With that said, astrophotography isn’t as easy as simply pointing your camera at the sky and hitting the shutter button. Photography is already a complex artform. It’s about composing shots accordingly and choosing the best equipment for the job. When you take photographs in a low-light environment, choosing the right equipment gets even trickier. One of your most important pieces for astrophotography is your lens.
Your standard portrait lens won’t do. To create true-to-life photos, you’re going to need to invest in high-quality lenses that go beyond your standard photography toolkit. The best lens for astrophotography will allow you to capture vibrant images of the night sky and all of its colorful glory. These lenses are more than capable of picking up more light from the cosmos while also reducing noise.
Two Astrophotography Techniques
The art of astrophotography is not new. It was originally developed as a collaboration between scientists and photographers. While scientists use highly advanced technology to capture photos of celestial bodies, much of those same principles and techniques powering the equipment are readily available to photographers. Thanks to innovations in the photography world, your camera is more capable than you might think.
There are two distinct methods used for astrophotography. The first is using a traditional DSLR tripod and lens. The alternative to that method would be to attach a camera directly to a telescope.
Using Astrophotography Lenses and a Tripod
Most common among hobbyists and professionals on the go, this method is very easy to pick up. It’s a great option if you plan on traveling to your destination. The basic equipment you’ll need is probably already in your camera bag.
The key to success with this method is to choose a lens that’s capable of capturing photos in low-light settings. Wide-angle lenses on a full-frame camera are recommended. Wide lenses provide a large field of view, which picks up more of those beautiful stars you’re trying to photograph. Even the best camera for astrophotography is only as good as the lense that’s attached to it.
Focal Length
Another thing to consider is the focal length. Focal length refers to how the lens converges or diverges light. With a longer focal length, your images will look narrow and muddy. A short focal length focuses the light on the sensor. So, you can use longer shutter speeds to capture more detail.
Speaking of detail, the biggest challenge that photographers face with astrophotography is chromatic aberration. Have you ever tried to capture an image of the stars with a simple camera phone? Chances are, the final image was nothing more than a mess of less. That’s because chromatic aberration caused star trailing and muddy detail.
To overcome this, you’ll need to compose your shot based on your camera’s focal length. It also helps to get a lens with a maximum aperture setting that’s quick. This increases the signal to noise ratio. Higher signal to noise ratios results in more color saturation, reduced noise, and an overall clearer image.
Three Legs Are Better Than Two
Last, but not least, you’re going to need a solid tripod! Astrophotography requires longer exposure times. Holding your camera still with your hands will only result in a muddy image.
Connecting a Camera to a Telescope
This method was the first to be used for astrophotography. Telescope has impressive magnifying power. When focused correctly, they can produce a truly impressive view of galaxy beyond. So why not take advantage of the power your telescope has to offer?
The setup is ideal for those who want a permanent setup. Focusing a telescope and attaching the camera body to it takes time. Thus, it’s not very practical for artists who are traveling to prime night photography spots.
Before you can take an image, you must attach the camera body directly to the telescope’s eyepiece. This is done with an adapter. Of course, camera manufacturers use a variety of ways to attach lenses onto the main camera body. As a result, not every adapter is going to work with every camera. It’s important to match your adapter with your brand’s particular mounting system.
Best Lenses for Astrophotography
Rokinon 14mm F 2.8 Ultra Wide Lens
Key Specs:
- Available with mounts from Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Olympus
- Ultra wide-angle lens
- 14mm focal length
- Minimum focusing distance: 0.9 feet
- Aperture range: F2.8 to F22
This lens from Rokinon is purpose-built with astrophotography and landscape work in mind. The ultra-wide lens and an impressive aperture range make this a versatile piece of gear that you can use in a wide range of environments. For night photography, the higher aperture setting lets in more light. Plus, it’s designed to reduce noise through by reducing the curve that light has to travel through. Thanks to the UMC Multi-Coating finish, light flares and ghosting are no problem.
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Samyang SY14M-C 14mm F2.8 Ultra Wide Lens
Key Specs:
- Available with mounts from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, and Sony
- Works with full-frame cameras
- 14mm focal length
- Minimum focusing distance: 10.8 inches
- Aperture range: F2.8 to F22
From Samyang is this fixed-angle lens. It works with both full-frame cameras and APS-C cameras. With full-frame gear, you’re getting a 117.7-degree field of view to capture the night sky. Thanks to the fast aperture speed of F2.8, the lens will let in a significant amount of light in just a short period of time. This helps to improve the clarity of your final image and reduce star trailing.
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Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 Lens
Key Specs:
- Nikon mount, also available for Canon
- Made for ASPS-C camera sensors
- Focal length: 11mm – 16mm
- Aperture range: F2.8 to F22
The Tokina Len is built for clarity. Before light even reaches the camera sensor, it must go through two aspherical lenses and two low-dispersion lense. These layers help to keep light focused and reduce that dreaded cloudiness that often comes with astrophotography. This lens has a one-touch focus system and works well with digital zoom. While these may not come into play during a nighttime shoot, the added perks are great for landscape photography.
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Tamron 15-30mm F 2.8 A012N SP Lens
Key Specs:
- Nikon mount
- Built-in vibration compensation feature
- Focal length: 15mm – 30mm
- Aperture range: F2.8 to F22
With its mechanical optical zoom, you can control how much of the night sky you pick up. At its highest setting, the ultra wide-angle Tamrom lens can capture expansive images. Thanks to the shorter focal length option, you can also adjust how light reaches the sensor. The low 15mm range allows for higher shutter speeds and more clarity in your final image. One thing we like about this lens is the vibration compensation feature. It helps to prevent small vibrations, such as wind or a large truck passing by, from affecting your shot.
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Sigma 35mm F 1.4 Lens
Key Specs:
- Available with mounts from Canon, Nikon, Sony E
- Works with full-frame and APS-C cameras
- Internal focusing system
- Focal length: 35mm minimum
- Aperture range: F1.4 to F16
This lens has an incredibly fast and aperture system. The fastest aperture setting you can choose is F1.4. In addition to the fast speeds, the aperture is considerably larger than the standard equipment you’d find in your kit. These two elements help to reduce noise dramatically. The camera will quickly let in light and capture the stars before star trailing can occur. This results in a crisp and vibrant photo that’s true to life.
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High Power Manual Telephoto Lens
Whether you want to take photos of wildlife or natural scenery, you need a good telephoto lens such as this one. Designed to work with Canon cameras, it has a maximum focal length of 500 millimeters. You can get as close as you want to your subjects without disrupting them. It is compatible with a variety of Canon models such as the EOS and T5 models. You get a T-mount that serves two purposes. Not only will this keep the camera secure as you shoot, but it also keeps the camera stable and prevents it from falling.
The optical glass used in the lens has a high index and features several coats of different materials to reduce glares. That lens can also prevent the flares that occur due to the light around you. When you use the optional 2X convertor, this telephoto lens will help you capture shots from a larger distance.
Key Features:
- Compatible with most standard and digital Canon cameras
- T-mount adapter included
- Works with the optional 2X converter
- Coated lens to prevent glares and similar problems
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Canon EF-M – Weitwinkelobjektiv
Key Specs:
- 22m lens
- Max aperture speed: F2.0
- Wide-angle
- STM focus
This lightweight gear is one of Canon’s official camera lenses. It’s a 22mm lens with a wide-angle design. The thin profile of the equipment allows you to capture an expansive view of the night sky without the added bulk. A fast aperture speed of F2.0 ensures that your finished composition has less noise and more clarity than what you’d get with a stock lens.
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Canon EF-M
Key Specs:
- Focal length: 18mm – 150mm
- Aperture range: F3.5 – F6.3
- STM focus
- Built-in image stabilizer
If you’re looking for a flexible lens that you can use in a range of environments, this option from Canon may be for you. It has a wide focal length spectrum, allowing you to adjust the way you capture light. Its lowest focal length is perfect for achieving great image quality of the night sky. Additional features, such as an STM focusing sensor and image stabilizer, can be used during the daytime. Whether you’re shooting still life or a high-resolution video, this lens can do it all.
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Rokinon 35mm F1.2 Wide-Angle Lens
Key Specs:
- Available for Sony E-mount, MFT, Fuji, and Canon
- Focal length: 35mm
- Aperture range: F1.2 – F16
- Minimum focusing distance: 1.25 feet
The 35mm lens from Rokinon has an impressive aperture. For the astrophotography world, the lens provides a way to get clear pictures of the night sky without having to worry about distortion. The wide aperture uses nine blades. Those blades are highly efficient, helping to increase the signal to noise ratio.
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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14mm-24mm F 2.8 Lens
Key Specs:
- Focal length: 14mm – 24mm
- Aperture range: F2.8 – F22
- Low-dispersion elements
- Nano Crystal coating
This Nikkor lens from Nikon offers superb clarity. Milky Way photography has never been easier thanks to the fast and wide aperture. With a low focal length of 14mm and two low-dispersion elements inside, light is heavily controlled as it makes its way to the camera sensor. We also appreciate the build quality of this lens. Not only is it resistant to moisture and dust, but the elements are all coating to prevent flare or ghosting.
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Tokina FiRIN 20mm F 2.0 Auto-Focus Lens
Key Specs:
- Made for Sony E-Series Mount
- Focal length: 20mm
- F2.0 aperture
- Made to combat chromatic aberration
Noise and unwanted star trails are a thing of the past with this lens from Tokina. Hiding within the lens body are several layers that help to reduce chromatic aberration. These include two aspherical glass lenses and three low-dispersion elements. Pair those features with an ultra-fast aperture of F2.0 and you have everything you need to take clear photos of the stars. This particular mount only works with Sony DSLR or mirrorless cameras that use the E-Series Mount.
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JINTU 420-1600mm 800mm f/8.3 Manual Zoom Telephoto Lens
This Telephoto Zoom lens from JINTU is one of the products on this list that I really like. It produces sharp, high-quality images and comes with a lens pouch and protective caps. I found that the manual-focus lens performs best in m mode with the shutter button turned off. The push/pull zoom with integrated zoom lock, tripod, and leather case are included. The main selling point of this lens though, is the ultra-high-definition multi-layer optical components and aluminum alloy chassis. It is compatible with a range of Canon Digital SLR Cameras. I found it really good for landscapes as well as astro. I managed to get one of the best shots I’ve taken of the orion nebula with this lens.
Key Feature:
- Create Sharp High Quality Images
- With Lens Pouch and Protective Caps
- Aluminum alloy housing
- Ultra-high-definition multi-layer optical components
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Best Lens Adapters for Astrophotography
Gosky Universal Cell Phone Adapter Mount
Key Specs:
- Can be used with telescopes, binoculars, and more
- Fits equipment with diameters between 28mm and 47mm
- Lightweight build
- Made of durable plastic and metal
Want to use your smartphone to take photos of the night sky? This simple, yet effective, adapter from Gosky will let you do just that. It can fit many different types of eyepieces. As long as the diameter is between 28mm and 47mm, you can take clear pictures without having to deal with vignetting. The system allows you to fine-tune the placement of your phone’s lens to ensure that the picture is lined-up perfectly.
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Celestron 93625 Universal 1.25-inch Camera T-Adapter
Key Specs:
- Compatible with telescopes that use a 1.25-inch accessory
- Uses T-adapter standard design
- Can be used with brand-specific mounts with an additional piece
From Celestron is this universal camera adapter. It works with any focus accessory that uses 1.25 fittings. The barrel mounts directly to most DSLR and SLR cameras. If you have a brand-specific mount, such as something you’d find on a Canon EOS or Nikon, you can purchase a separate ring. The threads on the adapter are compatible with any T-ring, regardless of the mounting style.
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Astromania Deluxe Tele Extender
Key Specs:
- Compatible with any standard T-Ring
- Compatible with 1.25-inch eyepieces
- Measures 4.8 inches long
- Built-in safety lock and multiple anchor screws
Astrophotographers can take advantage of the Astromania adapter to increase the focal length up to 10,000mm. The accessory is quite versatile. Like the previous adapter, it works with any standard T-Ring. Regardless of your camera’s brand, you can get an appropriate T-Ring to match the system. On the other end, the adapter connects to 1.25-inch eyepieces, which is pretty standard among telescope manufacturers. To keep your camera secure, the device has two locking screws and a safety device for good measure.
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Canon Wide Zoom Lens EF16-35mm F2.8 L III USM
We were a bit skeptical about this lens. While good on paper, we didn’t think it had much to offer astrophotographers. Luckily, we were wrong!
Canon is no stranger to making some fine optical equipment. This lens is no different. It’s a well-built accessory that fits most Canon EF mounting systems. The variable focal length is perfect for fine-tuning your shot. Meanwhile, the wide-angle lens captures as much of the night sky as possible.
It’s perfect for larger shots that encompass massive constellations. You can also use it for broader landscape photos.
Key Features:
- 16mm to 35mm focal length
- Wide-angle lens
- Fast aperture
- It fits most Canon EF camera mounts
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Gosky Deluxe Telescope Camera Adapter Kit for Nikon
Key Specs:
- Works with all Nikon DLSR and SLR cameras
- Comes with T-Ring and T-Adapter
- Fits 1.25-inch eyepieces
- Made of tough metal
Made entirely out of metal, this adapter is built for the long-haul. It’s a tough little accessory that can keep your camera safe during those long exposures. This particular set is made for Nikon cameras. It includes the T-ring to attach on the camera side and the T-adapter to screw into the telescope side. It’s a relatively simple setup process that can help you get truly stunning photos.
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Gosky Deluxe Telescope Camera Adapter Kit for Canon EOS/Rebel
Key Specs:
- Works with all Canon EOS cameras
- Comes with T-Ring and T-Adapter
- Fits 1.25-inch eyepieces
- Made of anodized aluminum
Another great product from Gosky is this adapter set made for Canon EOS prime lenses. Like the option before it, this set is designed to work with telescopes that have a 1.25-inch eyepiece. Both adapters and the barrel itself are made out of tough anodized aluminum for lasting durability.
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Conclusion
Astrophotography is a beautiful art form that continues to be popular with amateur and professional photographers alike. Whether you’re looking to capture images of the Milky Way, vibrant auroras, or the moon, the right lens can help you get that final image you’re after. A high-quality lens makes your job easier by improving clarity and saturation. Your lens can produce impressive results that no amount of photoshop can replicate.