NorthernPixl

Milky Way Field Guide

A complete astrophotography field guide built around your own camera, lens, tracker (or no tracker), operating system, and editing software - pack list, on-site setup, starting settings, and a full stacking-and-editing workflow, downloadable as a PDF.

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Preview

01 · Before you leave

  • Camera body, battery full + 2 sparesCold drains batteries fast, don't rely on one
  • Wide, fast lens (f/2.8 or faster)Remove any UV/clear filter before shooting
  • Sturdy tripod + a weight or hookHang a bag off the centre column if it's breezy

+ 14 more items in the full pack list

What's inside the full guide

  • 02Setting up on siteStep-by-step polar alignment, framing and the sky-exposure sequence, tailored to your tracker (or no tracker).
  • 03Starting settingsExact ISO, aperture and shutter speed worked out for your camera and lens, not a rough guess.
  • 04Editing the shotsA full stacking-and-editing workflow for your chosen software, raw frames through to a finished image.

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Deep Sky Alignment Field Guide→Star Trails Field Guide→

Recommended Gear

Shoot the Milky Way with confidence

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Artcise Carbon TripodA rock-solid foundation is non-negotiable for long exposures on the windy Northumberland coast. Carbon fibre absorbs vibration better than aluminium and saves weight on long hikes.Viltrox 16mm F1.8My go-to for the Milky Way. The ultra-fast F1.8 aperture lets in huge amounts of light, allowing me to keep ISO lower for cleaner images of the night sky.Samyang 14mm F2.8An ultra-wide alternative. The extra width (14mm vs 16mm) is crucial when I need to fit a massive foreground element, like Bamburgh Castle, and the entire arch of the Milky Way into one frame.Star Tracker (MSM)Rotates the camera to counteract Earth's rotation. This allows for 2-minute exposures instead of 15 seconds, capturing far more detail and colour in deep sky objects without star trails.Remote ShutterEnsures absolutely zero camera shake for long exposures. It also allows me to lock the shutter open for 'Bulb' mode exposures longer than 30 seconds.