Find where the best lens focus points are for stars
Every lens and camera combination is different. Many people say “just set your lens to infinity” or “auto focus on something far away and don’t move the focus ring,” but that rarely works 100% and only gets you close. But you get no cigar…
Most lenses are not really focused on the stars properly at infinity — so, take the time to do some testing with your lens and camera of choice to find that perfect focus point that gets you the best results.
Then mark it down or take note of it! Do it mentally, on paper, on your phone (pictures work great) or better yet — with a mark you can line up on your lens and focus ring itself. This will save you loads of time in the field. Experienced photographers are at the point where they can be up and shooting with near-perfect focus with only one or two test shots.
Focusing is boring…shooting is FUN!
Nice tips! CentralDS modify DSLRs to add peltier cooling. It’s not the camera manufacturer themselves, but it’s just as good as if it were! My CentralDS 60D is AMAZING, gets the sensor to -25 degrees below the ambient temperature.
Wow!! That is a nice setup. I think the price is very reasonable considering it is cooled AND IR modified.
That’s incredible! Good stuff. 🙂
Cheers,
Cory
Great tips! I might add that the point where stars are in focus changes depending on the temperature of the lens, so make sure to properly check focus every time, even if you have it marked down
Hi Bob,
Very true! 5 tips isn’t really enough, is it!
Cheers,
Cory
Excellent website!!! I always enjoy reading each new article. These are great tips for budding astrophotographers. Don’t totally rule out in camera darks ;), I switched 4 years ago to letting the camera take the darks and have never went back. It’s, for me, the best way to get accurate temperature matched darks for a DSLR and solved many of the noise related problems I had been struggling with. I will concede that you lose precious clear sky time, but for me, it has been worth the extra time spent. Keep up the great work!!! It’s contributions, like this website, that has allowed this great hobby to blossom into what it is today.
Agreed, I wouldn’t completely rule out in-camera noise reduction, as sometimes it can be of a benefit!
Thanks for the comments!
Cheers,
Cory
Just wanted to say thank you enjoy reading and easy enough to understand