The Best Nikon Cameras and Lenses For Night Photography

Capturing successful images of the night sky requires powerful camera equipment. Standard camera settings for night photography can range from 10-25 seconds of exposure, an aperture of f/4.0 – 1.4, and a high ISO ranging from 1600-12800. These types of camera settings create ‘noise’ and hot pixels in your photographs, primarily due to the long exposure and high ISO. Therefore, it is important to select a camera body capable of shooting at high ISO levels to produce clean images. Below you will find links to Nikon camera bodies and lenses that are available and some I highly recommend for night photography. If the list below helps you in any way, please consider using the affiliate links to purchase your new equipment. The links DO NOT cost you extra, but help to support our work, allowing us to keep the list updated… and buy more coffee.

For all other night photography equipment recommendations (tripods, backpacks, jackets, headlamps, and much more), make sure to visit our updated page
‘Best Equipment for Night Photography.’

The Best Cameras and Lenses for Night Photography

Nikon Camera Sensor Comparison

This is a screenshot from DPReview using their free comparison tool. Please note, images shown were taken in a studio using the following settings: 1/20 second, f/5.6 aperture, & 6400 ISO. You can compare different camera bodies, ISO settings, focus on different portions of the image above, and download the original RAW images by visiting HERE.

Nikon Camera Bodies

DSLR Camera Bodies

Mirrorless Camera Bodies

My Top Nikon Camera Recommendations

DSLR Camera Bodies

Mirrorless Camera Bodies


Nikon Lens Comparison

This example compares the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 vs the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8. Sigma Art lenses have significantly improved over the years and have proven to be sharper than other Nikon lenses.

Lenses for Nikon Cameras

DSLR Lenses

Mirrorless Lenses

My Top Nikon Lens Recommendations

DSLR Lenses


Mirrorless Lenses


  • Astronomy Photographer of the Year
    Brad Goldpaint“Two great passions of mine are wilderness travel and experiencing the drama of a night sky. I combine my passions with photography by teaching night sky workshops to people just like you. Come explore the magic of the Milky Way with me as it travels each night over unique landscapes within the Western US.”

    As Seen On
    2018 Astronomy Photographer of the Year
    National Geographic Magazine
    The Oprah Winfrey Network
    Outdoor Photographer Magazine
    NASA