Capturing the Night: Nels Moxness on Essential Cameras and Equipment for Wildlife Photography After Dark

 The Right Camera: Full-Frame DSLRs and Mirrorless Options At the heart of night wildlife photography is the camera. For capturing high-quality images in low-light conditions, Moxness recommends using a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera. These cameras excel in low-light performance due to their larger sensors, which allow for better light gathering and less noise at high ISO settings.

Full-frame options like the Canon EOS R5 or the Nikon D850 are popular choices among night photographers. These cameras offer impressive dynamic range and high ISO capabilities, making them ideal for capturing the subtle details and vibrant colors of nocturnal wildlife.

Mirrorless cameras, such as the Sony A7 III or the Canon EOS R6, provide the added benefit of being lighter and more compact, which can be advantageous during long treks in the wilderness. Additionally, mirrorless cameras typically offer superior autofocus performance in low light, helping you lock onto fast-moving animals with precision.

Lenses: Fast and Versatile

Pairing your camera with the right lens is essential for night wildlife photography. Moxness emphasizes the importance of using fast lenses with wide apertures, such as f/2.8 or wider. These lenses allow more light to reach the sensor, enabling you to shoot at faster shutter speeds and lower ISO settings, which helps minimize noise.

Prime lenses like the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L or the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 are excellent choices for their exceptional light-gathering capabilities and sharpness. However, if you prefer the flexibility of zoom lenses, consider options like the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM or the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8. These lenses offer a good balance between versatility and low-light performance.

Tripods and Supports: Stability in the Dark

A sturdy tripod is indispensable for night wildlife photography. Long exposure times are often necessary to capture enough light, and any camera shake can result in blurry images. Moxness suggests investing in a high-quality tripod with a strong, stable build, such as those made by Gitzo or Manfrotto.

In addition to a tripod, a gimbal head can be incredibly useful. Gimbal heads, like the Wimberley WH-200, provide smooth and balanced support for heavy telephoto lenses, allowing you to track moving wildlife with ease and stability.

Lighting: Illuminating the Scene

While natural light is minimal during nighttime, having supplemental lighting equipment can enhance your photography. Moxness recommends using a powerful flashlight or headlamp with adjustable brightness, such as those from Fenix or Black Diamond. These lights help you navigate in the dark and set up your equipment without disturbing the wildlife. For creative lighting, consider using an external flash with a diffuser to add subtle, controlled light to your shots. The Godox V1 flash, with its round head and magnetic accessories, is a versatile choice for wildlife photography.

Remote Shutter Release: Minimize Camera Shake

To further reduce the risk of camera, shake during long exposures, Moxness advises using a remote shutter release. Wireless remote triggers, such as the Vello FreeWave Plus, allow you to take photos without physically touching the camera, ensuring maximum stability.

Additional Accessories: Enhancing Your Setup

Several other accessories can enhance your night wildlife photography experience. A comfortable camera backpack with ample storage, like those from Lowepro or Peak Design, will help you carry your gear safely and conveniently.

Lens hoods are also essential to reduce lens flare from artificial lights or the moon, and carrying extra batteries and memory cards ensures you’re prepared for extended shooting sessions.

Post-Processing: Bringing Your Images to Life

Finally, Moxness highlights the importance of post-processing in night wildlife photography. Editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop allows you to fine-tune your images, adjusting exposure, noise reduction, and color balance to bring out the best in your nocturnal captures.

Conclusion

Night wildlife photography offers a unique and rewarding way to connect with nature and capture its hidden beauty. By equipping yourself with the right camera, lenses, and accessories, and following the expert advice of Nels Moxness, you can master the art of night photography and create stunning, eye-catching images that showcase the magic of the nocturnal world.