Difference In Moon Clarity

[Red Squirrel]

As a beginner at taking photo's of the moon could anyone explain the difference in the clarity of the pictures of the moon below please.

The first picture was taken on the evening of the 3rd and the second picture was taken this morning. On both occasions visibility was good.

I was disappointed with the clarity of the picture of the partial lunar eclipse that I took earlier this month when again visibility was clear so would dearly like to get it right.

[nytecam]

Originally Posted by Red Squirrel

As a beginner at taking photo's of the moon could anyone explain the difference in the clarity of the pictures of the moon below please. The first picture was taken on the evening of the 3rd and the second picture was taken this morning. On both occasions visibility was good.

I was disappointed with the clarity of the picture of the partial lunar eclipse that I took earlier this month when again visibility was clear so would dearly like to get it right

You've done very well. Basically your camera [presumed on auto] is fooled by the subject matter. It coped well with the crescent moon against a blue sky but poorly on the bright gibbous moon against a black night sky. For the latter use manual setting and taken many pics on different settings [a few notes will help for future attempts] - afterall its digital and cost nothing to take half a dozen shots.

If the camera has limited control of exposure but includes an option to vary bright eg EV [exposure value] again experiment with these settings. If all else fail try darkening the gibbous moon pic latter with image processing software - there may be more detail hidden there.

[Red Squirrel]

Many thanks nytecam. Will take your advice and hope to report back with better shots.

[thunder]

In the days of simple cameras with no exposure meters, the rule of thumb for subjects in bright sunlight (as I recall) was "one over the ASA at f16" eg 1/64 for ASA64 film. Substituting ISO for ASA then if you have your camera set at ISO100, start your exposure tests at 1/100 and f16 and increase or decrease slightly, and, as nytecam suggests, take notes. You should soon find the best combination for your camera.

henrya

[loripo]

I still have my light meter (from the olden days!) - a Weston Master III that I was very proud of having. I keep wondering if that would be of any use in choosing setiings for my digital camera. I usually stay with auto, plus fast shutter speed fo most 'moving' wildlife shots.

[nytecam]

Originally Posted by loripo

I still have my light meter (from the olden days!) - a Weston Master III that I was very proud of having. I keep wondering if that would be of any use in choosing setiings for my digital camera. I usually stay with auto, plus fast shutter speed fo most 'moving' wildlife shots.

True but your Weston, if I recall, will sample one hemisphere eg half the universe - too much for a close-up of the moon - the original query.

DSLR have very accurate spot meters but there's one caviort - the moon presents a hemisphere that includes a sunrise/sunset terminator AND a hi-noon where the sun is overhead all in one pic. Be honest - would you give the same exposure as dusk and dawn as you would at midday. If the answer's YES then the plot is lost In reality there is no perfect exposure of the moon only pleasing results that look natural.

[Red Squirrel]

Originally Posted by thunder

In the days of simple cameras with no exposure meters, the rule of thumb for subjects in bright sunlight (as I recall) was "one over the ASA at f16" eg 1/64 for ASA64 film. Substituting ISO for ASA then if you have your camera set at ISO100, start your exposure tests at 1/100 and f16 and increase or decrease slightly, and, as nytecam suggests, take notes. You should soon find the best combination for your camera.

henrya

Thanks thunder, will have a go.

[Red Squirrel]

This one was taken last night. I've still some way to go but getting there.
I'm finding that if one part of it ok light wise then another isn't.

[Rexer]

Originally Posted by Red Squirrel

This one was taken last night. I've still some way to go but getting there.
I'm finding that if one part of it ok light wise then another isn't.

Hey that's pretty good

[nigel_b]

I think they are excellent. This is the best I managed the other night with a 500mm f8 reflex lens



I must try and see if my lens will capture that texture at half-moon.