NikonGear'23

Travelogues => Future NG Events - and Location Reveries => Topic started by: Bill De Jager on September 04, 2016, 05:43:34

Title: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Bill De Jager on September 04, 2016, 05:43:34
A total solar eclipse will travel across the United States on 21 August 2017.  This will be the first total solar eclipse in the contiguous 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) since 1980, and the first one in these states with decent viewing conditions since 1970.  More information here: http://www.eclipse2017.org/xavier_redirect.htm (http://www.eclipse2017.org/xavier_redirect.htm).

This eclipse offers a great chance for a NG meet, and for photographing in a group where everyone knows the basics and people can look out for each other (and their equipment) against the distractions of the curious, the clumsy, or worse.  Furthermore, having traveled all the way to the narrow band of a total eclipse, some may then want to spend additional time touring and photographing nearby areas after the frenzy is over.

At this time interest is just starting to build, and we have not yet seen the tsunami of publicity that's sure to happen in the U.S. at some point well before the eclipse. However, those in the know are already making preparations, and I recently read that all lodging has already been reserved in at least one small city.  I expect lodging, recreational vehicles, etc. to be totally booked well in advance.

Totality will cross the Pacific coastline in the state of Oregon at 1015 local time (Pacific Daylight Time  = UTC-7) at Newport, Oregon.  It then races across northern Oregon and southern Idaho, right across the middles of Wyoming and Nebraska, and onward across Missouri and several other states before entering the Atlantic Ocean in South Carolina at 1449 Eastern Time (UTC - 4).  The duration of totality will range from about 2 minutes to 2 minutes 40 seconds.

As far as a viewing location goes, both seasonal and daily weather patterns should be considered.  I skimped on the description of the eastern half of the path in the U.S. because of greater risk of rain and generally hazy conditions in August.  But even in the West, August can a good time for thunderstorms.  On the other hand, the climate west of the Cascade Range in Oregon averages much cloudier in August than points farther east.  In addition, early in the day is better for avoiding cloud buildup and thunderstorms under typical summer conditions in the western U.S., so farther west is good.

All these considerations point to central and eastern Oregon as being perhaps the best location.  The time will be earlier in the day, plus it's the farthest-west area that's east of the Cascade Range so the weather outlook is relatively favorable.  One might hope to photograph the eclipse in a beautiful setting, but it will be relatively high in the sky - 42 degrees in eastern Oregon and higher at points east - so this is less of a consideration.  Valley locations offer the advantage of less risk of clouds in thunderstorm weather.  One other concern is adaptability; there is always the possibility of a last-minute weather problem that could force a change in viewing location, perhaps by 200 km or more.

Central and eastern Oregon is mostly steppe with forested mountains rising here and there.  Populations are low but the area is subject to recreational invasions from the larger population of western Oregon.  For those who might want to stay in the area afterwards, there is the nature-oriented High Desert Museum in Bend, the nearby lakes, forests, and volcanoes in the Cascade Range, and Crater Lake National Park.  Flights would be through Portland, Oregon (NOT to be confused with Portland, Maine which is 4000 km to the east and nowhere near the eclipse).  Portland is a small but cosmopolitan city and quite pleasant, but will miss totality.

As for me, there are a couple of things to mention.  I 've been rather inactive in photography for a couple of years, but personal circumstances have changed in a favorable direction so this will change as well. A couple of years ago I put a lot of effort into planning out how to photograph the eclipse, including formulating grandiose plans I couldn't possibly have executed for photographing in three focal lengths times three frequency bands (UV/vis/IR).  I plan to move forward with much more modest plans and to put in some time practicing so I'm ready.  I also may wish to collaborate with an astronomical group when the time comes, depending on the feasibility of arrangements, equipment borrowing, etc.

At this time my plan is to to rent a recreational vehicle, drive north to the eclipse path (I'm in California), and camp at a predetermined location, preferably with like-minded others to collaborate with.  Depending on the level of interest, people may want something more formalized than that, and perhaps may have other ideas on where to observe the eclipse.  However, any reservations for lodging would need to be made very soon.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Øivind Tøien on September 04, 2016, 23:12:50

The partial solar eclipse that I was lucky to catch this spring in interior Alaska was posted here:
http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,2980.msg41281.html#msg41281 (http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,2980.msg41281.html#msg41281)
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Jakov Minić on September 04, 2016, 23:22:45
Bill, your idea is great!
Surely to be discussed in the months to come.
Personally, I find it very difficult to book so much in advance...
Thanks, Jakov
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: pluton on September 15, 2016, 09:25:32
Agree that the eclipse is an excellent opportunity for a Nikongear field trip.
I'm in Southern California(about 15 hours of leisurely driving away), and have planned to make central Oregon my eclipse destination, based mainly on the weather prospects.  I also prefer to see it a 'natural' setting.  Aside from the sun and sky, I also wish to be in a place where I can see the shadow travel across the landscape...it moves really fast, but with an expansive view it can be seen.
I'm hoping to make a location scouting trip at some point, perhaps in the spring of 2017.
I'm looking at the idea of visiting the path of totality on public land, probably U.S. National Forest, which carries minimal restrictions on use.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on September 15, 2016, 10:52:36
I definitively would be interested to attend.

What about renting a mobile home? Seems these are pretty ubiquitous "over there".
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: black_bird_blue on September 16, 2016, 07:15:55
Do you mean a "static caravan" or a "camper van"? There may be some language ambiguity here...
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: charlie on September 16, 2016, 07:48:48
I suspect the reference is to an RV/Motor Home.
Yes, there are plenty of places they can be rented from over here.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: pluton on September 16, 2016, 07:55:10
The local terminology is "motor home', or 'RV'...RV being the most common.  Abbreviation for Recreational Vehicle. 
Edit: Charlie beat me to it.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: pluton on September 22, 2016, 19:57:12
This link takes you to a strip map of the TSE's entire path across the United States.  The map is zoomable and downloadable, and has logistical commentary in boxes.
http://eclipse-maps.com/Eclipse-Maps/Welcome.html (http://eclipse-maps.com/Eclipse-Maps/Welcome.html)
 I'm still looking for an eclipse path map, Garmin GPS-compatible(GPX file, right?),  that can be loaded into a Garmin units for direct display.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Bill De Jager on September 23, 2016, 05:27:53
Thanks for all the expressions of interest!

Here's my assessment of some of the logistical issues:

1.  All lodging will be taken well in advance, except perhaps the most overpriced AirBNB offers or the most godawful bedbug-ridden dumps.

2.  All camping locations capable of being reserved will be taken far in advance.

3.  All other designated camping locations will be taken some days in advance.  I had figured on getting to a campsite by the preceding Wednesday but that may not be good enough.

4.  Camping on unimproved sites on public lands in remote areas is usually allowed, but the exceptional interest likely to develop may result in temporary restrictions.  Good sites will be taken in advance by locals.

5.  Such remote areas will be next to dirt roads so dust on optics will be an issue unless it has just rained (unlikely).  My usual tactic of getting off the maintained roads onto jeep trails using my four-wheel-drive truck won't work if one has an RV with poor ground clearance.

6.  Individuals attempting to set up for or actually photograph the eclipse with reasonably capable equipment in a popular location may be subject to friendly but disruptive interrogation by interested bystanders. These folks may also touch equipment or knock it out of alignment (in the very worst cases knocking it over though clumsiness or stealing it).  Thus, safety in numbers.  A small crowd of photographers/astronomers can fend off the inquisitive politely or take turns providing short or longer answers as feasible.

7.  My wife suggested renting a cabin having a suitable yard, to allow setup and photography while being relatively unmolested.  Of course there is always the question of renting a place sight unseen when considerations of visibility are so critical.

8.  While I recommend selecting a general location based on average weather conditions, one much be prepared to move a long distance if weather condition deteriorate unexpectedly.  Central and eastern Oregon are relatively clear and dry in August, but from time to time the North American Monsoon will progress farther north than usual and cause thunderstorms.  This kind of weather will also create atmospheric turbulence with its harmful effects on highly magnified images. 

Finally, a minor language note.  Technically, a "mobile home" is a manufactured home which could potentially be moved to a new location eventually via lorry/truck, while a "motor home" is an RV.  However, many Americans who are native speakers of English nonetheless get confused over this terminology, so you can expect to often hear RVs referred to as "mobile homes' here.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: pluton on September 23, 2016, 19:00:00
Good notes, Bill.
I'll add my immediate thoughts in order.
1.  Agree.  Conventional lodgings will be heavily booked.  Portland will be the worst, Seattle probably not as bad.
2.  I'm not as confident as you that "all" camping locations capable of being reserved will be reserved, but there certainly will be crowds in most well-known locations.
3.  Wednesday might be overkill for a Monday event, depending on the scenic value of the location.  In many locations I'm sure your expectations are accurate.  Highly motivated commercial photographers and science folks will stake out their sites early.
4.  Agree, but the eclipse will only be of passing interest to most rural locals(who will not be photographing the event, except with cell phone cameras), many of whom will will be satisfied to watch the eclipse from the side of the highway and then go home.
5.   Yes...being away from the immediate vicinity of dust-generating dirt-road and dirt parking lot vehicle traffic is always a good thing.
6.  Agree.
7.  I had a similar thought.  Perhaps some ranch/property owner along the TSE path would be open to having a small, sane, controlled, intelligent, friendly group visit for a day or two.  But this requires advance arrangements which are difficult for those of us who live 900 miles away.  Perhaps something to consider for a scouting trip in the spring.
8.  Agree.  I fully accept the possibility that I may end up viewing totality at a nondescript turnout along the highway somewhere.
Due to the short approx. 2 minute totality, I personally place priority on viewing the totality directly/with binoculars, photographing it is secondary.  At best, I'd like to spend totality directly viewing while a [tracked if necessary] automated camera clicks away through a tele lens or telescope, while another intervalometer-controlled wide angle camera catches a landscape, eclipse, and sky. For fun, a mirrorless or video camera recording wide angle video with good sound would fill out the set.

Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Bill De Jager on September 24, 2016, 02:25:49
Good points, pluton!

At best, I'd like to spend totality directly viewing while a [tracked if necessary] automated camera clicks away through a tele lens or telescope, while another intervalometer-controlled wide angle camera catches a landscape, eclipse, and sky. For fun, a mirrorless or video camera recording wide angle video with good sound would fill out the set.

I hope to have a 1600mm scope on an equatorial mount with a smaller scope riding piggyback, both with cameras. 

Then a couple of shorter lens/camera setups (think a regular 105mm and a UV-Nikkor on DX) on regular tripods to catch the extended corona which can go 5 degrees on each side of the sun.  The latter two setups could be aligned a few minutes before totality starts and that would be good enough. 

The above cameras would all be mainly controlled by software on laptops/tablets; otherwise it would be too difficult to make it all work and one would miss actually seeing more than glimpses of totality. Plus, a super wide angle view of the scene and a circular fisheye view of the sky in time-lapse would be great.  These cameras could be on intervalometers set in advance so they would not need attention.

If I can make all this work on trial basis then it would be possible to spend most of totality actually looking at the eclipse instead of fussing with gear; otherwise, I'll need to scale back. With a group, tasks can be split up making it all easier.  We could make it a collective effort and share RAW files afterwards.

Eclipse stuff worth photographing falls into several categories, including:

-Partial eclipse phases (could do a time lapse)
-Special effects just before totality (beads, diamond ring)
-Chromosphere visible brief moments at the beginning and end of totality
-Totality itself; try HDR to catch the huge dynamic range of the corona
-Shots of the people watching the eclipse
-Landscape and sky shots
-Reverse order of all these as eclipse unwinds, to catch things missed the first time
-As you mentioned, video.  In particular, video of the moving interference bands just before totality.

On another note, I read recently of someone who many years ago was looking at a total eclipse through binoculars when it ended.  The momentary tiny sliver of sun his eyes caught knocked him to the ground with shock and caused permanent degradation of vision.  One critical task for the group will be to start a timer (or two!) at the onset of totality and then to sound the alarm perhaps 10 seconds before it ends so people can revert to unaided vision.

Another task will be lighting tripods, etc. with red LEDs so people don't trip over them during totality.  The closest I've gotten to totality was 94% occlusion of the sun during the 2012 annular eclipse in the U.S.  The 6% lighting was eerie but very usable for getting around, but it'll be on the darker side of dusk once totality arrives.  Eyes should be as dark-adapted as possible when totality arrives and stay that way, so dim red lights are the order of the day.

Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: dslater on September 24, 2016, 04:36:01
Not sure you really need an equatorial mount for the eclipse. Even at full totality, it's not that dark. Your exposures are still going to be fractions of a second, so the earth's rotation won't be an issue.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Bill De Jager on September 24, 2016, 17:36:21
Not sure you really need an equatorial mount for the eclipse. Even at full totality, it's not that dark. Your exposures are still going to be fractions of a second, so the earth's rotation won't be an issue.

In amateur astrophotography, the longstanding rule of 600 (or a similar number) is traditionally used to determine the longest exposure that won't produce star trails.  Divide the focal length of the lens by 600 to get the shutter speed.  However, using this rule with high-resolution digital still can result in smearing across several pixels.
 
The extreme bracketing I had in mind means some surprisingly long exposures since the corona spans around 10 stops of exposure.  Check out the exposures listed here: http://www.mreclipse.com/SEphoto/SEphoto.html (http://www.mreclipse.com/SEphoto/SEphoto.html).  At ISO 800 (to keep noise nice and low) and f/8 (the larger scope of the two I intend to use) we're looking at 1/2 second to catch the faintest parts of the corona.   

The sky appears to rotate 21600 minutes of arc in 24 hours = 15 minutes of arc per minute of time or one minute of arc every 4 seconds.  I'll probably use a D7200 on the 1600mm scope and a D810 on the 600mm scope to get two very different views.  A 1600mm scope has a field of view on full frame of 1.5 degrees = 1 degree on DX.  A D7200 has 6000 pixels on the long dimension of the sensor which works out to 100 pixels per minute of arc.  That means 25 pixels per second of motion and significant loss of acuity even at 1/8 of a second.

I'm also concerned with keeping the scope pointed in the right direction automatically over a period of time.  When I shot the annular eclipse in 2012 with an angle of view equivalent to 1000mm on full frame, I had to periodically move the lens to follow the sun as the eclipse progressed.  Automating this process removes one more task and source of frustration.  It's true that equatorial mounts will drift a bit in a cyclical fashion due to mechanical imperfections inherent in a geared system, but this is a small factor compared to the apparent movement of the sky and is not an issue for a relatively short exposure.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: pluton on September 26, 2016, 00:03:40
On another note, I read recently of someone who many years ago was looking at a total eclipse through binoculars when it ended.  The momentary tiny sliver of sun his eyes caught knocked him to the ground with shock and caused permanent degradation of vision.  One critical task for the group will be to start a timer (or two!) at the onset of totality and then to sound the alarm perhaps 10 seconds before it ends so people can revert to unaided vision.

An excellent idea.  Everyone please be forewarned.
At best, I'll have acquired an apo refractor of modest power (approx. 800mm equivalent) and a tracking mount. The next lesser setup would be my 300/4 Nikkor, w/ or w/o an extender plus tracking. The next lower would be the 300 w/o tracking.  My biggest concern is vibration from the D800.  I may acquire Fujifilm XT-2 in the months ahead, which, If I'm not mistaken, would allow vibration-free intervalometer shooting with the electronic shutter.  I'll have to research that more.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Bill De Jager on September 26, 2016, 01:48:58
Thanks, pluton.  The fellow in question merely suffered some effects on his lenses that are correctable with glasses, but obviously the consequences could be far worse.

My biggest concern is vibration from the D800. 

Excellent point.  Despite all my mental preparations I haven't figured out all the contradictions in my plans yet.  Here I am using a remote control with mirror up and EFC with my D810 to minimize vibrations, but I forgot to check if the internal auto bracketing or the external software I got would allow all these to be used together.  Time for more research!

There is definitely value in bouncing ideas back and forth like this.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Hugh_3170 on September 26, 2016, 02:30:37
Bill, I will be interested in your choice of equatorial mount to support the weight of a 1600mm scope and digital camera, as I am looking to get into astrophotography over the next year or so.

From my readings to date, the cheaper mounts can be a frustrating waste of time and money and the good ones look to be seriously expensive.


Good points, pluton!

I hope to have a 1600mm scope on an equatorial mount with a smaller scope riding piggyback, both with cameras. 

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Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Bill De Jager on September 26, 2016, 06:14:10
Bill, I will be interested in your choice of equatorial mount to support the weight of a 1600mm scope and digital camera, as I am looking to get into astrophotography over the next year or so.

From my readings to date, the cheaper mounts can be a frustrating waste of time and money and the good ones look to be seriously expensive.

Hugh, that's what I've heard.  I actually have the mount but have not tried it out yet.  It's a Losmandy GM8.  The Losmandy G11 has twice the capacity but it's even more expensive and the components are very heavy.  I'm a rank amateur at this and I'm trying to not bite off too much at once.

Sometime in late October I'll have time to set aside a day to learn the basics of the mount, after which I need to start testing the scope and mount on the moon.  Living in California, I  can do testing all winter except during cloudy periods.  The main scope is a reflector made of carbon fiber (for reduced thermal expansion/contraction) and weighs 7.4 kg. 

Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: pluton on September 27, 2016, 08:38:41
As far as I can determine with some playing around with the D800, the built-in intervalometer can shoot with bracketing, but not mirror-up. External controls, like Camranger, may have similar limitations due to the camera's control logic, but I still need to fully investigate that possibility.  I most need a better/faster operating/more recent small Fuji APSC camera, so that's my thinking at the moment.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: JCDowdy on October 30, 2016, 22:47:01
Here is a nice website for good viewing locations: http://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/best-places-to-view/ (http://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/best-places-to-view/)

Since I live near Memphis TN (~95% totality) I am considering a drive up to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/ (https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/) near Hopkinsville KY since I have not visited there in many years.  Perhaps just a run up I-40 to somewhere around Nashville TN might do if I don't have that much free time.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: pluton on October 31, 2016, 17:57:59
The eclipse can be seen from any place with a view of the sky: the roadside turnout or a Walmart parking lot.  It's a no-brainer to go, if you live that close to the zone of totality.  The nice thing is that it's so far in the future that it's easy to plan for.
You are lucky; I have to go about 900 miles to the closest possible viewing location.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Bill De Jager on April 28, 2017, 05:27:21
It's time for an update.  I've managed to acquire, through the efforts of a local astronomy club, a reservation at a temporary campground along the eclipse path in Oregon.   Unfortunately, I don't expect extra room at the small campsite I'll be sharing so I can't really invite anyone else to share my space.

There is no lodging available in the area - it was booked some time ago.  However, Madras, Oregon is having a "Solarfest" which still has openings for camping (https://www.oregonsolarfest.com/).  One can do primitive camping on remote public lands in the area; one friend will be watching the eclipse from a nearby (by western American standards) mountaintop.

This thread will be a good place for discussions of how to photograph the eclipse as well as the logistics of doing so.  I'm about to take some time off work for early preparations and tests.  I recommend buying specialized gear such as solar filters and eclipse glasses sooner rather than later, as shortages are likely close to the eclipse as all the last-minute folks decide to get ready.  I expect publicity and public interest to follow an exponential curve.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Marcus Rowland on April 28, 2017, 23:06:31
Unfortunately I'm travelling to the World Science Fiction Convention in Helsinki a couple of weeks earlier and can't afford to do both. If the con had been in the USA I might have been tempted to take a US holiday long enough to take in both, but it didn't pan out. So I'll try to get some photos of the Northern Lights instead if I get lucky with weather.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Bill De Jager on June 28, 2017, 02:17:25
Change of Plans!

My reserved spot in a town park turns out to not have a good view of the eclipse.  So I'm back to my previous plan of going somewhere on public lands in eastern Oregon or perhaps Idaho.  I'll be traveling in a pickup truck with camper shell on the back rather than an RV.  I'd be happy to join up with anybody else who wants to start a new nucleus of eclipse photographers and viewers.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: pluton on August 09, 2017, 17:53:24
Change of Plans!

My reserved spot in a town park turns out to not have a good view of the eclipse.  So I'm back to my previous plan of going somewhere on public lands in eastern Oregon or perhaps Idaho.  I'll be traveling in a pickup truck with camper shell on the back rather than an RV.  I'd be happy to join up with anybody else who wants to start a new nucleus of eclipse photographers and viewers.
PM sent...
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Bill De Jager on August 10, 2017, 20:13:45
As far as I can determine with some playing around with the D800, the built-in intervalometer can shoot with bracketing, but not mirror-up. External controls, like Camranger, may have similar limitations due to the camera's control logic, but I still need to fully investigate that possibility.  I most need a better/faster operating/more recent small Fuji APSC camera, so that's my thinking at the moment.

With some invaluable help from the internet I managed to get my D7200, D750, and D810 to all do (1) complete bracketing, (2) with the mirror up, and (3) with just one push of the shutter release on a wired remote.  Settings:

1.  Exposure delay mode ON (menu) (delay set at 2 seconds by personal preference)
2.  Exposure mode set to self-timer* (delay set to 2 seconds by personal preference)
3.  Bracketing set as desired (I'm doing nine at 1-stop intervals; there are some limits on what you can do here on different models)
4.  Live view on

*Trying to use the remote mirror-up or time-delay remote settings doesn't work right, since each push of the remote button only releases one of the bracketed shots. I also tried "S" with exposure delay and that again caused only one bracketed shot to be released per button push. Ours is not to wonder why; Nikon's choices mystify.

I have bracketing set to under-MTR-over, in aperture-priority mode.  With this setting, prior to the start of the bracketing sequences the exposure shown on the top LCD is the farthest under.  Note that particular shutter speed in case there is any problem with possibly getting a partial bracketing set, losing track of where you are, and needing to know whether or not you need to get back to the correct starting point.

With these settings, one button push on the appropriate remote gets me nine bracketed shots with the mirror up.  I also will have the D810 in EFCS mode to further reduce vibration.  I've practiced the eclipse sequence with the main cameras and can get all of them to start and complete their sequences with minimal distracted time for myself.

Important viewing advice from a total solar eclipse veteran I listened to: If you look at the partial eclipse shortly before totality, including the diamond ring and/or Bailey's beads, you'll ruin your (partially adapted) night vision.  He did this once and had an afterimage of the crescent sun superimposed on his view of the corona throughout totality. 

Alternate approach: keep your eyes, or at least one eye, in the dark as much as possible before totality.  This includes camera screens and monitors; mine will be turned maximally down or off after ensuring all settings including focus are correct (focus will be locked in by tape to avoid last-minute accidents).  As totality prepares to end, view the transition to the partial eclipse as you wish, since you will no longer need to preserve your night vision.  Just be aware that it's all to easy to watch Bailey's beads and keep on watching them transition to a crescent without discomfort, and thereby nuke your eyes in the process.  The moment the sun peeks out, on go the eclipse glasses.

Corallary: I'm not going to try to capture any images of the partial eclipse prior to totality, not even Bailey's beads or the diamond ring. Your preferences may vary, but for me totality is the big deal and the first priority. I want to see the maximum coronal extent and detail with my eyes and I want to photograph it.  I don't want to be changing camera settings or removing a solar filter at the last moment, thereby causing distraction, possible critical errors, and missing transient phenomena with my eyes. (Scopes and lenses will be covered until 15 seconds before totality to protect equipment.  Optical viewfinders will be blocked with tape for safety.)

As totality ends I'll trigger another sequence with the camera on the larger scope, to try to capture Bailey's beads.  Then on goes the solar filter, the settings are adjusted, more shots happen, and I cover up the other scope and lenses since their work is done.

I'll also be running other cameras on intervalometers and video, taking wide-angle environmental shots.  A few minutes after totality ends, those will get turned off and turned away from the sun.  I had no problem photographing a partial eclipse with a wide-angle lens in 2012.

I'm setting two timers (regular and backup) to go off 20 seconds before totality ends, as a warning.  This is especially important if you're looking through binoculars or other optical instruments.

TEN-SECOND RULE.  Wise advice I heard from that same person : If you run into photographic problems of any sort during totality and spend any more than 10 seconds trying to fix them, forget the camera(s) and just look at the eclipse.  If you futz around trying to fix things, you're in grave danger of losing track of time and not seeing the eclipse with your eyes at all, let alone getting a good look at it.  You don't want your eclipse experience to consist of frantic efforts fighting equipment or settings problems, followed by trying to see what you missed by looking at photos that won't be as good as the original in the sky.

You also want to take a few moments here and there before and during totality to look around at the sky and the weird lighting on your surroundings.  I've seen up to 94% blockage of the sun and at that point it's like no lighting I've ever seen anywhere.  It's certainly not anything like a sunset or sunrise.


Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: ColinM on August 10, 2017, 21:52:36
Lots of useful advice here.

My most recent experience was a partial eclipse, the same morning I came home from an operation.

Still somewhat under the residual influence of general anesthesia, I ended up just watching it and the lighting conditions changing, than trying to take pictures.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: CS on August 11, 2017, 00:42:27
Oh Bill, that was a wake up call for me. I remembered, after reading your remarks, wearing variable density dark adaptation glasses for half an hour before going on deck to stand a night lookout watch at sea back 60 years ago. It made no sense to try to stand such a watch if it would take your eyes 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness after being in the well lit interior. Thanks for the reminder, which I passed on to my friend, in case he was unaware.  :)
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Bill De Jager on August 11, 2017, 02:22:09
Thanks, Colin and Carl.

Another issue could be drones.  Most drones may not be very good at getting direct photos of the eclipse due to small sensors and limiting lenses. However, by getting between crowds and the eclipse, it should be possible to get very nice photos of the crowd looking up in the general direction of the drone, all wearing eclipse glasses.  Of course, this kind of inconsiderate activity would ruin efforts by people below to view and photograph the eclipse, especially near and during totality which is the most critical time.

Finally, smoke from forest fires is currently a big concern in Oregon and Idaho, among other states.  Most of this smoke is from farther north and will probably clear up in a few more days, but it will still need continued monitoring.  As always with a solar eclipse, be prepared to change your viewing location!
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Fanie on August 11, 2017, 09:24:39
However you guys intend to photograph the eclipse, enjoy it. Make sure to also enjoy the moment, one could get distracted operating all the cameras and before you know it, its over.

I had the privilege to experience this on a beach in Mozambique, using an old Nikon 601 with a Sigma 170-500 zoom with a 2TC on Fuji film.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: marco on August 11, 2017, 09:52:55
Since i won't be coming i want to say good luck in capturing the eclipse and enjoying the moment!

Marco.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Jakov Minić on August 11, 2017, 10:31:22
Fanie, that is a fantastic image!
Let me join the best wishes and great success of capturing the solar eclipse!
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: rayB on August 11, 2017, 18:00:46
Only 10 days to go now. I'll be in a the Blue Ridge Mountains, GA on the day. However, weather these last few weeks doesn't inspire confidence. I've lost count of how many storm fronts have passed through our part of Georgia these last few weeks. That being so, I may have to ditch the gear and do a quick relocate elsewhere in the mountains if there's any blue sky close to hand.


This will be my first total solar eclipse (maybe). I missed out some years ago on one because of 10/10ths cloud. So disappointed that I cannot even remember where I was in the world at the time.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: JCDowdy on August 18, 2017, 22:38:39
Well, wish me luck (no clouds)!
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Jakov Minić on August 18, 2017, 22:48:15
John, I wish you luck!
I can hardly wait to see the images...
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Akira on August 18, 2017, 22:52:16
I couldn't help wishing good luck to all shooters.

I'm looking forward to seeing different aspects of this great pageant of the nature!
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: JCDowdy on August 18, 2017, 23:17:26
Thanks Jakov! 

I hope I get something worth sharing, if not perhaps the fish will be biting.

Calling me a rank amateur would be an insult to rank amateurs.
So, I am going to try very hard to follow the advice not to fiddle with cameras so much as to miss the experience.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: pluton on August 19, 2017, 06:50:30
I intend to make photos with several cameras, but am prepared for all photographic systems to go haywire.  In that case I'll just sit and enjoy the eclipse. If I do get anything, I'll try to post from the road...from the observation site immediately after totality if possible.
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on August 19, 2017, 08:29:21
The experience of a total solar eclipse is something one remembers for life, with or without camera being used. I have witnessed a number of near-total eclipses, and taken enjoyable photos on the occasions, but still vividly remember the total eclipse of '54. A perfect day for Eclipse at there was scarcely even a speck of white on the summer sky. The sudden chill and the abrupt silence from all living creatures made a strong impression. (I was on the southern Coast of Norway, far away from any city or settlement).

Wish all of you the best luck with the Weather Gods being co-operative for this event. It surely cannot rain all over that vast country on the 21st :D
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Frank Fremerey on August 20, 2017, 18:25:19
good luck all of you brave hearts and good weather!
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on August 22, 2017, 05:38:41
Sun has gone down now, anyone get some nice results?
Title: Re: Total Solar Eclipse, U.S.A., 21 August 2017
Post by: Akira on August 22, 2017, 05:45:43
Sun has gone down now, anyone get some nice results?

Kuri has post some nice ones here:

http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,6432.0.html