This is my first attempt at using the 500 f/4L IS + 2 1.4x TCs on my 20D. What better subject than the half moon as a test. Still think I can do better and I'll try again tomorrow or the next day. I cropped about 25%, so it about 65% fills the frame.
Just a reminder for all you North Americans. We have a total eclipse of the moon coming up next Wednesday (20th.) Total eclipse begins at 10:01 pm and ends at 10:51 pm CST.
Mickey wrote:
Just a reminder for all you North Americans. We have a total eclipse of the moon coming up next Wednesday (20th.) Total eclipse begins at 10:01 pm and ends at 10:51 pm CST.
gcuff wrote:
What teleconverters are you using? I also like the framing. Can you give me any insights on how you do that?
Regards
Geoff
I use Canon 1.4x TC II and Kenko 1.4x PRo 300 DG.
I framed it to be in the centre and cropped it to be slightly offset to the left. I used a Gitzo 1325 tripod, Wimberley Gimbal II head (just arrived a few days ago), MLU and self-timer. I tried with and without IS on and it didn't seem to matter. I'm going to use cable release and place a small bean bag on the lens hood next time. The 450D would be perfect for this FL limited scenario.
We will be able to see the eclipse in Sydney too; thankyou for reminding me as I had forgotten.
If you ar3e photographing the moon, remember the best times are between 1/3 full and 3/4 full IMO, as this is when the sun's light is mainly sidelighting and that's when you'll get the best definition of craters. Full moon is front lit and you see no crater detail; less than a 1/3 full is tough as there so little light, you'll have a longer exposure and the moon is moving, so you'll need higher ISO. I do though have some decent 1/4 moon shots but only at 420mm.
Mickey wrote:
Just a reminder for all you North Americans. We have a total eclipse of the moon coming up next Wednesday (20th.) Total eclipse begins at 10:01 pm and ends at 10:51 pm CST.
Edited by Mickey on Feb 14, 2008 at 11:09 AM GMT
Will the total eclipse be visible from Southern California? Of course I'd have to find a place with less light pollution, but I wouldn't mind a short drive to see it!
Jason Joo wrote:
Will the total eclipse be visible from Southern California? Of course I'd have to find a place with less light pollution, but I wouldn't mind a short drive to see it!
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are visible from everywhere where the moon is above the horizon at the time of the eclipse (assuming no clouds, of course!). With the moon rise being at 5:34 pm PST (for Los Angeles) and the total eclipse starting at 7:01 pm PST, you should have no problems seeing it.
Also, for people who might want to observe the partial part of the eclipse as well, it starts about one hour 15 minutes before the total eclipse begins, and lasts until one hour 15 minutes after the total eclipse ends.
Mickey wrote:
Just a reminder for all you North Americans. We have a total eclipse of the moon coming up next Wednesday (20th.) Total eclipse begins at 10:01 pm and ends at 10:51 pm CST.
Edited by Mickey on Feb 14, 2008 at 11:09 AM GMT
The times for the total eclipse are as follows for the North American time zones:
Rainer wrote:
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are visible from everywhere where the moon is above the horizon at the time of the eclipse (assuming no clouds, of course!). With the moon rise being at 5:34 pm PST (for Los Angeles) and the total eclipse starting at 7:01 pm PST, you should have no problems seeing it.
Also, for people who might want to observe the partial part of the eclipse as well, it starts about one hour 15 minutes before the total eclipse begins, and lasts until one hour 15 minutes after the total eclipse ends.
Thanks Rainer! Now I'll have to scout out a place to check it out (weather-permitting!).
For peoples information, the 1000mm combo autofocused very well even though it's f/8, the camera only see one 1.4x TC and thinks it's f/5.6. The AF was quick and accurate, I tried touching it up and couldn't do better (maybe live view and 40D/450D would help). So another reason to go for stacked 1.4x TCs over a single 2x TC (IMO)
