Step by step
STEP 1
Choose your lens: a 14-20mm focal length is ideal, and the fastest possible is recommended. Lens speed is measured by the lowest value the focal ratio (f-number) can be set to. An f/2 setting will do better under low light than one of f/3.5. You could have one camera for wide-fields, and one at a longer focal length for narrower views.
STEP 2
You don’t necessarily need a tracking mount for meteor imaging. A sturdy tripod will be adequate. If you do choose a tracking mount, make sure it’s not going to rotate the camera into a position where part of the sky is obscured later on. Aim the camera at an altitude 60° above the horizon, with the centreline of the long frame axis pointing back towards the shower radiant.
STEP 3
Set the camera to manual or bulb, and the lens to manual focus. Adjust the f/number to its lowest, but close by a stop of two if the stars are distorted. Set a mid- to high-ISO and choose an exposure length; try 30” to begin. You can work the camera automatically with continuous shooting and a lockable remote shutter release.
STEP 4
Have plenty of spare charged batteries to hand for your camera, or obtain a mains adaptor. Dew is also a problem on meteor watches; various heater band solutions are available, or an online search will reveal ways to make your own. Carry out regular lens checks, armed with a 12V hairdryer to clear any moisture.
STEP 5
Pre-focus the lens at infinity; using the Live View function on a bright object such as Jupiter is one way to achieve this. Jupiter’s Galilean moons make good focus targets. Take a test shot and examine it. If it’s too dark, consider upping the ISO setting. If too bright, lower the ISO or shorten the exposure, but not below 10”.
STEP 6
This part of the process requires patience. Set the camera going, sit back and enjoy the visual view. Next, download the images and go through them looking for meteor trails. A program such as Faststone View, bit.ly/3hbfkXk, is good for this. If you find a trail, rename it by adding a ‘meteor_’ prefix to the name.