Is it possible to purchase a high-quality camera, lens and even a tripod with a budget of under $600? The answer might surprise you!
To do this, I chose to purchase used items. The prices for the equipment I mention are all from reputable companies such as KEH, MPB, B&H Photo and Video, Adorama, and Used Photo Pro. These companies thoroughly check their gear and offer warranties. You will most likely be able to purchase these items used on eBay and elsewhere from private parties.
Camera
I looked for a professional camera that would still be able to take outstanding night photography photos. I knew I had to find one that was a little long in the tooth to fit the bill. The Nikon D700 fit the bill, although you may be able to find some others. The Nikon D700 full-frame DSLR offers a robust weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, two SD card slots and much more. I used to meet photojournalists who used this because they said that it would never fail them.
Yes, it’s only 12.1 MP. The upside of this is that it does very well in low light. With 12.1 MP, you can still have enough resolution to create large poster-sized prints. I’ve seen night photography prints taken with this camera at poster size, and they looked fine.
As of this writing, I was able to find used Nikon D700s for sale under $200 at reputable companies.
What other cameras can I use?
You may use many other cameras. It doesn’t have to have professional features or full frame, and it doesn’t have to have dual SD slots or a robust build. It does, however, need to have manual controls. Many DSLR or mirrorless cameras have manual controls.
Lens
Because I selected a Nikon D700, I chose a full frame lens, a Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC (with AE Chip) Manual Focus Lens. Although inexpensive, it’s surprisingly sharp. It has a wide aperture, perfect if you wish to do high-ISO Milky Way photos. Many night photographers love to capture an enormous part of the night sky, so this ultra wide lens fits the bill quite well.
The lens is manual focus. However, this is not unusual, as most night photographers don’t use auto-focus. The stars are too dim for almost all cameras to focus. Not to worry, there’s numerous ways to focus manually.
For focusing on subjects, you could use auto-focus, of course. But here, you’ll have to light up the subject and focus on it or use several other methods of focusing at night to get your subject good and sharp.
As of this writing, I was able to easily find used Rokinon 14mm lens for around $170.
Tripod
When you select a high-quality night photography setup, you never overlook a quality tripod. You are going to be fiddling with a tripod almost as much as the camera or lens.
A tripod must be rock solid, both to produce a sharp image as well as to keep your precious equipment safe.
I went with a Manfrotto 190X 3-section aluminum tripod. This supports 15.4 pounds while still achieving a maximum height of 63 inches.
An aluminum tripod is a little heavier than carbon fiber tripods. However, this can be a good thing, especially in high-wind areas. And as a bonus, aluminum tripods are more inexpensive.
As of this writing, I was able to easily find a used Manfrotto 190X for under $130.
Ball head
While I was looking for the tripod, I was able to find some great deals when purchasing it with a ball head used. One place sold the Manfrotto 804RC2 ball head with the 190X for $130! If you can find a bargain like this, you could keep this entire night photography kit under $500!
If this isn’t possible, you can find decent ball heads for under $50, even brand new. A new Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head is also inexpensive but has a load capacity of almost 20 pounds, which is decent.
More thoughts about our $600 night photography kit
The total price for the total price, including the new Manfrotto 494 ball head, is approximately $565. If you shop around or vary the items a bit, it’s possible to get this under $500.
In putting together this ridiculously inexpensive night photography kit, I assumed that you would want to photograph anything that the night threw your way. You would be able to use this to photograph the Milky Way in very dark skies. But you would also be able to use it for other scenarios, such as mixed light urban photography, light painting during full moon photography and anything in between.
I also wanted it to be robust and offer professional features.
Are there other ways to purchase high-quality gear for around $600? Sure. You might be able to find a high-quality, full-frame Canon for around $200. I am not as familiar with Canon, but it’s almost assuredly possible. The Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens also comes in Canon mounts, so that would work as well.
And you would almost assuredly be able to find other lenses and tripods as well on the used market.
I have never owned any of the equipment I mentioned here. However, I have done night photography with people who have used this equipment and have seen a lot of photos produced with this equipment.
You probably would want to also purchase SD cards and a cheap remote shutter release. These were not included in the $600 limit, but would not cost too much more, and are things that you might already own anyway. Regardless, you would still be able to keep your budget under $600.
Unless you know the person selling the equipment or the person has a great reputation as a seller, the safest bet is to purchase from places such as KEH, MPB, Adorama, B&H Photo and Video, or Used Photo Pro.
