Focal length needed to photograph Saturn rings?

7 years 1 month ago #517837 by Fishtaco
Hey guys.  What size telescope would be needed to photograph the rings of Saturn?


Photo Comments
,
7 years 1 month ago #517859 by KCook
Depends :dry:

I can see the rings with my little 60mm refractor.  Thus, in theory, also photograph them.  But the quality of the image would hardly be worth the effort!!!

Search for amateur photos of Saturns rings.  Some of those should yield the telescope used.

Kelly Cook

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

,
6 years 11 months ago #523384 by Luca
You can see it with 300mm lens with crop sensor camera.  


Photo Comments
,
6 years 11 months ago #523453 by effron

Luca wrote: You can see it with 300mm lens with crop sensor camera.  


Misnomer...the sensor size has nothing to do with magnification, that's the lens' job.  Using a 300mm lens and all else being the same, Saturn will be the exact same size on a full frame or "crop" sensor. The edges of the latter are merely "cropped", giving one the illusion of being closer....

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
6 years 11 months ago #523674 by Stic
While this is 'sorta' true, it 'sorta' isn't as well...

With my 7DII, 100-400 +2x converter, I can get more pixels on the moon than I could with 5DIII, 100-400 and 2x converter...

It fills more of the image (and, as the full image has approximately the same number of pixels in it), it effectively gets me closer...


Photo Comments
,
6 years 11 months ago #523796 by effron

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
6 years 11 months ago #524481 by Stic
I'm sorry but, my crop just gets me closer!

I know this upsets the die hard photographic nerds, but, unfortunately, it IS TRUE.

When I take a photo on my 7D2, the resulting image at any given size, shows the 'subject' larger (read closer) than it would be in an image from a full frame camera at the same size...

I couldn't give a monkey's whether this is the 'crop' camera magnifying the subject,  a result of the smaller sensor cropping the image, voodoo or satan playing with reality, THE END RESULT IS THE SAME!

Crop's get you closer (in the resulting image); who CARES how this actually happens!


Photo Comments
,
6 years 11 months ago #524500 by effron
Its great if you believe your "crop" gets you closer. Have fun!

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
6 years 11 months ago - 6 years 11 months ago #524557 by Stic
Ok, 'closer' is the wrong word...

Enlarges the subject in my image...

...how's that?

However, this IS the SAME result as if I was using a FF and closer...


Photo Comments
,
6 years 9 months ago #530250 by garyrhook
Well, you're correct that "closer" is the wrong word.

The rendered image on the sensor is the same size, period, based on focal length. The difference is that the captured area is larger on a full frame. By definition the same size object would occupy more space on a crop frame because the captured area is smaller. It's just geometry.

If I capture an image of the moon my full frame in FX mode, and then again in DX mode, it will turn out that the dimensions of the moon will be identical in both, measured in pixels. A crop sensor buys you nothing. Fortunately, math doesn't lie.

What should matter is pixel density. More pixels in a smaller space is likely to result in finer detail.


Photo Comments
,
6 years 9 months ago #530632 by Stic

garyrhook wrote:

What should matter is pixel density. More pixels in a smaller space is likely to result in finer detail.


I think I mentioned that earlier...


Photo Comments
The following user(s) said Thank You: garyrhook
,
3 years 7 months ago #694803 by [email protected]
Beg to differ Luca,  A crop sensor DOES change the focal length of your lens.  Multiple a lens focal  X 1.6 to get the crop equivalent.  


,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024

The Sigma fp L is a compact full-frame camera with a 61-megapixel sensor, 4K video capabilities, in-body image stabilization, and weather-sealed construction. What’s not to like?!

Mar 19, 2024

The Canon 1DX Mark III is a big, burly professional camera packed with top-end features. Is it worth the investment in 2024? Find out in this detailed review!

Mar 04, 2024

In the OM-1 vs OM-5 debate, which camera comes out on top? Though they’re different cameras for different purposes, comparing them head to head clarifies which is best for your needs.

Mar 01, 2024
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

Time management is a critical skill to master when you’re a photographer. But how do you get the most out of the limited time you have? Check out this guide to learn a few tricks!

Mar 27, 2024

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024

Opening a photography business means undertaking various photography marketing strategies to promote your work. But you don’t want to do the same old thing - try these unique ideas!

Mar 22, 2024

The Canon EOS 80D might be a few years old, but it’s nevertheless a quality camera to invest in as a beginner or enthusiast looking for a mid-range DSLR with tons of lens options.

Mar 22, 2024

Wedding consultations are a critical part of a wedding photography gig. It’s when you learn about the couple and their wants, and present them with how you will meet those desires.

Mar 22, 2024

If you're looking for the best metal print of 2023, you'll find it from Artbeat Studios. After months of testing, Artbeat Studios beat out the competition!

Mar 21, 2024

Getting the best video shots on your camera or smartphone requires you to understand the fundamentals of composition and video editing. It helps to have the appropriate gear, too!

Mar 20, 2024

It’s easy to lose your inspiration behind the lens, especially as a beginner. These creative photography projects can help inspire you to try new techniques and improve your photos.

Mar 20, 2024