March Lunar Eclipse Astromeet with the Sony Alpha 7 V

Featuring hands-on shooting with the new Sony Alpha 7 V

Join Sony Digital Imaging Advocate Jay Evans for a special urban Astromeet capturing the March Lunar Eclipse from a carefully selected Sydney harbourside location, while spending time shooting with and exploring the capabilities of the new Sony Alpha 7 V.

This Sydney-based Astromeet offers a rare opportunity to photograph the entire lunar eclipse sequence, from moonrise through to maximum eclipse, framed against the city skyline and harbour lights — while also gaining real-world, in-field experience with Sony’s latest Alpha body.

The evening balances active shooting, shared learning, and hands-on access to Sony equipment, making it ideal for photographers curious about the Alpha 7 V’s performance in low light, telephoto work, and demanding night conditions.

🌠 What You’ll Explore & Shoot

🌕 Lunar Eclipse Planning – Tracking eclipse phases, timing, and moon paths using apps

📷 Sony Alpha 7 V in the Field – Low-light performance, autofocus, dynamic range, and handling

📷 Camera Setup & Exposure – Correct settings for lunar detail versus city nightscapes

🏙 Urban Night Composition – Framing the Moon against Sydney’s skyline and harbour features

⏱ Advanced Shooting Techniques – Timelapse sequences, exposure blending, and long exposures

📷 Telephoto Lunar Techniques – Maximising sharpness and detail at long focal lengths

📷 Sony Alpha 7 V & Loan Equipment Access

As part of this Astromeet, attendees will have the opportunity to shoot with Sony loan equipment, subject to availability, including:

📷 Sony Alpha 7 V Camera Bodies

🔭 Telephoto Lenses (ideal for lunar detail and compression)

📸 Wide & Standard Lenses for moonrise and cityscape compositions

This is a rare chance to test the Alpha 7 V in real night-shooting conditions, compare results with your own gear, and explore how Sony’s latest Alpha system performs during a fast-changing celestial event.

🗓 Event Details

🗓 Date: Tuesday 5th March

🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 1:30 AM

📍 Location: Balmain Foreshore

📍 Meeting Point: Balmain East Ferry Wharf

🚗 Parking: Street parking available nearby

🚉 Public Transport: Ferry and bus access available

⚠️ Arrival Note: All participants must arrive on time for sign-in and the safety briefing. Late arrivals may not be able to join the group.

🌕 Eclipse Timeline & Conditions

🌕 Moonrise: 7:21 PM (East)

🌘 Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 7:44 PM

🌑 Maximum Eclipse: 10:33 PM

🌘 Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 1:23 AM

🌦 Weather Dependent Event

• Heavy rain or storms may result in cancellation
• Due to the nature of the eclipse, no alternate date is possible
• If cancelled, a voucher will be issued for use on future Astromeets
• Partial cloud cover may still allow successful shooting and creative outcomes

🥾 Fitness & Terrain

🔹 Grade 1 – Easy

• Flat urban environment
• Short walking distances
• Suitable for all fitness levels

🌌 Join Us Under the Moon

This Astromeet combines a rare lunar eclipse, a Sydney harbour backdrop, and hands-on shooting with the new Sony Alpha 7 V into one focused night of photography.

Whether you’re testing Sony’s latest Alpha body, refining lunar techniques, or capturing your first eclipse sequence, this night offers real-world shooting, shared insight, and unforgettable images.

✨ A rare eclipse. The Sony Alpha 7 V in action. Sydney under the Moon.

🔗 Places are limited — secure your spot and shoot the eclipse with us.

• 🌕 Lunar Eclipse Planning – Tracking eclipse phases, timing, and moon paths using apps
• 📷 Sony Alpha 7 V in the Field – Low-light performance, autofocus, dynamic range, and handling
• 📷 Camera Setup & Exposure – Correct settings for lunar detail versus city nightscapes
• 🏙 Urban Composition – Framing the Moon against skyline and harbour features
• ⏱ Advanced Techniques – Timelapse sequences, exposure blending, and long exposures
• 📷 Sony Camera & Lens Setup – Optimising Sony bodies and telephoto lenses for lunar work

• 🔦 Headlamp or Torch (Mandatory)
• 📷 Mirrorless or DSLR camera
• 🔭 Telephoto lens (100–400mm, 200–600mm, or longest available)
• 📸 Additional lens for moonrise and cityscape compositions
• 🦵 Sturdy tripod plates 
• 🎛 Shutter remote or intervalometer
• 🔍 Optional teleconverter
• 🔋 Spare batteries & memory cards
• 🧥 Warm layered clothing
• 🎒 Comfortable camera backpack
• If loaning a camera body, please bring a Blank formattable SD Card (recommend no less than 32GB) to store your own images.
• Consider we will be in the location for a number of hours to the end of the Eclipse, so I suggest bringing a water bottle and snacks as there are no stores close by.