Astrophotography is a photographic self-discipline that’s accessible to virtually everybody with a digicam and package lens. Whereas package lenses are helpful, most astrophotographers discover that quickly after getting began they wish to improve. So to get respectable outcomes you may must put money into a quick, shiny lens with good optical readability.
When you’re prepared for a brand new lens, apertures of f2.8 and wider are what you’re on the lookout for, to let as a lot mild attain your digicam’s sensor as attainable. Should you’re critical in regards to the interest, investing in one of many best cameras for astrophotography can be a no brainer — once you’re arrange with an excellent physique and a strong lens, you may see some critical enhancements in your pictures.
There are many different astro equipment value throwing in your package bag too, from small issues like lens heaters and intervalometers to bigger bits of package like star trackers. Nonetheless, you’ll discover an enormous distinction when you improve to high-quality glass, so that is the very best place to start out.
Third-party lens producers akin to Sigma come into their very own once you’re on the lookout for astrophotography lenses, as not solely are their lenses usually cheaper, however they have a tendency to create lenses that fill niches ignored by the digicam producers. Whether or not primes or zoom lenses, there’s an astro lens to suit each type of price range. In reality, a few of the cheaper manual-focus lenses can outclass their extra refined competitors, as you don’t essentially want AF when specializing in the celebs.
The very first thing we observed throughout our Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art review was simply how heavy it’s. At 2.58 lbs it is on the weightier facet, however with heft within the hand comes heft by way of optical high quality, too. The construct high quality is outstanding and the lens can be weather-sealed, however this is not a lot of a priority for the astrophotographer as a result of inclement climate means dangerous evening sky imaging. The mounted focal size and extra-wide area of view are additionally superb for capturing expansive vistas of the panorama and evening sky.
Efficiency within the area is nothing in need of gorgeous. Stars seem pin-sharp, even when the aperture is opened as much as its spectacular f/1.8 most, though stopping down the aperture slightly will enhance the coma that seems in the direction of the corners of the picture body at its widest opening. Chromatic aberration (coloration fringing) is nicely managed when capturing at extensive apertures and picture distortion is dealt with equally nicely — not one thing one can find with all ultra-wide lenses.
It’s value noting that the lens doesn’t have a filter thread because of the bulbous nature of its entrance ingredient. This will not be a deal-breaker for astrophotography, however it’s a consideration to bear in mind when you additionally plan to make use of this lens for daytime shoots. For an ultra-wide lens, the efficiency of the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Artwork is prime class.
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM is one other lens from Sigma’s ‘Artwork’ vary, well-known for its optical high quality and high-class engineering. After we reviewed the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM we could not assist however discover greater than a passing resemblance to the mounted 14mm focal size of Sigma’s 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Artwork. However the f/2.8 has the additional benefit of boasting a zoom vary from 14mm by to 24mm. There may be all the time a trade-off when utilizing zoom lenses for astrophotography and it comes within the form of a diminished most aperture measurement of f/2.8.
Certain, at f/2.8 it will not soak in as many photons as its 14mm f/1.8 cousin, however the advantage of capturing with a zoom lens is the flexibility it offers for composing at a number of focal lengths, lowering the necessity to transfer the digicam as a lot.
The lens is optimized for full-frame cameras and has a usually strong Sigma building. Zoom and focus rings function easily and the lens has speedy and virtually silent autofocus – useful when you want to use the lens for daytime use. Picture distortion is minimal and stars seem sharp all through a lot of the picture body with little to no chromatic aberration, even on the widest aperture setting. This lens is on the market in Canon and Nikon mount choices however the Canon model may also be used on the Sony E-Mount system when utilizing Sigma’s MC-11 mount converter.
This lens is sort of merely among the best lenses available on the market right this moment for astrophotography.
Astrophotography will be an costly interest, not least as a result of this style of images calls for the usage of costly lenses which have extensive most apertures. Fortuitously, there are some glorious budget-friendly choices obtainable, too, just like the Rokinon/Samyang 14mm f/2.8. Though this South Korean-made lens is likely one of the most cost-effective fashions on this round-up, we gave it 4/5 stars in our Rokinon/Samyang 14mm f/2.8 review and really feel it deserves to be listed as among the best lenses for astrophotography.
There are explanation why this lens is cheaper than different ultra-wide lenses and that’s primarily as a result of this lens is totally guide – each the main target and aperture are managed manually. As the main target is often set manually in astrophotography anyway, this doesn’t current an issue. Equally, setting the aperture utilizing the guide adjustment ring close to the bottom of the lens is just not an enormous concern. It does, nevertheless, imply that there’s no digital connection between the lens and the digicam connected to it, so no picture knowledge shall be relayed together with your pictures. The development of the lens physique, though plastic, is pretty strong and light-weight.
Star sharpness is usually superb on the Rokinon/Samyang however there’s deteriorating sharpness in the direction of the corners at f/2.8, with some proof of coma and chromatic aberrations. The distortion and vignetting are heavy with this lens however each of those will be corrected in post-processing.
In abstract, it is a very succesful and reasonably priced ultra-wide lens that’s superb for newcomers to astrophotography or these with a smaller price range.
Launched in 2015, the Tokina AT-X 11-20mm f/2.8 AF Professional DX has now been changed by the Tokina atx-i 11-20mm f/2.8 CF, however the older AF Professional DX listed right here remains to be worthy of a spot within the digicam bag.
Regardless of its retro aesthetics, Tokina has constructed a tricky, sharp lens with a quick aperture of f/2.8 which is fixed all through the zoom vary; good for astrophotography. The Tokina has been particularly manufactured for crop sensor cameras which have an APS-C sensor and presents mount choices for each Canon and Nikon customers.
Each Canon and Nikon have competing ultra-wide-angle zoom lenses for APS-C cameras, nevertheless, solely the Tokina presents a relentless f/2.8 aperture all through the zoom vary. The lens is supplied with a detachable lens hood, which is a useful addition and helps to maintain dew from forming on the glass ingredient throughout humid nights beneath the celebs. When the hood is eliminated, there’s an possibility of utilizing the 82mm thread to connect filters akin to noise air pollution or star glow filter to reinforce your evening pictures. Auto-focus is slightly sluggish and noisy on the Tokina, though that is unlikely to be of concern when capturing the evening sky as a result of guide focusing is the order of the day.
Optically, the Tokina produces glorious outcomes with sharp pictures even when shot extensive open at an aperture of f/2.8. Coma is nicely managed. General, this lens represents unbelievable worth for cash and might be the very best ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for photographers utilizing a crop sensor, APS-C Canon or Nikon digicam.
The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM is from Sony’s line of best-quality lenses, the ‘G-Grasp’ vary, and is the costliest lens on the checklist. This lens has a strong construct, is compact and comparatively mild at simply 1.87 lbs — fairly a feat for an f/2.8 aperture lens with such a large viewing angle. The mixture of a giant aperture and extra-wide viewing angle signifies that the entrance glass ingredient is massive and bulbous by design. A petal-shaped built-in hood protects the glass, nevertheless, this additionally means there’s no possibility to make use of a entrance filter with out investing in an tailored filter system. The excellent news is that there’s a slot within the rear of the lens for gel filters.
Picture high quality is nothing lower than spectacular. Stars seem extraordinarily sharp within the heart of the picture and nonetheless very sharp within the corners all through the complete focal size vary, even on the widest aperture of f/2.8. The shortest focal size of 12mm offers a whopping viewing angle of 122 levels — good for capturing big parts of the Milky Way and panorama, which may solely be achieved by taking panoramas with many different lenses.
This stylish lens is right for astrophotography when you’re a Sony shooter and wish solely the very best quality astro pictures. Certain, this lens is dear however it’s additionally of the best caliber and it might simply be the one wide-field astro lens you ever want.
This shiny, ultra-wide 14mm prime lens is Sony’s reply to Sigma’s 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Artwork lens. Each lenses supply the identical mounted focal size and most aperture however there’s a marked distinction between the 2. The Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM has been designed particularly for its mirrorless system, which implies Sony have been capable of engineer a a lot smaller and lighter lens. For comparability, the Sony weighs in at 1.02 lbs and the Sigma suggestions the scales at a chunky 2.6 lbs. This interprets right into a significantly better steadiness when the native Sony lens is fitted to a Sony digicam.
The Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM is the widest Sony prime lens and it has the same old high-resolution, climate seals and clean focusing like all of the lenses in Sony’s G-Grasp vary. The lens additionally incorporates a devoted aperture management ring for guide management, which is a useful function for fast publicity modifications. The entrance ingredient is fluorine-coated to repel moisture and is protected by an built-in lens hood. With minimal distortion and vignetting, star sharpness is maintained all through the body and in the direction of the corners.
At the same value to the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM, it is laborious to see why a Sony consumer would select one thing else for an ultra-wide astrophotography lens.
Touted by Nikon because the world’s shortest full-frame f/2.8 ultra-wide-angle zoom, this totally sealed lens slots into the trinity of Nikon’s skilled mirrorless zoom lenses. At simply 1 lb 7oz in weight the Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S has a compact and light-weight building, regardless of its extensive aperture and ultra-wide viewing angle on the shortest finish of the focal vary. Construct high quality is great and the entrance ingredient is noticeably much less bulbous than related lenses from different manufacturers. This permits the choice of attaching 112mm filters to the entrance of the lens utilizing the equipped lens hood. Nonetheless, that is of restricted enchantment for astrophotography and 112mm threaded filters are pricey. The inclusion of a customizable Lens Perform (L-fn) button offers the consumer the power to additional modify settings immediately with out having to scroll by menus.
The Nikkor has distinctive picture high quality with little distortion and vignetting. Extra importantly, coma and different aberrations are largely absent from the far corners of the picture body. The lens sports activities a programmable lens management ring which, though not very helpful for astrophotography, could also be useful for daytime images. Nonetheless, astrophotographers will most likely be extra within the useful LCD show on the lens which lets them see and make modifications in the dead of night with out having to modify on a headlamp.
In abstract, this is a perfect astrophotography lens for the Nikon mirrorless system, even when it is slightly dear.
The Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 ED has been round since 2008 and is part of the ‘holy trinity’ of Nikon FX lenses, together with the 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8. A favourite amongst astrophotographers, we gave it a hair’s breadth off full marks on our Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 ED review.
No lens is bomb-proof however the building of this lens means it’s constructed to final and it offers with no matter circumstances are thrown at it, together with the occasional knock. Its easy however efficient design means the lens is straightforward to deal with, even on chilly nights whereas sporting gloves. The integral petal-shaped lens hood defending the entrance ingredient signifies that a pricey third-party filter adapter is required to connect filters, though that is solely prone to be a problem when you plan to make use of the lens through the daytime. The main target ring is comfy to grip and the motion is clean.
At f/2.8, the lens delivers crisp, clear pictures with small pinpoint stars, a attribute of the sort of lens. There’s a slight quantity of barrel distortion, however it’s simply corrected with a easy click on within the lens profile part in post-processing software program.
Full body Nikon customers will love the flexibility and high quality of pictures this lens delivers however now there are newer options available on the market, such because the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art, which presents full climate sealing and fluorine-coated optics. That being stated, the Nikorr is a superlative ultra-wide zoom for astrophotography, supplied you’re blissful to hold across the further weight.
The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM makes use of Canon’s highest high quality L-series glass and is fantastically crafted, with a clear uncluttered design. Publicity controls will be assigned to the customizable management ring through an RF digicam physique and the lens has clean, silent focus and zoom rings. The lens boasts 5 stops of optical stabilization which, though not related in astrophotography, is a large bonus when capturing handheld in different low mild conditions. When reviewing the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM we linked it to a suitable RF physique to spice up IS to a formidable 8 stops.
At 15mm, the lens has a 1mm wider viewing angle than the prevailing 16-35mm incarnations from Canon’s DSLR vary of lenses and the design of the entrance lens ingredient is such that filters will be connected through the 82mm thread when the removable hood is eliminated. Photos are razor sharp all through however there’s some edge sharpness drop-off when capturing extensive open at f/2.8. A lower in edge sharpness is exhibited in lots of lenses however then the Canon isn’t low-cost, which is mildly disappointing, however actually not a deal-breaker.
Compared to different ultra-wide zoom lenses featured on this checklist, the 15-35mm covers a broader and extra helpful focal vary, enabling you to crop pictures extra tightly, which is solely not attainable with different lenses. The Milky Way core will be seen at 35mm in superb element.
This lens is a superb, high-performing software for astrophotography and very succesful. However that is extra than simply an astrophotography lens — its versatility means the lens can be good for panorama and structure images. Certain, it is an costly lens, however the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM among the best lenses Canon has made and is very really helpful for EOS R-series homeowners.
Canon 16-35mm L lenses have a popularity for high quality so it’s unsurprising that amateurs and professionals use them so broadly. A highly regarded lens, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM replaces the earlier Mk II and in doing so addresses the issues of its predecessor.
Upon reviewing the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM, the newest iteration of this lens builds upon the standard of the Mkii and introduces enhancements to the autofocus system, diaphragm and optics, resulting in sharper pictures on the picture periphery when capturing at its widest aperture settings and focal vary. Picture stabilization was sadly dropped from this newest model, however this might must be switched off for lengthy exposures at evening anyway.
The helpful fixed aperture of f/2.8 is right for astrophotography, as is the focal vary, permitting the consumer 20mm of flexibility to play inside the area. The lens handles properly with strong construct high quality and the high-speed USM autofocus system is speedy and correct. Focusing manually is the norm when capturing pictures of the evening sky however it is a useful function to have on a flexible lens that may also be used for extra purposes than simply nightscapes. The lens can be suitable with filters because of the inclusion of an 82mm thread.
The lens has been designed to appropriate chromatic aberration and distortion, though there’s some very slight distortion on the corners at shut examination. Nonetheless, this distortion solely turns into obvious when inspecting your entire picture at very excessive magnification.
Though costly, this lens produces glorious outcomes in relation to capturing wide-field pictures of the evening sky.
How we take a look at the very best lenses for astrophotography
With the intention to assure you’re getting trustworthy, up-to-date suggestions on the very best lenses to purchase right here at House.com we make sure that to place each digicam lens by a rigorous evaluate to completely take a look at every product. Every lens is reviewed primarily based on a large number of facets, from its building and design, to how nicely it capabilities as an optical instrument and its efficiency within the area.
Every lens is rigorously examined by both our professional workers or educated freelance contributors who know their topic areas in depth. This ensures honest reviewing is backed by private, hands-on expertise with every lens and is judged primarily based on its value level, class and destined use. For instance, evaluating a 150-600mm superzoom telephoto lens appropriate for a full-frame digicam to a glossy little wide-angle prime destined for a crop sensor wouldn’t be applicable, although every lens is perhaps the very best performing product in its personal class.
We have a look at how simple every lens is to function, whether or not it accommodates the newest up-to-date imaging know-how and have a look at its weight and portability. We’ll additionally make ideas if a selected lens would profit from any extra package to provide the finest viewing expertise attainable.
With full editorial independence, House.com are right here to make sure you get the very best shopping for recommendation on digicam lenses, whether or not you should buy one or not, making our purchasing guides and evaluations dependable and clear.
Prime lenses vs Zoom lenses for astrophotography
Some photographers want utilizing mounted focal size prime lenses for astrophotography and others want zoom lenses, however which lens is the fitting astrophotography lens for you? It’ll come all the way down to a steadiness between versatility, value, private choice and which digicam system you employ.
Generally, prime lenses exhibit much less distortion and carry out higher in low mild. Alternatively, zoom lenses are extra versatile and supply a bigger vary of focal lengths, however on the expense of a barely smaller most aperture and diminished light-gathering capacity.
Should you’re on the lookout for one lens to do the job, a wide-angle zoom possibility is a superb selection because it lets you work throughout a spread of focal lengths in a single handy package deal. If, alternatively, your precedence is most mild assortment and also you don’t thoughts a set focal size, go together with one of many shiny and very quick f/1.8 choices we’ve listed right here. These are glorious for photographers with out star trackers, when publicity occasions are restricted. Alternatively, when you’re simply beginning out in your astrophotography journey and don’t wish to lay our a fortune simply but, it’s laborious to look previous the very reasonably priced Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 which is great worth for cash.
