Much lower ISO 100 or 200 (gets rid of the noise and allows for longer exposure)
Much smaller aperture F8-F11 (Allows for much greater depth of field and alows for longer exposure)
Much longer exposure needed. If you want to see the movement of the earth.
Ok, I'm new to DSLR's. How do I make my Canon T1i take longer than a 30 sec exposure? After cycling through and passing 30 seconds it says bulb? I tried that, but I have to hold the button..?
Randy,
It's slightly out of focus is the only thing you're doing wrong. At 50mm you should be able to pull down 30 second exposures without trails. If you have a wider lens you'll be able to increase the time without showing trails.
is 2.5 as wide as your lens will go?
That Nifty 50 will do great! Yeah, manual focus, but don't rely on infinity,I found I get my best focus by looking through the viewfinder on the brightest star you can find. I always find critical focus to be slightly before infinity. Open that lens up!