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Another moon question - Filters

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Old 05-01-2007, 1:23 PM   #1
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Another moon question - Filters

On good clear nights the moon can be very bright.
I want to take some moon shots and am interested to know what filters other members use.
I am told neutral density filters would work best. Is this true and what strength would you recommend.
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Old 05-01-2007, 1:58 PM   #2
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Re: Another moon question - Filters

I've been trying to take some shots of the moon and clouds, but the moon is about 6 stops brighter than the clouds (about f/8 for 1/200 sec at ISO200, IIRC). What I could do with is a clear filter, with a circular ND spot the same size as the moon through my lens...
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Old 05-01-2007, 7:27 PM   #3
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Re: Another moon question - Filters

The thing is the moon is much brighter than people imagine but then it is directly lit by the sun!

No real need to use filters but stick to F8 and then play around with shutter speed, 1/200th and faster is the norm!

Full moon shots are also not the best as contrast is at its lowest, better going for half moon shots etc all imo
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Old 05-01-2007, 7:38 PM   #4
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Re: Another moon question - Filters

Try taking moon shots at dusk time, whilst there is still some light in the sky and with a tripod and long lens with a polariser fitted. You'll lose 2 stops, and expect a long shutter speed, so open up to f/5.6. Focus accurately on the moon. Also try using a shorter lens when the moon isn't the main interest point of the picture
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