If you are looking for the best lens for astrophotography then this guide has been designed for you. We have handpicked and evaluated all the top options of the field to help you find the one that suits you the most.
When it comes to the best lens for astrophotography you must take into account several factors. Astrophotography requires a high quality wide angle lens.
It needs you to use a strong lens that allows a good contrast. When the contrast is good the sky will be much more vivid and you will be able to capture the detail with perfection even in the night sky.
Whether you want to capture the northern lights, Milkyway, or stars, you will be able to shoot it all well and portray it truly only with the best lens for astrophotography.
Top Pick
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G
- Allows a vivid color contrast
- It is able to reduce the light and color flare-ups
- Can be used at any time of the day
Budget Pick
Samyang SY14M-C 14mm
- This is a sturdy and long-lasting lens
- The lens will cut down
- This is perfect for shooting the sky
- It also offers a wide range of temperatures
Value to Money
Tamron A012N SP
- Zoomable lens
- Can be used with any Nikon FX camera
- Perfect for ecological photography
- Silent option
Best Lens for Astrophotography Infographic

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Now there is no fixed choice. It all depends on your style and who you are as a photographer. The way you perceive the sky will have an influence on the kind of lens that is best for you. This is why we have included the pros and cons of each choice to help you choose well. By choosing from the best you will be able to decide from a top-class, high rated range reducing any chances of regrets or mistakes.
A high-quality lens will allow you comfort and maximize the beauty of your shots. Even with simpler frames you will be able to record with ease if you are choosing the right tool. The search for the best lens for astrophotography will start from the top pick.
The top pick of this range has to be the Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art lens. This is an art lens that you can use for your photography at any point in time. It will not be limited to nature or the sky, it can rather be used for anything that you want to shoot in a cinematic way. The look and feel that you will be able to capture with this art lens varies a lot from other options in the range making this the king of these all. Another good thing is that this is an E-mount lens that works with Sony. This makes it very versatile and useful.
Take a quick look on every best lens for astrophotography in the comparison chart below and see which one is ideal for you.
9 Best Lens For Astrophotography
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1. Samyang SY14M-C 14mm
Main Features
- Ultra-wide angle of view on both full-frame and APS-C cameras
- Minimum focusing distance of only 0. 9 ft. Focal Length -14 mm
- Fixed lens
The Samyang SY14M-C 14mm is easily the best lens for astrophotography. You can use it for astrophotography at any time you want to use it. It will give you a clear range of sky and a beautifully vivid color capture. The Samyang SY14M-C 14mm is compatible with APS-C cameras. This means that you can use this one select Nikon and most Canon options.
The Samyang SY14M-C 14mm has an ultra-wide angle of view that makes it perfect for sky and night time photography. You can capture mountains and more with this. It is ideal on both full-frame cameras as well as APS-C cameras. You will be able to get a cinematic capture on an art camera with this.
FAQs
What makes this lens perfect for Astrophotography?
The Samyang SY14M-C 14mm requires a minimum focusing distance of only 0. 9 ft. It offers a focal length of 14 mm that makes it perfect for your time under the sky. You can use this to take several thousands of pictures. It can be used anywhere under any temperature. The camera lens will not budge even if it is freezing out there.
What are some of the other features that make it ideal for ecological photography?
Samyang SY14M-C 14mm has an amazing high-performance construction and superior build quality for razor-sharp images. It comes with unique features and a built-in petal-type hood to keep it safe and secure.
You can use this super multi-layer coated lens to make sure that your pictures are always just as good with this. It will not look shabby after a few months of usage. This is because it is able to resist wear and tear. It can reduce flares and ghost images.
Pros
- This is a sturdy and long-lasting lens
- The lens will cut down on flare-ups and ghost images
- This is perfect for shooting the sky
- It can be used in a wide range of temperatures
Cons
- This is not a zoomable lens
2. Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro
Main Features
- Multi-Layer Coating 77mm Filter Thread
- 11-16mm focal range
- f/2.8 f stops
- Advanced AF
- Vivid image capture
The Tokina 11-16mm Digital Zoom Lens is the next best lens for astrophotography on our list.. It comes with an AFS motor and can be used with Nikon cameras. You can also use this with an e-mount with a special mount. The lens is ideal for the night time shooting as well as to shoot the sky, this is because it comes with a zoom lens. The zoom is ideal for shooting anywhere.
The Tokina 11-16mm Digital Zoom Lens is a pro lean that is most suited for professional photography. You can use this in any rnvioenmnet at any time. The Tokina 11-16mm Digital Zoom Lens comes with a 3 Year Tokina Warranty, however, the lens is only intended for sale within the USA for a license as well as exclusivity reasons.
FAQs
What makes this lens perfect for Astrophotography?
The Tokina 11-16mm Digital Zoom Lens comes with an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/22. This is perfect for use at any time of the day. There are two Aspheric Lens Elements Two Super-Low Dispersion Lens Elements that help in reducing any blur possibilities. It allows you to capture the maximum detail without having to edit the natural footage. The raw footage via this lens will be vivid and beautiful.
What are some of the other features that make it ideal for ecological photography?
The Tokina 11-16mm Digital Zoom Lens comes with a Multi-Layer Coating 77mm Filter Thread. This makes it able to capture the detail with ease. This lens will give you an
11-16mm range with f/2.8 f stops and an AF Lens. This makes it perfect for use anytime. The lens is suited for APS-C Sensors making it an Internal Silent Focusing option.
The AF Motor allows a One Touch Focus. Apart from this, the lens also has a Clutch Mechanism through the Aspheric Lens Elements holding it together. There is a pair of Super-Low Dispersion Elements that help in making this blur and flare-free for even bright lights and the sun photography.
Pros
- This is a zoomable lens
- The lens has a built-in advanced autofocus
- This works to reduce the dispersion
- Can be used to record in the day and in the night time
Cons
- This is not a telelens
3. Tamron A012N SP
Main Features
- ultra-wide-angle zoom
- XGM lens element
- 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD
- Ultra-Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
- Nikon FX Camera
- International Version
The Tamron A012N SP Lens allows a range of 15-30mm. This will offer you to record at F2.8 in a slow and steady motion. You will be able to capture very Ultra-Wide-Angle pictures on this option. It is also suitable for video recording with the right camera. The lens is ideal as a Zoom Lens for Nikon FX Camera. If you do not have a Nikon FX camera then of course you can use it.
Tamron A012N SP Lens can be very diverse. You can use this for the sky and for astrophotography as well as for regular nature photography and portraits. The Tamron A012N SP Lens is a lightweight lens, unlike a telelens, this will not weigh down your camera. It is easy to carry and can fit in your camera bag without the need for another piece of equipment designed to carry it.
FAQs
What makes this lens perfect for Astrophotography?
One of the best things about the Tamron A012N SP Lens is that this is an ultra-wide-angle zoom. It allows a wide-angle yet it gives you no error. The lens is able to deliver a smooth and open footage with a straight horizon. There is an XG M lens element on top of this option. This makes it sturdy as well as makes sure that the light dispersion and color leaks are minimized. You will get crisp pictures with this one with ease.
What are some of the other features that make it ideal for ecological photography?
Apart from this, the Tamron A012N SP Lens has an eBAND and BBAR Coating as well. There is Vibration Compensation and impact resistance in it to manage smaller hits. The lens is embedded with an Ultrasonic Silent Drive to make sure that there are no irritating camera sounds of your lens. These features make the Tamron A012N SP Lens perfect for ecological photography.
Pros
- Zoomable lens
- Can be used with any Nikon FX camera
- Perfect for ecological photography
- Silent option
Cons
- No Warranty
- Can not be used with any NonNikon FX camera
4. Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM for Sony E
Main Features
- 35mmAperture Range f/1. 4 – f/16
- Sony E Mount Lens
- 35mm Film, Full-Frame format
- Hyper-Sonic Motor Focusing
One Of the best things about using an art lens is that it allows you to capture cinematic shots that are beyond beautiful. This is why we have mentioned that the Sigma 35mm Art Lens is the king of this range. This art lens will give you beautiful results and a crisp clarity that is unmatched when it comes to other lenses suitable for the night time sky.
This lens is ideal for recording films, short films, documentaries, and more. In Fact many documentaries on the northern lights, glacier peaks and the stars are recorded on this. While this is not a telelens, it is still a perfect way to capture the sky when there are no buildings around your landscape hampering the view. It is perfect for travel and ideal to work with most cameras as it comes with a Sony E mount lens.
FAQs
What makes this lens perfect for Astrophotography?
The Sigma 35mm Art Lens comes with a Focal length of 35mm. This is a full-frame fixed focal range. This means that there is no digital zoom in this option making it a fixed one. This is a good option though, it makes sure that you are not zooming in on objects and ruining their actual appearance like true for a digital zoom lens. These features make this one of the top choices of the range.
What are some of the other features that make it ideal for ecological photography?
The Sigma 35mm Art Lens offers an aperture range of f/1. 4 – f/16. Your image will be vivid and the colors, as well as lighting, will be perfect for the night time. The lens works well as a Sony E mount lens. This gives you the flexibility to use it everywhere. The camera lens allows a 35mm film to be recorded. There are full-frame digital sensors and this Format contains a Hypersonic motor focusing (HSM) in it.
Apart from all of this, the Sigma 35mm Art Lens has a rounded 9-Blade diaphragm. There are two Aspherical Elements and a Super Multi-Layer Coating on the Sigma 35mm Art Lens.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Coated to reduce light leaks
- Perfect for travel
- Can be used for documentaries and film recording as well
Cons
- This is suited for Sony E Mount only
5. Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3
Main Features
- 18-150mm zoom range
- f/3.5-6.3 IS STM
- high zoom power lens
- Zoom ratio of 8.3x (29-240mm equivalent)
The Canon EF-M 18-50 mm is the best lens for astrophotography Canon and has a focal length of 18-150mm. This is one of Canon’s most advanced lenses. The lens is high powered and strong. The lens can be used for a wide range of focal lengths. Each shot will be unique and amazing. This means that you may need to carry only one lens as the range of this one is pretty big.
Canon EF-M 18-50 mm Lens can be used with a range of cameras apart from Canon as well. This makes it a desirable option for all. One of the best things about this camera is that it has a high powered zoom. It will give you a dynamic shot in the dark. The lens is perfect for use at any time of the day. Let’s explore why it’s the best canon lens for astrophotography.
FAQs
What makes this lens perfect for Astrophotography?
Canon EF-M 18-50 mm Lens is perfect for astrophotography because of its vital features. The Canon EF-M 18-50 mm Lens is created for EF-M-mount mirrorless cameras. This means that it will give you a mirrorless recording allowing the picture results of a camera of a 28.8-240mm equivalent focal length. It looks like a compact, and specially designed item. It is powerful and durable. The optical design is created to help in maintaining a compact, lightweight form and to deliver an even illumination all across the picture.
What are some of the other features that make it ideal for ecological photography?
The Canon EF-M 18-50 mm Lens offers an ability to shoot a broad range of scenes with a high zoom ratio of up to 8.3x. This is equivalent to a 29-240mm lens.
Other amazing features about the Canon EF-M 18-50 mm Lens include STM stepping AF motor that allows a very quick and smooth focus. This means that you will love using this to shoot videos on it as well. The camera is near silent and will not interrupt with your videos.
Apart from this there is an Image Stabilizer in it that will be able to cut down on camera shake. The advanced features plus the Combination IS, will give you a very clear image stabilization while shooting video.
Pros
- Image stabilization
- Added focal length
- A dynamic range
- Advanced AF
Cons
- Medium contrast ability
6. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
Main Features
- Focal Length Range: 14 -24 mm
- Minimum Focus Distance 0.9 ft
- Lens construction ED glass elements
- 3 aspherical lenses
- Nano Crystal Coat
- Angle of View: 114° – 84°
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24 mm Lens is the best lens for astrophotography nikon allows a large Focal Length Range of 14 -24 mm. It allows you to shoot at a Minimum Focus Distance of 0.9 ft. which is 0.28 m. The camera offers a minimum f/stop of 22. This has a durable lens construction designed to last many years of use. The camera comes with a set of 2 ED glass elements, 3 aspherical lenses and a Nano Crystal Coat. This allows an angle of view of 114° – 84°.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24 mm Lens has been designed for full-frame film cameras. But, it works well on crop frame options as well. You can use it wherever you like and whenever you like it. This is suited for use at night as well as during the day. Hands down, Nikon AF-S is the best nikon lens for astrophotography.
FAQs
What makes this lens perfect for Astrophotography?
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24 mm Lens is ideal for shooting the sky. The 14-24mm allows a significantly sharper footage as compared to any other fixed or zoom ultrawide from both Canon or Nikon. This allows you to enjoy a best in class picture quality and beautiful results in terms of the color contrast.
What are some of the other features that make it ideal for ecological photography?
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24 mm Lens is a premium choice. One of the best things about the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24 mm Lens is that it has a ring of engraved metal. It is a fully durable and long-lasting option, it comes with an integral front hood that is thick, tough plastic. There is a tough cap designed out of a plastic contrivance on top of it.
This is a sleek option and also a high performing one. The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24 mm Lens has a Super Integrated Multi Coating (SIC) to reduce color and light flare-ups in the picture results.
Pros
- Allows a vivid color contrast
- It is able to reduce the light and color flare-ups
- Can be used at any time of the day
Cons
- Intended for use will full-frame film cameras
7. Kenko Tokina firan
Main Features
- wide-angle lens
- full-frame
- Sony E-mount
- 2 aspherical elements
- 3 lenses molded from Super-low Dispersion glass
- 20mm focal length
The Kenko Tokina Firin Wide Angle Lens is also a popular lens. This is like the underdog of astrophotography lenses. The camera lens comes with an advanced AF with a FÃRIN 20mm F2 FE MF super wide-angle lens for full-frame shooting. This means that this is ideal for taking full-frame photos or being used on a film camera with the Sony E-mount.
Kenko Tokina Firin Wide Angle Lens This is one of the lightest options in terms of the weight and the style of lens. The lens is built in a durable graphite-like manner. It will provide a crisp picture quality and a low picture pixel binning. The Kenko Tokina Firin Wide Angle Lens is designed to fit Sony E-mount cameras so it has to be good.
FAQs
What makes this lens perfect for Astrophotography?
Kenko Tokina Firin Wide Angle Lens is ideal for shooting the sky. This is because the Kenko Tokina Firin Wide Angle Lens further helps your process with a fast wide-angle prime lens and it allows an ideal range of optical results. It is hard to believe that the small, compact, and lightweight lens is able to do so much in such less time. This is possible due to its construction.
What are some of the other features that make it ideal for ecological photography?
Kenko Tokina Firin Wide Angle Lens is also a premium option. Other great features about this option include the ability, and the optical design to adopt 2 aspherical elements and 3 lenses molded from Super-low Dispersion glass.
This feature is able to cut down on any type of aberration such as spherical aberration, distortion, and chromatic aberration. You will get no light leaks, flares, etc on this option. The lens allows a crystal clear and a sharp high resolution even when your aperture settings are as wide open as possible.
Pros
- Has a wide-angle
- Can be used to shoot stable pictures and videos
- Works well with all kinds of cameras through the e-mount
Cons
- This is a fixed lens
- Created for film cameras, not crop frame
8. Sigma 212956 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art Lens
Main Features
- Full Frame Lens
- APS-C compatibility
- Bright F2.8 Aperture
- HSM Art Lens
- 14-24 mm focal length
The Sigma 212956 14-24mm full-frame lens is also a great option. It comes with a lower price than other lenses despite being an art lens. This is because the lens is a refurbished one. You can get the same quality from it that you will get from a new one. The lens will be a lot more cheaper or pocket friendly however. You will be able to get all original accessories plus a 90 Day Warranty with this option for your own peace of mind.
Sigma 212956 14-24mm full-frame lens is an art lens. This means that it is ideal for shooting any videos or films. The lens can be used for documentaries as well as vlogs. This is one of the most premium options out there. The lens comes with a Full Frame Lens configuration and with APS-C compatibility. This means that if your camera is an APS-C option, then this will be a great fit. Others may be able to use it with the amount as well.
FAQs
What makes this lens perfect for Astrophotography?
Sigma 212956 14-24mm full-frame lens is a premium astrophotography lens. The Sigma 212956 14-24mm full-frame lens allows a Bright F2.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range. This is a Dust- and splash-proof lens. The construction of the Sigma 212956 14-24mm full-frame lens allows weather sealing to protect it.
What are some of the other features that make it ideal for ecological photography?
Sigma 212956 14-24mm full-frame lens is very much suited for the outdoors. The Sigma 14-24mm offers an aperture of f/2.8 DG. This is an HSM option. The Art Lens works to reduce any flare or light leaks. This is ideal for Sigma SA Mount which you will get with it. There is also a Case for you to keep it in the bag.
The Cover Lens Cap and the Rear Cap LCR II are included in this as well so that you can cover it when not in use. There is an additional Lens Hood with this lens.
Pros
- This is a full-frame lens
- The Cover Lens Cap included
- Rear Cap LCR II included
Cons
- Some people prefer a crop frame lens
9. Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone
Main Features
- 15 mm
- f/2.4 aperture
- special neutrino coatings
- Reduced color aberration, ghosting and flare effects
The Iris 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone Lens for Canon is also a great option. This is a durable option that comes with a strong optical construction and special neutrino coatings. These two work on the color aberration, and cut down on the aberration through any means.
The camera lens also works to reduce ghosting and flare effects to the absolute minimum. The Iris 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone Lens for Canon has an ability to prevent unwanted internal reflections when using high-density filters.
FAQs
What makes this lens perfect for Astrophotography?
The Iris 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone Lens for Canon comes with a focus ring that can be locked at a hyperfocal distance. This can be set in an infinity position, with a helpful noticeable click. This allows you the comfort to work as per your own needs and standards.
The Iris 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone Lens for Canon is an excellent wide-angle lens. It gives you wonderful frames to capture nature in all kinds of lighting. The Iris 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone Lens for Canon is a premium option suited for any user who loves nature.
What are some of the other features that make it ideal for ecological photography?
Iris 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone Lens for Canon is ideal for ecological photography because it is a versatile option. You can use this option at any time based on any of the settings that you choose. This means that it is ideal for use during the night time and the day. The lens is a precise option that allows the user a lot of comfort and settings solutions to work around the clock.
Pros
- Reduced color aberration, ghosting and flare effects
- You can use it any time of the day
- Can be used with most cameras from Canon
Cons
- You may need an additional amount to use this on other cameras
Buying Guide
When buying a lens for astrophotography here are some of the aspects that matter the most.
The lens type
Whether you want to go for a lens with a big focal range, or you want a fixed lens is up to you. Both can be great and the choice depends on the end-user really. If you are comfortable with a tele lens then you should get that although you do not need to. If you are able to invest in an art lens that you will use in other projects as well, then that is amazing and can give you a lot of value. It is best to invest in versatile options rather than limiting ones.
Weight
Another important aspect is the weight of the lens if the lens is too gravy it may not be a great option for long term handheld usage. Although the weight should not stop you from using it during stargazing etc, if you are sure that a heavy option can disturb your performance then it is best to avoid it.
Compatibility
The compatibility of the lens matters the most because it will allow you to see if your camera can support it all or not. You must look at the kinds of models the lens can be used with even if it is from your own brand of camera. The final lens you choose will depend on your camera after all. Because if your camera does not support it you will not be able to use it.
Construction
The construction of the lens matters a lot because it will make sure that the life of the lens is long. You do not want a lens on your hands that can break with the least amount of friction, impact or fall. This is why the construction matters a lot.
The add ons
The additional features and accessories can also be very important to look at. These can be helpful in making sure that you are able to use your lens at any time with any camera. A lens cap is one of the most important accessories as well as the amount, although you can buy these separately but you should keep them in mind at least.
Best Lens for Astrophotography Based on User Review
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FAQ'S
Which lens is best for night sky photography?
The Sigma 35mm Art Lens is one of the best lenses for night sky photography. It will give you a good color contrast and vivid image. It comes with a Focal length of 35mm. This is a full-frame fixed focal range. Although there is no digital zoom in this option. This makes it a fixed one.
This is a good option for night time because it makes sure that you are not zooming in on objects and ruining their actual appearance. You will get true colors that are sometimes not possible with a digital zoom lens. These features make this one of the top choices of the range for the night sky.
What is the best lens for photographing the Milky Way?
The Sigma 35mm Art Lens is one of the best lenses for milky way, glaciers, northern lights, and the overall sky photography. This lens is able to give you a good color contrast and vivid image. The Sigma 35mm Art Lens comes with a Focal length of 35mm. This is a full-frame fixed focal range. Although there is no digital zoom in this option, you can use it to capture vivid colors. This is a fixed lens.
Is a 50mm lens good for astrophotography?
You should get a long-range option. Although if you want to you can use a 50 mm lens as well. However, the Canon EF-M 18-150 mm Lens has a focal length of 18-150mm, something like this is rather better for you. The lens is high powered and strong, it will give you a longer range than what a 50mm lens can do, yet you can use it as a 50mm option when you want to. The lens can be used for a wide range of focal lengths. The range of this one is pretty big and perfect for astrophotography.
Is 24mm wide enough for astrophotography?
You can look for a lens that is 14-24mm to shoot the sky. A full-frame lens is perfect for astrophotography. An art lens is even better. An ideal lens for shooting any videos or films related to the sky or the stars will be more than 24mm. A lens with a greater dynamic range can be used for documentaries as well as for short films. Although you can make award-winning projects on any gear. The 24mm can be wider and perfect if you are able to open it up with greater aperture.
What is a good lens for astrophotography?
The Sigma 212956 14-24mm full-frame lens is perfect for astrophotography. This is an art lens. It is ideal for shooting any videos or films related to the sky or the stars. The lens can be used for documentaries as well as for short films. In fact it is already being used by many creators for their creative award-winning projects.Â
This is one of the most premium options out there because it is an art lens made for the sky. The lens comes with a Full Frame Lens configuration and with APS-C compatibility. This means that if your camera is an APS-C option, then this will be a compatible fit. If you want to use it with another camera then you may be able to use it with an amount as well.