First shots with my DSLR

[04Stefan07]

Just did a few first shots with my DSLR before it got cloudy. Here is what I used:
- Canon 350D
- Timer remote
- T-ring adapter
- T-Adapter
- 2x Barlow lens

Some settings (still learning):
- Tried ISO 200 and 800
- bulb
- Aperture was on 00 (I tried changing it by what the manual said but it didn't change, anyone know why?)

The pictures came out a bit blurry (could be my tripod doing it cause its wobbly). I wanted to get a shot of the moon like I would see through a 15mm-20mm eyepiece, the 2x Barlow was a bit too close.

I know I need an adapter but no idea which one, anyone can tell me which one?

Still learning with a DSLR, so far it's been OK just a bit frustrating when you take about 40 shots and only 6 look ok lol.

I have attached the image.

Thanks :)

[Forgey]

Hi Stefan,


To me it looks like you just needed to adjust the focus. But its still a good shot.
Settings like ISO 100 & 200 and a fast shutter like 1/400 or around that speed are good.

Cheers.

[RB]

Yes, because you weren't connected up to a camera lens, you were at prime focus of the telescope (Nexstar 130, right?), so you can't change aperture.

:)

My advice; if you're shooting the moon, ISO 100 or 200 and if shooting jpgs, use daytime/sunny day white balance.
To get focus right (using 350D no live view), slew over to a medium bright star and focus that through viewfinder, then don't touch focuser again, should be very close to focus.

Just practice and play around with different shutter speeds.

Regards
Andrew

[jjjnettie]

Congrats on your first piccie. :) You've got the contrast just right.
That's good advice you've been given.

[04Stefan07]

Yep I will try all those things that were mentioned and see how I go.

I used my Barlow for the shots, what do I need for a wide shot of the moon?

Thanks for the advice :)

[04Stefan07]

I went out again and still similar results.

What is the bulb setting? Is it better for shutter speed to be on bulb or as was said below 1/400?

I think the bulb setting is my problem

[jjjnettie]

The Bulb setting is for when you are doing long exposures , using a remote timer.
For Moon shots, try ISO200 and 1/250th sec. But experiment as was mentioned before.
To attach your camera to the scope, you will need a T Ring to suit an EOS camera.
http://www.bintel.com.au/Astrophotography/Adapters/Canon-EOS-T-Ring/36/productview.aspx
You may need to purchase the nose piece to suit as well, if your adaptor in your focuser isn't threaded to suit.
http://www.bintel.com.au/Astrophotography/Adapters/Bintel-Camera-Adapter-2-/35/productview.aspx

[Sarge]

Stefan,

Have a read of this manual by Greg Walton (MPAS) . It is an extremely good tutorial on DSLR AP for a beginner, tons of info, hints and helpful advice.

http://www.mpas.asn.au/Astro/Tips/astro_imager_plus_v1.htm

The PDf file is quite large - 18mg and takes a little time to download. Link is about half way down page.

Clear skies

Rod
:D:D

[mithrandir]

With a 77mm f/6.3 SCT camera lens I get reasonable exposure on a half moon with 1/125sec and ISO100. I would expect with a 130mm f/5 Newt and a 2x Barlow, those settings would be a good place to start. 1/250sec is a bit dark but does seem to stack OK.

[04Stefan07]

Thank you!

After the first batch of images I took 2 nights ago, I just processed them through registax (followed a tutorial) and photoshopped them. This is my first proper attempt, what do you think?

The image was originally a bit blurry so I couldn't do much about it.

I also rotated it 90 degrees cause it looked better haha.