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Photographing the Moon
After looking at the night sky for awhile you may want to try photographing it. If you do, start with a
nice, bright object like the Moon. To photograph the Moon:
1. Attach your spotting scope to a stable platform like the Celestron Photographic Tripod (#93596).
2. Load your camera with film that has a moderate-to-fast speed (i.e., high ISO rating). Faster films
are more desirable when the Moon is a crescent. When the Moon is full, and at its brightest,
slower films are more desirable. If photographing during the full phase, use a yellow filter to
reduce the light intensity and to increase contrast.
3. Center the Moon in the field of your spotting scope.
4. Set the shutter speed to the appropriate setting (see below).
5. Trip the shutter using a cable release so as not to shake the camera and spotting scope.
Lunar Phase ISO 50 ISO
100
ISO
200
ISO 400
Crescent 1/8 1/15 1/60 1/125
Quarter 1/30 1/125 1/250 1/500
Full 1/125 1/500 1/1000 1/2000
The exposure times listed here should be used as a starting point. Always make exposures that are
longer and shorter than the recommended time. Also, try bracketing your exposures, taking a few
photos at each shutter speed. This will ensure that you will get a good photo. Keep accurate records of
your exposures. This information will be useful if you want to repeat your results or if you want to
submit some of your photos to various magazines for possible publication!
CARE AND CLEANING OF THE OPTICS
Occasionally, dust and/or moisture may build up on the lens of your spotting scope. Special care
should be taken when cleaning any optical instrument so as not to damage the optics.
If dust has built up on the lens, remove the dust with a camel’s hair brush or a can of pressurized air.
Spray at an angle to the lens for approximately 2 to 4 seconds. Then use an optical cleaning solution
(available at most optical suppliers) and white tissue paper to remove any remaining debris. Strokes
should go from the center of the lens to the outer edge. Do not rub in circles.
You can use commercially-made lens cleaner or mix your own. A good cleaning solution is isopropyl
alcohol mixed with distilled water. The solution should be 60% isopropyl alcohol and 40% distilled
water. Or liquid dish soap diluted with water (a couple of drops per one quart of water) can be used.
Internal adjustments and cleaning should be done only by the Celestron repair department. If your
spotting scope is in need of internal cleaning, please contact the factory for service.
More...
Celestron offers an extensive array of spotting scope accessories. Consult the Celestron Accessory
Catalog (#93685) for details.