Photographing the moon with clouds both in focus?

8 years 8 months ago #449095 by Steve Kemp
When I try to photograph the moon when there are clouds out, things don't look right.  You either see one or the other.  Plus the moon looks like a small dot. 

I would greatly appreciate if you could help me on this.  The moon has been out this week and I'd like to get out more. 

Thanks!


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8 years 8 months ago #449124 by garyrhook
You have not provided enough information.

First off, to get a large moon requires a very long lens. 500-600mm would not be unreasonable. A longer focal length will produce a larger image of your subject.

Secondly, what aperture and focus distance are you using? For the moon, I've used f/2.8 and infinity (but slightly backed off) with good results. There are only 2 reasons to use smaller apertures: to cut down on the amount of light (because the moon is quite bright) or to find a sweeter focus point in your lens. Otherwise, at 250,000 miles, everythings in focus a f/2.8 (or even wider).

Astro photography (not to be confused with astral projection) is tricky and requires its own set of rules.


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