Light pollution raises the noise floor, it does not erase the signal. The trick is collecting more signal and averaging the noise away.
Gear that actually matters
A fast wide lens beats an expensive body. f/2.8 or faster, 14–24mm, and a tripod that does not flex in wind.
Stacking
Shoot thirty frames at 10 seconds rather than one at 300. Free software will align on the stars and average the result.
