First time out - critique/recommendations?

[acetic]

So I went out on Friday night to get some shots of stars... I've got a tripod, Rebel XSi w/18-55mm IS kit lens...

First, a question... When I'm supposed to set manual focus to infinity, how do I do this? I tried, and apparently failed as I ended up with ~30 shots (10 per picture I was going to stack) that were completely out of focus. Or would I be better off using live view and the zoom function + manual focus bring the stars into focus?

I took a few pics towards/across the city... And as well, most were out of focus. Except 1. It was really windy though, and it caused my tripod to wobble ever so slightly... But it's still decent I think.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/3849427895_62bc6a8d93_b.jpg
pic is just resized and converted to jpeg from RAW, no post processing.

I'll probably give it another try next weekend, and use liveview to focus better.

Any hints/tips/tricks would be appreciated, as well as comments/critiques!

[chris.bailey]

Yep, infinity is not infinity on the lens markings when it comes to astro. You are into manual focus territory i'm afraid and live view with zoom is a good way to achieve it.

[Nighthound]

For your first time out, that's outstanding.

My first suggestion would be to get away from all that light pollution. You'd be amazed how many stars you'd see in that exposure under even moderately dark skies.

The kit lens is a bit tricky for focus as you know, not the best for staying put.

For focus try:
• Adjust lens AF switch to "On"
• Tap shutter with brightest star you can find in activated focus box in viewfinder until you see it snap sharp
• Adjust lens AF- back to "M" and compose your shot, be very careful not to bump the focus dial while composing


Shoot manual test exposure and check, it should be dead on.

[acetic]

For your first time out, that's outstanding.

My first suggestion would be to get away from all that light pollution. You'd be amazed how many stars you'd see in that exposure under even moderately dark skies.

The kit lens is a bit tricky for focus as you know, not the best for staying put.

For focus try:
• Adjust lens AF switch to "On"
• Tap shutter with brightest star you can find in activated focus box in viewfinder until you see it snap sharp
• Adjust lens AF- back to "M" and compose your shot, be very careful not to bump the focus dial while composing


Shoot manual test exposure and check, it should be dead on.

Yeah, I just took a few pics right across the city to try and... Be artistic. Or something, and show off how much light a city produces.

If I point the camera the other way, it's amazingly dark. Yay for being in Saskatchewan, Canada. I'll try and get out this weekend and get a few pics!