Star Trails

[dmbecker]

If it's clear tomorrow evening, I thought about trying some star trails. Anybody have some good settings?

[shannyD]

and Il is such a great place to shoot. i miss it there sometimes. i loved th thinder and lightning storms from when i lived near chicago.
that beau guy on here. crud i forget his name. he did some stars a couple of weeks ago. and they turned out great. you should ask him. he does wonderful work.
shannon

[PhotosGuy]

Guessing: The amount of ambient light you have in your sky will make a difference. Try ISO 100, f/22, & whatever shutter time over 5 minutes you like. Chimp & adjust.

Star trail photos
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=346888

My Back Yard - Starscape
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=346969

[PhotoMonger]

I would start out with ISO1600 and a wide aperture, this will give you an idea of what settings you will need and what kind of composition you are getting with out spending 5min waiting around. Once you got your exposer/composition down push that ISO down to 100 or 200 and adjust your shutter speed as necessary. If you want longer trails start stopping down your aperture and increasing your shutter time. Some thing to keep in mind

-Make sure you are away from any city lights (far away)
-Don't forget to use "Noise Reduction" custom function
-Use a cable release or time button
-Use mirror lock up for added clarity
-Be patient, the results are worth it.
-Bring something to do ;)

10min, f/10, iso400 (foreground is a bit dark)
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t21/Photo_Monger/Stars-1.jpg

25min, f/10, iso400 (caught come light from the campfire in the trees, forgot noise reduction in this one)
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t21/Photo_Monger/Stars.jpg

good luck

[dmbecker]

Thank you Shanny, PhotosGuy and PhotoMonger. I will let you all know how they turn out. I appreciate your direction