Quote:
Originally Posted by Gareth
Now, first question - what settings should the white balance be on? When I change them, I get VERY different results. Auto seems useless, and I can find no guide that tells me about it.
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Hi Gareth,
I started out the same way with fixed tripod shots. You are right about shooting in RAW. It's the best way to adjust the white balance later. I found for my very dark sky location a white balance setting of 3800 Kelvin was very good. This might not be the best depending on your skies. Also to expand a bit on what Rob_K said in relation to exposure times. I use the '600 rule' with fixed tripod work. Divide 600 by the focal length of the lens you are using to get the maximum shutter length before star trailing becomes noticible. For example at 20mm you can do a shot of 30 seconds. At your 250mm you will only be able to do 2 seconds or so. If you want to take it to the next level after fixed tripod. Google "barndoor tracker" and you should find heaps of info on how to construct and use a cheap (below $50) and simple way of taking long exposures of upto 5-6 minutes without any star trailing.
http://obsidian2010.deviantart.com/a...ight-194054921 is a shot I did with a barndoor tracker last year before I brought my telescope. Hope this helps.
Cheers
Greg