Changed my mind about using a phone for astro photos

I always thought a phone camera was fine for the moon, but my friend in Denver showed me his shots with a basic DSLR. I borrowed his old Canon T3i and tried it myself. The craters were so clear, not just a white blob. Now I'm saving for my own camera. Anyone have tips for a good starter lens under $200?

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3 Comments

christopher8675mo ago

Totally get it. My phone made the moon look like a glowing potato. Borrowed my brother's old Nikon and was blown away by the detail in the Sea of Tranquility. That cheap kit lens it came with was way better than I expected for starting out. Check the used market for something like a 55-250mm, found mine for under a hundred fifty bucks.

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anthony_lane555mo ago

I read an article last year that said the moon's surface brightness tricks phone sensors. Christopher867, you're right about trying a real camera. That detail you saw is exactly why phone computational photos can't match a basic lens and sensor. The used market is full of those older DSLR lenses that still work great. My neighbor picked up a similar telephoto for his Canon, and the difference from his phone was night and day. It really is the best way to start without spending a fortune.

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lisa_wilson873mo ago

@christopher867, did you try using a tripod too? That cleaned up my lunar shots a ton.

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