Recommended settings#
ModeManual
Aperturef/2.8–f/4
Shutter20–30 s per frameInterval 1 s
ISO400–1600Lower than for Milky Way
FocusManual on a bright star
White balance4000 K
DriveContinuous with locked remote / intervalometer
Quick start: Stack many 20–30 s exposures (or one very long one) while the Earth rotates to draw circles around the celestial pole.
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#
- Point toward Polaris (north) for concentric circles, or east/west for diagonal streaks.
- Set an interval of 1 s between 25 s exposures.
- Shoot for at least 60–90 minutes.
- Stack in StarStaX or Sequator (lighten blend).
Gear checklist#
- Tripod
- Intervalometer
- Lens heater strip (prevents dew)
- Large memory card
- External power for 2+ hour sessions
Pro tips#
- Longer total time = longer trails: 1 hour rotates the sky by 15°.
- Dew ruins sessions — use a heater strip on the lens.
- Planes and satellites can be removed from single frames before stacking.
Common mistakes#
- Bumping the tripod mid-sequence.
- Letting the battery die after 40 minutes.
- Using a high ISO that adds noise to every frame.
Related guides#
Frequently asked questions#
What are the best camera settings for star trails?
Aperture: f/2.8–f/4 · Shutter: 20–30 s per frame · ISO: 400–1600. Stack many 20–30 s exposures (or one very long one) while the Earth rotates to draw circles around the celestial pole.
What gear do I need for star trails?
Tripod, Intervalometer, Lens heater strip (prevents dew), Large memory card, External power for 2+ hour sessions.
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources