How to capture the moon?

[Kalogerus]

A few days back there was a huge, bright moon in the sky but when I tried to shoot it, it looked like a dot. I use the stock lense for the Rebel XT. What lense is good for this? what settings would be ideal to shoot such a photo and show most detail possible. I feel bad I couldnt capture that image as it was just priceless!

Thanks in advance

[abchip]

You need a zoom lens. I shot the moon with my longest zoom (250mm) and it was still fairly small on my pic. Have you heard of the sunny 16 rule? There is a moon 11 rule. ISO 100, f11 and adjust your shutter speed until the brightness is correct (depending on how full the moon is). My last shot of the 3/4 moon was at ISO 100, f11 and 1/20 of a sec. I hope this helps!

[abchip]

So you have a better idea of what I'm talking about here's my shot. BTW these were shot at 300mm and not 250mm.

Here's the original shot


Here's the same shot but cropped

[Kalogerus]

^^ ty.........

[irispatch]

You can try using a tele converter 1.4 or 2x to give you more focal length. The draw back is you lose several stops and it can reduce the IQ somewhat. A solid sturdy tripod is necessary.
The Canon TC will only fit some of the L lenses so look for Tamron or Kenko pro TCs these will work with most of the Canon lenses where as the Canon ones will not. Cropping and sharpening are the next step after capture to bring your moon shot to life.
This Web site can help you with exposure. You just pick the settings that fit the phase and condition. Then select F# and ISO it will give you a shutter speed to use. Adjust till you can shoot with a fast enough shutter speed to keep it sharp. Remember the moon is a moving target.
This was shot with a 300mm F4 plus a 1.4 and a 2 x TC cropped and sharpened in CS3
F4 1/200 ISO 100

[inkista]

Originally Posted by abchip

You need a zoom lens....

Funny. I do quite well with a prime. But yeah, a telephoto or supertelephoto lens is very helpful in this situation.


Canon XT, EF 400mm f/5.6L USM. iso 400, f/5.6, 1/400s. handheld.

Also, don't forget post-processing. Cropping and sharpening can help out a moon shot. Also, if you are going to use a tripod and go below 1/focal_length on the shutter speed, then mirror lock-up and a cable release are good technique to learn.

[Kalogerus]

Wow thanks alot, I should work on this and post some photos when I gather some of the stuff mentioned.

thanks a million