Skip to main content Digital Camera World Digital Camera World THE HOME OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY Search Digital Camera World View Profile Accessories Buying Guides The Photography & Video Show Digital Camera Australian Camera Australian ProPhoto Photography Magazines Why subscribe? Issues filled with product reviews, latest updates, expert advice and more Delivered to your Android or IOS device Every issue is packed with photo tips, kit reviews and inspiration From$12View Deal Camera news Camera rumors Photography & Video Show Photo mag deals Cheatsheets Photography Photography Styles Astrophotography Why the Sony A7S III is a "powerhouse" in astrophotography, and more insider night sky tips Kim Bunermann Contributions from 21 April 2025 Love astrophotography? The Sony A7S III is a powerhouse for shooting the stars When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Josh captured the C/2020 F3 comet over Stonehenge in 2020, but says comets are notoriously unpredictable (Image credit: Josh Dury) Fight Light Pollution Based in Somerset, southwest England, astrophotographer and night-sky conservationist Josh Dury has dedicated his career to using photography as a means of promoting conservation initiatives and raising awareness about the negative impacts of light pollution. Here are his kit choices and pro advice for fighting light pollution to capture impactful images of the night sky… A photographer kitbag showing Sony A7 SIII, Sigma 15mm f/1.4 Diagonal Fisheye, Canon EOS R5, Canon 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM and Benro Tortoise 24CLV P (Image credit: Josh Dury) Sony A7S III Sony set a high standard for low light capabilities among mirrorless cameras, enabling the capture of real-time footage and improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) capabilities. "This range of cameras, combined with fast-shooting, wide-angle lenses, is ideal for a powerhouse setup," says Josh. "A greater aperture and low-light sensitivity make it possible to reduce the SNR within low-level environments, providing excellent clarity for landscape astrophotography." You may like "I just love capturing the magic of the night sky," reveals astrophotographer Josh Dury Astrophotography in April 2025: what to shoot in the night sky this month Sigma 15mm f/1.4 Diagonal Fisheye In his astrophotography, Josh has been fortunate to test out some of the latest lenses, including Sigma's Diagonal Fisheye. "Sigma lenses are revolutionizing the astrophotography market. They are the first lenses of their kind to capture wide-angle images with an impressive aperture capability of f/1.4." Canon EOS R5 and Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Canon’s latest cameras and telephoto lenses are changing the game for astrophotography, especially for solar and lunar targets, as they are perfect for alignment photography. "The R Series from Canon provides a greater megapixel count alongside greater focal lengths, making a superb combination for capturing celestial events. This could include transits, eclipses and comets, among others." Benro Tortoise 24CLV P Benro leads the market for versatile, affordable, yet durable tripod designs. "I've tested a number of different tripods but my preference is Benro’s Tortoise 24CLV. It is constructed from carbon fiber, but not only is it immensely lightweight, it is durable and more suitable for use in colder environments." Fight Light Pollution (Image credit: lightpollutionmap.info) 1. Check the weather First of all, the weather is paramount for astrophotography – so keeping an eye on the forecasts is key. Don’t make the mistake of relying on just one forecast, though. BBC Weather and The Met Office, for example, are good places to start. 2. Know your environment When shooting, it is good to have an idea of your surroundings and the level of light pollution. Light pollution maps determine the intensity of pollution, using the Bortle Scale on a scale from 1 (Dark Sky) to 9 (Severely light-polluted). 3. Look for dark sky sites If you live in a light-polluted area, even a half-hour drive can make all the difference. For even better results, travel to a Bortle Scale 1 location. Weather permitting, you will observe the clearest views of the night sky here. 4. Moonlight As well as artificial light, we must also consider natural light pollution – such as from the moon. As it goes through its lunar cycle, the phases grow and wane and the best window of opportunity is around the new moon, when the moonlight is reduced. 5. Trial and error On some occasions, you may prefer to capture the light pollution in your photographs or wish to try out a different type of composition. My advice here is to experiment. Trial and error is important – if you don’t try, you are never going to succeed. 6. Consider a filter If traveling far isn’t an option or if there is ‘skyglow’ in your location, there are a number of light pollution filters available on the market. A good example would be NiSi’s Natural Night Filter, which cuts back on CRI and Mercury Sodium lighting. (Image credit: Josh Dury) You might also like... If you are into shooting the stars, check out our guide to the best cameras for astrophotography and the best lenses for astrophotography. Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Kim Bunermann Social Links Navigation Staff Writer Kim is the Staff Writer on Digital Camera World, and formerly Technique Editor at Digital Photographer, focusing on the art and science of photography. With a Master’s degree in Photography and Media, she is driven to educate through an analytical approach, visually and technically. With her guides and tutorials, Kim seeks to uncover new facets of this time-honoured medium and foster a deeper understanding of its profound role in culture. Kim highlights topics that resonate with modern society, including women in photography and critical issues such as environmental conservation. She also discusses and reviews camera gear, giving you an overview to find the best fit for your photography journey. With contributions from Josh DuryAstrophotographer You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. "I just love capturing the magic of the night sky," reveals astrophotographer Josh Dury Astrophotography in April 2025: what to shoot in the night sky this month Astrophotography in February 2025: what to shoot in the night sky this coming month 12,220 photos on 70 nights over four years. 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