10 Reviews: Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography (Apr 2024)
Take a step to capture every moment with these best telephoto lenses for astrophotography! Time to capture moments.
by Yuni R. · updated on · price $1.06 - $693.82 · 207 views
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Comparison Table
Excellent apochromatic telescopes for visual use and photography have become available in the last ten to fifteen years. Amateurs can now produce astrophotographs of nearly professional quality thanks to advancements in telescope mounts, camera technology, filters, and digital image processing. In addition, zoom lenses are entirely appropriate for astrophotography owing to significant aberrations of all kinds. Hence, to help you improve your astrophotography skills, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best telephoto lenses for astrophotography. Let’s check this out!
Table of contents
Product list
- Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM: The front-focusing method with a helicoid ring drive
- Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens: Aspheric lens element
- Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM: Bright f/2.8 aperture telephoto zoom RF L lens.
- Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR: VR image stabilization ensures Sharp photos
- Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 : Compact, lightweight, and high-image quality RF tele zoom lens
- Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR : Built-in VR image stabilization up to 5 stops
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S : The lens utilizes a standard 77mm filter thread
- Panasonic H-RS100400E 100-400 mm : The overwhelming increase in close-up capability 200-800MM
- Panasonic LUMIX S Series 70-300mm F4.5-5.6: Works with all l-mount full-frame cameras
- Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-150mm: Compact, lightweight build
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some matters to discuss
What kind of lens do I need for astrophotography?
Wide angle lenses with a focal length of at least 16-24mm are recommended for landscape or astrophotography to capture as much of the subject as possible. However, you should probably avoid wide-angle fisheye lenses in the 8-10mm range since they produce distorted pictures.
Can I use any lens for astrophotography?
In the end, the perfect astrophotography lens will have an extraordinarily wide maximum aperture. A larger aperture lets more light into the image sensor, allowing for a shorter exposure or lower ISO level. On the other hand, you may use an ultra-wide-angle f/4 lens. With an f/2.8 minimum, the maximum aperture is preferable. As a result, a telephoto lens is required for astrophotography.
Is a 24mm lens good for astrophotography?
The lens length of 24mm is appropriate for astrophotography applications, especially nightscape photography. The images are breathtaking when combined with a full-frame astrophotography camera.
What do I need to consider in choosing the best telephoto lens for astrophotography?
- Focal length
- Speed
- Optical performance
- Samyang
10 Reviews: Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography (Apr 2024)
1.
Canon
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
The front-focusing method with a helicoid ring drive
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"I am not sure now to rate it as it isn't for me. I won't know how to rate it until it is used after Christmas. It was highly recommended, though."
by RS Campbell
LENS TYPE | Telephoto |
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COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS | Canon EF |
CAMERA LENS DESC. | 300 mm |
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH | 300 mm |
MIN. APERTURE | 5.6 |
2.
Canon
RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens
Aspheric lens element
The Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM is a low-cost standard lens for the EOS R mirrorless system that, like previous EF versions, offers a low-cost entry point into the world of prime lenses, low-light photography, and narrow depth-of-field effects. Although it costs almost twice as much as the EF 50mm f1.8 STM, it is by far the cheapest native lens in the RF system to date, making it appealing to anybody seeking a second lens to supplement an existing kit-zoom. Furthermore, when a mirrorless adapter is used, it is smaller than the EF version. Finally, although the overall design and rendering are comparable, the newer RF version is sharper across more of the frame when wide-open.
"Great lens for my Canon RF. Great glass. Ideal for street photography and a good price. Being s good quality lens and glass it produces a good image."
by Darrellglo
LENS TYPE | Compact RF prime |
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COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS | Canon RF |
CAMERA LENS DESC. | 50 mm |
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH | 50 mm |
MIN. APERTURE | 1.8 |
3.
Canon
RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM
Bright f/2.8 aperture telephoto zoom RF L lens.
Contrary to the 70-200mm lens trend, this new zoom for Canon EOS R-series cameras has an interior barrel that expands as you go through the zoom range. This telephoto lens boasts a sturdy, weather-sealed construction that befits its high price. In addition, the telescopic structure naturally allows for more compact storage size, and the lens is also relatively lightweight at 1,070g. However, the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 for SLRs weighs 1,805g. Furthermore, the performance is excellent, with twin Nano USM actuators driving lightning-fast focusing and triple-mode 5-stop optical stabilization.
"This lens is really light compared to my 28-70mm f2 and taking sharp images every time. I'm happy to purchase this lens. It's really worth it."
LENS TYPE | Telephoto |
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COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS | Canon RF |
CAMERA LENS DESC. | 200 mm |
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH | 200 mm |
MIN. APERTURE | 70 mm |
4.
Nikon
AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR
VR image stabilization ensures Sharp photos
Nikon’s full-frame compatible 70-300mm lenses have been praised since the days of 35mm film cameras, but this current release is by far the greatest ever. The 4.5-stop stabilizer adds two full stops of efficacy and gets Nikon’s more current ‘Sport’ mode, while the stepping motor-based focusing technology is quicker and quieter in operation. In addition, the lens receives an electromagnetically controlled aperture diaphragm, which allows for higher exposure consistency while shooting in fast continuous drive mode. On the other hand, the autofocus system and aperture mechanism render the lens incompatible with several earlier Nikon DSLRs, notably the D3000 and D5000.
"Compliments my D500 camera beautifully! Highly recommend!!! No brainer purchase."
by NYRFanSTL
LENS TYPE | Normal, Telephoto |
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COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS | Nikon F(DX) |
CAMERA LENS DESC. | 300 mm |
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH | 300 mm |
MIN. APERTURE | 8 mm |
5.
Canon
RF100-400mm F5.6-8
Compact, lightweight, and high-image quality RF tele zoom lens
The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a compact and lightweight super-telephoto zoom lens that looks and feels like shooting with a traditional 70-300mm lens on an APS-C size camera. So naturally, it’s intended for EOS R-series full-frame bodies, which fits well, resulting in a thin and manageable overall package. Furthermore, with the caveat that sharpness suffers dramatically when combining short focusing distances with the best zoom option, autofocus is lightning quick, image stabilization is incredibly effective, and picture quality is outstanding in every way. Also, the aperture rating of f/8 at the long end of the zoom range may be a little slower than some would want, but that’s the price you pay for the compact design.
"I am super happy with this lens. I was very much on the fence for quite a while and I read lots of reviews and was concerned about the speed. Combined with the higher iso and image stabilization and focusing capabilities of the R6, I am happy with the results. I have only used it for a couple of weeks, but so far I have been very pleased."
LENS TYPE | Telephoto |
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COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS | Canon RF |
CAMERA LENS DESC. | 400 mm |
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH | 400 mm |
MIN. APERTURE | 5.6-8 |
6.
Nikon
NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR
Built-in VR image stabilization up to 5 stops
Despite having a substantial ‘effective’ zoom range of 75-375mm in full-frame terms, the NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm format is exceptionally tiny and lightweight, making it an excellent fit for the diminutive Nikon Z 50 mirrorless camera body. In addition, like its Z DX 16-50mm stablemate, this lens has a retractable construction that allows for convenient storage. At the long end of the zoom range, both feature a relatively slow f/6.3 aperture rating, but the telephoto zoom’s extremely effective 5-stop stabilizer helps to keep things stable. As a result, this camera is ideal for taking both videos and stills; focusing is nearly quiet, and the adjustable control ring allows for silent, step-less aperture adjustment and other capabilities.
"I love this lens, it is small, light and focus really fast in good light conditions, because it is f6.3 on the long end some times eye tracking is not so good with poor light condition, but for the prices on z system it is a good deal."
by Dehivi
LENS TYPE | Telephoto |
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COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS | Nikon Z |
CAMERA LENS DESC. | 250 mm |
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH | 50 mm |
MIN. APERTURE | 16 mm |
7.
Nikon
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S
The lens utilizes a standard 77mm filter thread
The Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 are superb mirrorless full-frame cameras, but the system’s most stunning feature is the razor-sharp picture quality provided by Nikon’s Z-mount ‘S-line’ lenses. In addition, the 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens soars to new heights owing to a superior optical design that features two aspherical elements, one fluorite element, six ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements, and one SR (Short-wavelength Refractive) element. Other notable features include a massively influential 5.5-stop optical VR (Vibration Reduction) technology and a super-fast but quiet focusing mechanism. Furthermore, the Dual configurable Lens-function buttons and a customizable control ring improve handling, yet it is rather large and hefty, typical of 70-200mm f/2.8mm lenses.
"Fantastic lens, pin sharp and fast focusing. Took it for a spin at the Zoo in Valencia where I met this beautiful model that posed for a few portraits. Also recommend the seller. Great service and fast shipping."
LENS TYPE | Telephoto |
---|---|
COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS | Nikon Z |
CAMERA LENS DESC. | 70-200 mm |
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH | 200 mm |
MIN. APERTURE | 22 mm |
8.
Panasonic
H-RS100400E 100-400 mm
The overwhelming increase in close-up capability 200-800MM
The 100-400mm focal range is quite popular, as seen by many entries in our top 100-400mm lenses list. This lens features a variable focal range for telephoto photography, allowing you to capture various things. The POWER O.I.S. Lens is an excellent example. Of course, since it’s a Micro Four-Thirds lens, it acts like a 200-800mm lens, making it even more helpful for telephoto photography. Furthermore, the Power O.I.S. stabilization mechanism is perfect. However, the lens less the switchable stabilization settings in other similar lenses. Also, the picture quality is typically extremely high, particularly at the wide end, with a little sharpness drop-off at the zoom’s telephoto end.
"This is the best zoom lens I have ever owned. Yes, I have the superb Panasonic G9 (Underrated in price and performance) and this combination, along with the Leica 12-60 Panasonic lens is potentially all you would need."
by Tankery
LENS TYPE | Telephoto zoom |
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COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS | Panasonic |
CAMERA LENS DESC. | 400 mm |
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH | 100 mm |
MIN. APERTURE | 100 mm |
9.
Panasonic
LUMIX S Series 70-300mm F4.5-5.6
Works with all l-mount full-frame cameras
The Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. was a long time coming for L-mount, but it was well worth the wait. In addition, an optically stabilized lens and a quick, powerful focusing mechanism offer a swift and efficient approach to capturing telephoto objects. Moreover, the eleven-bladed aperture is a beautiful addition that ensures the lens can generate lovely bokeh for eye-catching photos. Besides, there are a few softness concerns when shooting wide open at the telephoto end, which is anticipated with most lenses but not necessarily ones at this price.
"As a "pixel-peeper" I am always looking for detail in my photos. Today I was testing this lens for the first time and came upon a wow moment I wasn't expecting"
by Paul Wetor
LENS TYPE | Telephoto |
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COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS | Leica L |
CAMERA LENS DESC. | 300 mm |
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH | 300 mm |
MIN. APERTURE | 22 mm |
10.
Panasonic
Lumix G Vario 45-150mm
Compact, lightweight build
Micro Four Thirds cameras feature a 2x crop factor due to their reduced picture sensors, enhancing the lenses’ telephoto reach. Indeed, the Panasonic 45-150mm provides an ‘effective’ zoom range of 90-300mm while being astonishingly tiny and weighing just 200g, making it a superb fit for even the most compact and slim-line Olympus and Panasonic camera systems. Furthermore, the optical design has two aspherical elements and an ultra-high refractive index element, autofocus is quick and near-silent, and the lens features a ‘Mega Optical Image Stabilizer.’ Nonetheless, the lens produces delightful picture quality and is surprisingly affordable.
"A very nice lens for the price. Definitely worth the $50 more than the comparable Olympus model, especially if you have a Panasonic Camera, because of its sturdy build, and OIS. Image quality is very good for the price, and meets all my expectations."
LENS TYPE | Telephoto |
---|---|
COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS | Micro Four Thirds |
CAMERA LENS DESC. | 150 mm |
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH | 150 mm |
MIN. APERTURE | 5.6 |
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Conclusion
In conclusion
Choosing the appropriate lens for astrophotography has always been complicated and costly. However, the tips above may assist you in locating the appropriate one. Thank you for taking the time to read our post; maybe, after reading this review, you will be able to choose the finest one.