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LPZ_Stitch!
07-21-2010, 03:15 PM
My wife and I are taking a 2nd honeymoon vacation to Maui this October.

We're planning to watch a sunrise from the top of Mt. Haleakela (the big volcano that makes up 1/2 of Maui). There are quite a few major observatories up there, so I'm assuming I should be able to get good night-sky pics with my Canon T2i, too. I think this is one of the few truly dark-sky places I'm ever likely to be able to visit....

However, except for shots of the moon, I've never taken astro pictures.

Obviously, I need a tripod. But, what camera settings should I be using?

I'm guessing M mode; wide aperture, low ISO and slow shutter, but how long? 15 sec? 30 sec?

The only lenses I'll have with me are the 18-55 kit, the 75-300 zoom and the nifty-fifty. My assumption is that this would be a good time for the 'fifty' but the kit lens goes wider....

Anybody here ever take dark-sky starry night pictures that can offer some suggestions or tips?

RBennett
07-21-2010, 03:35 PM
I had a similar question before and Gdad (as usual) was amazing help to me!! Here is a link (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2468882) to a thread that I started with examples and settings of some different shots. :thumbsup2

LPZ_Stitch!
07-21-2010, 03:43 PM
I had a similar question before and Gdad (as usual) was amazing help to me!! Here is a link (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2468882) to a thread that I started with examples and settings of some different shots. :thumbsup2

Hey, thanks!

I read that other thread and GDad's picture with the palm trees is *exactly* what I was asking about ... pinpoints of light, not long star trails.

Also, of course, my picture will have NASA observatories in the background ... no trees at that elevation.... :)

KAT4DISNEY
07-21-2010, 11:51 PM
A little different advice in case you aren't aware to be certain to dress very warm and be prepared for howling wind! ::yes::

LPZ_Stitch!
07-22-2010, 09:02 AM
A little different advice in case you aren't aware to be certain to dress very warm and be prepared for howling wind! ::yes::

Yes! We remember how cold it was up there from our original honeymoon! Long pants, light jackets and we were COLD! :) Of course, that's just an excuse to snuggle closer!! :)