FIVE KIT ESSENTIALS FOR LOW-LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

1 TRIPOD

A tripod is essential for keeping your camera supported and still during long exposures. Carbon-fibre models such as the Vanguard Veo 3+ 263CB are lighter and stronger than their aluminium counterparts. This model comes with an accessory mount, and one leg converts to a monopod.

2 SHUTTER REMOTE

Whether they’re cabled or wireless, shutter remotes are essential for triggering the shot without touching the camera, which can cause camera shake. You can use the camera selftimer, but that means there’ll be a delay, which can make it difficult to time shots precisely.

3 FAST LENSES

With a large maximum aperture of around f/1.8, ‘fast’ lenses are ideal for handheld shooting in low light and at night. Opening up the aperture by a few stops will mean a shallow depth of field, but it could be the difference between shooting at ISO 3,200 rather than 12,800.

4 NATURAL NIGHT FILTER

Natural Night filters from NiSi UK are colourcorrective filters that balance against warm ambient lighting, for neutral results in-camera. These filters are available in screw-in and 100mm types, and can be used for both astrophotography and cityscape photography.

5 LED LIGHT PANEL

Small LED light panels are great for illuminating the foreground when you shoot night landscapes or astrophotography, as well as being ideal for light painting. LED lights can be mounted on a tripod, light stand or handheld so you can choose the option that works best for you.