Quick answer

Use the NiSi 75x80mm Natural Night Filter in your 75mm square filter system to suppress sodium-vapor light pollution, then expose for the night sky. Set up the holder, orient the filter correctly, and fine-tune exposure to keep stars crisp.

Why a square filter helps for city nightscapes

A square filter system lets you switch between lenses without buying a new filter for each thread size. The 75x80mm size is compact and suits mirrorless and DSLR lenses with smaller front elements.

The Natural Night filter targets the specific wavelengths of common street lighting, which helps reduce the orange glow that washes out night skies. This is especially useful when shooting cityscapes where artificial light competes with stars.

When the filter won't fix everything

No filter can eliminate all light pollution. If you're shooting directly into a bright light source or under heavy haze, the filter will help but may not fully remove glow. Also, the 75x80mm size may not cover very wide lenses; check that your lens's front element fits within the filter's coverage.

For best results, combine the filter with proper exposure techniques and shoot when the sky is darkest.

Step-by-step setup for cleaner night skies

  1. Mount the filter holder: Attach the 75mm square filter holder to your lens using the appropriate adapter ring. Make sure the holder is secure and the slots are aligned. Check that the holder doesn't vignette on wide lenses; remove any extra slots if needed.
  2. Insert the Natural Night filter: Slide the NiSi 75x80mm Natural Night Filter into the holder's slot. The filter is directional; ensure the coated side faces the lens (or follow the manufacturer's orientation marks). A common mistake is inserting the filter backwards, which can reduce effectiveness and cause flare.
  3. Set up your camera: Use manual mode, a sturdy tripod, and a remote shutter or 2-second timer. Set aperture to f/2.8–f/4 for sharp stars, and ISO 1600–3200 as a starting point. Avoid using auto white balance; set it to daylight or around 3800K for a neutral sky.
  4. Expose for the sky: Take a test shot and adjust shutter speed until the histogram shows the sky is well exposed without clipping the highlights from city lights. Start with 10–15 seconds and adjust. If the city glow is still too strong, try a slightly shorter exposure and lift shadows in post.
  5. Fine-tune and review: Zoom in on the image to check for star trails or excessive noise. Adjust ISO or shutter speed as needed. Clean the filter with a microfiber cloth if you notice smudges. The filter's protective layer makes cleaning easy, but avoid touching the coated surface.

Product facts