The image of C/2022 E3 (ZTF) captured by LPSC scientists Fahd Bin Abdul Hasis and Kiran Mohan from Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, on Tuesday evening.
After cloudy skies left them dejected several evenings this month, two astrophotography enthusiasts from the district finally succeeded in snapping photographs of a rare visitor — the ‘green comet’ C/2022 E3 (ZTF) which is on its closest approach to Earth in about 50,000 years.
Fahd Bin Abdul Hasis and Kiran Mohan, scientists at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility, took several snaps of the comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) on Tuesday evening when finally the sky cleared.
Ever since C/2022 E3 (ZTF) began its once-in-several-lifetimes visit, the duo, who pursues astrophotography as a passionate hobby, has been keeping a lookout for it from Enikkara, Karakulam, where they live. ‘‘We took a few photos on February 3 and 5, but they were not that good as the sky was cloudy. On Tuesday [February 7], we had a clear sky, so we got some good pictures between 7.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.,’‘ Mr. Hasis said.
The long-period comet’s movement is in a roughly northeast to northwest direction. Once the moon rose bright, Mr. Hasis and Mr. Mohan had to discontinue their tryst with the comet. It’s hard to spot C/2022 E3 (ZTF) with the naked eye and the difficulty is compounded by light pollution over urban areas. One would need a pair of binoculars or a telescope to spot it, according to Mr. Hasis.
Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) was discovered by astronomers at the Zwicky Transient Facility in the U.S. in March last year. It was dubbed ‘green comet’ due to its greenish tinge. The comet made its closest approach to the sun on January 12 this year and to the earth on February 1.
Another photo of comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) taken by Fahd Bin Abdul Hasis and Kiran Mohan which also shows an aircraft trail.
‘’The comet is near the star Capella in the constellation of Auriga. By February 11, it will be in the direction of Mars when we look from Earth and then it will move into the Taurus constellation,’‘ he said.
For taking the photos, the duo used a Nikon Z 6II camera fitted with a Samyang 13 mm f/2 lens, plus an iOptron SkyGuider Pro star-tracker for compensating for the earth’s rotation and preventing ‘star trailing’ due to long exposure.
In July 2020, Mr. Hasis and Mr. Mohan had a similar experience with cloudy skies when they had to wait several days to take snaps of the long-period comet NEOWISE.
The images, taken on Great Yarmouth seafront, were captured on Monday at around 10pm.
Lukasz Sledzinski, 42, has been learning about and enjoying astronomy for the last 30 years, picking up astrophotography in the last two.
A technical manager from Great Yarmouth has captured stunning images of the moon. Picture: Lukasz Sledzinski (Image: Lukasz Sledzinski)
He enjoys the hobby with his 10-year-old son Pascal, although last night’s viewing was too late.
Mr Sledzinski had set out in the hope to see the green comet, but the moon was too bright. He joked “I will have to wait a bit longer – what, 50,000 years from now?”.
Lukasz Sledzinski enjoys the hobby with his 10-year-old son Pascal (Image: Lukasz Sledzinski)
A technical manager from Great Yarmouth has captured stunning images of the moon. Picture: Lukasz Sledzinski (Image: Lukasz Sledzinski)
Fog came in around midnight, which prevented Mr Sledzinski from capturing Jupiter and Mars.
The images are composite photos, taken using a Skywatcher 150p telescope and Nikon 3100.
A technical manager from Great Yarmouth has captured stunning images of the moon. Picture: Lukasz Sledzinski (Image: Lukasz Sledzinski)
A technical manager from Great Yarmouth has captured stunning images of the moon. Picture: Lukasz Sledzinski (Image: Lukasz Sledzinski)
A photograph of the sky is combined with a photograph of the moon, meaning both are correctly exposed.
He said: “It amazes me – it has since my first experience of seeing the night sky. 200,000 stars is just breathtaking.
“Our origin is from there so it is amazing to see.”
The Samyang Auto Focus f/2.8 14mm lens which we reviewed (also sometimes called Rokinon) is a highly versatile and compact lens for photographers who want to capture wide-angle shots. It is a great choice for landscape, architecture and astrophotography.
With an aperture of f/2.8, the lens delivers excellent low-light performance and provides great depth of field control. Even without the $200 price reduction this serves as a great alternative to the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 which comes in at a whopping $2400.
Although made by a third-party manufacturer they have not skimped on quality. One of the standout features of this lens is the smooth and fast autofocus system, which is a rare feature in a third-party lens at this price point. The autofocus is accurate and reliable, making it easy to capture fast-moving subjects without losing focus. The manual focus ring is smooth and precise, and the lens provides a comfortable grip for easy handling.
Samyang AF f/2.8 14mm lens: was $799, now $599.95 at B&H
Save $200 on a brilliant camera lens that’s more affordable than other recommended lenses — that’s a whopping 24%. It weighs 500g and is only 97.5mm long. As well as being small and lightweight it has a wide aperture of f/2.8 ideal for astro and now it’s discounted.View Deal
The build quality of the lens is excellent, with a sturdy and well-made construction that feels solid in your hand. The lens mount is made of metal, which adds to its durability. The lens is also weather-sealed, making it an excellent option for photographers who shoot in challenging conditions.
In terms of image quality, the Samyang Auto Focus f/2.8 14 mm lens produces sharp and clear images with minimal chromatic aberrations. This is due to the high-quality optical elements which consist of two aspherical glass elements and four separate high-refractive elements. The lens has minimal distortion, making it ideal for capturing straight lines in architectural and landscape shots. The bokeh produced by the lens is smooth and creamy, making it ideal for portraits and other shallow depth-of-field shots.
More Great Lenses and Deals
Best Lenses For Astrophotography
Best Used Lenses For Digital Cameras
Best Zoom Lenses
The Samyang is relatively light, weighing in at 500g and has a length of 97.5mm. This is far more compact than the Canon alternative and is lightweight compared to other wide-angle lenses on the market.
In conclusion, the Samyang AutoFocus f/2.8 14 mm lens is an excellent option for photographers who want a wide-angle lens with great image quality, autofocus capabilities, and a compact form factor. It is an affordable alternative to more expensive lenses from well-known brands.
With the extra $200 off you’ll be glad to know that you’re getting a great product at an even better price point. If you’re looking for a high-quality, fast and versatile wide-angle lens, the Samyang Auto Focus f/2.8 14 mm lens is definitely worth considering.
Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].
The Samyang Auto Focus f/2.8 14mm lens which we reviewed (also sometimes called Rokinon) is a highly versatile and compact lens for photographers who want to capture wide-angle shots. It is a great choice for landscape, architecture and astrophotography.
With an aperture of f/2.8, the lens delivers excellent low-light performance and provides great depth of field control. Even without the $200 price reduction (opens in new tab) this serves as a great alternative to the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 which comes in at a whopping $2400.
Although made by a third-party manufacturer they have not skimped on quality. One of the standout features of this lens is the smooth and fast autofocus system, which is a rare feature in a third-party lens at this price point. The autofocus is accurate and reliable, making it easy to capture fast-moving subjects without losing focus. The manual focus ring is smooth and precise, and the lens provides a comfortable grip for easy handling.
The build quality of the lens is excellent, with a sturdy and well-made construction that feels solid in your hand. The lens mount is made of metal, which adds to its durability. The lens is also weather-sealed, making it an excellent option for photographers who shoot in challenging conditions.
In terms of image quality, the Samyang Auto Focus f/2.8 14 mm lens produces sharp and clear images with minimal chromatic aberrations. This is due to the high-quality optical elements which consist of two aspherical glass elements and four separate high-refractive elements. The lens has minimal distortion, making it ideal for capturing straight lines in architectural and landscape shots. The bokeh produced by the lens is smooth and creamy, making it ideal for portraits and other shallow depth-of-field shots.
More Great Lenses and Deals
The Samyang is relatively light, weighing in at 500g and has a length of 97.5mm. This is far more compact than the Canon alternative and is lightweight compared to other wide-angle lenses on the market.
In conclusion, the Samyang AutoFocus f/2.8 14 mm lens is an excellent option for photographers who want a wide-angle lens with great image quality, autofocus capabilities, and a compact form factor. It is an affordable alternative to more expensive lenses from well-known brands.
With the extra $200 off (opens in new tab) you’ll be glad to know that you’re getting a great product at an even better price point. If you’re looking for a high-quality, fast and versatile wide-angle lens, the Samyang Auto Focus f/2.8 14 mm lens is definitely worth considering.
Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].
The best lenses for astrophotography make imaging the cosmos so much more accessible. While it’s possible to get some acceptable photos of the stars with kit lenses they just don’t cut it when it comes to taking proper astrophotographs. The reason is that they’re usually designed to be inexpensive, so cost-cutting measures are taken to keep prices low. The best astrophotography lenses have excellent sharpness edge-to-edge, contain minimal color fringing and have a fast maximum aperture to let in as much light as possible from the dim stars onto the image sensor.
When paired with one of the Best mirrorless cameras, or the Best cameras for astrophotography period, you’ll have every chance of capturing breathtaking astro images. But you’ll need to keep things steady as well so be sure to pair them with one of the best tripods or best travel tripods to maintain sharp exposures. If nothing below takes your fancy take a look at our round-up of the best zoom lenses and be sure to check out the best light pollution filters if you’re shooting in or near a city or town.
Today’s best lenses for astrophotography 2023 deal:
Why you can trust Space Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best lenses for astrophotography in 2023
(Image credit: Sigma)
The best lens for astrophotography overall thanks to stunning image quality
Specifications
Type: 14mm prime lens for full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras
Compatibility: Canon EF, Nikon F-mount, Sony E-mount, L-mount
Focal range: 14mm fixed focal length
Aperture range: f/1.8 – f/16
Autofocus: Yes. Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM)
Thread size: No filter thread
Weight: 2.58 Ibs / 1,170g
Reasons to buy
+
Very well built
+
Phenomenal image quality
+
Ultra-big maximum aperture
Reasons to avoid
–
Heavy
–
Niche focal length
–
No filter thread
The first thing we noticed during our Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art review was just how heavy it is. At 2.58 lbs it’s on the weightier side, but with heft in the hand comes heft in terms of optical quality, too. The build quality is exceptional and the lens is also weather-sealed, but this isn’t much of a concern for the astrophotographer as you aren’t usually out photographing the night sky when there’s bad weather. The fixed focal length and extra-wide field of view are also ideal for capturing expansive vistas of the landscape and night sky.
Performance in the field is nothing short of outstanding. Stars appear pin-sharp, even when the aperture is opened up to its impressive f/1.8 maximum, although stopping down the aperture a little will improve the coma that appears towards the corners of the image frame at its widest opening. Chromatic aberration (color fringing) is well controlled when shooting at wide apertures and image distortion is handled equally well — not something you will find with all ultra-wide lenses.
It’s worth noting that the lens doesn’t have a filter thread due to the bulbous nature of its front element. This may not be a deal-breaker for astrophotography, but it’s a consideration to keep in mind if you also plan to use this lens for daytime shoots as you may want something to protect the glass. For an ultra-wide lens, the performance of the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art is top class.
(Image credit: Sigma)
The most versatile astro lens with a premium build quality and excellent optics
Specifications
Type: Zoom lens for full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras
The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM is another lens from Sigma’s ‘Art’ range, well known for its optical quality and high-class engineering. When we reviewed the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM we couldn’t help but notice more than a passing resemblance to the fixed 14mm focal length of Sigma’s 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art. But the f/2.8 has the added benefit of boasting a zoom range from 14mm through to 24mm. There is always a trade-off when using zoom lenses for astrophotography and it comes in the shape of a reduced maximum aperture size of f/2.8.
The benefit of shooting with a zoom lens is the versatility it gives for composing at multiple focal lengths, reducing the need to move the camera as much, even if, at f/2.8 it won’t soak in as many photons as its 14mm f/1.8 cousin.
The lens is optimized for full-frame cameras and has a typically solid Sigma construction. Zoom and focus rings operate smoothly and the lens has rapid and almost silent autofocus – handy if you wish to use the lens for daytime use or for video. Image distortion is minimal and stars appear sharp throughout most of the image frame with little to no chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture setting. This lens is available in Canon and Nikon mount options but the Canon version can also be used on the Sony E-Mount system when using Sigma’s MC-11 mount converter.
This lens is quite simply one of the best lenses on the market today for astrophotography.
(Image credit: Future)
The best budget lens for astrophotography, this is a great ultra-wide lens
Specifications
Type: 14mm prime lens for full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras
Compatibility: Canon EF, Nikon F, Nikon Z, Sony FE
Focal range: 14mm fixed focal length
Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
Autofocus: No
Thread size: No filter thread
Weight: 1.23 Ibs / 550g
Reasons to buy
+
Inexpensive
+
Flexible focal range
+
Reasonably fast
Reasons to avoid
–
Image distortion
–
Manual operation
–
Heavy vignetting
Astrophotography can be an expensive hobby, not least because this genre of photography demands the use of lenses that have wide maximum apertures, which tend to be much more expensive. Fortunately, there are some excellent budget-friendly options available, too, like the Rokinon/Samyang 14mm f/2.8. Although this South Korean-made lens is one of the cheapest models in this list, we gave it 4/5 stars in our Rokinon/Samyang 14mm f/2.8 review and feel it deserves to be listed as one of the best lenses for astrophotography.
There are reasons why this lens is cheaper than other ultra-wide lenses and that is primarily because this lens is fully manual – both the focus and aperture are controlled manually. Although this doesn’t present a huge problem ss the focus is usually set manually in astrophotography anyway. Similarly, setting the aperture using the manual adjustment ring near the base of the lens is not a huge issue. It does, however, mean that there’s no electronic connection between the lens and the camera attached to it, meaning no image data will be relayed with your images. The construction of the lens body, although plastic, is fairly solid and lightweight.
Star sharpness is generally very good on the Rokinon/Samyang, but there is deteriorating sharpness towards the corners at f/2.8, with some evidence of coma and chromatic aberrations. The distortion and vignetting are heavy with this lens but both of these can be corrected in post-processing, so it isn’t a dealbreaker.
In summary, this is a very capable and affordable ultra-wide lens that is ideal for newcomers to astrophotography or those with a smaller budget.
(Image credit: Tokina)
Tokina AT-X 11-20mm f/2.8 AF Pro DX
Best for crop-sensor DSLRs, this Tokina is super sharp and doesn’t curve straight lines
Specifications
Type: Zoom lens for APS-C sensor cameras
Compatibility: Canon EF-S, Nikon DX
Focal range: 11mm-20mm (Equivalent focal length on Nikon: 16.5-30mm)
Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
Autofocus: Yes. Electric Motor
Thread size: 82mm
Weight: 1.23 Ibs / 560g
Reasons to buy
+
Sharp images
+
Constant f/2.8 aperture
+
Good build quality
Reasons to avoid
–
Average corner sharpness
–
Noisy autofocus motor
Released in 2015, the Tokina AT-X 11-20mm f/2.8 AF Pro DX has now been replaced by the Tokina atx-i 11-20mm f/2.8 CF, but the older AF Pro DX listed here is still worthy of a place in the camera bag.
Despite its retro aesthetics, Tokina has built a tough, sharp lens with a fast aperture of f/2.8 which is constant throughout the zoom range; making it perfect for astrophotography. The Tokina has been specifically manufactured for crop sensor cameras that have an APS-C sensor and offers mount options for both Canon and Nikon users.
Both Canon and Nikon have competing ultra-wide-angle zoom lenses for APS-C cameras, however, only the Tokina offers a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range. The lens comes with a detachable lens hood, which is a useful extra that prevents dew from forming on the glass element on humid nights. When the hood is removed, there’s an option of using the 82mm thread to attach filters, such as noise pollution or star glow filter to enhance your night images. The Tokina’s auto-focus is a little slow and noisy, but because manual focusing is normal when photographing the night sky, this is unlikely to be a problem.
Optically, the Tokina produces excellent results with sharp images even when shot wide open at an aperture of f/2.8, and coma is well controlled. Overall, this lens represents fantastic value for money and is probably the best ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for photographers using a crop sensor, APS-C Canon or Nikon camera.
(Image credit: Kimberley Lane)
Best astro lens for Sony cameras with outstanding optical clarity but a price to match
Specifications
Type: Zoom lens for Sony cameras
Compatibility: Sony E-mount (full frame supported – FE)
Focal range: 12mm-24mm
Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
Autofocus: Yes. XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motor AF
Thread size: No filter thread
Weight: 1.87 Ibs / 847g
Reasons to buy
+
Superb image quality
+
Extremely wide viewing angle
+
Supports rear gel filters
Reasons to avoid
–
Front filters not supported
–
Eye-wateringly expensive
The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM is from Sony’s line of best-quality lenses, the ‘G-Master’ range, and is the most expensive lens on this list. This lens has a solid build, is compact and relatively light at just 1.87 lbs — quite a feat for an f/2.8 aperture lens with such a wide viewing angle, making it a tempting alternative to other ultra-wide angle lenses for this reason. The combination of a large aperture and extra-wide viewing angle means that the front glass element is large and bulbous by design. The glass is shielded by a petal-shaped integrated hood, although using a front filter isn’t an option without spending money on an adapted filter system. The good news is that there’s a slot in the rear of the lens for gel filters.
Image quality is nothing less than spectacular. When we reviewed the Sony FE 12-24 f/2.8 GM lens stars appeared extremely sharp in the center of the image and still very sharp in the corners throughout the full focal length range, even at the widest aperture of f/2.8. The shortest focal length of 12mm gives a whopping viewing angle of 122 degrees — perfect for capturing huge portions of the Milky Way and landscape, which can only be achieved by taking panoramas with many other lenses.
This classy lens is ideal for astrophotography if you’re a Sony shooter and want only the best quality astro images. Sure, this lens is expensive but it’s also of the highest caliber and it may just be the only wide-field astro lens you ever need. If you don’t have the budget for this lens but still want an ultra-wide angle, the next lens in this list may be more suitable.
(Image credit: Sony)
Best Sony prime lens for astro with bright, ultra-wide resolution in a compact design
Specifications
Type: 14mm prime lens for Sony cameras
Compatibility: Sony E-mount (full frame supported – FE)
Focal range: 14mm fixed focal length
Aperture range: f/1.8 – f/16
Autofocus: Yes. XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motor AF
Thread size: No filter thread
Weight: 1.01 Ibs / 460g
Reasons to buy
+
Compact and lightweight
+
Excellent build and design
+
Impressive image quality
Reasons to avoid
–
Front filters not supported
This bright, ultra-wide 14mm prime lens is Sony’s answer to Sigma’s 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art lens. Both lenses offer the same fixed focal length and maximum aperture but there’s a marked difference between the two. The Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM has been designed specifically for its mirrorless system, which means Sony have been able to engineer a much smaller and lighter lens than the Sigma. For comparison, the Sony weighs in at 1.02 lbs and the Sigma tips the scales at a chunky 2.6 lbs. This translates into a much better balance when the native Sony lens is fitted to a Sony camera — not to mention it’s much more pleasant to carry around with you on shoots, which we were very grateful for when we reviewed this lens.
The Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM is the widest Sony prime lens and it has the usual high-resolution, weather seals and smooth focusing as you’d expect from the lenses in Sony’s G-Master range. The lens also incorporates a dedicated aperture control ring for manual control, which is a handy feature for quick exposure changes — particularly in the dark. The front element is fluorine-coated to repel moisture and is protected by an integrated lens hood. With minimal distortion and vignetting, star sharpness is maintained throughout the frame and towards the corners.
At a similar price to the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM and a much lighter weight load than the Sigma, it’s hard to see why a Sony user would choose something else for an ultra-wide astrophotography lens.
(Image credit: Nikon)
Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S
The best mirrorless Nikon lens for astro this lens gives premium performance for those with the budget
Specifications
Type: Zoom lens for Nikon mirrorless cameras
Compatibility: Nikon Z-mount
Focal range: 14mm-24mm
Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
Autofocus: Yes
Thread size: 112mm with supplied hood
Weight: 1.4 lbs / 650g
Reasons to buy
+
Fast f/2.8 constant aperture
+
Minimal aberrations
+
Front and rear filters supported
Reasons to avoid
–
Expensive
–
Requires large 112mm filters
This fully sealed lens joins Nikon’s trio of professional mirrorless zoom lenses and is billed as the shortest full-frame f/2.8 ultra-wide-angle zoom in the world. At just 1 lb 7oz in weight the Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S has a compact and lightweight construction, despite its wide aperture and ultra-wide viewing angle at the shortest end of the focal range. The build quality is fantastic, and compared to lenses from other brands, the front element is much less bulbous, which allows the option of attaching 112mm filters to the front of the lens using the supplied lens hood, which not many other lenses offer. However, this is of limited appeal for astrophotography and 112mm threaded filters are costly. The inclusion of a customizable Lens Function (L-fn) button allows the user to quickly change settings without having to wade through menus.
The Nikkor has exceptional image quality with little distortion and vignetting. More importantly, coma and other aberrations are largely absent from the far corners of the image frame. The lens sports a programmable lens control ring which, although not very useful for astrophotography, may be beneficial for daytime photography. However, astrophotographers will probably be more interested in the handy LCD display on the lens which lets them see and make changes in the dark without having to switch on a headlamp.
In summary, this is an ideal astrophotography lens for the Nikon mirrorless system, even if it’s a little pricey.
(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
The best Nikon DSLR astro lens has a versatile zoom range with legendary razor-sharp results
Specifications
Type: Zoom lens for full frame Nikon DSLR cameras
Compatibility: Nikon F-mount
Focal range: 14mm-24mm
Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
Autofocus: Yes. Ultrasonic AF
Thread size: No Filter thread
Weight: 2.2 Ibs / 1,000g
Reasons to buy
+
Pin-sharp images
+
Build quality
+
Versatile zoom range
Reasons to avoid
–
Adding filters is tricky
–
Reasonably heavy
The Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 ED has been around since 2008 and is a part of the ‘holy trinity’ of Nikon FX lenses, along with the 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8. A favorite among astrophotographers, we gave it a hair’s breadth off full marks on our Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 ED review.
Although no lens is bomb-proof, this one is made to last and can withstand any conditions that are thrown at it, including the occasional knock. Its simple but effective design means the lens is easy to handle, even on cold nights while wearing gloves. The integral petal-shaped lens hood protecting the front element means that a costly third-party filter adapter is needed to attach filters, although this is only likely to be an issue if you plan to use the lens during the daytime. The focus ring is comfortable to grip and the movement is smooth.
The lens produces little pinpoint stars and clean, clear images at f/2.8, which is typical of this kind of lens. There is a slight amount of barrel distortion, but it is easily corrected with a simple click in the lens profile section in post-processing software.
Full-frame Nikon users will love the versatility and quality of images this lens delivers, but now there are newer alternatives on the market, such as the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art, which offers full weather sealing and fluorine-coated optics. So long as you don’t mind carrying about the extra weight, the Nikorr is a superb ultra-wide zoom lens for astrophotography.
(Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes)
The best Canon RF lens for astro, this pro-grade all-rounder has superb image stabilization
Specifications
Type: Zoom lens for Canon mirrorless cameras
Compatibility: Canon RF mount
Focal range: 15mm-35mm
Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
Autofocus: Yes. Nano-Ultrasonic AF
Thread size: 82mm
Weight: 1.85 Ibs / 840g
Reasons to buy
+
Stellar image quality
+
Sleek, portable design
+
5-stop image stabilization
Reasons to avoid
–
Expensive
–
Softer edges at f/2.8
The Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM uses Canon’s highest quality L-series glass and is beautifully crafted, with a clean, tidy design. Exposure controls can be assigned to the customizable control ring via an RF camera body and the lens has smooth, silent focus and zoom rings. Although the lens’s 5 stops of optical stabilization aren’t essential for astrophotography, they are a great advantage when shooting handheld in other low-light conditions. When reviewing the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM we connected it to a compatible RF body to boost IS to an impressive 8 stops.
The lens’s 15mm focal length gives it a viewing angle that is 1mm wider than the 16-35mm versions of Canon’s DSLR lenses currently on the market. When the detachable hood is taken off, filters can be attached to the front lens element’s 82mm thread. Images are razor-sharp throughout but there is some edge sharpness drop-off when shooting wide open at f/2.8. A decrease in edge sharpness is exhibited in many lenses but then the Canon isn’t cheap, which is mildly disappointing, but certainly not a deal-breaker.
The 15-35mm spans a wider and more practical focal range than other ultra-wide zoom lenses on this list, allowing you to crop photographs closer than is possible with other lenses. The Milky Way core can be seen at 35mm in glorious detail.
This lens is a wonderful, high-performing tool for astrophotography and extremely capable. But this is more than just an astrophotography lens — its versatility means the lens is also perfect for landscape and architecture photography. Sure, it’s an expensive lens, but the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM one of the best lenses Canon has made and is highly recommended for EOS R-series owners.
(Image credit: Damian Peach)
The best Canon EF lens for astrophotography, this lens is a classic among Canon DSLR users
Specifications
Type: Zoom lens for Canon DSLR cameras
Compatibility: Canon EF mount (full frame)
Focal range: 16mm-35mm
Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
Autofocus: Yes. Ring-USM (Ultrasonic Motor) AF
Thread size: 82mm
Weight: 1.74 Ibs / 790g
Reasons to buy
+
Pin sharp image quality across the field
+
Fast and accurate autofocus
+
Superb color correction
Reasons to avoid
–
Expensive
–
No image stabilization
Canon 16-35mm L lenses have a reputation for quality so it’s unsurprising that amateurs and professionals use them so widely. A very popular lens, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM replaces the previous Mk II and in doing so addresses the flaws of its predecessor.
Upon reviewing the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM, The most recent version of this lens enhances the Mkii’s quality and adds improvements to the autofocus system, diaphragm, and optics, producing sharper images at the edge of the frame when using the widest aperture settings and focal length. Image stabilization was unfortunately dropped from this latest version, but this would need to be switched off for long exposures at night anyway.
The useful constant aperture of f/2.8 is ideal for astrophotography, as is the focal range, allowing the user 20mm of flexibility to play within the field. The lens handles nicely with solid build quality and the high-speed USM autofocus system is rapid and accurate. Manual focusing is the norm while taking photos of the night sky, but this is a useful function to have on a versatile lens that can be used for more than just nighttime photography. The lens is also compatible with filters due to the inclusion of an 82mm thread.
The lens has been designed to correct chromatic aberration and distortion, although there is some very slight distortion at the corners at close examination. However, this distortion only becomes apparent when examining the entire image at very high magnification.
Although pricey, this lens delivers exceptional results when it comes to taking wide-field pictures of the night sky.
How we test the best lenses for astrophotography
In order to guarantee you’re getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best lenses to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every camera lens through a rigorous review to fully test each product. Each lens is reviewed based on a multitude of aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and its performance in the field.
Each lens is carefully tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each lens and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use. For example, comparing a 150-600mm superzoom telephoto lens suitable for a full-frame camera to a sleek little wide-angle prime destined for a crop sensor wouldn’t be appropriate, though each lens might be the best performing product in its own class.
We look at how easy each lens is to operate, whether it contains the latest up-to-date imaging technology and look at its weight and portability. We’ll also make suggestions if a particular lens would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best viewing experience possible.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on camera lenses, whether you should purchase one or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
The best lenses for astrophotography: What to look for
Once you’re ready for a new lens, apertures of f/2.8 and wider (lower f-number) are what you’re looking for, to let as much light reach your camera’s sensor as possible. Having a wider aperture also means you can shoot with longer shutter speeds. If you’re serious about the hobby, investing in one of the best cameras for astrophotography is also a no-brainer — you’ll see some serious improvements in your images when you’re set up with a good body and a solid lens.
There are plenty of other astro accessories worth throwing in your kit bag too, from small things like lens heaters and intervalometers to larger bits of kit like star trackers. However, you’ll notice a huge difference once you upgrade to high-quality glass, so this is the best place to start.
Third-party lens manufacturers such as Sigma come into their own when you’re looking for astrophotography lenses, as not only are their lenses often cheaper, but they tend to create lenses that fill niches overlooked by the camera manufacturers. Whether primes or zoom lenses, there’s an astro lens to fit every sort of budget. In fact, some of the cheaper manual-focus lenses can outclass their more sophisticated competition, as you don’t necessarily need AF when focusing on the stars.
Prime lenses vs Zoom lenses for astrophotography
Some photographers prefer using fixed focal length prime lenses for astrophotography and others prefer zoom lenses, but which lens is the right astrophotography lens for you? It will come down to a balance between versatility, cost, personal preference and which camera system you use.
In general, prime lenses exhibit less distortion and perform better in low light. Alternatively, zoom lenses are more versatile and offer a larger range of focal lengths, but at the expense of a slightly smaller maximum aperture and reduced light-gathering ability.
If you’re looking for one lens to do the job, a wide-angle zoom option is a great choice as it allows you to work across a range of focal lengths in one convenient package. If, on the other hand, your priority is maximum light collection and you don’t mind a fixed focal length, go with one of the bright and extremely fast f/1.8 options we’ve listed here. These are excellent for photographers without star trackers, when exposure times are limited. Alternatively, if you’re just starting out on your astrophotography journey and don’t want to spend a fortune just yet, it’s hard to look past the very affordable Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 which is excellent value for money.
three colorful rabbit characters in front of full moon in background
The full moon of February shone in stunning photos across the world.
From celebrants of China’s Lantern Festival that honored the first full moon of the Chinese new year, to astronauts on the International Space Station, the full Snow Moon turned heads and shone in photos despite being the smallest “micromoon” of 2023.
The full moon of February, called the Snow Moon in some Native American cultures, occurred in the eastern U.S. at 1:28 p.m. (1828 GMT) on Sunday (Feb. 5), per the U.S. Naval Observatory. In New York City, the was visible at 5:10 p.m. — about eight minutes before sunset, meaning it was visible at the same time in the sky as the sun.
Related: February full moon 2023: The Snow Moon rises with Jupiter, Mars and Orion
TOP TELESCOPE PICK:
A Celestron telescope on a white background
Want to see the next full moon up close? We recommend the Celestron Astro Fi 102 as the top pick in our best beginner’s telescope guide. Don’t forget a moon filter!
If you’re looking for a telescope or binoculars to observe the next full moon, our guides for the best binoculars deals and the best telescope deals now can help. Our best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography can also help you prepare to capture the next skywatching sight on your own.
Fancy taking a more in-depth moonlit tour of our rocky companion? Our ultimate guide to observing the moon will help you plan your next skywatching venture whether it be exploring the lunar seas, mountainous terrain, or the many craters that blanket the landscape. You can also see where astronauts, rovers and landers have ventured with our Apollo landing sites observing guide.
clouded snow moon behind a balcony and large building
The Full Snow Moon rises over the edgeNYC outdoor observation deck on the top of 50 Hudson Yards in New York City. (Image credit: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
full moon over colorful buildings in china, including one building draped as a lantern in chinese characters
The Full Snow Moon rises above buildings during the Lantern Festival on Feb. 5, 2023 in Taian, Shandong Province of China. (Image credit: VCG via Getty Images)
airplane in front of full moon
A private plane flies in front of the Full Snow Moon in San Francisco on Feb. 5, 2023. (Image credit: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
large snow moon behind skyscrapers at a distance
The Full Snow Moon rises over the skyline of Madrid on Feb. 5, 2023. (Image credit: Marcos del Mazo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
full moon over a mountain peak
The Full Snow Moon rises behind Corno Grande peaks in Gran Sasso dItalia National Park in L’Aquila, Italy on Feb. 5, 2023. (Image credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The Full Snow Moon was the smallest full moon of the year due to the distance from Earth the moon was at in its orbit around our planet. Called a “micromoon,” the Full Snow Moon of February was the opposite of a supermoon and was up to 14% smaller than the moon at its largest extent. Most observers, however, were unable to see the difference.
The annual Lantern Festival in China, in other Asian countries, and in communities around the world celebrated the arrival of the moon, the first of the Chinese Year of the Rabbit. The festival honors deceased ancestors during Yuan, the first month of the lunar calendar, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.
Astronauts on the ISS spotted the moon quite easily. “The sight of the full moon rising from the pale blue atmosphere seen from the ISS is breathtakingly beautiful,” wrote Koichi Wakata, an astronaut with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), on Twitter. (Translation from Japanese provided by Google.)
See more
Astrophotographers in the U.S. and other countries spotted the Full Snow Moon and captured footage of our neighbor shining in the sky.
See more
See more
See more
See more
See more
See more
See more
See more
See more
See more
Editor’s Note: If you snap a photo of the moon and would like to share it with Space.com’s readers, send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to [email protected].
Elizabeth Howell is the co-author of “Why Am I Taller?” (ECW Press, 2022; with Canadian astronaut Dave Williams), a book about space medicine. Follow her on Twitter @howellspace. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook.
The full moon of February shone in stunning photos across the world.
From celebrants of China’s Lantern Festival that honored the first full moon of the Chinese new year, to astronauts on the International Space Station, the full Snow Moon turned heads and shone in photos despite being the smallest “micromoon” of 2023.
The full moon of February, called the Snow Moon in some Native American cultures, occurred in the eastern U.S. at 1:28 p.m. (1828 GMT) on Sunday (Feb. 5), per the U.S. Naval Observatory (opens in new tab). In New York City, the was visible at 5:10 p.m. — about eight minutes before sunset, meaning it was visible at the same time in the sky as the sun.
Related: February full moon 2023: The Snow Moon rises with Jupiter, Mars and Orion
If you’re looking for a telescope or binoculars to observe the next full moon, our guides for the best binoculars deals and the best telescope deals now can help. Our best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography can also help you prepare to capture the next skywatching sight on your own.
Fancy taking a more in-depth moonlit tour of our rocky companion? Our ultimate guide to observing the moon will help you plan your next skywatching venture whether it be exploring the lunar seas, mountainous terrain, or the many craters that blanket the landscape. You can also see where astronauts, rovers and landers have ventured with our Apollo landing sites observing guide.
The Full Snow Moon rises over the edgeNYC outdoor observation deck on the top of 50 Hudson Yards in New York City. (Image credit: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
(opens in new tab)
The Full Snow Moon rises above buildings during the Lantern Festival on Feb. 5, 2023 in Taian, Shandong Province of China. (Image credit: VCG via Getty Images)
(opens in new tab)
A private plane flies in front of the Full Snow Moon in San Francisco on Feb. 5, 2023. (Image credit: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
(opens in new tab)
The Full Snow Moon rises over the skyline of Madrid on Feb. 5, 2023. (Image credit: Marcos del Mazo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
(opens in new tab)
The Full Snow Moon rises behind Corno Grande peaks in Gran Sasso dItalia National Park in L’Aquila, Italy on Feb. 5, 2023. (Image credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
(opens in new tab)
The Full Snow Moon was the smallest full moon of the year due to the distance from Earth the moon was at in its orbit around our planet. Called a “micromoon,” the Full Snow Moon of February was the opposite of a supermoon and was up to 14% smaller than the moon at its largest extent. Most observers, however, were unable to see the difference.
The annual Lantern Festival in China, in other Asian countries, and in communities around the world celebrated the arrival of the moon, the first of the Chinese Year of the Rabbit. The festival honors deceased ancestors during Yuan, the first month of the lunar calendar, according to Encyclopedia Britannica (opens in new tab).
Astronauts on the ISS spotted the moon quite easily. “The sight of the full moon rising from the pale blue atmosphere seen from the ISS is breathtakingly beautiful,” wrote Koichi Wakata, an astronaut with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), on Twitter (opens in new tab). (Translation from Japanese provided by Google.)
Astrophotographers in the U.S. and other countries spotted the Full Snow Moon and captured footage of our neighbor shining in the sky.
My shot of the 2023 Snow moon, with the hidden colors of the mineral revealed. This 148 megapixel shot was captured using two telescopes and two cameras to present the scene in extreme fidelity. pic.twitter.com/aNfmBiO4lcFebruary 5, 2023
See more
Tonight’s full moon over Mussenden Temple. Only peeked out from behind the clouds for a few minutes but it was worth standing in the cold for! Happy #snowmoon everyone! #fullmoon pic.twitter.com/kaajU4msXWFebruary 5, 2023
See more
February’s Snow Moon setting over the Fens and the magnificent @Ely_Cathedral this Sunday morning #snowmoon #fullmoon pic.twitter.com/pRSbqLbybjFebruary 5, 2023
See more
Empire State Building under a full moon; NYC. pic.twitter.com/OGn03sI54fFebruary 6, 2023
See more
Tonight’s #fullmoon #SnowMoon rising over the New Orleans West End lakefront area tonight pic.twitter.com/qyUqhmzDu9February 6, 2023
See more
February’s Full Moon occurs tonight at 18:28 GMT. This Full Moon is known as Snow Moon, but other names for it include ‘Hunger’ and ‘Storm’ Moon. @mattaveryuk pic.twitter.com/HkpFIXbrurFebruary 5, 2023
See more
The full #SnowMoon this evening in #rutland #fullmoon pic.twitter.com/pI4OndrCd1February 5, 2023
See more
Fullmoon of February 2023 pic.twitter.com/74cvK4C43PFebruary 6, 2023
See more
Editor’s Note: If you snap a photo of the moon and would like to share it with Space.com’s readers, send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to [email protected].
Elizabeth Howell is the co-author of “Why Am I Taller (opens in new tab)?” (ECW Press, 2022; with Canadian astronaut Dave Williams), a book about space medicine. Follow her on Twitter @howellspace (opens in new tab). Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom (opens in new tab) or Facebook (opens in new tab).
It might be cold outside, but witnessing a full moon is always a treat for skywatchers — particularly when it’s a special one.
February’s Full Snow Moon rises on Sunday (Feb. 5) and will be the smallest full moon of the year, thanks to the current position of the moon in its orbit. Its distance from Earth will make this Snow Moon a “micromoon,” the opposite of a supermoon. While most observers won’t be able to tell a difference with the unaided eye, this month’s full moon will appear up to 14% smaller than a supermoon.
The Full Snow Moon will occur Sunday at 1:28 p.m. (1828 GMT) and will be positioned in the Leo constellation. In New York City, the full moon will rise at 5:10 p.m. (2210 GMT) and will reach its highest point in the sky just after midnight. For skywatchers who don’t want to brave the cold February evening to see the full moon, the Virtual Telescope Project will host a free telescope livestream beginning Sunday (Feb. 5) at 11 a.m. EST (1600 GMT).
Related: February full moon 2023: The Snow Moon rises with Jupiter, Mars and Orion
Read more: Full moon calendar 2023: When to see the next full moon
See the Moon phases in 2023 in epic time-lapsed animation
UP NEXT
February’s Full Snow Moon might technically be a micromoon, but it will nonetheless shine brightly in the night sky. While the light of the full moon will obscure some dimmer and more distant objects from view, the skies will also be graced on Sunday night by the presence of several bright planets.
Jupiter will be bright and well-positioned for viewing for most of the night for skywatchers in mid-northern latitudes that include the United States, as will Mars. From New York City, Jupiter should appear in the southwestern skies around 7:00 p.m. local time and will set around 9:30, while Mars will be to the south. At around 6:00 p.m. EST (2300 GMT), Venus will be very bright in the evening sky until it sets some 90 minutes later.
While you’re out gazing at the bright full moon, be sure to look over at the Orion constellation. The Hunter is visible for most of the night throughout February and will begin high in the east-southeast each night. Taurus and Gemini will be visible near Orion, as will Canis Major, home of the brightest star in the sky, Sirius. Each of these constellations will be bright enough to not be overwhelmed by the light of the full moon, even in areas with light pollution.
If you want to get some great shots of February’s Full Snow Moon, be sure not to miss our guide on how to photograph the moon for the best lunar photography tips and tricks we’ve found. We also have guides on the best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography if you need to gear up for this or other celestial events.
Editor’s Note: If you catch a great photo of the Full Snow Moon and would like to share it with Space.com’s readers, send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to [email protected].
It might be cold outside, but witnessing a full moon is always a treat for skywatchers — particularly when it’s a special one.
February’s Full Snow Moon rises on Sunday (Feb. 5) and will be the smallest full moon of the year, thanks to the current position of the moon in its orbit. Its distance from Earth will make this Snow Moon a “micromoon,” the opposite of a supermoon. While most observers won’t be able to tell a difference with the unaided eye, this month’s full moon will appear up to 14% smaller than a supermoon.
The Full Snow Moon will occur Sunday at 1:28 p.m. (1828 GMT) and will be positioned in the Leo constellation. In New York City, the full moon will rise at 5:10 p.m. (2210 GMT) and will reach its highest point in the sky just after midnight. For skywatchers who don’t want to brave the cold February evening to see the full moon, the Virtual Telescope Project will host a free telescope livestream beginning Sunday (Feb. 5) at 11 a.m. EST (1600 GMT).
Related: February full moon 2023: The Snow Moon rises with Jupiter, Mars and Orion Read more: Full moon calendar 2023: When to see the next full moon
February’s Full Snow Moon might technically be a micromoon, but it will nonetheless shine brightly in the night sky. While the light of the full moon will obscure some dimmer and more distant objects from view, the skies will also be graced on Sunday night by the presence of several bright planets.
Jupiter will be bright and well-positioned for viewing for most of the night for skywatchers in mid-northern latitudes that include the United States, as will Mars. From New York City, Jupiter should appear in the southwestern skies around 7:00 p.m. local time and will set around 9:30, while Mars will be to the south. At around 6:00 p.m. EST (2300 GMT), Venus will be very bright in the evening sky until it sets some 90 minutes later.
While you’re out gazing at the bright full moon, be sure to look over at the Orion constellation. The Hunter is visible for most of the night throughout February and will begin high in the east-southeast each night. Taurus and Gemini will be visible near Orion, as will Canis Major, home of the brightest star in the sky, Sirius. Each of these constellations will be bright enough to not be overwhelmed by the light of the full moon, even in areas with light pollution.
If you want to get some great shots of February’s Full Snow Moon, be sure not to miss our guide on how to photograph the moon for the best lunar photography tips and tricks we’ve found. We also have guides on the best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography if you need to gear up for this or other celestial events.
Editor’s Note: If you catch a great photo of the Full Snow Moon and would like to share it with Space.com’s readers, send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to [email protected].
Follow Brett on Twitter at @bretttingley (opens in new tab). Follow us @Spacedotcom (opens in new tab), or on Facebook (opens in new tab) and Instagram (opens in new tab).
February’s full moon rises this weekend, and you can watch it shine brightly in the sky without having to brave winter’s frigid evening temperatures.
This Sunday (Feb. 5), the Full Snow Moon will rise at 1:28 p.m. (1828 GMT). By the time the skies darken, the moon will be joined by a few special guests: Mars and Jupiter will be positioned well for early-evening viewing, and early birds who get out to gaze upon the full moon just after dark can catch a glimpse of Venus before it sets around 7:24 p.m. EST (0024 GMT on Feb. 6) as seen from New York City.
For those skywatchers who are unable to get out to see the moon, the Virtual Telescope Project is hosting a free online livestream of February’s Full Snow Moon. The livestream begins Sunday (Feb. 5) at 11 a.m. EST (1600 GMT) and can be viewed courtesy of the project’s website or YouTube channel.
Related: Full moon calendar 2023: When to see the next full moon
See the Moon phases in 2023 in epic time-lapsed animation
UP NEXT
February’s Full Snow Moon gets its name from the fact that, for many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, February is the month with the heaviest snowfall. However, other cultures and locations have their own names for the full moon for each month. The indigenous Tlingit people of the Pacific Northwest, for example, call February’s full moon “S’eek Dís,” or “Black Bear Moon,” while the Ojibwe (or Anishinaabe) peoples likewise refer to it as the Bear Moon, or Mikwa Giizis. The Cree, meanwhile, call it the Great Moon.
In the Southern Hemisphere, where February is a summer month, the Māori of New Zealand refer to the month as Hui-tanguru, or “the foot of Ruhi now rests upon the Earth,” in reference to the star Ruhi found in the Scorpio constellation.
If you’re interested in taking photographs of the full Snow Moon, check out our helpful how to photograph the moon guide for the best lunar photography tips and tricks. We also have guides to the best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography if you need to gear up for this or other celestial events.
Editor’s Note: If you catch a great photo of the Full Snow Moon and would like to share it with Space.com’s readers, send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to [email protected].
