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.

Yuni R. by Yuni R. · updated on · price $1.06 - $693.82 · 207 views

We hope you love the shops and products we recommend! Just so you know, our site may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and products in stock as of time of publication.

Comparison Table

Product Image
1
10 Reviews: Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography (Apr  2024): The front-focusing method with a helicoid ring drive
Canon
2
10 Reviews: Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography (Apr  2024): Aspheric lens element
Canon
3
10 Reviews: Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography (Apr  2024): Bright f/2.8 aperture telephoto zoom RF L lens.
Canon
4
10 Reviews: Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography (Apr  2024): VR image stabilization ensures Sharp photos
Nikon
5
10 Reviews: Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography (Apr  2024): Compact, lightweight, and high-image quality RF tele zoom lens
Canon
6
10 Reviews: Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography (Apr  2024): Built-in VR image stabilization up to 5 stops
Nikon
7
10 Reviews: Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography (Apr  2024): The lens utilizes a standard 77mm filter thread
Nikon
8
10 Reviews: Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography (Apr  2024): The overwhelming increase in close-up capability 200-800MM
Panasonic
9
10 Reviews: Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography (Apr  2024): Works with all l-mount full-frame cameras
Panasonic
10
10 Reviews: Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography (Apr  2024): Compact, lightweight build
Panasonic
Product Name EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR RF100-400mm F5.6-8 NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S H-RS100400E 100-400 mm LUMIX S Series 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 Lumix G Vario 45-150mm
Features The front-focusing method with a helicoid ring drive Aspheric lens element Bright f/2.8 aperture telephoto zoom RF L lens. VR image stabilization ensures Sharp photos Compact, lightweight, and high-image quality RF tele zoom lens Built-in VR image stabilization up to 5 stops The lens utilizes a standard 77mm filter thread The overwhelming increase in close-up capability 200-800MM Works with all l-mount full-frame cameras Compact, lightweight build
LENS TYPE Telephoto Compact RF prime Telephoto Normal, Telephoto Telephoto Telephoto Telephoto Telephoto zoom Telephoto Telephoto
COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS Canon EF Canon RF Canon RF Nikon F(DX) Canon RF Nikon Z Nikon Z Panasonic Leica L Micro Four Thirds
CAMERA LENS DESC. 300 mm 50 mm 200 mm 300 mm 400 mm 250 mm 70-200 mm 400 mm 300 mm 150 mm
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH 300 mm 50 mm 200 mm 300 mm 400 mm 50 mm 200 mm 100 mm 300 mm 150 mm
MIN. APERTURE 5.6 1.8 70 mm 8 mm 5.6-8 16 mm 22 mm 100 mm 22 mm 5.6
price $599.00 $201.01 $2.80 $693.82 $599.00 $346.95 $2.30 $1.19 $1.06 $158.99
Buy at view product on Canon view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Canon view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Canon view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Nikon view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Canon view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Nikon view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Nikon view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Panasonic view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Panasonic view product on Amazon view product on eBay

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!

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)

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM - Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography: The front-focusing method with a helicoid ring drive
https://www.amazon.com/

1.
Canon
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM

The front-focusing method with a helicoid ring drive

price from
$599.00
Our opinion:

For your mobile images and color prints, the Canon PIXMA TS8220 uses picture blue ink to create prints with a resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi and exceptional color depth. With its optimum blend of wireless technology and outstanding color output, this Canon printer puts professional-level color printing technology in the palm of your hand. Moreover, this printer also features Bluetooth and PictBridge wireless direct printing from your digital camera, making it a superb photo printer. Also, the flatbed scanner has an excellent optical resolution of 2400 x 4800 dpi, allowing you to wirelessly digitize high-quality color prints and send them to your email, smartphone, and cloud service.

Promising review:

"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
COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS Canon EF
CAMERA LENS DESC. 300 mm
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH 300 mm
MIN. APERTURE 5.6
Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens - Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography: Aspheric lens element
https://www.amazon.com/

2.
Canon
RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens

Aspheric lens element

price from
$201.01
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

"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
COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS Canon RF
CAMERA LENS DESC. 50 mm
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH 50 mm
MIN. APERTURE 1.8
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM - Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography: Bright f/2.8 aperture telephoto zoom RF L lens.
https://www.amazon.com/

3.
Canon
RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM

Bright f/2.8 aperture telephoto zoom RF L lens.

price from
$2.80
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

"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."

by Susanti Hollander

LENS TYPE Telephoto
COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS Canon RF
CAMERA LENS DESC. 200 mm
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH 200 mm
MIN. APERTURE 70 mm
Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR - Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography: VR image stabilization ensures Sharp photos
https://www.amazon.com/

4.
Nikon
AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR

VR image stabilization ensures Sharp photos

price from
$693.82
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

"Compliments my D500 camera beautifully! Highly recommend!!! No brainer purchase."

by NYRFanSTL

LENS TYPE Normal, Telephoto
COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS Nikon F(DX)
CAMERA LENS DESC. 300 mm
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH 300 mm
MIN. APERTURE 8 mm
Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8  - Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography: Compact, lightweight, and high-image quality RF tele zoom lens
https://www.amazon.com/

5.
Canon
RF100-400mm F5.6-8

Compact, lightweight, and high-image quality RF tele zoom lens

price from
$599.00
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

"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."

by Kurt Schumacher

LENS TYPE Telephoto
COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS Canon RF
CAMERA LENS DESC. 400 mm
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH 400 mm
MIN. APERTURE 5.6-8
Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR  - Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography: Built-in VR image stabilization up to 5 stops
https://www.amazon.com/

6.
Nikon
NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR

Built-in VR image stabilization up to 5 stops

price from
$346.95
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

"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
COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS Nikon Z
CAMERA LENS DESC. 250 mm
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH 50 mm
MIN. APERTURE 16 mm
Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S  - Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography: The lens utilizes a standard 77mm filter thread
https://www.amazon.com/

7.
Nikon
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S

The lens utilizes a standard 77mm filter thread

price from
$2.30
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

"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."

by G.Andri Bergmann

LENS TYPE Telephoto
COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS Nikon Z
CAMERA LENS DESC. 70-200 mm
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH 200 mm
MIN. APERTURE 22 mm
Panasonic H-RS100400E 100-400 mm  - Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography: The overwhelming increase in close-up capability 200-800MM
https://www.amazon.com/

8.
Panasonic
H-RS100400E 100-400 mm

The overwhelming increase in close-up capability 200-800MM

price from
$1.19
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

"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
COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS Panasonic
CAMERA LENS DESC. 400 mm
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH 100 mm
MIN. APERTURE 100 mm
Panasonic LUMIX S Series 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 - Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography: Works with all l-mount full-frame cameras
https://www.amazon.com/

9.
Panasonic
LUMIX S Series 70-300mm F4.5-5.6

Works with all l-mount full-frame cameras

price from
$1.06
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

"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
COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS Leica L
CAMERA LENS DESC. 300 mm
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH 300 mm
MIN. APERTURE 22 mm
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-150mm - Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography: Compact, lightweight build
https://www.amazon.com/

10.
Panasonic
Lumix G Vario 45-150mm

Compact, lightweight build

price from
$158.99
Our opinion:

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.

Promising review:

"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."

by Strawberry Fields

LENS TYPE Telephoto
COMPATIBLE MOUNTINGS Micro Four Thirds
CAMERA LENS DESC. 150 mm
MAX. FOCAL LENGTH 150 mm
MIN. APERTURE 5.6

We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

©2021 SoPicky by Rank M.T. PT. All rights reserved.