Best camera lens for astrophotography: Top Picks for Beginners and Professionals

Are you interested in taking stunning photos of the night sky through your camera lens? If so, I’ve got you covered! In this article, I’ll discuss the best camera lens for astrophotography.
But before we dive in, if you’re new to the world of camera lenses, check out my beginners’ guide for buying camera lenses to start from scratch.

Exploring the World of astrophotography with the Best Camera Lenses

1. Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM | A (wide angle lens)
2. Sigma 20mm F2 DG DN | C (wide angle lens)
3. Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone (Wide angle prime lens )
4. Samyang 10mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS CS (wide-angle lens)
5. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM III (Ultra wide angle zoom lens )
6. Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED (Ultra wide angle zoom lens)
7. Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master (ultra-wide-angle zoom lens )
8. Tokina Firin 20mm f/2 FE AF (Wide-angle prime lens)
9. Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm 1:2.8 PRO (Ultra-wide zoom lens )
10. Fujinon XF 8-16mm F2.8 R LM WR
11. Panasonic 24-70mm F2.8 Lumix S Pro

Exploring the World of Astrophotography with the Best Camera Lenses [Detailed Analysis]

1. Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM | A

The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM | A is a wide-angle lens that is great for architectural photography.

It has a fast aperture of f/2.8, which allows for more light to be gathered, and it also has a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) which ensures that the lens focuses quickly and accurately.

The downside of this lens is that it is quite expensive, but it is definitely a good choice for astrophotography.

Brand	Sigma
Type	Wide angle
Lens format coverage	Full frame
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma
Angle of view	114 degrees
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization
No.of diaphragm blades	9 rounded blades
Lens construction	17 elements in 11 groups 3 aspherical, 3 SLD, 3 FLD elements.
Minimum focus distance	26cm/10.24 inches.
Weight	1150 g
Adjustment	Focus smoothly across the range.
Durability	Its build quality is generally robust, ensuring durability for regular usage.
Chromatic Aberration	Gives sharp images with good color quality.

Reasons to buy:

Great build quality with smooth focus across the range.
Wide without fish-eye distortion.
Sharp with great color rendition.
Continuous aperture of F2.
Cheaper than the Canon 16-35 f2.8.
sharper than the Nikon version.

Reasons to avoid:

Heavy
This lens lacks DN’s rear filter functionality of the DN version (Something I didn’t understand until after I purchased and tried this lens)
Lacks screw filters.

2. Sigma 20mm F2 DG DN | C

• The Sigma 20mm F2 DG DN | C camera lens is a wide-angle lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.
• It is designed for use with mirrorless cameras and offers a field of view equivalent to that of a 30mm lens on a full-frame camera.
• Its photos are incredibly sharp, and the f/2.0 aperture allows you to keep them bright without overusing ISO.

 

 

Brand	Sigma
Type	Wide angle
Lens format coverage	Full frame
Compatible Mounting	Sony E, Leica L
Angle of view	95.5 degrees
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades
Lens construction	13 elements in 11 groups 1 SLD and 1 FLD elements.
Minimum focus distance	22 cm
Weight	370g
Adjustment	By switching between AF and MF via the focus mode switch, manual focusing is possible.
Durability	Built with metal barrels & have high internal standards.
Chromatic Aberration	Wide aperture vignetting

 

Reasons to buy:

• Dust and splash resistant
• Light weight
• Metal-barrel building
• outstanding interior quality

 

Reasons to avoid:

• Vignetting at large apertures
• Correction is needed for distortion.

 

3. Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone

• The Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone is a wide-angle prime lens designed for DSLR cameras.
• The lens is made of black anodized aluminum & with its 15mm focal length and fast f/2.4 aperture, it delivers sharp, clear images.
• It is also compatible with full-frame cameras.

 

Brand	Irix
Type	Wide angle prime lens
Lens format coverage	Full frame
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF
Angle of view	110 degrees
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 rounded blades.
Lens construction	5 elements in 11 groups 4 refractive, 2 ED, and 2 aspherical.
Minimum focus distance	9.45 inches (24 cm)
Weight	635g.
Adjustment	The lens offers a smooth focus ring and click-less aperture ring for precise manual control.
Durability	High-quality materials and weather-sealing make the lens strong and dust-proof.
Chromatic Aberration	No such chromatic aberrations were found.

 

Reasons to buy:

• Excellent build quality.
• light in weight.
• Outstanding image quality.
• There are no chromatic aberrations.
• Minimal linear distortion.
• This has the potential to produce bokeh.

 

Reasons to avoid:

• It has low peripheral blurring, like most lenses.
• The corners of the image will be reddish if you point the lens at a lighting object (Corner sharpness is lacking)

 

 

 

4. Samyang 10mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS CS

• The Samyang 10mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS CS lens is designed to be used with full-frame DSLR cameras, but can also be used with APS-C sized sensors with an adapter.
• It boasts a bright f/2.8 aperture, ensuring excellent low-light performance and creative depth of field control.
• The Nano Coating System (NCS) reduces lens flare and ghosting, enhancing image clarity even in challenging lighting conditions.

Brand	Samyang
Type	Wide angle
Lens format coverage	Not full frame
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF-S, Nikon DX, Sony E, Sony A, Fujifilm X, MFT, Pentax K, Samsung NX, Canon EF-M
Angle of view	106 degrees (APS-C)
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	6 blades
Lens construction	14 elements in 10 groups 2 aspherical elements, 1 extra-low dispersion element.
Minimum focus distance	24 cm.
Weight	580g
Adjustment	Manual focus lens, with a focus ring that is smoothly damped and easy to use. The aperture ring is also clearly marked and easy to adjust.
Durability	Compact and lightweight build makes it ideal for on-the-go shooting.
Chromatic Aberration	ED and aspherical elements, minimizes chromatic aberrations and distortions, resulting in sharp and high-contrast images.

Reasons to buy:

• The lens is compact and lightweight
• The lens has a fast aperture of f/2.
• Aspherical and ED elements reduce aberrations for sharp images.
• NCS Reduces lens flare and ghosting, improving image clarity.

 

Reasons to avoid:

• Lack of IS may lead to shaky shots in handheld situations.
• The field of view is narrow
• The lens is not autofocus

 

5. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM III

• The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM III is a high-performance wide-angle zoom lens developed for full-frame DSLR cameras & is a part of Canon’s L-series.
• The iii designation indicates that this is the third version of this lens and it has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and a minimum aperture of f/22.

• SWC (SubWavelength Coating) and ASC (Air Sphere Coating) are modern, high-tech coatings that provide improved resistance to flare and ghosting.

 

Brand	Canon
Type	Ultra wide angle zoom lens
Lens format coverage	Full frame
Compatible Mounting	Canon EF
Angle of view	108 degrees
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9-blade aperture
Lens construction	16 elements in 12 groups 3 aspherical elements, 2 UD elements.
Minimum focus distance	0.28 m
Weight	790g
Adjustment	It has Ultrasonic ring-type autofocus.
Durability	Weather-sealed which protects the lens in challenging conditions.
Chromatic Aberration	Some chromatic aberration is observed.

Reasons to buy:

• Versatile wide-angle range.
• Fast f/2.8 aperture.
• High image quality.
• Silent and fast autofocus.
• Weather-sealed construction.

Reasons to avoid:

• Expensive, heavy & bulky.
• Limited zoom range.
• Not special sharp corners.

 

6. Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

• The Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED is an exceptional ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed for Nikon’s full-frame DSLR cameras.
• The constant f/2.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and creative depth of field control.

Brand	Nikon
Type	Ultra wide angle zoom lens
Lens format coverage	Full frame
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (FX)
Angle of view	114 -84 degrees
Image Stabilization	No image Stabilization
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades
Lens construction	14 elements in 11 groups 2 ED glass, 3 aspherical lenses, 1 Nano Crystal Coat.
Minimum focus distance	0.9 feet
Weight	1000g
Adjustment	Silent Wave Motor (SWM) is present for fast, precise, and quiet autofocus.
Durability	It can withstand harsh shooting situations due to its weatherproof construction.
Chromatic Aberration	Found Vignette to get bad as you get wider on the focal length on photos and videos both.

Reasons to buy:

• Fast 8 f-stop
• Constant sharpness across the entire range
• Excellent built quality
• Less distortion visible.

 

Reasons to avoid:

• Bulky and heavy.
• Expensive compared to other lenses..
• Chromatic aberrations.

 

7. Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master

• The Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED is an exceptional ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed for Nikon’s full-frame DSLR cameras & constant f/2.8 aperture provides creative depth of field control.
• Using a filter will result in vignetting due to the wide angle, disappointing even though anticipated. Over 20mm, two layered filters are barely visible.
• It has the biggest XA element of Sony’s four GM lenses & able to get some really great shots paired with A7RIII, the image quality is excellent.

Brand	Sony
Type	Ultra wide angle lens
Lens format coverage	Full frame
Compatible Mounting	Sony E
Angle of view	122-84 degrees
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	17 elements in 14 groups 3 XA (extreme aspherical), 1 aspherical, 2 Super ED, and 3 ED elements.
Minimum focus distance
Weight	847g
Adjustment	Linear motor autofocus & firm zoom ring prevents lens creep.
Durability	Weather sealed.
Chromatic Aberration	Minimal chromatic aberration and distortion found.

Reasons to buy:

• Excellent build quality
• High-quality optics and image performance.
• Professional-grade construction and weather-sealing.
• Ultra wide-angle range.

 

Reasons to avoid:

• Super expensive.
• Fixed aperture.

 

8. Tokina Firin 20mm f/2 FE AF

• The Tokina Firin 20mm f/2 FE AF is a wide-angle prime lens designed for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras & with fast f/2 aperture allows creative depth of field control.
• Its autofocus system comes with full-time manual override for precise adjustments.
• Its click-less aperture ring makes it versatile for both photo and video applications.

Brand	Tokina
Type	Wide angle prime lens
Lens format coverage	Full frame
Compatible Mounting	Sony E
Angle of view	92 degrees
Image Stabilization	No image Stabilization
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades
Lens construction	13 elements in 11 groups 2 spherical and 3 SLD elements.
Minimum focus distance	28 cm.
Weight	465g
Adjustment	Built-in Ultrasonic autofocus motor is quick and quiet, making it ideal for video recording also.
Durability	The lens is weather-sealed for outdoor photography.
Chromatic Aberration	It is exceptionally low.

Reasons to buy:

• Fast f/2 aperture for excellent low-light performance.
• Autofocus with full-time manual override for precise focus control.
• Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting.
• High-quality optics with aspherical and low dispersion elements.
• Minimal distortion.

 

Reasons to avoid:

• Fixed focal length, may not suit those who prefer zoom versatility.
• Autofocus performance may not be as fast or silent as native Sony lenses.
• Limited availability for other camera mounts (particularly built for Sony E-mount).
• Wide apertures cause vignetting (darkening of image corners)

 

9. Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm 1:2.8 PRO

• The Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO is an exceptional ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed for Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras.
• It has constant f/2.8 aperture and boasts a fast, accurate, and near-silent autofocus system, which is ideal for both photography and videography.
• Its ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating minimizes flare and ghosting, resulting in excellent contrast and color reproduction.

Brand	Olympus
Type	Ultra wide angle zoom lens
Lens format coverage	No full frame coverage
Compatible Mounting	Micro four thirds
Angle of view	114-75 degrees
Image Stabilization	No image Stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades
Lens construction	14 elements in 11 groups including 2 aspherical ED (extra-low dispersion) elements, 1DSA (Dual Super Aspherical), 1 aspherical, 3 Super ED, and 1ED element.
Minimum focus distance	0.20 m
Weight	534g
Adjustment	features a manual focus clutch for quick switching between autofocus and manual focus. MSC autofocus system
Durability	Rugged and weather-sealed.
Chromatic Aberration	Chromatic aberrations are quite effectively controlled throughout the zoom range.

Reasons to buy:

• The manual focus clutch is highly convenient.
• Weather sealed.
• Professional-grade construction
• Excellent image quality

 

Reasons to avoid:

• Compatibility restrictions
• The lens is rather huge for a Micro Four Thirds lens
• There isn’t a filter attachment thread.

 

10. Fujinon XF 8-16mm F2.8 R LM WR

• The Fujinon XF 8-16mm F2.8 R LM WR is a high-quality wide-angle zoom lens designed for Fujifilm X-series APS-C mirrorless cameras.
• To reduce distortion, chromatic aberrations, and other optical artifacts, the lens uses modern optical elements.
• The Fujinon XF 8-16mm F2.8 R LM WR is for both creative and technically proficient photographers and videographers.

Brand	Fujinon
Type	Wide angle zoom lens
Lens format coverage	Full frame
Compatible Mounting	Fujifilm X-mount
Angle of view	121-83.2 degrees
Image Stabilization	No image Stabilization
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades
Lens construction	20 elements in 13 groups 4 aspherical and 6 ED (including 3 super ED) lens elements
Minimum focus distance	0.25m
Weight	805g
Adjustment	The autofocus is fast and quiet.
Durability	Weather sealed.
Chromatic Aberration	Chromatic aberrations are generally visible as purple or blue fringes along borders with contrast.

Reasons to buy:

• completely weatherproof
• Amazing broad field of view

 

Reasons to avoid:

• large and hefty
• Screw-in filters cannot be used

 

11. Panasonic 24-70mm F2.8 Lumix S Pro

• The Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm F2.8 is a professional-grade zoom lens designed for the Lumix S series full-frame mirrorless cameras.
• With its versatile 24-70mm focal length range, it covers wide-angle to short telephoto perspectives.
• The constant F2.8 aperture ensures consistent brightness throughout the zoom range, allowing for remarkable low-light performance and creative depth of field control.

Brand	Panasonic
Type	Standard zoom lens
Lens format coverage	Full frame
Compatible Mounting	Leica L
Angle of view	84-34 degrees
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization
No.of diaphragm blades	11 rounded blades
Lens construction	18 elements in 16 groups. 3 aspherical components, 4 extra-low dispersion elements, and 1 ultra-low dispersion element.
Minimum focus distance	37 cm
Weight	935g
Adjustment	Adjustable focus clutch ensures fast, accurate subject acquisition.
Durability	weather-sealed design to withstand challenging shooting conditions.
Chromatic Aberration	Advanced coatings to minimize distortions and chromatic aberrations.

Reasons to buy:

• High-Quality Optics
• Fast and Accurate Autofocus
• Dual Image Stabilization
• Smooth Bokeh:

 

Reasons to avoid:

• Size & weight.
• Overkill for Beginners
• Lens Creep.

 

What to look for in the best camera lens for astrophotography

Zoom Lenses

When searching for a zoom lens for best camera lens for astrophotography, prioritize those with wide apertures (e.g., f/2.8) for gathering more light, allowing shorter exposures.

Look for a lens with low optical distortion and good image stabilization to reduce star trailing. A versatile zoom range, like 24-70mm, offers flexibility in framing celestial objects.

Lens Speed

Lens speed refers to a lens’s ability to capture a lot of light in a short amount of time. In best camera lens for astrophotography, a fast lens with a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or lower) is preferred

It allows more light to hit the camera sensor, resulting in brighter and more detailed images of celestial objects without the need for long exposures.

Focal Length

Focal length in the best camera lens for astrophotography is crucial as it determines the lens’s field of view and magnification.

Short focal lengths (e.g., 14mm) capture wide-angle views of the night sky, ideal for capturing constellations or the Milky Way.

Longer focal lengths (e.g200mm) are better for detailed shots of planets and distant galaxies, but may require tracking mounts to avoid star trailing during long exposures.

The choice depends on your astrophotography goals

 

Aperture

Aperture, often expressed as an f-stop (e.g., f/2.8), plays a vital role in the best camera lens for astrophotography.

A wide aperture, like f/2.8, allows more light to enter the lens, enabling shorter exposure times and better capture of faint celestial objects.

It also produces a shallower depth of field, emphasizing the subject and creating stunning background bokeh.

 

Best camera lens for astrophotography FAQs

What type of lens should I use for astrophotography?

In order to capture as much of the picture as possible, wide angle lenses with a focal length range of at least 16 to 24mm are preferable for astrophotography. However, you should probably stay away from ultra wide-angle fisheye lenses, which are often in the 8–10mm range and distort images.

What is the best focal length for deep space astrophotography?

Depending on the target, a focal length of from 50mm to 500mm can be utilized for these targets. Widefield telescopes like the TPO UltraWide 180 (180mm), the William Optics RedCat 51 (250mm), or the Radian 61 (275mm) are even better possibilities than telephoto lenses like a 135mm or 200mm.

What is the max magnification for astrophotography?

The highest useful magnification is frequently limited to 250–350x due to atmospheric viewing conditions (the sky).

Does moonlight affect astrophotography?

Images captured in the moonlight have less contrast and detail and can easily become overexposed. Although the effects of the moon can be diminished with good post-processing, you’ll never get the greatest full-color shots during this period.

Conclusion/Verdict

In summary, when it comes to finding the best camera lens for astrophotography, it’s all about what suits your needs. After reading this, you have the information to make your choice.

So, go ahead and pick the right lens for your stargazing adventures.