Using a Nikon D7000 for taking photos of the skies

[Draco]

Hello

I have a Nikon D7000 with a standard 18-105mm lens that it came with. I want to use it to take some photos of the skies with maybe long exposures so that I can see more detail through the camera than what my eyes can make out.

Is there a thread or a website that would provide me with details on how to go about doing this?

Also, being out in the night with my binoculars, I notice that the air is now more moist and dewy. Would this cause any issues for the camera (esp since it has electronic parts and binoculars dont?). Do I need to take any care (compared to using the camera in the day time) when using it at night in the open?

Thank you.

Regards
Niv

[eddiedunlop]

I found this link in another forum. You might find it useful.

http://www.astropix.com/HTML/I_ASTROP/TOC_AP.HTM

[Draco]

:thumbsup:thanks martin. will read up on it tonight.

[Poita]

Easy way to get started, put the camera in manual mode, set the ISO to 3200, the exposure to 30 seconds and wind the lens back to 18mm and open the aperture as far as it will go.
Try getting your focus on the moon or a really bright star.
Lock the focus and then point the camera at almost any point in the sky (on a tripod). Set the 'long exposure noise reduction' in the settings if you can.

You will get some decent looking pictures with lots more detail than you can see with your eyes.

Yes, the nights can get moist, so keep the camera bag handy and cover the camera with a terry toweling cloth or similar when the shutter isn't open.
I use the lens hood as it can act as a dew shield to keep the camera lens from fogging up.

[Draco]

Thanks Peter. Will give that a go ;)

[killswitch]

The D7000 body is weather sealed to prevent moisture and dust reaching the internals. The 18-105mm lens isnt though (no rubber gasket on mount)

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d7000/img/features03/img_01.png

Never had issues with mine. Also Hakka (http://500px.com/Hakka) has been using a D7000 for his startrails.

[Draco]

Thanks killswitch. I will surely take the camera out for a spin. Knowing that you guys have done this before does give me more confidence ;)