Do I need any filters for photographing the moon with a DSLR and telephoto lens?
Asked 9/5/2010
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2 answers
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I’m starting to photograph the moon with a Canon 20D and a Tamron 28-300mm lens, without using a telescope. I’m comfortable with tracking, exposure, and processing, but I have very little DSLR experience.
Are common filters like UV, IR-cut, polarizers, or “moon” filters useful for lunar photography with a DSLR? Do they protect the sensor in any meaningful way? Are light-pollution filters helpful if I’m shooting from the edge of a large city?
Or is it better to skip filters and focus on shooting technique instead?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
12
I'd suggest trying without any filters to start.
A typical dslr sensor has a filter built in that blocks most ir and uv light. There are filters available that will do a better job, but you can probably do just fine without any additional filters.
A lens hood may be helpful to reduce stray light though.
Originally by user67. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user67
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For DSLR moon photography, start with no filter. A typical DSLR already has internal filtering that blocks most UV and IR, so extra UV/IR filters usually aren’t necessary and won’t meaningfully protect the sensor in normal use.
So-called “moon filters” are more relevant to visual telescope viewing, where they reduce brightness for comfort. In DSLR photography, the moon is bright enough that you can simply control brightness with shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. Light-pollution filters also generally aren’t important for the moon, since it’s a very bright subject.
What matters more is stability and technique:
- use a solid tripod
- use a remote release or self-timer
- enable mirror lockup if available
- work carefully at the long end of the lens
- consider a lens hood to reduce stray light
At 300mm, you can get decent results, though more focal length will help if you want a larger moon in the frame. Overall: yes, you’re probably overthinking the filters—just start shooting and refine from there.
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