10 Best Nikon Lenses For Astrophotography (2024 Update)

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Astrophotography is a fascinating hobby that allows you to capture stunning images of the night sky. If you're a Nikon camera user, you may be wondering which lenses are best for astrophotography. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

To help you out, here are five key points you should consider when looking for Nikon lenses for astrophotography:

1. Aperture: A wide aperture is crucial for astrophotography as it allows more light to enter the camera, resulting in brighter and more detailed images. Look for lenses with an aperture of f/2.8 or wider.

2. Focal length: The focal length of the lens determines how much of the sky you can capture in a single frame. A wide-angle lens with a focal length of 14mm to 35mm is ideal for capturing the Milky Way and star trails.

3. Image quality: Look for lenses with high optical quality that produce sharp and clear images with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration.

4. Compatibility: Make sure the lens you choose is compatible with your Nikon camera body.

5. Budget: Astrophotography lenses can be expensive, so consider your budget when choosing a lens.

In summary, when looking for Nikon lenses for astrophotography, consider the aperture, focal length, image quality, compatibility, and budget. By keeping these key points in mind, you can find the perfect lens for your astrophotography needs and capture stunning images of the night sky.

10 Best Nikon Lenses For Astrophotography

1. Rokinon 10mm F2.8 Ultra Wide Angle Lens For Nikon Dslrs With Ae Chip (10maf-N)

The Rokinon 10mm F2.8 ED AS NCS CS Ultra Wide Angle Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras with AE Chip for Auto Metering (10MAF-N) is a high-quality lens designed for photographers who want to capture stunning ultra-wide-angle shots with their APS-C sensor digital cameras. With a Nano Crystal Coating System (NCS), this lens offers increased light transmission and reduced internal reflections, resulting in clear and sharp images.

With a fast F2.8 maximum aperture and close-focusing distance of just 9.5 inches, this lens offers maximum versatility in all shooting conditions. Whether you're capturing landscapes, architecture, or interiors, you'll be able to get the shot you want with ease.

The Rokinon 10mm F2.8 ED AS NCS CS Ultra Wide Angle Lens is optimized for excellent optical quality and true ultra-wide 110-degree edge to edge coverage with APS-C sensor digital cameras. This means you'll be able to capture the full breadth of your subject, without having to worry about cropping or missing important details.

This lens utilizes three high-precision (2 Aspherical + 1 ED) lens elements for superior image quality. The Aspherical elements reduce distortion and spherical aberrations, while the ED element minimizes chromatic aberration and color fringing. The result is clear and sharp images with accurate color reproduction.

The Rokinon 10mm F2.8 ED AS NCS CS Ultra Wide Angle Lens also features an Inner focusing system (IF) that ensures the lens length does not change and the front element does not rotate. This keeps the integrated petal-type lens hood properly oriented, reducing the risk of lens flare and ensuring that your shots are always sharp and clear.

Overall, the Rokinon 10mm F2.8 ED AS NCS CS Ultra Wide Angle Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras with AE Chip for Auto Metering (10MAF-N) is a versatile and high-quality lens that is perfect for photographers who want to capture stunning ultra-wide-angle shots with their APS-C sensor digital cameras. Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting out, this lens is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

2. Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F/4 S Ultra-Wide Angle Zoom Lens For Nikon Z Mirrorless Cameras

The NIKON NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S Ultra-Wide Angle Zoom Lens is a top-of-the-line accessory for Nikon Z Mirrorless Cameras. It boasts a compact 14-30mm zoom range with a fixed f/4 aperture, delivering outstanding image quality that's perfect for adding depth and drama to both stills and videos. Designed as the ideal partner for compact Z series cameras, the NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is a must-have for photographers and videographers who want to achieve next-level optical performance.

One of the key features of this lens is its retractable lens mechanism, which collapses the lens down to a mere 3.5 inches for safe and minimal packing. This makes it easy to take the NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S on-the-go, without having to worry about damaging the lens or taking up too much space in your bag. Whether you're traveling to a remote location or simply need to pack light, this lens is the perfect solution.

Another standout feature of the NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is Nikon's Stepping Motor (STM), which provides smooth, fast and quiet autofocusing. This allows you to capture stunning images and videos with minimal noise and maximum precision. Whether you're shooting in low light or capturing fast-moving subjects, the NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S delivers exceptional performance that you can rely on.

In addition to its impressive technical features, the NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is also part of Nikon's Z lenses lineup, which are perfectly matched to Z camera bodies. These lenses are designed with next-dimension optical performance in mind, giving you the freedom to create stunning images and videos that truly stand out. Whether you're a professional photographer or a hobbyist, the NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is a must-have accessory that will take your photography to the next level.

Overall, the NIKON NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S Ultra-Wide Angle Zoom Lens is an exceptional accessory that delivers outstanding image quality, fast and quiet autofocusing, and next-level optical performance. Whether you're capturing stills or videos, this lens is the perfect choice for adding depth and drama to your shots, while taking up minimal space in your bag.

3. Nikon Af-S Nikkor 50mm F/1.8g Lens

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens is a fast, upgraded, and compact prime lens that offers exceptional optical performance. With a maximum aperture of f/1.8, this lens is ideal for low light photography and shallow depth of field effects, making it a popular choice among portrait and street photographers.

The lens has a focal length of 50 millimeters and a minimum focus distance of 1.48 feet (0.45 meters). It features a newly developed optical system that includes an aspherical lens element, which helps to minimize distortion and aberrations, and delivers sharp and clear images.

One of the standout features of this lens is its exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM), which provides fast and quiet autofocus performance. The lens also features an M/A focus mode switch, which allows the user to switch between autofocus and manual focus quickly and easily.

The lens has a filter thread size of 58 millimeters, and it is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX format DSLRs. It has a picture angle of 47 degrees with a 35-millimeter (135) format, and the maximum reproduction ratio is 0.15x.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens has a compact and lightweight design, with dimensions of approximately 2.83 inches in diameter and 2.01 inches in length from the camera lens mounting flange. The lens is not zoomable, but its fixed focal length makes it a versatile lens for a variety of photography genres.

In summary, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens is an excellent choice for photographers looking for a fast, compact, and versatile prime lens. Its outstanding optical performance, fast autofocus, and lightweight design make it a popular choice among photographers of all levels.

4. Rokinon 135mm F2.0 Ed Umc Telephoto Lens For Canon Digital Slr Cameras

The Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC Telephoto Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras is a high-quality lens that provides exceptional image quality for both full frame and APS-C cameras. With an 18.8 degree angle of view on full frame cameras and a 12.4 angle of view on APS-C cameras, this lens is perfect for capturing stunning portraits and landscapes.

The Rokinon Ultra Multi-Coated (UMC) Optics ensures that the lens delivers sharp and clear images with minimal ghosting and flare. The lens also features a fast aperture range of f2.0 – f22, allowing for exceptional low light performance and depth of field control. Additionally, the lens has a minimum focusing distance of 2.6 ft, making it an ideal choice for close-up shots.

The lens is designed with 9 diaphragm blades that provide a smooth and natural bokeh. The removable lens hood helps to reduce lens flare and ghosting, while also providing added protection to the lens. The lens comes with a lens pouch, front and rear lens caps, a removable lens hood, and a 1-year Rokinon warranty.

Overall, the Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC Telephoto Lens is an excellent choice for photographers looking for a high-quality lens that delivers exceptional image quality and versatility. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, this lens is sure to exceed your expectations.

5. Rokinon 16maf-N 16mm F/2.0 Aspherical Wide Angle Lens For Nikon (Dx) Cameras

The Rokinon 16MAF-N 16mm f/2.0 Aspherical Wide Angle Lens for Nikon (DX) Cameras is a high-quality lens designed for photographers who want to capture ultra-wide-angle shots with exceptional image quality. Its focal length of 16mm and minimum focusing distance of 7.9 inches (0.2m) make it ideal for landscape, architecture, and interior photography.

One of the standout features of this lens is its large f/2.0 aperture, which allows for low light photography and night street shooting. This means that even in challenging lighting conditions, photographers can capture sharp and vibrant images with minimal noise or distortion.

Designed specifically for cameras with cropped APS-C image sensors, the Rokinon 16MAF-N 16mm f/2.0 Aspherical Wide Angle Lens is available for a range of camera brands, including Canon EOS, Nikon, Sony Alpha, Pentax, Micro 4/3, Sony E-Mount, Canon M, Fuji X, and Samsung NX. This makes it a versatile lens that can be used with a wide variety of camera bodies.

The lens also comes with a removable lens hood and takes 77mm filters, allowing photographers to further customize their shots and experiment with different effects. The aspherical lens design helps to minimize distortion and chromatic aberration while ensuring sharpness and clarity throughout the image.

Overall, the Rokinon 16MAF-N 16mm f/2.0 Aspherical Wide Angle Lens for Nikon (DX) Cameras is a top-quality lens that delivers exceptional performance and versatility. Whether you're a professional photographer or an enthusiast looking to expand your creative horizons, this lens is sure to impress.

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

The Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC Ultra Wide Angle Fixed Lens with Built-in AE Chip for Nikon is a high-quality lens designed to provide unparalleled performance and versatility to Nikon DSLR camera users. This lens is specifically designed to meet the needs of professional photographers and enthusiasts who require a high-quality ultra-wide-angle lens for capturing stunning wide-angle shots.

The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 10.8 inches, which makes it perfect for shooting subjects up close. With a focal length of 14mm, this lens provides a wide-angle view that captures a much larger field of view than standard lenses. This makes it ideal for landscape photography, architectural photography, and other applications where a wide-angle view is required.

The lens features 18 elements in 12 groups, which ensures exceptional image quality and clarity. The aperture range of f/2.8-F/22 with 10 diaphragm blades provides excellent depth of field control and allows for low light shooting without the need for a tripod. The lens also includes a built-in AE chip, which allows for automatic exposure control and metering with Nikon DSLR cameras.

This lens is compatible with all Nikon cameras that have full-frame or APS-C sensors, making it a versatile option for Nikon users. The lens construction is of high quality, with a solid build and a sleek black finish that complements Nikon DSLR cameras. This lens is not zoomable, and it is a fixed lens, meaning that the focal length cannot be adjusted.

Overall, the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC Ultra Wide Angle Fixed Lens with Built-in AE Chip for Nikon is an excellent choice for Nikon DSLR camera users who require a high-quality ultra-wide-angle lens. Its exceptional performance, versatility, and compatibility make it an excellent investment for photographers who require a wide-angle lens for their photography.

7. Rokinon 135mm F2.0 Ed Umc Telephoto Lens For Nikon Digital Slr Cameras

The Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC Telephoto Lens is a high-quality lens designed for Nikon digital SLR cameras. This lens is full-frame compatible, providing an 18.8-degree angle of view on full-frame cameras and a 12.4-degree angle of view on APS-C cameras.

One of the standout features of this lens is its Rokinon Ultra Multi-Coated (UMC) optics. This coating helps to minimize flare and ghosting, resulting in images that are sharp, clear, and free from unwanted reflections.

The lens also features a built-in Nikon AE chip, which allows for auto metering and auto exposure with your camera. This makes it easy to get the right exposure settings for your shots, even in challenging lighting conditions.

With a fast aperture of f2.0 – f22, this lens is ideal for shooting in low light or for creating shallow depth of field effects. The minimum focusing distance of 2.6 ft. allows you to get up close to your subject while still maintaining a comfortable shooting distance.

The lens features 9 diaphragm blades, which help to create smooth, natural-looking bokeh in your images. It also includes a removable lens hood, which helps to reduce flare and protects the front element of the lens from scratches and other damage.

In addition to the lens itself, this package also includes a lens pouch, front and rear lens caps, and a 1-year Rokinon warranty. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, the Rokinon 135mm F2.0 ED UMC Telephoto Lens is a versatile and reliable option for capturing stunning images with your Nikon digital SLR camera.

8. Sigma 135mm F/1.8 Dg Hsm Art Lens For Nikon F

The Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens for Nikon F is a remarkable lens that is designed to deliver exceptional performance, speed, and stability. The lens features a new large Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that delivers ample torque to the focusing group, ensuring outstanding speed and stability even at lower speeds. This makes it ideal for photographers who want to capture fast-moving subjects with great precision.

The lens also features a stunning compression effect that makes it the perfect portrait lens. It has a large aperture that helps with event photography and much more. This feature is especially useful for photographers who want to blur the background and create a beautiful bokeh effect. The lens is also capable of capturing sharp and detailed images in low-light conditions, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor photography.

The Sigma 135mm F1.8 Art lens is handcrafted at Sigma's single factory in Aizu, Japan, and undergoes individual evaluation before leaving the facility. This ensures that each lens is of the highest quality and meets Sigma's strict standards for performance and reliability. The lens is also designed to be durable and long-lasting, thanks to its robust construction and weather-sealed design.

One of the standout features of the lens is its minimum focusing distance of 87.5cm/34.4 inches. This allows photographers to capture close-up shots with great detail and clarity. The lens also features a customizable AF speed limiter that allows the user to adjust the autofocus speed according to their specific needs.

In summary, the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens for Nikon F is a top-of-the-line lens that is perfect for professional photographers who demand the very best in terms of performance, speed, and reliability. Its large aperture, stunning compression effect, and exceptional image quality make it perfect for portrait, event, and low-light photography. And with its durable construction and weather-sealed design, it's built to last and withstand even the toughest shooting conditions.

9. Renewed Nikon Af-S Fx Nikkor 28-300mm Zoom Lens With Vibration Reduction And Auto Focus For Nikon Dslrs.

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras is a versatile and powerful lens that is perfect for both amateur and professional photographers. This lens packs a punch with its 107x zoom range, making it an excellent choice for a variety of shooting situations.

The lens is optimized for edge to edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format cameras, ensuring that your photos are sharp and detailed. The lens features a range of advanced technologies, including ED glass and VR II image stabilization, which helps to reduce blur and camera shake, resulting in sharper images.

One of the standout features of this lens is its wide focal range, which covers a wide range of focal lengths from 28mm to 300mm. This allows you to get the best out of every subject, whether you're shooting landscapes, portraits, or wildlife. The lens is perfect for capturing everything from sweeping vistas to close-up details, making it an ideal all-around lens for any photographer.

The lens is also incredibly easy to use, thanks to its auto-focus capabilities. The lens features Nikon's Silent Wave Motor technology, which ensures that your images remain sharp and detailed, even in low light conditions. The lens is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go.

In addition to its powerful features, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens is also a renewed product, which means it has been restored to its original factory settings and specifications. This ensures that you are getting a high-quality lens that has been thoroughly tested and inspected, and is ready to use right out of the box.

Overall, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras is an excellent choice for any photographer looking for a versatile and powerful lens that can handle a wide range of shooting situations. Whether you're a professional or an amateur, this lens is sure to deliver exceptional results every time.

Best Nikon Lenses For Astrophotography FAQs

Are there any affordable Nikon lenses that are good for astrophotography?

Yes, there are several affordable Nikon lenses that are suitable for astrophotography. The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens is a great option for astrophotography on a budget, as it has a wide aperture and a fast autofocus system. Another option is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens, which is also affordable and has a wide aperture for capturing bright, crisp images of the night sky. The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens is a wide-angle lens that is perfect for capturing expansive views of the night sky, and it is also relatively affordable. Finally, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens is a high-quality wide-angle lens that is ideal for astrophotography, although it is more expensive than the other options. Overall, there are several affordable Nikon lenses that can produce stunning images of the night sky, making astrophotography accessible to photographers on a budget.

Can I use a Nikon DX lens for astrophotography or do I need a full-frame lens?

Yes, you can use a Nikon DX lens for astrophotography, but it may have some limitations. DX lenses are designed for Nikon's crop sensor cameras, which means they have a smaller image circle and are not optimized for full-frame sensors. This can result in vignetting or dark corners in your images when using a DX lens on a full-frame camera. However, when used on a crop sensor camera, DX lenses can be a great choice for astrophotography, especially for capturing wide-angle views of the night sky. Some popular DX lenses for astrophotography include the Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G and the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art. If you plan on upgrading to a full-frame camera in the future, you may want to consider investing in a full-frame lens instead.

How do I choose the right focal length for a Nikon lens for astrophotography?

When choosing a focal length for astrophotography with a Nikon lens, there are a few factors to consider. The first is the type of astrophotography you want to do. If you want to capture wide-field shots of the night sky, a wide-angle lens with a focal length of around 14-24mm may be best. If you want to capture more detail in objects like the moon or planets, a telephoto lens with a focal length of 200-300mm may be better.

Another factor to consider is the aperture of the lens. For astrophotography, you want a lens with a wide aperture (low f-number) to allow more light to enter the camera. Finally, consider the quality of the lens. Look for lenses with good sharpness and low distortion to ensure the best possible images.

Overall, the best focal length for astrophotography with a Nikon lens will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

What are some of the best Nikon lenses for astrophotography?

Nikon offers a range of lenses suitable for astrophotography, but some stand out as the best. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED is a popular choice due to its wide-angle coverage, low distortion, and fast aperture. It can capture stunning images of the night sky, including the Milky Way and auroras. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is another excellent choice that offers a versatile focal length range, fast aperture, and vibration reduction, making it ideal for capturing sharp and clear images of the stars. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is also a great lens for astrophotography due to its fast aperture, lightweight design, and affordability. It can capture detailed images of the night sky and is perfect for beginners in astrophotography.

What are the key features to look for when selecting a Nikon lens for astrophotography?

When selecting a Nikon lens for astrophotography, there are several key features to consider. First and foremost is the lens aperture, as a wide aperture allows more light to enter the lens and provides better low-light performance. A lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or wider is ideal for astrophotography. Second, the lens should have a wide-angle focal length, allowing for a larger field of view and the ability to capture more of the night sky. Third, the lens should have minimal distortion and chromatic aberration, which can affect image quality. Finally, consider the lens's build quality and weather sealing, as astrophotography often involves shooting in harsh environments. A lens with a durable and weather-sealed construction will be better suited for outdoor use. Overall, selecting a Nikon lens with a wide aperture, wide-angle focal length, minimal distortion and chromatic aberration, and durable build quality will provide the best results for astrophotography.

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