Mars HELP!!

[rockyc2]

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can get a good picture of Mars? I have been trying with my Pro90 set at all settings. All I can get is an out of focus glob.
I am using the Teleconverter Lens Olympus TCON-17. I had no trouble with getting the Full Moon using the lens. I don't have a Telescope to use. Hope someone can help.
Rocky

[John_T]

Not meaning to be sarcastic or cynical, but unless you want to spend big, big bucks, watch it on TV or Internet. NASA spends billions.

I can get the moon ok, but it takes time and patience to experiment. The main thing is to use a rock steady tripod and the camera self-timer on ten seconds. Once you have pushed the shutter button, step back from the camera until after it has shot. I don't know your camera, but make sure it's focused at infinity. It also helps it you are in the pitch black away from any city lights.

I might also add that weather conditions have a big influence. If you are in the middle of a dry desert and crystal clear skies, your chances are better. If you have any atmospheric haze, it will diffuse the light and give you the fuzzy blob you think is a focus problem, but is really water droplets.

Don't forget that even at it's closest point, Mars is still 35 million miles away. The moon is a lot closer.

Good luck!

[rockyc2]

Thanks John. I have a rock steady Tripod, and I use the self timer. All the rest you said, I do. Guess I will just look at it like a star. Haha. Maybe like you said. The atmospheric conditions could be my problem in focus. It has been partly cloudy here with high thin clouds. So I guess that is what's messing me up
Rocky