Here’s a list of the astrophotography equipment I currently use for nightscapes, Milky Way photos, the Moon and more.
I try to keep it as small as possible. This is the set that works for me today and will probably continue to change over time. I hope it gives you inspiration and that, in combination with your own preferences, you can put together the best set for your creative needs.
To see the pictures I take with this gear, check out my Instagram feed.
Notes:
- As part of my alliance with Sony as an Alpha Friend, you can all get a 5% discount in the official Sony Uruguay shop using the coupon FEFOSONY. No limit to the number of uses.
- Amazon and B&H links are affiliate links. This means that by purchasing through those you pay the same amount and I get a small commission on the sale which goes toward supporting me and my work.
Camera | Lenses | Tripods and heads | Star tracker | Backpack | Filters | Other accesories
Camera
Sony a7III
I use this camera because it performs well in low light conditions, generating low noise images at high ISO, ideal for astrophotography. Its 24MP is sufficient for detailed images, both for web and print.
Buy from Sony Uruguay (5% discount using coupon FEFOSONY)
Lenses
Sony 16-35 mm f / 2.8 GM
I use this wide-angle lens when capturing nightscapes with the Milky Way across the sky. Its 2.8 aperture is ideal for astro and produces sharp images. I use it a lot for seascapes as well.
Buy from Sony Uruguay (5% discount using coupon FEFOSONY)
Sony 24-70 mm f / 2.8 GM
This is my favourite lens because it allows me to capture landscapes and objects in the sky in greater detail. Celestial objects like the Magellanic Clouds or Andromeda stand out against a landscape. It is ideal for portraits too.
Buy on Sony Uruguay (5% discount using coupon FEFOSONY)
Sony 100-400 mm GM
I recently bought this lens and haven’t had many chances to use it, but I feel I’m gonna love it. I bought it to shoot the Moon and planetary conjunctions (in combination with the 2x teleconverter listed below) and to capture abstract landscapes.
Buy on Sony Uruguay (5% discount using coupon FEFOSONY)
Sony 2x Teleconverter
It extends the focal length of telephoto lenses by 2.0x. That means that mounted on my 100-400mm I get a maximum focal length of 800mm. But there’s a cost to be paid for this 2x increase: the maximum native aperture of the lens is reduced by about 2-stops. Anyway, this is not an issue when photographing the Moon or a landscape, since I always use a tripod.
Buy on Sony Uruguay (5% discount using coupon FEFOSONY)
Tripods and heads
Manfrotto 055
My workhorse for almost every occasion—it’s almost ten years old now and still in good condition! It’s sturdy and somewhat heavy, ideal for keeping the camera steady in windy conditions. Not good for carrying it on long journeys. At full extension I can use the camera at my face level. I can also set the centre arm so that the camera is very close to the ground. I use it in combination with the Manfrotto 498RC2 Ballhead listed below.
Manfrotto 290light
This is my go-to for when I have to carry my gear for a long time to get to the shooting location or if I’m travelling. I can attach it to my Tenba backpack listed below to keep my hands free. While it’s light, it’s super stable. I use it in combination with the Manfrotto 494RC2 Ballhead listed below.
Link goes to new version tripod + ball head combo
Manfrotto 498RC2
A sturdy piece that won’t let your camera accidentally disengage and fall to the ground. The quick release plate works like a charm. The ball head allows you to compose your shot quickly. The bubble level and graduated circle are great allies when shooting panoramas.
Links go to new version
Manfrotto 494RC2
A smaller version of the Manfrotto 498RC2. I have two of these, one for the 290light tripod listed above and one for mounting the camera to the star tracker listed below. It uses the same quick release plate as the 498RC2 so I can switch tripods without the need to change the plate, time saver!
Star tracker
Vixen Optics Polarie
This is my best-kept astrophotographer secret. Where most astrophotographers go for the heavy and bulky Sky-Watcher star tracker, the Vixen Polarie is no bigger or heavier than a mirrorless camera body. And it supports the weight of all my lenses. So, I can achieve exposures on the order of minutes to capture a more detailed and spectacular sky—and the stars will still be dots not traces.
Backpack
Tenba Axis 24L
Over 8 years I’ve changed backpacks three times as my equipment changes and I always choose Tenba. Their backpacks are super strong, made from the highest quality materials and, most importantly, very lightweight. When I carry everything listed on this page in a backpack, the latter is crucial.
Links go to new version
Filters
Hoya 82mm NXT Plus Circular Polarizer Filter
This filter allows to remove unwanted reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water or vegetation. As a result, colours look more vivid in landscape photography. This filter applies a waterproof top coat so water beads-up quickly and makes the filter a lot easier to clean.
Hoya 82mm Neutral Density x8 Filter
This filter reduces the amount of light reaching the camera’s sensor, allowing you to slow down the shutter speed by 3-stops to record the movement of subjects such as waterfalls, waves and fog. The colours remain neutral with no apparent color cast which is really good.
Other accessories
Vello ShutterBoss II Intervalometer
This device can be used as a remote shutter, to set a specific exposure time longer than 30 sec (bulb mode) and as an intervalometer when shooting a timelapse. It’s amazing how long the battery lasts.
Coowoo Lens Heater
This accessory is a must for night photography, especially when shooting timelapse. A lens heater (also known as lens warmer) is a padded strap that connects to a USB power bank and keeps the lens slightly warm, preventing condensation from dew.
Tether Tools StrapMoore
This strap has two velcro straps that attach to the tripod and a larger one to hold anything you need. I use it for a USB power bank to power the star tracker and lens warmer. Sometimes I also use it to hold the intervalometer.
Peak Design Anchor Links
When taking long exposures at night, any possibility of camera shake must be reduced. And the camera strap is an element that can easily move in the wind. But we all know how cumbersome it is to remove and reattach the strap on most cameras. This simple but practical accessory will save you that hassle.
Got questions? Leave them in the comments and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. If you get any of this equipment, let us know how it works for you.
