Collier's Guide to Night Photography in the Great Outdoors - 3rd Edition Paperback – Picture Book, May 21, 2024

I've been an astronomer for more than 30 years. The last time I dabbled in astrophotography was when we used Taurus guiders, 35mm film SLR'S, and CCD cameras had just come out. Fast forward to the 21st century.A few years ago, right around the holidays when we came home from visiting friends, I noticed Orion high overhead in a clear, steady sky. I photographed it with my Canon SX40hs bridge camera, while steadying myself by the car. The photos aren't great, but it reminded me of something I wanted to do years before. The first 3 photos are of the Constellation and Nebula from my light polluted town. Not too bad for a 12mp camera with limited manual settings.Fast forward another 10 years. I sold the Canon many years ago. I just bought a Panasonic Lumix FZ2500 (after owning the FZ1000 version 1). I used it for the first time on a hill above the town a couple of weeks ago. I was hoping to catch an aurora after the Sun flared. I never caught the aurora. I took the moon shot and later realized I caught Ursa Major on the light polluted northern horizon while simply shooting in that direction. The Pan has a lot more potential for wide field shots.The Panasonic is a bridge camera with a 1" sensor and fully manual controls. I've outfitted with the proper filters, nice Tripod, etc. I wasn't going to invest in a DSLR for a couple of years.One thing led to another and I ran across my Sony. At $300, it was a steal. I now own a lightly used mirrorless Sony a7R II, 5 lenses, filters, etc., which I fully intend to use for astrophotography. This Sony is light years ahead of my old 35mm Canon Ftb, made in the late 60's. I have a library of astronomy books, many of which are about astrophotography. All are woefully outdated.This is one of the better astrophotography manuals. It's chock-full of useful information, and is nicely up to date. He covers the type of astrophotography I want to do. You learn how to set up shots, gives guidance on equipment, he gives you the details on photos he's taken. The information can be adapted to bridge cameras. I find the book comprehensive and easy to read.You want to do astrophotography? Pick up any camera and start shooting the sky. You'll be surprised at what you're able to photograph.

Excellent servie and wonderful book

The author has 20+ years experience so that's a huge plus. The photos of what can be accomplished at night are beautiful. There is so much information as to camera brands, lenses, apps, equipment, processing, and references. After going through this book I can't wait to go out and put into practice his advice. This book will be something that I keep coming back to as reference, not something read once and forgotten.