First ever attempt at stars - I'm hooked!!!

[ryn]

Hey guys,

Went out the other night in -3c to try my hand at shooting some stars, and I will tell you what... I think I am hooked! Snap after snap after snap.. After some advice from Baz using my 400D with 18-55mm kit ISO800 @ 30sec I went for it! by the end of it I started playing with different ISO and exposure and seemed to get no where. Anyhow, here is my first attempt (first pic off the camera) from that night. Problem was, I had no idea how to focus the damn thing, so I just went with what I thought was it.. Seems not! Any tips on this?

Any comments on how I can improve, and things I can try would be great! :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3577457447_47406865be_b.jpg


Please advise if image is too large and I will change. :)

Ryan.

[MidnightSun]

Nice shot even for a first...! Usually if not focusing thru a scope, I'll set for infinity and then back off just a hair. The best part is, the skies are always clearer when its -3C........!!! :D

[Nighthound]

Very nice shot.

A quick way to focus your lens:

• Find the brightest star in the sky.
• Set camera to "M" manual.
• Set lens to "AF"
• Point at brightest star.
• Position the flashing focus sensor box on the bright star until you see the lens snap to focus.
• Switch the lens to "M"
• CAREFULLY point the camera to the portion of the sky you want to image and compose your shot. Be careful not to touch the lens while doing this so you don't knock focus off.
• Use your shutter release cable or the camera delay to begin and end your exposures.

This method is a quick way to get focused at infinity with your lens.
One side note, be sure to adjust your camera viewfinder dioptric dial for your vision at night. It will be different at infinity than in daytime use.

[Celestron]

Very nice for a first time .

[ryn]

Thanks for the kind words and advice guys! :)