Canon have an excellent reputation built over many years for providing top quality lenses. In this article, we’ll explore three of the best Canon lenses for astrophotography.
They range from an affordable lens that offers great value for beginners, an intermediate which provides an excellent balance between cost and performance, and a high-end lens that provides exceptional performance for professionals.
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Affordable Excellence: Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens.
The Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM lens makes a fantastic entry point into the world of night sky photography without breaking the bank. The affordability of this lens means that it’s perfect for learners who are experimenting with settings and compositions.
- Slim, pancake design that is highly portable and lets you shoot discreetly
- Natural perspective, similar to that of the human eye
- Shoot in low light and control depth of field, with a large f/2.8 maximum aperture
- Get close to small subjects, focusing down to just 16 cm
- Smooth, quiet STM focusing when shooting movies. Lens construction 6 elements in 5 groups
The standout feature of this lens is the lightweight and compact design, making it easy to take anywhere.
Despite its small size, it offers robust performance with a decent aperture of f/2.8, which is more than enough to get some striking images of the night sky.
The lens might not capture every intricate detail compared to high-end models, but ultimately the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM lens offers budding photographers a taste of astrophotography’s wonders at a fraction of the cost.
It serves as a great tool to hone your skills and discover if this is a hobby you want to pursue further.
Mid-Range Favourite: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
For those who’ve developed a keen interest in astrophotography and are ready to take the next step, an intermediary lens acts as the bridge to more advanced photography without the hefty price tag of professional gear.
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens, often called the ‘Nifty Fifty,’ is a favoured choice in this category.
An aperture of f/1.8 gives an excellent light-gathering ability and a sharp image quality. This makes it suitable for those looking to capture clearer and brighter stars, planets, and even the subtle hues of nebulae.
However, being a prime lens, it has a narrower field of view compared to wide-angle lenses, which means you might need to take multiple shots to capture a larger portion of the sky.
- As a fixed lens, the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM delivers superb image quality for capturing life on the go with enhanced sharpness, more contrast, and less distortion
- The wide lens aperture of f/1.8 produces a sharp focus on your subject and a beautifully blurred background to help them stand out in the frame, Great for portraits
- STM (Stepping Motor) technology is a focus mechanism that will provide you with smooth and quiet continuous focusing in both images and video when using Servo AF
- The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM weighs in at just 160g and measures just 40mm, making it super portable so you can always have this camera lens with you whenever you need
- Compatible with all Canon EOS DSLR cameras, Canon EOS M series mirrorless camera via the EF-EOS M Mount Adapter and Canon EOS R series mirrorless cameras via the EF-RF Mount Adapters
Given its affordability, the lens performs well in low-light conditions and is a solid choice for hobbyists and beginners. It’s also versatile enough for other types of photography, making it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit.
Overall, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM offers excellent value for its price, providing high-quality images and reliable performance for those looking to explore astrophotography without a significant investment.
The High-End Powerhouse: Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens
When you reach a level where the intricacies of astrophotography demand nothing but the best, investing in top-tier equipment becomes more than justifiable.
Enter the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens, a professional-grade lens designed for those seeking unparalleled detail and clarity in their night sky images.
- Versatile collection of wide-angle focal lengths
- Premium image quality
- Fast constant aperture
- Durable L-series construction
- EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM, Lens Cap E82 II, Rear Lens Cap E, Lens Hood EW-88D, Lens case LP1222
The allure of this lens lies in its advanced optics. Its f/2.8 aperture ensures excellent low-light performance, and a focal length that offers both wide-angle and zoom capabilities.
Investing in high-end equipment like this brings a noticeable leap in image quality. The lens delivers exceptional sharpness, reducing the optical aberrations that can plague lesser models.
This high-end Canon lens for Astrophotography doesn’t come cheap, but for seasoned photographers, the features justify the cost.
It offers robust build quality and weather sealing, making it reliable for various atmospheric conditions you might encounter during nocturnal adventures.
For those who are serious about their craft and are ready to make a substantial investment into their hobby or profession, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens is a top choice that will not disappoint.
It’s the kind of lens that transforms not just your photos, but your entire approach to capturing the night sky.
Can I Use The Same Canon Lens For Either DSLR Or Mirrorless Cameras?
Yes, you can use the same Canon lens for both DSLR and mirrorless cameras, but you may need an adapter.
Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses, which are designed for their DSLR cameras, can be used on Canon’s mirrorless cameras with the appropriate adapter.
It’s best though to use lenses that are specifically designed for your camera’s mount to ensure full functionality and optimal performance
Discover 6 of the best astrophotography cameras you can buy in the post Best Astrophotography Camera For Beginners
