star trail using DSLR

[foxguy]

hi, i would like to know how to shoot star trail using DSLR,
what is the longest time can shutter stay open and what happens if i leave it open too. long
i am using a 30 D

 

[noob117]

u shoot in bulb mode and expose, the longer u expose the longer the trails
would really help ifu buy the remote release
i hav left mine open for 8mins on a 350D...
if too long batt run out then camera off lo.

 

[blurry80]

I think main problem you would face is having to find a spot with least light pollution, PSI and cloudy days.

 

[etegration]

hi, i would like to know how to shoot star trail using DSLR,
what is the longest time can shutter stay open and what happens if i leave it open too. long
i am using a 30 D

we can pretty much forget about really good star trails taking in singapore. francis tried a few location with no good success, he'll have good input.

a good reference is of course, dan heller's star trails pics. check it out http://www.danheller.com/star-trails.html

 

[noob117]

we can pretty much forget about really good star trails taking in singapore. francis tried a few location with no good success, he'll have good input.

a good reference is of course, dan heller's star trails pics. check it out http://www.danheller.com/star-trails.html

i did managed to take quite ok ones at farm mart.
after 10pm when they turn off the golf course lights.
u can try. but very hard to get clear skys.

 

[mportrait]

DSLR is not good for star trails. You are better off using film.

 

[ssping83]

weather condition's a big big problem in singapore i think lol.. not to mention the limited battery life of your 30d..

 

[log1t3ch]

i've tried a couple of shots
i think the best places are on top of roofs.. u get less light pollution =\
so long u can see the stars with ur naked eye it shouldnt be a problem capturing them.
its my 1st time taking with limited equipment and my digital slr can only expose max 30 mins.

i think if u know how the stars rotate and where have some scenery to go along with it should be fine.

been exploring on other places. i think mandai (cant remember whats the reserviour name) is possible to do it too. very dark. and good reflections from the water.

its just my 2 cents worth

 

[oxygn]

Alternatively, you could take many 5min shots and then merge them in photoshop... it would reduce possibility of washout pics and ur long >20min shot being ruined by "murphy"

 

[slypower50]

i would actually suggest taking at ubin.. been there camp there a few times and it is pitch dark.. another place will be tekong but dont think it is quite possible..

 

[AdyH]

Hey Dude .. there's no limit to how long ur shutter can remain open.
It depends on how long ur batt can last n whether u can tahan to wait tat long.

I've taken way over 60min for some star trail. Mainly did tat overseas. I've tried a couple of places here in Sg but all very disappointing cuz of the light pollution ard u.

U need to read up a bit to understand on how n where to get e perfect trail of e stars if u wan those super round trails. But if u just wanna try it out, just shoot at e sky when e moon is out.

A few tips to share, carry a portable torchlite so u wont b in total darkness. Start with a fresh set of batt. If u have batt grip lagi better. If u shoot in cold weather, bring those stocking to wrap ard ur lens so tat u wont get condensation. Btw u will tend to get noise wen u do super long exposure, so e trick is to take another shot with ur lens cap on and open e shutter for e same period of time as ur star trail.

Hope tt helps. Do share with us some of ur good locations if u found any in Sg.