Afocal Astrophotography - The Moon

Nov 26, 2009 8:45pm
Aktivity malam menjelang Hari Raya Aidil Adha 2009. This is my first trial of astrophotography of the moon. Pictures are taken using hand held Canon Powershot SD100 through the eyepiece of Sakura 10-90x50mm(may be 10-40x) binoculars which is mounted to Manfrotto 785B tripod. This setup is also known as digiscoping. Hand holding the camera is not the best option. Initial shots are great as the hand is still steady. After some time, the hands can no longer hold the camera steady enough thus producing shaky and blurry photos. Need to buy the universal camera to telescope adapter.

Macro/Landscape Focus Mode

Macro 1

Macro 2


Landscape

Tripod: Manfrotto 785B vs. Ambico V0556

Manfrotto 785B RM233
Additional quick release plate RM29.90
Gitzo GC3320 RM155

Maximum Height

Manfrotto 150.5cm/Ambico 146cm

At maximum height with the center column all the way up, Manfrotto is 2cm taller than Ambico. With the center column down, Manfrotto is about 9cm taller than Ambico. The Manfrotto folded length is only 43.5cm vs. Ambico at 57.5cm. At this length, Manfrotto can be easily stored in backpack. A free shoulder bag is included but it is not an original from Manfrotto. A more convenient way to carry the tripod around is by using tripod holster which can be attached to the trouser's belt.

Folded/Closed LengthManfrotto 43.5cm/Ambico 57.5cm

3 Leg Angles

Normal: 25


Medium: 45 w/ lower 2-section split center column down


Low:80


Head up-side-down for minimum height*

One-hand head control with photo/video selector button


Free shoulder bag(not original Manfrotto)


Tripod Holster Gitzo GC3320