Star trails
- Thread starter Natty94
- Start date
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- 6,257
- Name
- Steve
- Edit My Images
- No
Any lens will work, keep it open, use a tripod and don't forget a bit of foreground interest to make the shot look nice
I would suggest 30s exposures at ISO 400 to 800. Focus on the foreground and perhaps add a bit of light to bring it out.... Keep taking the shots, preferably using a remote timer and then stack them using software such as startrails. de... try googe! Then just sit back and see the magic.... 
- Messages
- 601
- Name
- Richard
- Edit My Images
- Yes
As above, lens wide open, as wide a focal length as possible (the pole star is 50 something degrees in the UK so really high in the sky so if you want that in the shot most of the shot needs to be sky), 30 second exposures and adjust ISO to get a sensible exposure of the foreground. Focus on an infinity object ideally using a live view style function and full zoom, make sure manual focus is selected.
You need a good sturdy tripod, no wind ideally (vibration on the tripod) and maybe hang a bag off the bottom of it for extra stability.
Put the camera on burst/continuous mode and just leave it going. You dont need hours as such - you can get decent length trails in only about 45 minutes worth of photos.
If you dont have a locking remote for the camera to hold the shutter down then some duct tape or blue-tac on the shutter button works just as well!
I use a white balance of Tungsten which seems to help remove casts but i also shoot RAW so can adjust this later if needed. Then i convert my RAW files to TIFF after doing that, import into startrails.de or starstax and let it go. I also find a kindle is fantastic as i can sit in the car, heaters on and read while its doing it - especially in remote areas with no internet data signal!
Edit:- Also make sure all high ISO and long exposure noise reduction features are OFF along with any light optimisers as these can cause delays inbetween shots causing gaps.
You need a good sturdy tripod, no wind ideally (vibration on the tripod) and maybe hang a bag off the bottom of it for extra stability.
Put the camera on burst/continuous mode and just leave it going. You dont need hours as such - you can get decent length trails in only about 45 minutes worth of photos.
If you dont have a locking remote for the camera to hold the shutter down then some duct tape or blue-tac on the shutter button works just as well!
I use a white balance of Tungsten which seems to help remove casts but i also shoot RAW so can adjust this later if needed. Then i convert my RAW files to TIFF after doing that, import into startrails.de or starstax and let it go. I also find a kindle is fantastic as i can sit in the car, heaters on and read while its doing it - especially in remote areas with no internet data signal!
Edit:- Also make sure all high ISO and long exposure noise reduction features are OFF along with any light optimisers as these can cause delays inbetween shots causing gaps.
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