![A Few Tips on Photography](/images/new-backgrounds/101920/10192079x1.webp)
Photography through a long lens, such as the ETX, requires special technique for good results. The photographer should expect to use several rolls film in acquiring this technique.
A Few Tips on Photography
1.Use the standard tripod or the optional table tripod ( see OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES, page 42) as a platform for the telescope. At effective focal lengths of 1250mm to 1450mm
Caution: With the #64
2.Use a
3.Focus the image with extreme care. While observing the subject through the camera’s reflex viewfinder, turn the ETX's focus knob (8, Fig. 1b) to achieve the sharpest possible focus. Note that some 35mm cameras may have an optional focusing screen (available from the manufacturer) for use with a long telephoto lens. This screen provides a brighter and clearer image to focus and is highly recommended.
4.Correct shutter speeds vary widely, depending on lighting conditions and film used.
Note: The camera used with an ETX model may have an exposure meter that is still active when the standard lens is removed and the body is connected to the telescope with the
5.Terrestrial photography through an ETX model is sensitive to heat waves rising from the Earth’s surface. Long distance photography is best accomplished in the early morning hours before the earth has had time to build up heat.
6.Photography of the Moon and planets through an ETX model can be especially gratifying, but points 1 through 4 should be particularly noted in this case. Lunar or planetary photography requires that the telescope be polar aligned (see
EQUATORIAL (POLAR) ALIGNMENT, page 50).
Note:
Photography with a Digital Camera
Although digital cameras still cannot match the quality of images provided by traditional 35mm cameras, they provide some significant advantages to the casual astrophotographer: You do not have to develop the images (instant images), lower costs, computer and internet readiness. And because unwanted photos are easily discarded, they provide the freedom to experiment.
Digital cameras present some problems for the astrophotographer: Many models have lenses that cannot be removed, difficulties in attaching to a telescope, possible vignetting, lack manual focusing and shorter exposure times.
Shorter exposure times is one of the biggest drawback. Long exposures with digital cameras introduce undesirable noise and artifacts into a digital image. This limits the range of astro images to the Moon, planets and bright stars.
Some tips for better photos:
•If you cannot remove the lens to your camera, look for a commercially available digital
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