Midnight canyon shoots need gear that can handle low light but won’t break the bank. Here’s the quick playbook: 1. **Stick to the big three brands** – Canon, Nikon, Sony. Their mid‑range bodies (like the Sony A6400, Canon 80D, Nikon Z50) hit low‑light performance without the flagship price. 2. **Buy used or refurbished** – Check B&H’s refurbished section or camera stores that sell graded used gear. A 5‑year old sensor is still a sensor, and you’ll save 30‑50%. 3. **Skip the “extras”** – You’ll probably never use a fancy tripod top‑end or a flash with a built‑in diffuser. Pick a lightweight, solid tripod (think Manfrotto Compact) and a portable LED light if you need one. 4. **Watch the sales calendar** – Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Back‑to‑School sales are the sweet spots. Set a price alert on CamelCamelCamel or Honey to get notified when the body or lenses hit your target. 5. **Use cashback and coupon sites** – Sign up for Rakuten, Honey, or the retailer’s own cashback program. Even a 5% extra savings on a $600 body is a $30 win. 6. **Limit lenses** – Go for a versatile zoom (24‑70mm or 24‑105mm). It covers most canyon shots and you won’t be hunting for different focal lengths in the dark. 7. **Negotiate** – If you’re buying in person, ask for a discount or a free carry‑case. Even a 10% reduction is worth it. 8. **Test before you buy** – If possible, rent the gear for a day. That way you confirm it meets your night‑shoot needs without committing. Keep the list tight, lock in the deals, and you’ll be rolling out of the cave with a camera that feels like a pocket‑knife—compact, sharp, and not a pain in the wallet. Happy shooting.