Crucial astro kit

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT FOR CAPTURING INCREDIBLE STAR-FILLED LANDSCAPES

Nikon camera 1

Full-frame (FX) sensors tend to offer better image quality in low light than APS-C (DX) sensors. How far you can push your camera will depend on the model, but Nikon’s latest DSLR and mirrorless bodies are very adept at handling noise at high ISOS.

Lens choice 2

Wide-angle lenses work well for astro landscapes, as they allow you to squeeze in plenty of foreground interest and the night sky. A wide aperture, such as f/2.8, is also extremely useful for sucking in as much light as possible. We used the Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone.

Strong tripod 3

Low-light landscapes require long exposures to pick out enough detail. This means a sturdy tripod is an absolute must if you’re to achieve pin-sharp starry shots. If it’s windy, attach a counterweight to the hook on the central column to help steady the tripod.

Head torch 4

Head torches with a red filter are essential for astro work. The red light will illuminate your work space without ruining your night-vision and the hands-free design allows you to effortlessly operate the dials and buttons on your Nikon camera in low light.

LED light or torch 5

Torches or LED lights (like our Lume Cube Air) not only light the way to and from your location, but they can be used to illuminate your foreground subject via light painting. You could also add coloured gels over your light source to give your foreground a pop of colour.

Power reserves 6

Cold weather drains batteries faster and temperatures plummet at night, so always ensure your batteries are fully charged and you carry some spares. Consider keeping spare batteries on your person in the pocket of an inside layer so they keep warm.