August 2017 solar eclipse preparation

I've gotten several semi-good lunar eclipse shots before, but this is my first stab at a solar eclipse. I'm not looking to do much fancy, just a couple of corona/photosphere brackets, and maybe a try at a diamond ring. We'll be in Clemson, SC; according to the charts I've seen we should have just a hair over two minutes of totality.

There is no comparison between lunar and total solar. A lunar is "isn't that interesting?" A solar is a near religious experience; like God is looking at you. The sun seems so close you can almost grab it. To be honest, lunars are boring compared to total solars. If this is your first--there's another in 7 years in the USA--take a few shots, but prioritize just being there.

My brother is heading to Clemson also, I will not make a decision until a couple of days before and then hit the road. I want to be near on site the night before.

 

Sandy, I will look for the stamp. I heard it's a "forever" stamp--and the D810 after all the refurb issues, seems to be working out fine.

Some of us that regularly shoot nature and wildlife, routinely see more in our images than we see with our eyes. With this in mind, I'll be ready to document the event with my camera, even though I'm a first-timer. I will have a wide-angle time-lapse runniung at the same time that I'm taking close ups with my 700mm rig, including multiple exposures during totality, to facilitate HDR shots.

 

I'm not worried about missing the experience. I watch a lot of dramatic stuff through my viewfinder and don't feel like that demishes the experience. I will have a plan and will have practiced enough before the event to have a reasonable chance of getting things right.

I just ordered glasses and a solar filter made by Celestron.

I'm in Carbondale (the HOT SPOT), but sorry, my bedrooms are filled... :(

I just ordered glasses and a solar filter made by Celestron.

I'm in Carbondale (the HOT SPOT), but sorry, my bedrooms are filled... :(

 

Lucky you.

 

I consider myself lucky also, since I'm only a couple of hundred miles South of a spot Southeast of Casper, WY, that looks ideal. Also, knock wood, weather is usually cooperative there, in August. We'll see...

I'm not worried about missing the experience. I watch a lot of dramatic stuff through my viewfinder and don't feel like that demishes the experience. I will have a plan and will have practiced enough before the event to have a reasonable chance of getting things right.

 

well, good luck and clear skies

Y'all had just about talked me into giving it a try -- even shopped a little on B&H. Then just now I did what I should have done to start with check the path! SOL!

I'll pass it along (I may have missed it in the thread).

 

Total Solar Eclipse 2017 - Path Through the United States

Y'all had just about talked me into giving it a try -- even shopped a little on B&H. Then just now I did what I should have done to start with check the path! SOL!

I'll pass it along (I may have missed it in the thread).

 

Total Solar Eclipse 2017 - Path Through the United States

 

So, I guess that SOL means it's too far away. Sorry.

S### out of Luck!;)

S### out of Luck!;)

 

As I thought. ;-)

Unfortunately, "chasing" is part of the solar eclipse thing. That said, for the USA, unless you happen to be close to the path of the next one--and that path is less extensive--and still in good enough health that travel is possible, this August is the best shot at it. A lunar eclipse affects an entire hemisphere of the Earth. SOLar is a narrow band and it might be in the Altoplano, or the Marshall Islands, or off the coast of Uruguay.

But, Sandy, you are so very close in Mt to the path of totality, just a day's drive, a chip shot. It is so rare for them to come this close. You need to go!

S### out of Luck!;)

Meant to put text with the above image. I went out and experimented a little on Saturday, right at the time of day the eclipse will occur. Used a Nikon D500/600 f4 lens/1.4X teleconverter. The picture is the very steep angle necessary for the lens to capture the sun - about 75 degrees. I had my Gitzo 1348 fully extended and still had to squat under the camera. Getting the sun in the viewfinder was extraordinarily difficult, partly due to the magnification factor, partly due to the very dark viewfinder image from the solar filter and partly because the sun was blasting in your off eye while you were trying to get the image in the viewfinder.

Lessons learned?

1. The 1300 mm effective field of view is probably too large. I will likely switch the camera body to a D800 or skip the teleconverter. This will make getting the target in the viewfinder easier and also allow for more space for getting the corona and prominences once totality occurs.

2. I'm going to use a right angle viewfinder, as it will definitely help to get the target in the viewfinder more easily. No sun in your eyes.

3. I did everything I could think of to make LiveView and the LCD screen help, but in my mind it won't work unless totality is the only imaging interest.

4. In a short amount of playing around, I could not reproduce the rings you brought out in your images, David.

Edited July 31, 2017 by Rod Sorensen

I just ordered glasses and a solar filter made by Celestron.

I'm in Carbondale (the HOT SPOT), but sorry, my bedrooms are filled... :(

Unless clouds and rain are in the forecast. o_O

Hi, Rod, I fully concur with your experience. Yep, that's what I was talking about. And what you didn't mention, but I am sure experienced, was the eye fatigue factor. One eye into the black void of your VF and the other staring at the sun just isn't fun. Now add the timer of the eclipse on it. Or bugs flying around your face. It can be a real challenge.

Shooting at less of an angle can make all the difference in the world, but this one is at/near zenith and that's tough. The right angle will help a lot though. Interesting that Live View didn't help---can you explain more?

 

If one had something like this

Lume Cube Hot Shoe Mount LC-HS11 B&H Photo Video

and even the cheapest finderscope you could fab the two together, take the rig out to align on something terrestrial and fixed, for convenience, test it out on the moon and you'd be set. To get the sun in view you would have it attached to the camera and point the whole set toward the sun and look for the projected image of the sun thru the finderscope. If you aligned the finderscope well enough the sun will be in the camera, or very close.

 

Did you find the ball head strong enough to hold the whole rig? Mine was not and i was forced to accommodate a bit of slippage. Using a real telescope mount takes care of that and if I have it set up properly can track the sun either manually of with its clock drive.

Hi, Rod, I fully concur with your experience. Yep, that's what I was talking about. And what you didn't mention, but I am sure experienced, was the eye fatigue factor. One eye into the black void of your VF and the other staring at the sun just isn't fun. Now add the timer of the eclipse on it. Or bugs flying around your face. It can be a real challenge.

Shooting at less of an angle can make all the difference in the world, but this one is at/near zenith and that's tough. The right angle will help a lot though. Interesting that Live View didn't help---can you explain more?

 

If one had something like this

Lume Cube Hot Shoe Mount LC-HS11 B&H Photo Video

and even the cheapest finderscope you could fab the two together, take the rig out to align on something terrestrial and fixed, for convenience, test it out on the moon and you'd be set. To get the sun in view you would have it attached to the camera and point the whole set toward the sun and look for the projected image of the sun thru the finderscope. If you aligned the finderscope well enough the sun will be in the camera, or very close.

 

Did you find the ball head strong enough to hold the whole rig? Mine was not and i was forced to accommodate a bit of slippage. Using a real telescope mount takes care of that and if I have it set up properly can track the sun either manually of with its clock drive.

 

The reason the LCD screen didn't really add much benefit was that you still have to search around to find the sun and the LCD angle (even with some adjustment provided on the D500) still is disadvantageous sitting at the back of the camera. I just think the right angle viewer will be much better.

My tripod with the Arca Swiss ballhead and long Really Right Stuff QR plate is very solid, although you have to be careful getting the whole rig up in place and screwing the clamp tightly down. I debated getting the right parts to mount my lens to my Losmandy GM8, but decided it was just too much stuff to buy and then haul to the location and set up.

I agree with your thought about a DIY hot shoe mounted "finder scope". That would be perfect. Line it up with the moon to test image placement in viewfinder and then do it with the sun, remembering your eclipse glasses.

Why not construct any of a broad variety simple gunsights -- any materials, low cost, test in advance. No optics required.

That would be perfect. Line it up with the moon to test image placement in viewfinder and then do it with the sun, remembering your eclipse glasses.

 

nononononono. You were good up to the "remembering your eclipse glasses" part.

No filter and most certainly no eclipse glasses will stand up to a processed and focused image of the sun. Even through a 6x finderscope, it will/could burn right through and all the way to your retina. A filter should only be in front of the lens, iow between the sun and the lens. If any optics are used projection of the image is safest and works. You can use the palm of your hand. You just want to know that the sun is in there--the finderscope--and when it is it will project. Or did I misunderstand you?

 

Why not construct any of a broad variety simple gunsights -- any materials, low cost, test in advance.

 

The problem I see with that is that you wind up looking at the sun, albeit with glasses, and is there a gun sight that mounts to a hot shoe? That is the major speed bump. Though I suppose that could work? And I suppose you mean a physical not optical gun sight?

 

I'm really surprised nothing like that exists? If you google it, there is interest, but most posts talk about a DIY project using a harvested old flash for the shoe mount and then mounting something onto that.

Being a gun guy all my life -- (e.g. since about 6 yrs.on), this seems pretty simple to me. Shoe mounts can be "harvested" off junk flash or made easily. They are for one time use for most and only have to be durable enough for that. Probably the simplest version, a grooved sight. A piece of wood angle molding, flattened on the bottom, mounted on a shoe or with field expedient -- tape or rubber band, adjust till in line with the lens. A piece of tubing, plastic is easiest, drilled with nail post, like the old German sniper scopes, or, using a compass, create quadrant holes and string tight wire cross hairs. In every case, getting it to line up with the lens will take a little tweaking. If you aren't into DIY, there are many old time Black Powder Rifle Sights that would work IMO. Google Brownells.

Agree. It is a simple thing. Affixing it to the camera is the tricky part, you can't just stick it on with anything anywhere without blocking knobs, buttons, etc. And it has to be secure enough to work twice, not once. One to align and stay aligned to, two, work on eclipse day.

I was thinking you could use a cardboard tube, longer the better, with some needle and thread crosshairs, they don't have to be exact at all, just taut. A secure paper towel tube would likely work fine.

A secure paper towel tube would likely work fine.

Unlike a gunsight, risk to life is not involved, but when is this event going to be repeated? You could use cardboard -- I'd find something sturdier. If I did use cardboard, it would be the core from Reynolds Wrap or Saran Wrap -- and thread is too thin -- you'll need stoutish wire. IMO Thread would just vanish in the glare. To attach to the camera -- as simple as a piece of tongue depressor (or stable plastic) cut to fit. I'm not leaving the ranch in a bad Wildfire season for a lifetime photo, but I could certainly work up a couple of basic options and post photos.

I'm set because I am using a telescope mount with a finderscope that is aligned. Others may benefit though?

Repeated in 7 years . Tongue blade(depressor) is a good idea for stability. The wire crosshairs do not have to be exactly 90degrees. As long as the viewer know where the object should be relative to the crosshairs, the sun is big enough that it should be close to aligned. Not like looking for a star or other pinpoint of light.

ah, too bad about the wildfires up there, but if the op arises, take it.

nononononono. You were good up to the "remembering your eclipse glasses" part.

No filter and most certainly no eclipse glasses will stand up to a processed and focused image of the sun. Even through a 6x finderscope, it will/could burn right through and all the way to your retina. A filter should only be in front of the lens, iow between the sun and the lens. If any optics are used projection of the image is safest and works. You can use the palm of your hand. You just want to know that the sun is in there--the finderscope--and when it is it will project. Or did I misunderstand you?

 

 

 

The problem I see with that is that you wind up looking at the sun, albeit with glasses, and is there a gun sight that mounts to a hot shoe? That is the major speed bump. Though I suppose that could work? And I suppose you mean a physical not optical gun sight?

 

I'm really surprised nothing like that exists? If you google it, there is interest, but most posts talk about a DIY project using a harvested old flash for the shoe mount and then mounting something onto that.

 

John,

Excellent warning, but no I wasn't planning to look through any magnified optic at the sun.

Revo Hot Shoe to 1/4"-20 Male Post Adapter SA-CS-14M B&H

Bought the above from B&H. I think I'll mount a small block of wood with an appropriately sized hole drilled through it to serve as an auxiliary viewfinder.

FWIW, the Jackson Hole WY Gov't agencies have published a "TETON SOLAR ECLIPSE COMMUNITY OPERATIONS MANUAL".

 

Information For Locals | Teton Eclipse

 

Descriptions of traffic adjustments and parking restrictions are interesting. The checklists on what to bring are good.

 

The eclipse is near the zenith so sites that include both the eclipsed sun and the Tetons require some serious hiking. If I were to venture out (along with a few thousand other photographers), I think a good scenic shot would be from a high elevation on the east side of the valley to capture the shadow moving east across the Grand. I tried to capture the approaching shadow during an earlier eclipse - it's tough but today's post processing software may be able to do a proper job of enhancing contrast and light levels. The Snake River overlook would also be a good site. I imagine that pre-dawn arrival at a premium site will be necessary and the checklists for survival in place for a full day and advice about traffic in the manual are germane.

 

I did not see mention of the temperature drop as totality approaches. If you layer up for a pre-dawn arrival, you're set.

 

With the exception of scenic vista photo sites, any place where you can safely park within the path of totality, without clouds obscuring the sun, is a suitable spot to watch the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bought the above from B&H.

cool! post some pix of your rig when you have it set up. And how well it works.

 

I did not see mention of the temperature drop as totality approaches. If you layer up for a pre-dawn arrival, you're set.

 

I know it's one of the advertised big deals of the experience, the temp drop and the night time animals, but in truth, I've not been witness to that. I am in no way denying it, but just haven't seen/felt/heard that, and I was looking for it.

 

With the exception of scenic vista photo sites, any place where you can safely park within the path of totality, without clouds obscuring the sun, is a suitable spot to watch the event.

yes, agree fully. I have a feeling I will be on some obscure backroad in Ne or Mo

One thing I have seen is the moon's shadow approaching; it's coming at you at about 2300mph. The "trouble" is at that time there is so much happening, like Bailey's Beads, Diamond Ring, that you can get lost in the visual splendor of it all.

 

I came across an article this morning that I found very interesting in the way it described the event. I thought it was spot on. It's worth the short read

"2017 Total Solar Eclipse will be 'one of the events of the century'" and it was on the Fox News site

2017 Total Solar Eclipse will be 'one of the events of the century'

Idaho officials order disaster declaration for solar eclipse

I think the top link might be what John was referring to. The second link is a story about Idaho actually declaring a disaster for the eclipse to position itself for possible federal funding if it needs it. That seems like a possible overreaction.

Having said that, after reading the above Teton stuff, I'm kind of glad I convinced myself a few months ago not to go there. The Tetons are one of my top 3 favorite places in the continental US, but it looks like it might be a zoo there. My plan for northern KS as ground zero, with western driving into NE or even WY if necessary, seems like a better idea.