so I am limited to 30 sec exposures. Hence why I use my intervalometer and stack photos (plus there is a host of other benefits)

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Lee Diggle
My Astronomy Blog | My Photography Gallery