Recommended settings#
ModeManual
ApertureWidest
Shutter15–25 s
ISO1600–3200
FocusManual on star
DriveIntervalometer, 1 s gap
Quick start: Shoot continuous Milky Way-style frames for hours and keep the ones that caught a meteor.
Starting exposures#
Typical scene brightness for this situation is around EV -6. Use these as a first test shot, then check the histogram.
| Aperture | ISO 100 | ISO 400 | ISO 1600 | ISO 6400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| f/1.4 | 2 min | 30 s | 8 s | 2 s |
| f/2.8 | > 4 min | 2 min | 30 s | 8 s |
| f/5.6 | > 4 min | > 4 min | 2 min | 30 s |
| f/8 | > 4 min | > 4 min | > 4 min | 1 min |
| f/11 | > 4 min | > 4 min | > 4 min | 2 min |
Step by step#
- Aim about 45° away from the radiant.
- Shoot continuously for the peak hours (usually after midnight).
- Composite the best meteors into one frame afterwards.
Gear checklist#
- Wide lens (14–24 mm)
- Tripod
- Intervalometer
- Power bank
Pro tips#
- Perseids (Aug), Geminids (Dec) and Quadrantids (Jan) are the strongest showers.
- A wider lens catches more sky but shows smaller meteors.
Common mistakes#
- Pointing directly at the radiant where trails are shortest.
Related guides#
Frequently asked questions#
What are the best camera settings for meteor showers?
Aperture: Widest · Shutter: 15–25 s · ISO: 1600–3200. Shoot continuous Milky Way-style frames for hours and keep the ones that caught a meteor.
What gear do I need for meteor showers?
Wide lens (14–24 mm), Tripod, Intervalometer, Power bank.
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources