4. Use A Cable Release or Self Timer

I can’t stress this enough, if you want sharp shots, use a cable release. If you don’t own a cable release, set your cameras self timer to a 10 second delay..

5. Prefocus on Infinity

Turn off your cameras autofocus, and prefocus on infinity. Autofocus is not reliable at night. You can prefocus on the full moon before the eclipse, then switch to manual focus thus, locking focus at infinity,I recommend manual focus using live view.

6. Use the mirror-lock-up feature of your camera

Locking up the mirror will great improve your chances of getting a tack sharp image. You would surprised how much vibration a mirror operation can have on your image.

7. Shoot Faster Than you think - Shutter Speed

You’ll really be surprised on how fast the moon moves in the sky.. Your shooting with a long lens and you will need at least 1/50th of a second for a clean shot. Realistically, I like to shoot around 1/250 of a second for a nice tack sharp image. Adjust you ISO to obtain faster shutter speeds.

That turns us to the final question, exposure settings. Now there is just no hard and fast rule for lunar eclipses, Each lunar event differs greatly, I can only give you a starting point.

At Total Eclipse I would start with the following camera settings

ISO 800

F/8

1/2 second shutter speed

Take a couple of test shots and adjust from there. Remember, the total eclipse will last almost a hour, so you’ll have time to adjust, don’t rush.. And most of all, have fun!