How can i take good pictures of stars at night with my SLR nikon D 80?

Question

How can i take good pictures of stars at night with my SLR nikon D 80? any suggestions??????? the instruction book is to confusing for me

Answer 1

First, get as far away from the city as possible to avoid light pollution. A moonless night is suggested.

Second, have a good solid tripod.

Third, have a locking cable release.

Forth, take a comfortable chair and a blanket if its cool.

Fifth, your camera must allow you to use a cable release to hold the shutter open as long as needed.

The following is from my FotoSharp (fotosharp.com) Day & Night Exposure Guide and is for "Star Trails".

"Use a tripod and an ISO of 200 or faster and a wide aperture. With landscape or foreground subjects in the scene, determine the desired exposure for the landscape or foreground using an aperture that allows an exposure time of 20 minutes or longer*. For circular trails, aim your camera at the North Star and expose for 20 minutes to several hours."

* The Guide isn't real clear about how to achieve this. IMO try one at f16 at 20 minutes and one at 30 minutes, using ISO 200. Then try the same times at f11. Obviously some experimentation is needed. Using the Noise Reduction circuitry is recommended.