Focal lengh to capture the moon

[Cunha]

Hi,

I need to photograph the moon in a way that occupies most of my 35mm FF frame without crop. Or bigger than the frame. I need a clear full moon with craters (no problem).

The image will be in portrait mode.

My test using a Canon EF 100mm macro L lens resulted in a very small image for my needs (image attached).

What lens do you suggest to produce a big image of the full moon?

Thank you very much.

[Waddizzle]

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@Cunha wrote:

For the last two contributions.

This is for a photographic essay. Prints for an exhibition and a photobook.

I would like to mantain all the files equal without crops (at least heavy crops).

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Telescope?  How much image quality do you need?  You can fill the viewfinder no problem with a  Vivitar 650-1300mm f/8 Telephoto Zoom lens for T-Mount.  I bought the lens just for shooting the Moon. 

This was shot with a Rebel T5 at about 800mm, or so.  I think.  I guess.  I dunno.

Seriously, though.  The Vivitar can more than fill the viewfinder on an APS-C body.  You just need a sturdy tripod, and a strong head because the Vivitar doesn't have a good center of gravity once you mount a camera on it.

[Cunha]

Thanks .-) for your contribution.

[Cunha]

Ok.

[ebiggs1]

"I bought the lens just for shooting the Moon."

But the IQ isn't there, is it. I am sure you will admit?

[Waddizzle]

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@ebiggs1 wrote:

"I bought the lens just for shooting the Moon."

But the IQ isn't there, is it. I am sure you will admit?

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No, it is not the best IQ in the world. If you want better IQ, spend ten times as much on a telescope.  It's a fun toy.

Focusing is difficult, especially on a weak tripod/head setup.  Live View can look like an earthquake at most of the long focal lengths, mainly because of the play in the tripod foot of the lens itself.

[EDIT]  I shot that moon photo on a warm and humid summer night.  I think the lens has decent IQ for the price.  There is a 500mm prime that sells for half the price, too.  Focusing is trickly because all you get is just 1/4 turn of rotation.

[ebiggs1]

"No, it is not the best IQ in the world."

Not the best? It isn't even good. Certainly not up to the level you are at.   Curiosity has got me again, (gets me in a lot of trouble) but why?  Why would you waste your time and money when you have the Siggy C ?

And yes the tripod is a huge factor.  And most people buy the cheapest junk tripods there is. Then put their thousand dollar + gear on them.  But tripods aren't as cool as cameras. I guess.

[Waddizzle]

"Not the best? It isn't even good. Certainly not up to the level you are at.   Curiosity has got me again, (gets me in a lot of trouble) but why?  Why would you waste your time and money when you have the Siggy C ?"

You don't understand.  That moon was shot long before the Siggy C showed up.  Even before the 6D showed up.  That photo is the first ngiht that I used it.  It has been an instructive toy.  It taught me all about "bad tripod" and "weak head."  I want to take some more moon shots with it, whenever the weather lets up.  I'm looking at another cloudy, rainy weekend ahead.

[ebiggs1]

" It taught me all about "bad tripod" and "weak head."

I would say it served its purpose.  Probably a good lesson and one that will remain with you.

[jrhoffman75]

Buy cheap buy twice.

[ebiggs1]

Yes sir.   That is a fact, Jack!