astrophotography Lunar Eclipse Composition

Hi, These images were shot during a Total Lunar Eclipse on the evening

of the 15th of June 2011 from 8:20 to midnight in Johannesburg, South

Africa. Your comments would be appreciated. Regards Mark

Mark,

This is a classic sequence of a most wonderful event

The lens that you used is ideal for this type of work.

However, I question the use of F/9, since much better performance would have been obtained at F/4. I know this because I have this lens and have evaluated it in the optical lab, too.

The Canon 500mm F/4 L series is an excellent super telephoto lens that is best used, especially on subject at  Infinity.

Best Regards,  Mike

Hi Mike, Thanks for the feedback. We were very lucky to have such a clear evening for the event. I think most of the images were around F5.6 and f8. Being a composition, the image data is not relevant to all the components. All were shot at ISO 100 and a manual setting on a 7D. The full res image is obviously has a lot more res and data. I have found the f4 setting to drop out of focus quite quickly, hence the f5.6-f8 choice (possibly need to reconsider moon shots or at least relook the DOF). All were shot on a tripod with remote trigger. I guess the reduced composition doesn't do justice to the full res version. The dark orange moon images with clear stars were pretty amazing. Thanks aain for the constructive input, Warm regards Mark

Hi Mark,

You are quite right about having to resample an image for display on PN.

You make a good point as to the sensitivity of focus on the larger super telephoto lens.

I use all mine in manual mode (if they have an auto focus mode) to better preserve the sharpest focus I get. The use of a remote tripper or a wired  trigger is an excellent point too. I also like using 'mirror lock up" for each astronomical image that I take from a tripod.

I am pleased that it did clear for you, as now others on PN can enjoy your fine sequence of a beautiful natural event .

Best Regards,  Mike