Want to capture the Milky Way or a distant galaxy without cutting off important parts? Knowing your field of view (FOV) is key.
The formula is straightforward:
FOV (degrees) ≈ (Sensor Dimension ÷ Focal Length) × 57.3
Here’s what it means:
- Sensor Dimension: width or height of your camera sensor in millimeters
- Focal Length: your lens or telescope’s focal length in millimeters
- 57.3: a constant to convert radians to degrees
For example, a 22mm sensor paired with a 550mm lens gives a FOV of about 2.3°. This helps you plan your shots so you capture the entire object or scene you want.
