Half Moon
Using the EF 100-400mm lens with a 1.4x extender and an RF adapter on your Canon EOS R6 is a powerhouse setup for lunar photography. This combination enhances your ability to capture detailed, high-quality images of the moon, even in the varying light conditions of late afternoon and early night.
Why This Setup is Ideal
- Increased Focal Length:
With the 1.4x extender attached to the 100-400mm lens, your effective focal length reaches up to 560mm, bringing the moon significantly closer in your frame. This added reach is especially beneficial for capturing fine surface details like craters and maria (dark basaltic plains) on the lunar surface. - Full Compatibility with the R6:
The RF adapter ensures seamless communication between your EF lens and the mirrorless R6 body. Canon’s adapters preserve all autofocus, image stabilization, and lens correction features, allowing you to focus on your composition without worrying about technical limitations. - R6’s Sensor and Performance:
The Canon R6, with its 20MP full-frame sensor, excels in low light and dynamic range, making it perfect for shooting in the transitional period between late afternoon and early night. Its high ISO performance and noise reduction capabilities ensure clean, sharp images of the moon against darker skies. - IS and Stability:
The image stabilization (IS) in the EF 100-400mm lens, combined with the R6’s in-body stabilization, makes handheld shooting possible, though a tripod is still preferable for lunar shots. This stabilization ensures minimal blur, even at the extended focal lengths.
Shooting in Late Afternoon & Early Night
- Late Afternoon:
The moon in the late afternoon sky is often set against a faintly illuminated blue backdrop, providing a unique opportunity to capture it with context, such as nearby silhouetted landscapes or clouds. The softer lighting reduces harsh contrast, allowing the moon’s details to appear naturally balanced. - Early Night:
As the sky darkens, the moon’s brightness becomes more pronounced, allowing for high-contrast, sharp images. At this time, it’s easier to isolate the moon against a black background, showcasing its rugged surface features. The combination of long focal length and extender helps fill the frame with the moon for stunning close-up shots.
Why You Love This Combination
This setup offers the perfect blend of portability, flexibility, and exceptional image quality. The 100-400mm lens with the extender provides excellent reach, while the R6 ensures precise focus and dynamic range in any light. The adapter’s flawless integration makes you feel like you’re using a native RF lens. It’s a joy to use, whether you’re experimenting with different compositions or marveling at the intricate details of the moon in its various phases. With this gear, every shot feels like you’re exploring the moon’s surface up close, and the results speak for themselves.
