2nd attempt at lunar shot

[porkchop_express]

Hello! A few days ago I posted my first attempt at capturing the moon. While I believe that it was a decent first try, there remained a lot to be desired. Well, not one to give up easily, I went back out this evening and was able, at least in my opinion, to get a much better picture. I wanted to share it with all of you. Posted are my first and the second attempts. I welcome your comments on either shot. Thank you so much for viewing and I hope you enjoy!


My first shot with pretty bad chroma aberration and was also mistakenly shot at ISO 200



My second shot from this evening (I'm sure the more complete moon doesn't hurt either)

[pjflan7]

Great details in that 2nd shot what mm setting did you shoot at?

[toyvlle]

Great job, the 2nd shot is great, shows such detail. And actually your first shot is so much better than anything I've gotten, I'll keep trying. Great shots !

[porkchop_express]

Patrick:
Thank you. I used a Fuji Finepix s700 P&S (saving up for a D90) zoomed all the way out. I'm still learning about how actual and 35 mm equivilent focal length relates to cameras with very small sensors (in my case, 1/2.5), so I'm not sure if the number you are looking for is 63.3mm or the 35 mm equivalent: 1871.8 mm. I have provided some of the other exif data below as well. Thank you for your interest!

Focal Length 63.3 mm (35 mm equivalent: 1871.8 mm)
Exposure: Manual exposure, 1/8 sec, f/13.6, ISO 64
Flash: Off, Did not fire

Debbie:
Thank you, as well! The pictures I took really didn't look to great until I played with the curves in PP. Out of the camera, there was some definition, but I couldn't believe how all this rich detail was just seemingly pulled into existence just by using that feature. Also, I cannot express enough the benefits of using a tripod and the 2 sec. timer! You are probably well aware of that already, but from a beginner's viewpoint (namely, me), it is astounding and makes a world of difference. Keep shooting! If I can get the shot, anyone can! Thanks again!

[Grumby]

Blimey Porkchop - an 1800mm equivalent lens!! No wonder you get such good detail. My attempts are never much better than a blurry white blob. Congratulations - excellent images. Try using all the settings you had for that second shot when the moon is in first or last quarter phase and you may be able to see craters on the terminator line (though with less light reflecting from the moon, you'll need a longer exposure).

Cheers,
Grumby

[porkchop_express]

Hey Grumby!
Thanks! I guess one of the benefits of using a P&S is the considerable increase in focal length. I will definitely try the shots that you suggested, I would love to be able to capture craters! Cheers to you, as well,
Aaron

[fstopMike]

Good job! Moon shots with that kind of detail are hard to get!

[porkchop_express]

Originally Posted by fstopMike

Good job! Moon shots with that kind of detail are hard to get!

Hi Mike,
It is certainly thanks to folks like you and all of the other helpful people in this community, that I would even have an inkling of an idea of how to capture the moon in that way.

[ressalg]

I actually like your first attempt the best. The colour seems more acurate whereas the second one seems a little on the brown side. Still, both of these are excellent moon shots. About the only thing that makes shots like these easier is using a telescope instead of a camera lens. Thanks for sharing!