photographing stars with d5000

jodiahs

New member
I recently purchased a d5000 and an additional 55-200 lens. I find it quite easy to photograph the moon but what settings would work for photographing the night sky?
 

blueiron

New member
Go to manual mode and open the aperture. The 55-200mm lens has a max aperture of f4, I believe, and that isn't great for night photography. A 50mm f1.8, f1.4, or faster would be best.

Depending on the amount of light available in your area, you will have to play with the ISO and the exposure time. A dark desert will have far less ambient light than in a city. You will likely need a tripod in manual mode, depending on your ISO and exposure settings.
 

jodiahs

New member
Thanks! I will try the f4 aperture. I tried setting it using my other lens (18-55) but couldn't get it any better than f5.6 on that.

just an fyi..I also have a canon powershot sx1is point and shoot and i can set the aperture at f2.8 on that one so I'll try both cameras.

I just got a new tripod and we live in the country so not as much ambient light as some other places. I appreciate your help!!! I'm still trying to get the aperture concept :)
 

jmaas

Senior Member
I also love to photgraph the night sky which is sometimes quite hard this time of year in Upstate NY. Great tip with the aperture and the iso I will try that also.
 
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