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Best Nikon Lenses For Astrophotography (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for high-quality lenses for your astrophotography needs, then look no further than Nikon lenses. With a variety of options available, Nikon lenses can help to capture stunning shots of the stars, Milky Way, and other celestial objects.

Before investing in any lens, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the aperture of the lens is important in astrophotography as it determines how much light enters your camera sensor. A larger aperture will allow more light into the camera, resulting in brighter and clearer images. Additionally, the focal length of the lens will affect the level of magnification and field of view of the photo. And finally, the image stabilization capabilities of the lens can help stabilize any camera shake when taking long exposure shots.

So, whether you’re a professional astrophotographer, a hobbyist, or just looking to capture some stunning nighttime shots, Nikon lenses have you covered. With their high-quality optics and advanced features, Nikon lenses are the ideal choice for anyone looking to capture the beauty of the night sky. Consider investing in one of their lenses today and take your astrophotography to the next level.

Are you tired of blurry or poorly lit astrophotography shots? Do you want to capture the beauty of the Milky Way and other celestial objects? If so, then investing in Nikon lenses for astrophotography may be the way to go. Keep reading to discover some of the key factors to consider when choosing the right lens for your needs, and why Nikon lenses should be at the top of your list.

10 Best Nikon Lenses For Astrophotography

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for ultra wide-angle photography with Nikon digital SLR cameras, allowing auto metering and sharper images.
2
Ideal for capturing wide-angle shots with high-quality and sharp images on Nikon DSLR cameras.
3
The product is ideal for capturing sharp, low-light images with a shallow depth of field.
4
This product is ideal for capturing ultra wide angle shots with a Nikon camera.
5
This lens is ideal for capturing ultra-wide angle shots with fast focus and high-quality image rendering on Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.
6
This lens is ideal for capturing wide-angle shots with a high amount of detail and clarity on Nikon cameras.
7
The product is ideal for capturing distant subjects or wildlife photography with its long focal length and image stabilization.
8
This product is ideal for Nikon DSLR cameras and provides a wide-angle fixed/prime lens with both AF/MF capabilities.
9
Ideal for capturing high-quality photos with a shallow depth of field on Nikon DSLR cameras.
10
This product is ideal for taking super telephoto shots with Nikon cameras, offering manual zoom and T mount ring.
This product is ideal for ultra wide-angle photography with Nikon digital SLR cameras, allowing auto metering and sharper images.
Ideal for capturing wide-angle shots with high-quality and sharp images on Nikon DSLR cameras.
The product is ideal for capturing sharp, low-light images with a shallow depth of field.
This product is ideal for capturing ultra wide angle shots with a Nikon camera.
This lens is ideal for capturing ultra-wide angle shots with fast focus and high-quality image rendering on Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.
This lens is ideal for capturing wide-angle shots with a high amount of detail and clarity on Nikon cameras.
The product is ideal for capturing distant subjects or wildlife photography with its long focal length and image stabilization.
This product is ideal for Nikon DSLR cameras and provides a wide-angle fixed/prime lens with both AF/MF capabilities.
Ideal for capturing high-quality photos with a shallow depth of field on Nikon DSLR cameras.
This product is ideal for taking super telephoto shots with Nikon cameras, offering manual zoom and T mount ring.

1. Ultra Wide Nikon Lens With Ae Chip

The Nano Crystal Coating System (NCS) of this lens helps to increase light transmission and reduce internal reflections. It has a fast F2.8 maximum aperture that allows maximum versatility in all shooting conditions. This lens has been optimized to provide excellent optical quality and true ultra-wide 110-degree edge-to-edge coverage with APS-C sensor digital cameras. It is equipped with three high-precision lens elements, including two aspherical and one ED element, which offer superior image quality. The inner focusing system (IF) ensures that the length of the lens does not change, and the front element does not rotate, thereby keeping the integrated petal-type lens hood properly oriented. With a close focusing distance of 9.5 inches, this lens is ideal for macro photography as well as landscape and architectural photography.

The lens is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and handle. It features a durable metal construction that ensures long-lasting performance. The lens also has a smooth manual focus ring that allows for precise focusing. The aperture ring is also smooth and easy to use. With its excellent optical quality and versatile features, this lens is a great addition to any photographer's kit.

Overall, this lens provides excellent value for its price. It is a must-have for anyone who is looking for an ultra-wide-angle lens with superior image quality and versatile features. Whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, this lens is sure to meet all your photographic needs.

Pros

  • Nano Crystal Coating System (NCS) increases light transmission
  • Fast F2.8 maximum aperture
  • Close-focusing distance of 9.5 inches
  • Optimized for excellent optical quality
  • True ultra-wide 110-degree edge-to-edge coverage with APS-C sensor digital cameras
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Durable metal construction
  • Smooth manual focus ring
  • Smooth and easy-to-use aperture ring
  • Versatile features

Cons

  • – None found

2. Nikon Af-S Fx Nikkor 20mm F/1.8g Ed Fixed Lens With Auto Focus For Nikon Dslr Cameras

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED lens is a compact and lightweight FX-format lens that is perfect for capturing ultra-wide perspective shots. It features a 20mm focal length, an f/1.8 maximum aperture, and a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.23x. With this lens, users can expect low-light capabilities and a shallow depth of field, making it an ideal choice for capturing stunning photos and videos. The lens is equipped with aspherical lens elements and extra-low dispersion glass elements with Nano Crystal Coat that help combat sagittal flare and chromatic aberration, resulting in superb, sharp rendering across the entire frame. The innovative silent wave motor (SWM) uses ultrasonic waves for fast, accurate, and near-quiet autofocusing as close as 78 inches from the subject. The lens delivers a 20mm, 94-degree angle of view, making it ideal for stills or motion capture. The minimum focus distance is 0.66 feet from the focal plane. Additionally, the lens produces beautifully blurred backgrounds in your photos and HD videos and lets you shoot at lower ISO settings to retain high image quality at its maximum aperture setting of f/1.8.

If you're looking for a high-quality lens that delivers stunning image quality and is easy to carry around, then the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED lens is a great choice. Its compact and lightweight design make it perfect for travel photography, and its advanced optical characteristics ensure that you get sharp and clear images every time. The lens is also easy to use, thanks to its innovative silent wave motor that provides fast and accurate autofocusing, making it a great choice for both beginners and professionals alike.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design, making it perfect for travel photography
  • Advanced optical characteristics ensure that you get sharp and clear images every time
  • Innovative silent wave motor provides fast and accurate autofocusing
  • Produces beautifully blurred backgrounds in your photos and HD videos
  • Lets you shoot at lower ISO settings to retain high image quality at its maximum aperture setting of f/1.8

3. Nikon Af-S Nikkor 50mm F/1.8g Lens

Experience exceptional image quality with the fast and upgraded f/1.8 compact FX format prime lens. With a focal length of 50 millimeters and a picture angle of 47 degrees, this lens offers maximum reproduction ratio of 0.15X. Whether you're capturing portraits or landscapes, this lens delivers edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX format DSLRs. The newly developed optical system with an aspherical lens element ensures excellent clarity and contrast in your shots.

Equipped with an exclusive Nikon silent wave motor (SWM), this lens provides ultra-quiet and accurate autofocus. The M/A focus mode switch allows quick switching between manual and autofocus modes, making it easier to capture the perfect shot. With a minimum focus distance of 1.48 feet (0.45 meter), you can get up close to your subject and capture fine details with ease. The lens is optimized for both FX and DX format DSLRs, ensuring exceptional performance in any situation.

This lens is not zoomable, but with its compact design and filter thread of 58 millimeters, it's easy to carry and use. The dimensions (approx.) (from the camera lens mounting flange) are approximately 2.83 inches in diameter and 2.01 inches in length. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, this lens is a must-have for capturing stunning photos.

Pros

  • Fast and upgraded f/1.8 compact FX format prime lens
  • Newly developed optical system with an aspherical lens element ensures excellent clarity and contrast in your shots
  • Equipped with an exclusive Nikon silent wave motor (SWM), this lens provides ultra-quiet and accurate autofocus
  • M/A focus mode switch allows quick switching between manual and autofocus modes
  • Optimized for both FX and DX format DSLRs, ensuring exceptional performance in any situation
  • Compact design and filter thread of 58 millimeters make it easy to carry and use

Cons

  • – The lens is not zoomable

4. Samyang Sy14mae-N 14mm F2.8 Ultra Wide Angle Lens For Nikon Ae

Capture stunning ultra-wide angle shots with this lens on both full frame and APS-C cameras. The lens boasts a minimum focusing distance of only 0.9 ft, allowing you to get up close to your subjects. The built-in petal type hood ensures that stray light does not affect image quality. The lens features a super multi-layer coating which helps to reduce flares and ghost images, allowing you to capture sharp and clear images in any lighting condition. The construction of the lens is of superior build quality, ensuring that your lens lasts for years to come. Whether you're a professional photographer or a hobbyist, this lens is a must-have for your kit.

Capture stunning ultra-wide angle shots with this lens on both full frame and APS-C cameras. The lens boasts a minimum focusing distance of only 0.9 ft, allowing you to get up close to your subjects. The built-in petal type hood ensures that stray light does not affect image quality. The lens features a super multi-layer coating which helps to reduce flares and ghost images, allowing you to capture sharp and clear images in any lighting condition. The construction of the lens is of superior build quality, ensuring that your lens lasts for years to come. Whether you're a professional photographer or a hobbyist, this lens is a must-have for your kit.

Pros

  • Ultra-wide angle of view on both full frame and APS-C cameras
  • Excellent construction and superior build quality for razor sharp images
  • Built-in petal type hood to prevent stray light affecting image quality
  • Super multi-layer coating to reduce flares and ghost images
  • Minimum focusing distance of only 0.9 ft allows you to get up close to your subjects

5. Nikon Nikkor Z 20mm F/1.8 S Ultra Wide Angle Fast Prime Lens For Nikon Z Mirrorless Cameras

The NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S lens is a versatile and high-quality lens that is perfect for capturing stunning photos and videos. With a wide f/1.8 aperture, this lens is great for low-light photography and achieving shallow depth-of-field effects. The lens also features advanced Nikon technologies, including ED glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat, which help to reduce flare and ghosting and produce sharp and clear images. The lens incorporates an all-new multi-focusing system for fast, accurate autofocusing, making it great for capturing fast-moving subjects or for shooting in challenging lighting conditions.

The lens is designed with a Nikon Z mount and is compatible with over 360 F-mount Nikkor lenses and Teleconverters, allowing you to use it with a wide range of Nikon cameras. The lens is also built with a durable and weather-resistant construction, making it ideal for outdoor use. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S lens is a great choice for capturing stunning and high-quality images and videos.

Pros

  • Wide f/1.8 aperture is great for low-light photography and achieving shallow depth-of-field effects
  • Advanced Nikon technologies, including ED glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat, help to reduce flare and ghosting and produce sharp and clear images
  • All-new multi-focusing system for fast, accurate autofocusing
  • Compatible with over 360 F-mount Nikkor lenses and Teleconverters
  • Durable and weather-resistant construction

6. Rokinon 14mm F/2.8 If Ed Umc Ultra Wide Angle Fixed Lens W/ Built-In Ae Chip For Nikon

The Nikon 14mm f/2.8D ED AF Ultra Wide-Angle Lens is a high-end lens designed to provide exceptional image quality. It features a fixed focal length of 14mm, making it suitable for capturing wide landscapes and architecture. The lens is not zoomable, but its wide-angle view can capture more details in a single shot. It has a minimum focusing distance of 10.8 inches, allowing you to get up close and personal with your subjects.

The lens consists of 18 elements in 12 groups, which helps to reduce chromatic aberration and distortion. The aperture range of f/2.8-F/22 and 10 diaphragm blades ensure that the lens can produce sharp images with a shallow depth of field. The lens is compatible with all Nikon cameras that have full-frame or APS-C sensors, which includes all Nikon DSLR models.

Pros

  • Fixed focal length of 14mm for capturing wide landscapes and architecture
  • Minimum focusing distance of 10.8 inches for getting up close to subjects
  • 18 elements in 12 groups to reduce chromatic aberration and distortion
  • Aperture range of f/2.8-F/22 and 10 diaphragm blades for sharp images with shallow depth of field
  • Compatible with all Nikon cameras that have full-frame or APS-C sensors

Cons

  • – Not zoomable

7. Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary Dg Os Hsm Lens For Nikon

The Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM / C is a top-quality zoom lens from the Contemporary line designed for professional photographers. With a minimum focusing distance of 280 cm/110.2 inches and a focal length of 150-600mm, it is perfect for capturing distant subjects with ease. The lens features 9 diaphragm blades that produce smooth and beautiful bokeh, enhancing the visual appeal of your images.

The lens is lightweight and compact in construction, which makes it easy to carry around and use for extended periods. Additionally, it is dustproof and splashproof, ensuring that it can withstand harsh weather conditions. The mount has a 95mm filter, which helps to protect the lens from dust and scratches.

The Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM / C comes with a water and oil repellent coating on the front glass element, making it easy to clean and maintain. It has a weight of 1930g/ 68oz, which makes it easy to handle and use for long hours without causing fatigue. It is compatible with the Sigma teleconverter TC-1401 and TC-2001, which are specifically designed for teleconverter lenses. However, it cannot be attached to a camera or lens whose mount is different. Moreover, the teleconverter should not be used on top of another Sigma teleconverter or any other kinds of converters.

Pros

  • Top-quality zoom lens from the Contemporary line designed for professional photographers
  • Minimum focusing distance of 280 cm/110.2 inches and a focal length of 150-600mm makes it perfect for capturing distant subjects
  • 9 diaphragm blades that produce smooth and beautiful bokeh
  • Lightweight and compact in construction, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods
  • Dustproof and splashproof, ensuring that it can withstand harsh weather conditions
  • Water and oil repellent coating on the front glass element makes it easy to clean and maintain

Cons

  • – Cannot be attached to a camera or lens whose mount is different
  • – The teleconverter should not be used on top of another Sigma teleconverter or any other kinds of converters

8. Yongnuo Yn35mm F2n Lens 1:2 Af/mf Wide-Angle Fixed/prime Auto Focus Lens For Nikon Dslr Cameras

The YN35MM F2N lens is a versatile piece of equipment that offers both auto focus and manual focus modes for greater control over your shots. It has a large F2 aperture that allows you to blur the background and create more interesting photographs. The 7 aperture blades also help you achieve a near-circular diffuse plaque effect or shoot the 14 astral effect when appropriately narrowed down.

This lens is compatible with Nikon F Mount cameras such as the D7100, D7200, D7000, D7300, D810, D800, D750, D700, D610, D600, D5200, D5300, D5400, D3100, D3200, D3300, D90, D80, D70s, D70, D60, and more, and supports full-frame and APS-C format cameras. You can use multiple shooting modes, including M/AV/TV/P, and the aperture data can be displayed in the EXIF information. The metal bayonet construction ensures outstanding durability, while the glass lenses are multi-coated for better image quality.

Additionally, the YN35MM F2N lens supports live view (Lv) focus for convenient focusing in high and low angle shots. You can also achieve precise focus through the expanding horizons in the screen. Finally, this lens allows for USB firmware upgrades for future enhancements.

Pros

  • Large F2 aperture for background blurring and interesting photographs.
  • 7 aperture blades for near-circular diffuse plaque effect and astral effect.
  • Compatible with a wide range of Nikon F Mount cameras.
  • Supports full-frame and APS-C format cameras and multiple shooting modes.
  • Live view (Lv) focus for convenient high and low angle shots.
  • USB firmware upgrade for future enhancements.

9. Nikon Af-S Dx Nikkor 35mm F/1.8g Lens With Auto Focus For Nikon Dslr Cameras, 2183, Black

The F mount lens/DX format is a high-quality lens that is perfect for any Nikon DX format camera. With a picture angle of 44 degrees and a 52.5-millimeter (35-millimeter equivalent), this lens is great for capturing stunning photos. The lens features rear focusing and manual focus override, making it easy to use in any situation. The aperture range is F/1.8 to 22, giving you the ability to adjust the depth of field to your liking. The lens measures approximately 70 x 52.5 millimeters, making it compact and lightweight. The silent wave motor AF system ensures that your photos are in focus and sharp. The lens accepts screw-on filters, allowing you to further customize your shots. The lens construction consists of 8 elements in 6 groups, ensuring that your photos are of the highest quality. The lens is compatible with DX and FX in DX crop mode, making it versatile and adaptable to any situation. The maximum reproduction ratio is 0.16x, allowing you to capture even the smallest details. Please note that this lens is not zoomable, but its many other features more than make up for it.

Pros

  • High-quality lens that is perfect for any Nikon DX format camera
  • Rear focusing and manual focus override for easy use in any situation
  • Aperture range of F/1.8 to 22 for adjusting the depth of field
  • Compact and lightweight, measuring approximately 70 x 52.5 millimeters
  • Silent wave motor AF system ensures that your photos are in focus and sharp
  • Accepts screw-on filters, allowing you to further customize your shots
  • Compatible with DX and FX in DX crop mode, making it versatile and adaptable
  • Maximum reproduction ratio of 0.16x, allowing you to capture even the smallest details

Cons

  • – Lens is not zoomable

10. Zoommaster Super Telephoto Lens For Nikon

The manual focus telephoto zoom lens is an excellent addition to your photography kit. Although it does not have electronic contacts, it is designed to work with most DSLR and SLR cameras with a corresponding T Ring such as T2-Canon/T2-Nikon/T2-Sony, making it highly versatile. The lens is equipped with advanced optics and multi-coated low-dispersion glass, with an anti-reflection coating that ensures high-quality images with minimum aberrations and distortions. Moreover, the lens boasts a solid full-metal construction that ensures durability and long-lasting use.

To use the manual lens correctly, follow these steps: First, set the mode dial to Manual (M). Then, set the Release w/o Lens option in the camera menu to Enable. Finally, set the Shutter lock option in the camera menu to Off: no lens. Once you have done this, fine-tune the front focusing ring to ensure that the subject is in focus, and take a sample picture. If the picture turns out dark, you can take the following steps to improve it: 1. Lower the shutter speed, from 1/500s down to 1/100s or slower 1/50, etc. 2. Raise the ISO Number, from ISO 100 to ISO 200/400/800, etc. 3. Use a remote shutter release and tripod to increase image stability. 4. Switch position to allow more environmental light coming through the lens into the camera imaging sensor.

Overall, the manual focus telephoto zoom lens is a great option for photographers who want to take high-quality images with a manual lens. It is designed with advanced optics and a solid full-metal construction, ensuring durability and long-lasting use. Although it requires a bit of manual adjustment, the lens is highly versatile and can be used with most DSLR and SLR cameras on the market.

Pros

  • Advanced optics ensures high-quality images with minimum aberrations and distortions
  • Solid full-metal construction ensures durability and long-lasting use
  • Highly versatile and can be used with most DSLR and SLR cameras on the market

Cons

  • – Requires manual adjustment and does not have electronic contacts

Best Nikon Lenses For Astrophotography FAQs

Can you recommend a Nikon lens for astrophotography on a budget?

As a content writer, I would suggest the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens for astrophotography on a budget. This lens is a great option for astrophotography as it has a wide aperture of f/1.8 which allows more light to pass through the lens, resulting in brighter and sharper images of the night sky. Additionally, it has a fast autofocus system and produces sharp images with minimal distortion.

Another advantage of this lens is its compact size and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and use for long periods of time. It is also reasonably priced, making it a great option for those who are just starting out in astrophotography and want to experiment without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens is a great option for astrophotography on a budget, providing excellent image quality and ease of use at an affordable price.

How do I choose the right Nikon lens for astrophotography?

Choosing the right Nikon lens for astrophotography can be a daunting task, but with a few key considerations in mind, you can make an informed decision that will help you capture amazing images of the night sky. First, you'll want to consider the focal length of the lens. For astrophotography, you'll generally want a lens with a longer focal length, as this will allow you to capture more detail in the stars and other celestial objects. Additionally, you'll want to look for a lens with a wide aperture, as this will allow you to capture more light and create brighter, more detailed images. Finally, you may want to consider a lens with special coatings or other features that can help reduce chromatic aberration, which can be a common problem in astrophotography. With these factors in mind, you should be able to choose a Nikon lens that will help you capture amazing images of the night sky.

How do Nikon lenses for astrophotography differ from other lenses?

Nikon lenses for astrophotography are specifically designed to capture the beauty of the night sky. These lenses are equipped with features that make them stand out from other lenses. The first and foremost feature is their fast aperture. The wider the aperture, the more light enters the lens, which makes it easier to capture dim objects in the night sky. Nikon lenses for astrophotography have a wide aperture that ranges from f/1.4 to f/2.8.

Another important feature of these lenses is their wide-angle focal length. This allows the photographer to capture a larger portion of the night sky in a single shot. Most Nikon lenses for astrophotography have a focal length of 14mm to 24mm, which is perfect for capturing the Milky Way or other celestial objects.

Lastly, these lenses are designed to reduce coma and chromatic aberration. Coma is an optical aberration that causes the stars to look like birds or comets, while chromatic aberration causes color fringing around bright objects. Nikon lenses for astrophotography have special coatings and elements that reduce these aberrations and produce sharp and clear images.

In summary, Nikon lenses for astrophotography differ from other lenses in terms of their fast aperture, wide-angle focal length, and ability to reduce coma and chromatic aberration. These lenses are essential for capturing the beauty of the night sky and are a must-have for any astrophotographer.

What are the best Nikon lenses for astrophotography?

When it comes to astrophotography, the lens you choose can make all the difference in the quality of your images. For Nikon cameras, there are a few lenses that are particularly well-suited for capturing the night sky.

One popular option is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens. This wide-angle lens has a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8, which allows you to capture more light and create stunning images of the stars and Milky Way. Additionally, the lens has excellent sharpness and minimal distortion, making it a top choice for many astrophotographers.

Another great option is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED lens. This prime lens has an even faster maximum aperture of f/1.4, which makes it ideal for capturing detailed images of the night sky. It also has outstanding image quality, with sharpness and contrast that are hard to beat.

Ultimately, the best Nikon lens for astrophotography will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, the above two lenses are widely regarded as some of the top choices for capturing stunning images of the night sky.

What features should I look for in a Nikon lens for astrophotography?

When it comes to astrophotography, the most important feature to look for in a Nikon lens is its ability to capture a wide field of view. This is because astrophotography involves capturing images of the night sky, which often includes a large portion of the sky. Therefore, a lens with a wide angle of view is critical to capturing the full majesty of the night sky.

Another feature to consider is the maximum aperture of the lens. A wide maximum aperture, such as f/2.8 or wider, is ideal for astrophotography as it allows more light to enter the lens and reach the camera's sensor. This is crucial for capturing clear and detailed images of the stars and other celestial objects.

Lastly, look for a lens with minimal chromatic aberration or distortion. This can be achieved through the use of special lens coatings that reduce color fringing and other distortions. A lens with low distortion will produce more accurate and true-to-life images, which is especially important in astrophotography where accuracy is paramount.

In summary, a Nikon lens for astrophotography should have a wide field of view, a wide maximum aperture, and minimal chromatic aberration and distortion. By choosing a lens with these features, you can capture stunning images of the night sky that are both accurate and breathtaking.

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