Whether you are a professional or an enthusiast, there is a shared agreement that your lens is one of the most important, if not THE most important, elements of astrophotography. The second being the tripod, but let’s focus on one thing at a time.
Astrophotography requires a lens that is a boss at shooting in low light conditions, is as prime or wide-angled as possible (on a full-frame camera). The more detail and field of view in the shot, the better. Why capture half of the milky way galaxy when you can capture it all?
Related: The best cheap DSLR cameras with super high resolutions
And, if there is a lens that just makes your life a lot easier and takes all the stress out of it, surely that’s enough said? With light being key even on the clearest of nights, we have narrow down nine of the best astrophotography lenses on the market.
If you’re working with a prime or wide-angled zoom, then aim for the 14-20mm mark which equates to around 7-10mm on a Micro Four Thirds and 10-14mm on an APS-C camera. Other factors to keep in mind is your aperture which needs to be as wide as possible. Try not to overcompensate it in your ISO setting as you just won’t get your desired result and your level of grain will go off the charts.
Covering lenses suitable for a variety of camera brands, budgets, and models, these are the recommended lenses that won’t help you reach one star, but them all!
Best lens for astrophotography
1 of 9Sigma 212954 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art Lens for Canon
The Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art Lens for Canon is hands down the best zoom lens for astrophotography if you've got a DSLR. Compatible with both Nikon and Canon mounts, this lens has incredible all-round image quality and a flexible focal length. Not to mention fully weather sealed, affordable and excellent sharpness. SpecsAperture: f/2.8, f/22Min focusing distance: 0.24 mFocal length: 14–24 mmDxL: 96x135mmWeight: 1150 g
2 of 9Samyang F2.4 XP AE 14 mm Manual Focus Lens for Canon
The Samyang F2.4 XP AE 14 mm Manual Focus Lens is another great astrophotography lens for Canon and Nikon users. The manual-focus prime lens has a solid build with high-quality glass and very easy to handle. Despite no weather-seal, the lens has exceptional image quality and consistency even at the widest aperture. SpecsAperture: f/2.4, f/22Min focusing distance: 0.28mFocal length: 14mmDxL: 95x109.4mmWeight: 791 g
3 of 9Tamron G2 15-30mm F2.8 VC Wide Angle Zoom Lens For Canon A041
One other highly compatible product, the Tamron G2 15-30mm F2.8 VC Wide Angle Zoom Lens, is a great investment to make for astrophotography. With incredible optical stabilisation, the lens has an impressive centre-frame sharpness and limited vignetting and barrel distortion. This model has an additional anti-glare coating, large zoom ring at the front and smaller ring at the back. SpecsAperture: f/2.8Min focusing distance: 0.28mFocal length: 24-48mm (Canon), 22.5-45mm (Nikon)DxL: 98x145mmWeight: 1,110g (Canon), 1,100g (Nikon)
4 of 9Tokina AT-X 11-20mm F/2.8 Pro DX Wide Angle Zoom Lens Canon EF Mount
The versatile Tokina AT-X 11-20mm f/2.8 PRO DX is great for anyone interested in a zoom lens for a crop sensor DSLR. It features a constant fast aperture with its APS-C format suitable for both Canon and Nikon cameras. Despite poor sharpness around the shortest zoom range (with the biggest aperture), the lens moulded elements reduce wide angle distortion in images.SpecsAperture: f/2.8, f/11Min focusing distance: 0.28mFocal length: 11-20mmDxL: 89x92mmWeight: 560 g
5 of 9Samyang 10 mm F2.8 Lens for Nikon
The Samyang 10 mm F2.8 Lens is a great astrophotography alternative for its versatility and suitability to a range of camera models, especially for a crop-sensor format. With an impressive focal length, the lens has minimal coma and spherical aberration. The manual focusing is super accurate and precise. SpecsAperture: f/2.8, f/22Min focusing distance: Not specified Focal length: 10mmDxL: 103.6x87mmWeight: 580 g
6 of 9Sigma 450954 14 mm F1.8 DG HSM Lens for Canon Camera
The Sigma 450954 14 mm F1.8 DG HSM Lens for Canon Camera is another great buy. It's a classic in the sense that yes, it's big and heavy, but is a superb ultra-wide lens with an extra-large max aperture. The ring-type ultrasonic autofocus is also a massive win, making it a f/stop larger than most other lenses, very fast and with high image quality. SpecsAperture: f/1.8, f/16Min focusing distance: Not specified. Focal length: 14mmDxL: 95.4 x 126mmWeight: 1170 g
7 of 9Irix Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens Blackstone 15 mm f2,4
The Irix Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens Blackstone 15 mm f2,4 is another high-performing prime lens. With luminous marking, a solid build and an optimised Lens Focus Ring, this model has a decent centre-frame sharpness. Image quality is also great with very little aberrations and overall is a great lens for general shooting. SpecsAperture: f/2.4, f/22Min focusing distance: 0.28mFocal length: 15mmDxL: 114 x 100mmWeight: Canon EF 568 g, Nikon F 546 g, Pentax K 555 g
8 of 9Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED is another classic not to be left out on this list. It's not only got an ultra-wide viewing angle and speedy aperture but a forgiving zoom range great for astrophotography. It may be old, but its certainly a goodie! SpecsAperture: f/2.8, f/22Min focusing distance: 0.28mFocal length: 14-24mmDxL: 98 x 131.5mmWeight: 1000 g
9 of 9Sony SEL1224GM.SYX - Full-Frame Lens FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM
If astrophotography is something you are passionate about, Sony has an incredible full-frame Lens FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM. Being a part of their Premium G Master Series, the ultra-wide angle zoom lens is arguable one of the fastest on the market and covers 122 degrees. However, it comes at a hefty price! SpecsAperture: f/2.8, f/22Min focusing distance: 0.28mFocal length: 12-24mmDxL: 97.6 x 137mmWeight: 847 g
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Emily Farquhar is a Commercial Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, and also writes for Yours.co.uk, heatworld and Closer across beauty, tech, and lifestyle.
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