Moon Photography

Q: What lens do I need for moon photography?

For recognizable details in a landscape, a 200mm+ lens is recommended. For clear shots of craters and seas, use 400mm - 600mm. For wide "Starscapes" or Milky Way shots during a New Moon, a wide-angle lens (14-24mm) is best.

Moon Photography Planner

The Science of Light

Mastering Moon Photography

The moon is a dynamic canvas. Its phases are a result of the changing angles at which we view its sunlit surface. While the human eye adapts easily to these changes, your camera requires precise scientific adjustments.

Our planner uses the suncalc.js library to calculate the moon's specific altitude and illumination for your exact coordinates. Understanding these metrics is the difference between a white blob and a textured masterpiece.

💡 Pro Tip: The "Golden Hour" Overlap

Don't just shoot in the dead of night. Use our widget to find days where the Moonrise coincides with Sunset. This allows you to capture the moon alongside foreground landscapes with balanced exposure, avoiding the need for heavy composite editing.

2026 Seasonal Opportunities

Every season offers a unique atmospheric quality. Plan your portfolio around these celestial milestones.

❄️ WINTER (Dec–Feb) Target: Crisp Details. Cold air holds less moisture, reducing atmospheric wobble. Best for high-magnification telephoto shots.

🌱 SPRING (Mar–May) Target: The "Pink" Moon. Use the "Azimuth" feature in our planner to align the moonrise with local landmarks.

☀️ SUMMER (Jun–Aug) Target: The Milky Way. Focus on the New Moon phase. Without lunar light pollution, the galactic core is visible.

🍂 FALL (Sep–Nov) Target: The Harvest Moon. The moon's path is lower to the horizon, creating the "moon illusion" and deep orange hues.

Photography Guide

Camera Settings & Gear Strategy

Moon photography is deceptive. The moon is a sunlit object surrounded by darkness. Automatic modes will fail 100% of the time. Use this manual guide to dial in the perfect shot.

1. The Universal "Pre-Flight" Check

📸 File Type

Shoot in RAW. JPEGs compress the subtle gradients of the moon.

🎯 Metering

Use Spot Metering. Tell the camera to ignore the black sky.

✋ Stabilization

Turn OFF lens IS/VR if using a tripod.

⏳ Timer

Use a 2s Timer to prevent shutter shake.

2. Scenario-Based Settings

🌕 Surface Full

ISO100

Aperturef/11

Shutter1/125s

FocusManual

Use the "Looney 11" rule. Fast shutter prevents motion blur.

🌒 Glow Crescent

ISO800

Aperturef/4

Shutter1.5s

MountTripod

Overexpose the lit crescent to reveal the dark side's details.

🌑 Stars New

ISO3200+

Aperturef/2.8

Shutter20s

LensWide

Use the "500 Rule" to avoid star trails. Requires total darkness.

🌅 Rise Golden

ISO400

Aperturef/8

Shutter1/60s

LightSoft

Shoot when moon is low. Ambient light balances foreground.

3. The "Cheat Sheet" Quick Reference

Scenario	Recommended Mode	Shutter Speed	Aperture	ISO
Handheld Telephoto	Shutter Priority (Tv)	1/500s (Min)	f/8 - f/11	Auto
Tripod Craters	Manual (M)	1/125s	f/11	100
Dark Side (Earthshine)	Manual (M)	1s - 2s	f/2.8 - f/4	800
Star Trails	Bulb / Manual	30s - 2min	f/4	400
Meteor Shower	Manual + Interval	10s - 15s	f/1.8 - f/2.8	1600+

📱

Shooting with a Smartphone?

Yes, you can shoot the moon with a phone, but never zoom with your fingers (digital zoom ruins quality).

1. Lock Focus Tap and hold the moon until "AE/AF LOCK" appears.
2. Lower Exposure Slide the sun icon down until details appear.
3. Use Raw If your phone has a "Pro" mode, use it. Set ISO to 50.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "Supermoon" and why is it special? +

A Supermoon occurs when a Full or New Moon coincides with "perigee"—the moon's closest point to Earth. It can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a standard full moon. This is the prime time for telephoto shots or dramatic moonrises over a city skyline.

Why are my moon photos just white blobs? +

This is usually due to metering. Your camera sees a dark sky and tries to brighten the whole image, overexposing the moon. Switch to "Spot Metering" or use the settings in our Technical Guide.

What lens do I need for moon photography? +

200mm+: Good for showing the moon as a recognizable object in a landscape.
400mm - 600mm: Ideal for capturing surface details, craters, and seas.
Wide Angle (14-24mm): Best for "Starscapes" or Milky Way shots during a New Moon.

How does the "Ideal Shoot Time" filter work? +

This filter allows you to input your preferred photography window (e.g., 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM). The planner will scan the lunar cycle and return only the dates where the moon is above the horizon and at a favorable altitude during those specific hours.