HELP - photographing the stars settings?

[dustydirtbiker]

today is supposed to be clear skys. hopefully, tonight will too! I'm wanting to try taking photos of star trails.

Does anyone know some good settings for the camera to do so? Mainly the ISO and f/stop is what I'm wondering...

I would assume ISO 400 to reduce noise and not let in "light pollution" from nearby towns, f/1.8...but I've seen somewhere that f/8 would be better (i dont know what to choose), and bulb mode for a long exposure.

[CaptainTom]

ISO 100
F2.8

exposure on bulb for at least two hours.

[rebelwind]

If you are using a DSLR, then you can't just set the shutter to BULB mode and leave it open for much longer than 4 - 5 minutes, as this will introduce way too much noise into the resulting image.

The best technique that I have found is actually outlined by Moose Peterson in this article on his website:

http://www.moosepeterson.com/digital...he_Heavens.pdf

I know of a few other photogs who have tried this technique with awesome results, though I have not yet had a chance to try it out myself.

Hope this helps!