Planetary and Deep Space Astrophotography
Planetary
The planets are probably the most difficult objects to photograph. As mentioned in previous pages, eyepiece projection is necessary to obtain high magnification. As a general rule the exposure times (@f/100) are:
Planetary Exposure times
Planet | Exposure time |
| Venus | Less than 1 sec. |
| Jupiter | 1 to 4 sec. |
| Mars | 1 to 4 sec. |
| Saturn | less than 5 sec. |
Recommended film (for the beginner): Fuji Super HG400, Kodak Gold 400. Black and White: T-Max 400
Deep Space, Stars, Meteors and other Celestial Phenomenon.
Fixed Camera Photography
| Subject | Lens | Film ISO | f ratio | Exposure Time |
| Constellations | 50mm | 400 to 3200 | 1.4 to 2 | 10 to 20 sec. |
| Planets | 50 to 135mm | 400 to 3200 | 2 to 2.8 | 4 to 20 sec. |
| Auroras | 8 to 50mm | 400 to 3200 | 1.4 to 2.8 | 4 to 20 sec |
| Zodical Light | 8 to 28mm | 400 to 3200 | 2 to 2.8 | 60 to 90 sec |
| Star trails | 28 to 50mm | 400 | 2.8 to 4 | 5 to 60 min. |
| Meteors | 28 to 50mm | 400 | 2 to 2.8 | 5 to 20 min. |
| Comets | 28 to 135mm | 400 to 800 | 2 to 2.8 | 2 to 3 min. |
| | | | |
Deep space objects such as galaxies, faint nebulas and globular clusters require long guided prime focus exposures. Exposures usually range 30 to 90 minutes to record these faint objects. A telescope with an electronic drive is required for this type of astrophotography. See "Guiding".
Recommended film (for the beginner) Fuji Super HG 400, Fuji 800, Kodak Gold 400. For Black and White: T-Max 400, T-Max 3200
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