If you find the best lens for astrophotography, high-end purchasing equipment can be prohibitively expensive and not worth it. For instance, a low-cost lens like the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC can produce beautiful images. The Tamron SP AFA012C700 is an excellent alternative that is a little more expensive but can take beautiful pictures.
We’ve been curious about the stars, planets, and Milky Way since we were young. Many of us believed that we would become astronauts and rule the cosmos when we grew up.
Once we reached adulthood, we understood this wasn’t at all simple. Nevertheless, we may still photograph the stars at night with the right equipment and a good camera.
If you’re a photographer who enjoys astrophotography or perhaps does a job doing it, you already know how important it is to have a good lens.
As a result, I’m pleased to inform you that you will find the top 5 lenses for astrophotography in this post. Once you’ve read all I’ve provided, feel free to select the lens that best meets your needs, tastes, and personal style because each of them is distinctive in its own right.
1. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Nikon | Lens Type: Wide Angle | Compatible Mountings: Nikon F (FX) | Camera Lens Description: 24 millimetres | Maximum Focal Length: 24 Millimeters | Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 3.86 x 3.86 inches | Item Weight: 2.14 pounds | Item model number: 2163 | Batteries: 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. | Department: Lenses | Manufacturer: Nikon |
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You have undoubtedly seen the name Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED online while hunting for the best astrophotography lens because it is a well-known one on the market. Though it shouldn’t surprise you, given that this lens is excellent for astrophotography, landscape, or architectural photography, this model will fulfil your photographic needs!
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED’s design is the result of superb craftsmanship, and you will be astounded by how well Nikon has made this product from the moment you pick it up.
In particular, its outer barrel is made of a metal alloy, the focus ring is rubberized, and you can see dust and moisture sealing, which will significantly improve the lens’s overall construction and make it an outstanding travel companion.
The internal components include two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements, three aspherical lenses, and a nanocrystal coat. Combined, these elements will guarantee consistent performance while maintaining the sharpness and the overall contrast quality, even at the widest aperture settings.
But there’s more! Since I’ve described the so-called Silent Wave Motor that Nikon has built-in, which will ensure that you get nothing less than ultra-high-speed autofocusing, I believe the time is now appropriate to discuss the functionality and features.
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED is exceptional in low light because the built-in motor is perfect since the lens quickly locks onto a specified target and is completely silent! At the same time, the autofocus precision is astounding; at the 24mm setting, you can focus as near 10.8′′. I must therefore agree that Nikon did a great job in this instance!
Moving on, you can see that the sharpness is quite good at 14mm and that the centre and mid-frame performance is good if you stop down to f/5.6. However, the performance suffers a little while zooming at large apertures, but it recovers once you reach f/5.6.
In closing, I’d also like to point out that the ghosting effects, flare, and distortion are all hardly perceptible. However, at 20mm, the distortion is completely absent, and I believe you will also be happy with the lens from this perspective.
In conclusion, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED is an excellent choice for photographers who use a camera made by Nikon. If you have the chance to get this lens, seize the chance!
2. Tamron SP AFA012C700 15-30mm f/2.8 Di
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Tamron | Lens Type: Wide Angle | Compatible Mountings: Canon EF | Camera Lens Description: 9 | Maximum Focal Length: 30 | Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 4 x 4 inches | Item Weight: 2.5 pounds | Item model number: A012-C | Date First Available: January 22, 2015 | Manufacturer: Tamron |
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Often regarded as the first f/2.8 ultra-wide-angle zoom lens with image stabilization specifically for full-frame cameras, the Tamron SP AFA012C700 is manufactured by Sigma. Even though it has just recently become available, this lens is typically the first choice for a variety of photographers, many of whom focus on astrophotography.
From a design standpoint, this lens’s optical architecture consists of 18 elements organized into 13 groups, including an XGM element placed in the front group. Several LD glass elements are also present, significantly enhancing your photography.
The built-in image stabilization will catch your attention, which ensures up to 4 stops of compensation if you prefer to have hand-held shooting! On the inside is an Ultra Silent Drive motor whose purpose is to make this lens fast enough to focus on a specific target while maintaining noise-free!
Tamron, however, didn’t stop there! They even added a fluoride coating to the front element to make it resistant to water and dirt, as well as weather sealing and a unique, so-called eBand coating designed to give you more control over reflections and reduce the likelihood of ghosting and flare as much as you can!
Furthermore, there is absolutely no difference in the performance! Its broad 15–30mm focal range, quick 2.8 maximum aperture, and 9-blade round aperture are undoubtedly wonderful additions because the results will be pleasing to you and anybody else who sees them.
In other words, you usually won’t notice blur, only pure color fidelity. However, if you want to push this camera to its limits, at 100% view, you will notice a little bit of blur, but even then, the photographs are still usable!
For instance, the Tamron SP AFA012C700 produces clear imaging even when shot wide open at f/2.8, and you can fully stop down from f/11 to f/22 because, in this setting, photographs won’t be significantly altered. Since this is the “sweet spot,” I’d advise you to continue with f/5.6 to f/8.
Before we wrap up, I’d also like to let you know that you shouldn’t always use this lens for astrophotography because, with its 11-inch close focus distance and aperture, you may easily experiment to achieve a respectable subject-background separation with a short depth of field.
The Tamron SP AFA012C700 can be considered a strong candidate for astrophotography because of its endless capabilities, even though you’re not required to own it. After all, I’m sure you already know how high-quality this lens is!
3. Zeiss Batis 2/25
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Zeiss | Lens Type: Wide Angle | Compatible Mountings: Sony E | Camera Lens Description: 25 mm | Maximum Focal Length: 25 Millimeters | Product Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.2 x 3.2 inches | Item Weight: 11.8 ounces | Item model number: 000000-2103-750 | Date First Available: July 31, 2015 | Manufacturer: ZEISS | Country of Origin: Japan |
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If you own any Sony A7/A6xxx models, the Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 is a focus wide-angle lens that would be a nice alternative because it is packed with features and has a very sturdy design that makes it pretty suitable to serve you in the long-term!
This model’s external metal shell is constructed of dependable, anodized aluminum, and its inside components are built of a combination of composite and metal. It features a small yet solid body. As you can see, this lens is very durable and suitable for regular usage.
If we set this aside, the Batis 25mm f/2 has 10 elements in 8 groups and an OLED display on the aperture ring to inform you of the estimated focus distance. On the front, a 67mm filter thread is also clearly visible, so I’m really happy with the design.
Speaking of performance, the Batis 25mm f/2 is extremely crisp in the center and edges, but you might experience chromatic aberration when using it wide open at infinity. Despite this, the image quality may not be much impacted.
Even if the overall clarity and contrast are excellent for a prime wide-angle lens, remember that you may always make some in-camera or post-camera adjustments if you feel the image needs it.
Additionally, the anti-reflective coating prevents flare from being noticeable in most circumstances. However, you might still notice some slight ghosting effects. The manufacturer, however, struck gold with the coma performance. In other words, even at f/2, the amount of coma is hardly perceptible. Therefore, you’ll be happy to take nighttime photos of the stars!
If you utilize the lens and camera properly, the Batis’ 9 rounded aperture blades will help you obtain good “bokeh” results, so I must let you know that it performs well in this area. Those who have used this camera claim to be pleased with the lens, and if you ever decide to buy it, I hope you will feel the same way.
Finally, the autofocus is swift and quiet, and even better, it covers the entire frame of the A7 cameras, which is exactly what I would have expected from a Zeiss!
In conclusion, buying this lens would significantly boost your photography abilities, and if you do so, you will be thrilled to have such a potent lens in your collection of shooting tools!
4. Sigma 18-35mm (210101)
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Sigma | Lens Type: Wide Angle, Normal | Compatible Mountings: Canon EF | Camera Lens Description: 9 | Maximum Focal Length: 35 Millimeters | Product Dimensions: 20.8 x 14.2 x 7.7 inches | Item Weight: 1 pound | Item model number: 210101_K8 | Date First Available: June 22, 2018 | Manufacturer: SIGMA |
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The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM is a distinctive lens; some people view it as a technological marvel since it is the first zoom lens to have an incredibly quick/wide aperture! However, this is fantastic news for you if you use a Canon camera!
Speaking of the design, the Sigma makes use of a robust construction that includes a tough brass mount and a metal barrel that is made of a substance known as “Thermally Stable Composite,” which makes this lens incredibly capable of being used in both cold and hot temperatures without affecting its performance at all.
You can tell the manufacturer put their all into the project because there are 17 elements broken up into 12 groups, 5 low-dispersion, and 4 aspherical elements.
The 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM sports a ring-type, ultrasonic AF motor with full-frame manual focusing, a 72mm filter size, and a constant 1.8 aperture, which implies its low-light capabilities are quite astounding, and let’s not forget the manual override.
Curiously, if you’re using an AF mode, the manual override will enable you to focus manually quite quickly. Those who have used this lens state that the time it takes to go from the closest focus to infinity is less than a second, and the AF motor is also almost completely silent during this process. Thus, I’m at a loss for comment at this time.
This lens produces clear images no matter what the aperture is also caught my eye. Vignetting, distortion, and chromatic aberration are non-existent even at f/1.8, and if you choose to use this lens, you will undoubtedly notice this immediately. At f/1.8 and f/1.28, for example, the resolution and general sharpness are excellent, and chromatic aberration is virtually undetectable when shooting at narrower apertures. I think that sounds good.
This camera’s 9-blade rounded diaphragm is another fantastic feature. If you feel you need it, it will help you produce superb “bokeh” results. In addition to shooting astrophotography, you can also shoot portraits, landscapes, and other forms of photography with no issues!
Overall, I highly advise you to give the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM a try because it is deserving of consideration and possession, especially given its excellent low-light performance and its capacity to reduce ghosting, flare, distortion, and chromatic aberration without having to spend a fortune!
5. Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Rokinon | Lens Type: Wide Angle | Compatible Mountings: Nikon F | Camera Lens Description: 10 | Maximum Focal Length: 14 Millimeters | Product Dimensions: 3.78 x 3.43 x 3.43 inches | Item Weight: 1.22 pounds | Item model number: FE14MAF-N | Manufacturer: Rokinon |
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Without requiring you to pay hundreds of dollars to have the possibility to have excellent results when photographing astrophotography, the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC is a typical illustration of how a lens should look and perform.
First, if you’ve been looking to improve your shooting equipment, you may start with this lens. It is compatible with any Nikon camera built on a full-frame/APS-C sensor.
This device’s high build quality is a result of the usage of metal in its design. In reality, this model boasts an all-metal construction that looks opulent and is incredibly dependable and well-known for withstanding regular use!
Its focusing ring is also 35mm wide, encased in a double band of ridged rubber, and placed thoughtfully between the trailing edge of the lens hood and the aperture range to provide you with an even better level of comfort!
One Hybrid Aspherical element, three High-Refractive Index elements, one Glass Aspherical element, and two ED elements are among the 18 elements that make up this particular model, divided into 12 groups. This means there won’t be distortion or chromatic aberrations when integrating them.
The 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC’s fast aperture (f/2.8) and ultra-wide rectilinear field of view on one side make it the perfect lens for astrophotography. On the other hand, the UMC Multi-Coating will help you eliminate flare and ghosting for the highest possible contrast and light transmission.
To be even more specific, the Roku will give you a 115.7-degree field of view on full-frame cameras due to its ultra-wide-angle f/2.8 lens, and let’s not forget the low coma, which is great for shooting images of the night sky!
Lastly, individuals who have used this lens have informed me that the results are incredibly sharp, its focus is precise, and the colors are generally lifelike. Many examples are available online so that you can verify this for yourself.
In conclusion, the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC would be a fantastic choice if you’re eager to invest in a lens that gives outstanding value for its price!
6. Samyang XP 14mm f/2.4
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Samyang | Lens Type: Wide Angle | Compatible Mountings: Canon EF | Camera Lens Description: 9 | Maximum Focal Length: 14 | Product Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.7 x 3.7 inches | Item Weight: 1.75 pounds | Date First Available: October 12, 2017 | Manufacturer: Samyang | Country of Origin: Korea, Republic of |
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This 14mm, f/2.4 prime lens from Samyang’s XP line of high-end manual-focus prime lenses for Canon and Nikon full-frame cameras is best suited for astrophotography. In North America, the lens is offered under Rokinon SP 14mm f/2.4(opens in new tab).
The premium glass is tightly encased in a very sturdy housing. The rubberized manual focus ring’s long rotational travel and fluid feel provide a very secure grip. The mounting plate lacks a weather-seal ring to prevent the entry of dust and moisture. You will need clear, dry, and dust-free conditions to take pictures of the Milky Way.
When reviewing this lens, we were quite amazed by how well it maintained image quality even when used wide open, which is crucial for astrophotography. It performs noticeably better than a Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art or Irix’s competitor 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone lens.
Sharpness is excellent and remarkably uniform throughout the whole image frame. Chromatic aberrations are hardly noticeable, and astigmatism and coma are hardly noticeable. Although barrel distortion can be seen at close focus distances, astrophotography doesn’t have a problem.
In an ultra-wide-angle optic, maintaining outstanding image quality at a lens’s widest aperture for astrophotography is difficult. Still, this Samyang succeeds, which is an impressive feat.
7. Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Sigma | Lens Type: Wide Angle | Compatible Mountings: Canon EF | Camera Lens Description: 24 millimetres | Maximum Focal Length: 24 | Product Dimensions: 3.8 x 9.2 x 5.3 inches | Item Weight: 2.5 pounds | Manufacturer: SIGMA |
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This Sigma lens competes with legendary own-brand models like the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM III and the Nikkor AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED. It is available in Canon EF, and Nikon F mounts. In terms of pricing and image quality, it outperforms both.
The build quality and handling are superb, with a full set of weather seals and a fluorine coating on the front element. Sigma’s optional USB Dock, which allows for customization and firmware updates, is also compatible with the lens.
In our evaluation, we discovered that using this lens allowed us to create nothing less than exceptional photographs. Sharpness is good over the whole frame, even at the shortest focal length with the largest aperture.
The lens does a great job of maintaining fantastic corner sharpness at large apertures. Although barrel distortion is noticeable up close, vignetting is very low, making it insignificant for astrophotography. The management of lateral and spherical aberrations is also excellent.
This is the best ultra-wide, fast-aperture zoom lens available for full-frame Canon and Nikon DSLRs, not only for astronomy.
8. Sigma 20mm F2 DG DN
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Sigma | Lens Type: Wide Angle | Compatible Mountings: Sony E | Camera Lens Description: 20 millimetres | Maximum Focal Length: 20 | Product Dimensions: 2.85 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches | Item Weight: 13.1 ounces | Manufacturer: SIGMA |
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This lens is a good option for astrophotography because it is the widest in Sigma’s expanding line of I-series primes for Sony E-mount and Leica L-mount cameras. Given how compact the lens is, the optical path is extremely astounding.
Thirteen elements, including three high-precision glass-molded aspherical elements, one SLD (Special Low Dispersion) element, and one FLD (Fluorite Low Dispersion) element, are somehow stuffed inside the lens. The Super Multi-Layer Coating and Nano Porous Coating from Sigma are other options.
As a result, the Sigma 20mm F2 DG DN | C performed admirably in our tests and provided great sharpness. When utilized at wider apertures than f/5.6, we saw that vignetting was a touch more severe, and there was some distortion that needed to be cleaned up in the software, but nothing disastrous.
Since you’ll constantly be attached to your tripod when taking astrophotography photos, the ‘C’ or ‘Contemporary’ designation denotes a lightweight and portable lens.
However, this doesn’t matter as much for astrophotography as other photographic specialties. Nevertheless, the metal build is solidly attractive, and the inclusion of an aperture ring is appreciated.
9. Samyang 10mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS CS
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Samyang | Lens Type: Wide Angle | Compatible Mountings: Canon EF-S | Maximum Focal Length: 10 | Minimum Focal Length: 10 | Product Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.38 x 3.38 inches | Item Weight: 1.35 pounds | Manufacturer: Samyang |
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On crop-sensor cameras, this manual-focus Samyang has an “effective” focal length that is amenable to astronomy, ranging from 15–16mm on APS-C format systems to 20mm on Micro Four Thirds. Numerous mount alternatives are available.
However, only the Nikon fit contains built-in electronics. This makes it possible to control the aperture using the camera. This prime lens for crop-sensor cameras differs from most in that it combines a large field of view with a relatively fast f/2.8 aperture.
Focusing manually is accurate and sure. There are no weather seals, yet the build quality feels sturdy. Even when shooting wide-open at f/2.8, performance in terms of coma, spherical aberration, and vignetting is good, enabling stars to maintain their natural shape across the image frame.
While the sharpness isn’t great, it doesn’t diminish significantly as you get closer to the frame’s edges. In the corners of the image, color fringing can be more obvious than usual, and the barrel distortion is about average for this kind of wide-angle prime.
The absence of autofocus isn’t a disadvantage when using this lens for astrophotography in the Micro Four Thirds and APS-C formats. At a price, it offers excellent value.
10. Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Irix | Lens Type: Wide Angle | Compatible Mountings: Nikon F | Camera Lens Description: 15 millimetres | Maximum Focal Length: 15.00 | Product Dimensions: 3.94 x 5.51 x 3.94 inches | Item Weight: 1.54 pounds | Manufacturer: Irix |
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The full-frame compatible Irix 15mm is made in Korea after being designed in Switzerland and comes in Firefly and Blackstone versions. The Blackstone features four weather seals instead of three, a magnesium alloy case instead of plastic, and neon engraved markings for easy viewing. However, they are optically similar.
We mentioned in our evaluation that operating the lens is pleasurable. The focus ring operates precisely and smoothly as a manual-focus lens and feels flawless. The focus ring can be locked in any position using a secondary ring. The ability to adjust the focus ring so that the distance scale is adjusted to your camera body is another wonderful addition.
Excellent image quality and little aberration are present. Even at the largest aperture, much of the frame has great sharpness. At f/2.4, vignetting isn’t too awful, but coma and astigmatism are noticeable, giving stars an atypical form. But simply reducing the aperture by one f/stop, both factors improved.
This prime wide-angle lens is excellent for everyday shooting and is extremely reasonably priced. The only drawbacks to astrophotography at the widest aperture are coma and astigmatism.
11. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM III
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Canon | Lens Type: Wide Angle| Compatible Mountings: Canon EF | Camera Lens Description: 9| Maximum Focal Length: 35 |Product Dimensions: 5 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches | Item Weight: 1.74 pounds | Manufacturer: Canon |
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This is the best zoom lens made by Canon for astrophotography if you have a full-frame Canon DSLR. Although it may not have the same wide angle as the brand’s EF 11-24mm f/4L USM, it is an essential f-stop faster. The highest viewing angle, 108 degrees as opposed to 114 or 110 degrees, is slightly lower than the 14mm and 15mm full-frame on this list.
In addition to two UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) elements and an aspherical ground element at the back, this lens acquires a sizable and intricate double-surface GMO (Glass Moulded) aspherical element at the front. For increased resistance to ghosting and flare, upgraded, high-tech coatings include SWC (SubWavelength Coating) and ASC (Air Sphere Coating).
Fluorine coatings on the front and rear parts provide further weather resistance by repelling moisture and grease. Given that it lacks a permanent built-in hood, the lens’ 128mm length is extremely lengthy. Contrary to competing lenses, the separate bayonet-fit hood makes it simple to mount filters using an 82mm thread. The build quality meets Canon’s normal high L-series standards for durability.
In our lab tests, we discovered that the sharpness and contrast of the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM III were quite remarkable throughout the zoom range. The Mk III’s corner sharpness has significantly increased since the previous model, although it still falls short of the rival Sigma 14–24mm zoom. At f/2.8, spherical aberration is negligibly present, while coma and astigmatism may be seen in the corners of the frame.
12. Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Canon | Focal Length Description: 15-35MM F2.8 | Lens Type: Telephoto| Compatible Mountings: Canon RF| Camera Lens Description: 35 millimetres | Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 5 inches | Item Weight: 1.85 pounds| Manufacturer: Canon USA |
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This is the specific lens you need if you wish to undertake astrophotography with an EOS R5 or R6. It is no surprise that this is a large and heavy lens considering the maximum aperture and focal range offered.
It barely balances on a mirrorless camera made by Canon, but this shouldn’t be a problem for astrophotographers. It has built-in IS, a nice touch, and a detachable hood that enables the attachment of filters through an 82mm filter thread if needed.
We found the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM’s focusing performance to be excellent during testing, and the lens benefits from a Nano Ultrasonic AF technology for almost silent focusing. Did we also mention the excellent visual quality? It is a fantastic lens, but it is very expensive.
13. Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Nikon | Focal Length Description: Ultra Wide Angle 14 to 24 millimeters | Lens Type: Wide Angle | Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z | Camera Lens Description: 14-24mm | Product Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.48 x 3.48 inches | Item Weight: 1.43 pounds | Manufacturer: Nikon |
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Nikon’s most recent effort to draw professionals to the Z mount system is the Nikkor Z 14–24mm f/2.8 S. It fits neatly next to the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and completes the holy trinity of quick f/2.8 S-line zooms while providing uncompromised wide-angle image quality. The 16-element optical stack from Nikon has three aspherical elements, Nano Crystal and ARNEO Coat, to lessen flare and ghosting.
As you might anticipate, Nikon went all-out with the design of this lens to persuade photographers to switch to the Z mount. As a result, this lens’s design, usability, and image quality are excellent. This lens is designed for individuals who demand the best. It is extensively weather-sealed and has stunning sharpness (and it comes with the kind of price tag you might expect).
The lens is completely weather-sealed and has a fluorine coating on the front element to prevent smudges. Huge 112mm filters can be utilized with the attached HB-98 lens hood; Nikon offers Neutral Color and Circular Polarizer choices.
14. Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Sony | Lens Type: Wide Angle | Compatible Mountings: Sony E | Camera Lens Description: 24 millimeters | Maximum Focal Length: 24 Millimeters | Product Dimensions: 5.39 x 3.84 x 3.84 inches | Item Weight: 1.87 pounds | Manufacturer: Sony |
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Sony’s widest zoom until recently was the FE 12-24mm f/4 G(opens in new tab). However, it is not appropriate for astrophotography with a fixed maximum aperture of f/4. The Sony FE 12–24mm f/2.8 G Master is here.
We tested this lens in the lab and field and instantly fell in love. It is a superb option for astrophotography due to its flawless image quality and extremely broad viewing angle.
It is the quickest lens in its class because it offers a fast and continuous f/2.8 aperture and a diagonal coverage of an amazing 122 degrees. Although this lens is expensive, it produces exceptional images and has a quick, quiet, and smooth AF system. This lens is remarkable when the excellent grip and sturdy construction are considered.
15. Tokina Firin 20mm f/2 FE AF
Key-Specifications:
Brand: Tokina | Lens Type: Wide Angle | Compatible Mountings: Sony E | Camera Lens Description: 20 millimetres | Maximum Focal Length: 20 Millimeters | Product Dimensions: 2.89 x 2.89 x 3.21 inches | Item Weight: 1.02 pounds | Manufacturer: TOKINA |
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The Fire 20mm is made for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras and comes in two variations: one with autofocus and the other without. This “AF” autofocus variant has a modern, minimalistic design that matches Sony mirrorless cameras.
Autofocus is often quite accurate and reasonably quick. It is unquestionably valuable for general shooting. The big focus ring moves with precise precision while focusing manually. The Firm has a smaller viewing angle of 92 degrees compared to the other lenses on our list, but its f/2 aperture rating is faster than the norm.
Narrowing the aperture by one f/stop solves the issue of coma and astigmatism that appear at the corners of the frame while shooting wide-open. The disappointing corner sharpness, which is notably bad until you stop down to f/4, cannot be fixed. Even at the very edges of the frame, there is very little color fringing, and distortion is almost nonexistent.
Although its viewing angle can feel slightly constrained for astrophotography, the Firin is a good lens overall.
Buying Guide for Best Lens for Astrophotography
Here we review the best lens for astrophotography; because photography is such a diverse field, there are many things you should think about before making a purchase, regardless of whether it’s a camera, lens, tripod, or another piece of gear.
You should know that particular lenses require deeper comprehension before choosing the lens you feel deserves your attention. The tripod is essential for astrophotography, so I suggest you look at our guide to the best tripods.
In this section, I’ll provide suggestions that will benefit you as you choose the best lens for astrophotography.
If you want to take astrophotography or nighttime landscape images, you should put a wide-angle lens as your top priority because their broader fields of view allow you to include more of the subjects in your shots.
However, employing wide-angle lenses with brief focal lengths will result in a smaller image size at the sensor. This is particularly advantageous if you use slower shutter speeds without worrying about potential rotational-trail difficulties. The larger the angle, in general, the shorter the focal length.
This rule states how long your shutter should be open to stop star trailing, which is the simplest way to understand. For instance, your lens’s focal length and 500 can be divided to determine how many seconds of exposure are required for star trails to appear.
For instance, if we assume that 500 is divided by 14, which results in 35.7, the maximum exposure length is 35.7 seconds.
Astrophotography includes taking pictures of comets, meteors, and other constellations. So you would need a fast lens to capture their movement. But what does “fast” actually mean? The focal ratio of a lens and its aperture determine its speed; the wider the aperture, the faster the lens.
Purchasing lenses intended to help you achieve excellent astrological results is rather expensive. While some people prefer to purchase used ones, you can’t be sure how the previous photographers used them. They would initially seem completely normal and would likely serve you for a long time, but despite this, many questions are still bubbling to the surface. This article’s arrangement of the lenses above makes them suitable for various price points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: What kind of lens works best for shooting stars?
Answer: The easiest way to answer this issue is that you can find the “best” lens in this post, though I won’t term it that because everything depends on personal preference, budget, and shooting technique.
Question: Do Canon and Nikon produce astrophotography-specific lenses?
Answer: Given that they are creating rapid, high-end lenses with focal lengths ranging from 300mm to 600mm and apertures ranging from f/2.8 to f/4, I can confirm that they produce lenses suitable for astrophotography.
Question: What aperture should I use for astrophotography?
Answer: You should frequently comprehend one thing. If you choose an aperture that is as wide as possible, the shutter speed will be as slow as is practical. As a result, “the optimal” aperture is between f/28 and f/5.6.
Question: I believe that a 50mm lens is suitable for astrophotography.
Answer: The 50mm focal length is frequently used for everyday photography because these lenses are neither broad nor narrow but rather fall somewhere in the middle. However, you still might be able to have some success.
Conclusion
Have you chosen your upcoming lens yet? I genuinely hope you did because I made every effort to keep you informed on the best lenses. I also hope you enjoyed reading this essay and learned something. Since they are all well-known on the market and of high quality, if you’re still undecided, I urge you to choose whatever you like!
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