Rocket Launch on the Viltrox 16MM f1.8

SpaceX Launch August 25 2026

Hey everyone! Hope you're well!

Just a short post here today, to show you a couple example low light images with the Viltrox 16mm f1.8 that I recently took.

A couple nights ago we had the most recent Space-X Launch from Cape Canaveral. The timing was absolutely PERFECT for a jellyfish. If you don't what that is it's when the launch happens just before the sun rises (or sets) and the light illuminates the gasses from the boosters creating an otherworldly display in the skies.

I got up extra early around 3:30 AM, packed up and drove out to my spot on the beach. I went just south of Matanzas Inlet to get a full wide view. That's about 85 miles north of the launch pad.

I arrived around 5 AM and setup with plenty of time for the 5:33 AM launch. While I waited I took a few star pictures to possibly blend the launch photo with.

5:33 came and the rocket launched right on time into beautiful clear skies, but way in the distance the only cloud bank in the sky loomed. ...

Guess where the jellyfish cloud ended up? Yep, right behind our only cloud bank. ...lol.

Jellyfish gas cloud behind the only clouds around! Better luck next time.

Still I got the first half of the launch and blended that image with one of the star photos I took a few minutes before and that came out pretty nice.

Spacex Launch Blended with Star Image. Viltrox 16MM f1.8.

Then the gas cloud came back out from the cloud bank just to tease me lol!

Hopefully I catch the next launch one that lines up with sunrise!

Thanks for reading!

If you want to read my full review of the Viltrox 16MM check it out right here - Viltrox 16mm f1.8 Review (Landscape & Astro) | Paul Farace

Paul

All images and content by Paul Farace Photography

Paul Farace is an award winning Florida based landscape photographer and author with 20 years of experience, specializing in capturing the state's coastlines and waterways. Operating out of St. Augustine, he shares his expertise through fine art prints, adventure videos, educational workshops, and digital content. Explore his work and bio details at Paul Farace Photography. 

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