Recommended settings#
ModeAperture priority or Manual
Aperturef/8–f/11Sunstars on lights
Shutter2–30 s
ISO100
FocusManual, one-third into the scene
White balance3800–4500 K
Bracketing3–5 frames ±2 EVFor HDR blends
Quick start: Shoot during blue hour on a tripod at f/8 for balanced sky and lights, with sunstars from street lamps.
Starting exposures#
Typical scene brightness for this situation is around EV 3. Use these as a first test shot, then check the histogram.
| Aperture | ISO 100 | ISO 400 | ISO 1600 | ISO 6400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| f/1.4 | 1/4 s | 1/15 s | 1/60 s | 1/250 s |
| f/2.8 | 1 s | 1/4 s | 1/15 s | 1/60 s |
| f/5.6 | 4 s | 1 s | 1/4 s | 1/15 s |
| f/8 | 8 s | 2 s | 0.5 s | 1/8 s |
| f/11 | 15 s | 4 s | 1 s | 1/4 s |
Step by step#
- Arrive before sunset and compose.
- Shoot through blue hour as the sky balances with city lights.
- Bracket for highlights in neon signs.
Gear checklist#
- Tripod
- Remote
- Wide-to-standard zoom
Pro tips#
- Blue hour lasts only 20–40 minutes at mid latitudes — use the golden hour calculator.
- Wet streets double the light with reflections.
Common mistakes#
- Waiting for full darkness: the sky turns black and loses depth.
Related guides#
Frequently asked questions#
What are the best camera settings for cityscapes at night?
Aperture: f/8–f/11 · Shutter: 2–30 s · ISO: 100. Shoot during blue hour on a tripod at f/8 for balanced sky and lights, with sunstars from street lamps.
What gear do I need for cityscapes at night?
Tripod, Remote, Wide-to-standard zoom.
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources