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M16 – the so-called Eagle Nebula with the 3 Pillars of Creation in its center – is one of the most iconic images we know from the Hubble Space Telescope. Photo: Michael S. |
From photographing high‑energy sports events to hours focused under the stars, DPReview community member Michael S. (Astro Tafelberg) has spent more than 30 years chasing moments that combine precision, light and timing. Based in Austria’s Burgenland region, he now devotes most of his nights to astrophotography, revealing distant worlds few ever see through their own eyes.
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Meet Michael S. (Astro Tafelberg)
Home base: Burgenland, Austria
Favorite camera and lens: Leica SL3 with Leica 90–280 mm F2.8–4 or Nikon D810a paired with a 14‑inch telescope for deep‑sky imaging.
Typical photo scenes: Wildlife walks in national parks by day, lunar and planetary sessions from his observatory by night.
What’s in Michael’s bag
- Primary camera: Leica SL3 full-frame mirrorless
- Lenses: Leica 24-90mm and a 90-280mm, 50mm F1.4 prime, 90mm F2.0 prime and the 150-600mm Sigma L mount
- Secondary cameras: Nikon Z8, Nikon D810a and a Leica Diglux 8
- Other lenses: Sony 14mm F1.8
- 1.4x teleconverter used with the Sigma 150-600mm
- Lowepro packs in two sizes – medium and large
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Michael’s camera bag with camera, lenses and other accessories. Photo: Michael S. |
“For daytime nature work, I rely on my Leica SL3 and a mix of Leica glass 24–90 mm, 90–280 mm, 50 mm F1.4, and 90 mm F2, plus a Sigma 150–600 mm L‑mount with a 1.4× teleconverter. My trusty Leica Digilux 8 serves as a compact backup.
For astrophotography, I use the Nikon D810a and specialized cameras from ZWO and Player One Astronomy mounted on a 14‑inch telescope inside my backyard observatory.”
Why is the Leica SL3 your preferred camera?
“The Leica SL3 delivers lifelike detail and color straight from the sensor, perfect for wildlife and landscapes where realism matters most.”
“The Leica SL3 delivers lifelike detail and color straight from the sensor, perfect for wildlife and landscapes where realism matters most.”
Why is the 14‑inch telescope and Nikon D810a your preferred pairing?
“Using ‘lucky imaging,’ I capture hundreds of frames of planets like Mars, Jupiter, or Saturn, then stack only the sharpest. On moonless nights, I switch to deep‑sky mode with a 0.7× reducer, bringing my setup to F7.7 for longer, more detailed exposures.”
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Jupiter – a detailed image of the gas giant with the famous Great Red Spot – again imaged with the planetary setup, high-speed camera with color sensor, and the best images, most stable ones out of a 2-minute video recorded and stacked. Photo: Michael S. |
What other gear makes a difference for you?
A sturdy Manfrotto tripod is essential. I also use neutral‑density filters for smooth water shots on hikes, and always carry a bottle of still water because imaging sessions can run for hours.
How do you adapt your setup to different situations?
If the skies are clear, I spend the night at the observatory capturing the cosmos. When the weather turns cloudy, I hike in nearby parks to spot wildlife. My goal remains the same: to capture scenes as authentically as possible.
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| M33 – one of our neighbor galaxies, about 2.8 million light-years away. Imaged using my 14-inch telescope + Nikon D810a.
Photo: Michael S. |
Michael’s advice for other photographers
Michael believes that mastering the fundamentals, such as equipment stability, precise focus and patience, is what separates a good shot from a great one, whether you’re freezing a fast‑moving athlete or stacking photons from a galaxy.
If you’d like to share your photography setup, tell us about your main camera, lens choices, key settings and photography strategies. You could be featured next!
Editor’s note: This article continues a series, ‘What’s in your bag?’, highlighting DPReview community members, their photography and the gear they depend on. Would you like to be featured in a future installment? Tell us a bit about yourself and your photography by filling out this form. If you’re selected for a feature, we’ll be in touch with next steps.
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