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THEAPPRENTICE

TOP GEAR #

Samyang 14mm f/2.

THIS IS a prime wide-angle lens

from Samyang that provides crisp

and sharp images. It’s manual focus

only, but that’s not a problem as I

only use manual focus at night to get

the stars nice and sharp. I generally use this lens on my Canon EOS

DSLR bodies that have an APS-C sensor, giving the lens an equivalent

focal length of around 22mm due to the 1.6x crop factor.

HOT

SHOT

SHUTTER RELEASE CABLE

TO GET a shutter speed longer than 30 seconds you usually

have to use Bulb mode, which allows you to hold the shutter

down for as long need be, releasing the shutter to end it. But

holding the camera shutter down would surely introduce

camera shake? Use a shutter release cable, which you can

use to fire the shutter and lock it in place remotely for the

desired amount of time without nudging the camera.

CHRIS TOP 10 TIPS FOR

OUT OF THIS WORLD SHOTS

1

Check the weather

Use an app or website to check the weather in the

area you’re planning to shoot in. Making sure it’s

going to be a clear, cloud-free night.

2

Use a dark sky map

There are certain ‘dark sky’ spots all over the UK with

low levels of light pollution, so check these out and

plan your shoot here for the best astro images.

3

Shoot on a new moon

A new moon is the opposite of a full moon, and in

this phase reflects little to no sunlight – ideal for

astro shots, as it will reduce light pollution and

make your starry skies much more visible.

4

Stock up on spare batteries

Cold weather at night is sure to drain your camera

batteries quicker than normal, so be sure to charge

your batteries and take plenty of spares.

5

Wrap up warm

Wearing warm clothes, thermals, gloves, thick socks

and a well-padded winter coat will help fend off the

cold at night and keep you going longer.

6

Convert your kit

If you want to take your astrophotography to the next

level, it’s worth converting one of your old cameras

to full-spectrum, or infrared, to get even better star

shots. Chris converted his cameras himself to keep

costs down. You can try too, if you’re feeling brave!

7

Get a head torch

A head torch is an essential gadget for low-light

photography as it’ll make it easier to see the controls

of your camera and frees up your hands from holding

a torch. Be sure to get one with a red light so it

doesn’t interrupt your night vision.

8

Combat condensation

You can get electronically powered bands that wrap

around your lens or telescope to warm them up and

stop condensation forming on the glass of the lens

on cold nights. This will give you crystal clear shots.

9

Look after your lenses

When you bring your kit bag in from a cold night into

your warm home this will cause condensation to form,

which could lead to fungus growing inside your optics!

Leave your kit bag in the coldest room of the house

and let it come up to temperature gradually to avoid

any unnecessary fungus.

10

Go with a friend

Shooting at night isn’t without its dangers so buddy

up with a friend, or another keen photographer, when

you go out to stay safe and also help each other with

capturing the best possible astrophotographs.

Lens Samyang 14mm f/2.

Exposure 30 secs, f/2.8, ISO1250 (87 images stacked)