Agonising over astrophotography shots? Traumatised by your next tripod choice? Send your technique and camera questions to digitalcamera@futurenet.com

Andy Westlake assesses a unique telephoto lens for extreme close-up photography

Our comprehensive listing of key specifications for DSLR lenses

The Milky Way is a firm favourite for nightscape photographers and astrophotographers alike, but beautiful images of our Galaxy are well within reach of beginners with basic entry-level equipment too.

AP’s Deputy Editor finds his perfect lens for birding, enjoys a quirky compact camera, and sings the praises of a bargain 35mm film SLR

This hybrid prime rounds out a series that includes 20mm, 24mm, 35mm and 50mm optics. Angela Nicholson investigates if it’s the perfect portrait lens