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Astrophotography: Capturing the Night Sky

Gear and Settings for Starscapes

Astrophotography requires a fast wide-angle lens (f/1.4–f/2.8, 14-24mm), a sturdy tripod, and a camera with good high-ISO performance. The 500 Rule provides maximum shutter speed before stars trail: 500 ÷ focal length = max seconds. With a 20mm lens: 500 ÷ 20 = 25 seconds. Start at ISO 3200-6400, f/2.8, and adjust from there. Focus manually at infinity using live view magnification on a bright star—autofocus fails in darkness. Shoot RAW for maximum latitude in recovering shadow detail and reducing noise in post-processing.

Astrophotography: Capturing the Night Sky

Gear and Settings for Starscapes

Astrophotography requires a fast wide-angle lens (f/1.4–f/2.8, 14-24mm), a sturdy tripod, and a camera with good high-ISO performance. The 500 Rule provides maximum shutter speed before stars trail: 500 ÷ focal length = max seconds. With a 20mm lens: 500 ÷ 20 = 25 seconds. Start at ISO 3200-6400, f/2.8, and adjust from there. Focus manually at infinity using live view magnification on a bright star—autofocus fails in darkness. Shoot RAW for maximum latitude in recovering shadow detail and reducing noise in post-processing.