Astrophotagraphy equipment recommendations

[John Vogel]

Hello,

I am new to photography, or at least photography outside of a point and shoot. I want to buy a camera that will be amazing with landscape astrophotagraphy that won't require a second mortgage.

I really like the sounds of the Nex 6 or 7 but my research leaves me questioning their ability to capture the Milky Way. The Nikon 3300 or D7000 look interesting, but they are huge.

Is there a reasonable option with light weight backpacking in mind that delivers superb results in the $400 to $800 body range with a serviceable ultra wide and fast lens for $200 ish? Or am I just reaching for the stars?

Thanks for your help

[Andy Stow]

If the fixed focal length (18mm, 28mm FF equiv.) is wide enough for you, I love my Ricoh GR.

[Josiah]

Have you read this article/blog? Seems to be right up your alley.

http://wildernessvagabonds.com/blog/?p=175

Sony Nex-6 can be had for a pretty good deal as it is being phased out for the similar A6000.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/892146-REG/Sony_nex6l_b_Alpha_NEX_6_Mirrorless_Digital.html

As for a lens the $200 sigma 19mm f2.8 or the $300 Rokinon 8mm f2.8 fisheye seem to be decent options.

Another cool resource:

http://www.lonelyspeck.com/lenses-for-milky-way-photography/

[Jacob D]

John,

Astrophotography is a niche subject and, as things typically go with photography, it can be an expensive niche to get into.

What was it that you read which makes you think the NEX cameras can't do it well? I can't imagine it was to do with the sensors… the NEX 6 and Nikon D7000 share the same Sony-made sensor, and Sony is making some of the best sensors out there right now. Maybe it was to do with the native lenses? I could understand that.

The lens is going to be your real challenge. Wide FAST lenses are not a common design; they're big, heavy, and expensive. By fast I mean f2.0 or f1.4. In the Native NEX line you have some wide lenses, and some possible lenses of varying price and quality…

Zeiss Touit 12/2.8
Sony 16/2.8
Sigma 19/2.8
Sony-Zeiss 24/1.4
Sigma 30/2.8
Zeiss Touit 32/1.8

The Sigma 30 might be worth trying out, just due to its outstanding performance and value… but not sure if it's wide or fast enough for your needs. The Zeiss lenses are nice, but very expensive.

You'd probably be better off looking for a legacy SLR lens, such as the Canon FD 24/2.0. You should be able to find one for $300 or less. This lens can be mounted to the NEX bodies via an adapter, possibly Nikon bodies too (not sure about that, I do know it will NOT adapt to Canon EF mount).

Here's a spreadsheet I made a couple years ago that lists prime lenses, weight, and approx cost on the used market. All of those lenses will mount to NEX (E-mount) bodies by the way.

I'd suggest you register on a photo forum that has an astrophotography group and ask them about recommended lenses. You'll probably get some really solid advice.

edit: Josiah responded after I started my reply… that linked article is excellent.

[Rick M]

del

[John Vogel]

Super good information and site links. Sounds like the Nex would be a great choice, especially with my budget. I am so new to photography I can only rely on what I read. I have no feel yet for what works and I am hoping my future camera gearbox is not like my backpacking gearbox.

[Josiah]

Check out "Understanding Exposure"

Really helped me with the basics coming from P&S

[John Vogel]

Ok, so I found a really good deal on a used NEX 6 with the kit 16-50 lens. All I need now is a wide angle lens and a whole lot of education and practice on how the thing works.

[Josiah]

Enjoy! I too picked up an Nex-6 as an upgrade for my nex-3n a little while ago and have been really pleased.

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