Night photography spans a range of various popular genres, from street and cityscapes to landscapes and astrophotography, but whether you’re shooting cafés or comets, the key to capturing stellar images is having all the right gear at your fingertips to ensure you’re never fumbling in the dark. Here’s a handy checklist.
The right camera
It’s a humbling experience to shoot at night, only to discover that your camera isn’t up to the task. A DSLR or one of the latest mirrorless models will almost always perform better than a point-and-shoot, but not all DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are created equal. Make sure that yours is well equipped to handle longer exposures and can deliver sharp low-noise images in low light at a healthy range of ISOs. A full-frame sensor will outperform a crop sensor, especially when it comes to astrophotography.
With an ISO range expandable up to 102400, both the Nikon D850 and Canon EOS 6D II are good examples of highly capable full-frame DSLRs for night photography. The Pentax K-1 II is another strong contender, with a native ISO sensitivity range of up to a whopping 819200. It also boasts an Astrotracer feature that works in tandem with built-in GPS to capture stars as discrete points of light rather than as swirling trails of light during long exposures. In the mirrorless category, the Sony A7R IV is a clear standout for its incredible 61MP full-frame sensor, and the Nikon Z 6III promises similarly stellar low-light performance with a helpful Starlight Mode for more accurate composition in near-total darkness.
The right lens
Wide and bright is clearly the way to go when shooting in the dark. Whether your preference is 20mm, 24mm, 28mm or 35mm, a wide-angle lens will give you a leg-up by allowing you to collect more light at slow shutter speeds. A fast aperture is another given: don’t settle for anything less than an f/2.8 maximum, but be aware that some of the brighter available options – f/1.8, 1.4 and 1.2 – can be prone to distracting aberrations when shooting wide open.
You’ll have no trouble finding a compatible lens to match your camera brand, but if you’re willing to consider third-party offerings, the Rokinon 24mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC lens works with full-frame Canon cameras and provides a wide 84-degree angle of view of that’s great for both street and astrophotography. Sigma recently launched three new lenses that are optimized specifically for use in astrophotography applications, including the 20mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and the 24mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens. The latest addition to this series, the new 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, is the world’s only non-fisheye lens that combines such an ultra-wide angle with such a large maximum aperture. Designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, these high-performance lightweight compact lenses are perfect for capturing starscapes and other nocturnal adventures.
Tip: You can boost your results when shooting at night by using a variety of lens filters. Neutral density filters are a natural choice for daylight photography, but they also come in handy at night whenever you’re shooting at maximum aperture with slow shutter speeds. UV filters can be used to offset distracting haze in the night sky. Light-pollutions filters are another effective tool. The Hoya Starscape line of lens filters, for one, is designed to block light pollution from city lights to give your night shots a cleaner, more natural look.
Essential extras
When shooting at such slow shutter speeds, a tripod is an indispensable accessory – even more so when you’re aiming your lens at difficult angles toward the night sky. Lightweight portability and reliable rigidity are always key factors in this purchasing decision, and the Peak Design Travel Tripod checks both boxes handily.
Even with a tripod to keep unwanted tremors from creeping into your night shots, be sure to give yourself an extra measure of security by using a remote shutter release or the smartphone app provided with your camera. And don’t forget to bring a flashlight along. It’ll come in handy when you’re adjusting settings and hunting for accessories in your camera bag, when moonlight might not be sufficient to find what you’re looking for.
Cover Image Credit: Sergio Capuzzimati
