Best non-L series Canon lens for landscape astrophotography

[chrismw86]

Hi all,

I know that someone already started a thread relating to best non-L lenses but I wasn't sure if he was looking at specifically landscape astrophotography work.

My price range is around $600.00 and I'm looking at a few different options. I'm currently shooting the stars with the following:

Canon Rebel EOS 550D t2i
Tamron 10-24mm f3.5/4.5
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5/5.6
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4.0/5.6

I'm not satisfied with my results at night from my Tamron, the images aren't very sharp. I'm looking at strictly landscape astrophotography lenses. I know that having a low focal ration is important to some extent (also allows for more flexibility), faster response.

I've debated purchasing the Canon 50mm f/1.4, it's priced right but my concern is field of view.

Thanks so much in advance for all of your help, it's much appreciated!:D

[iceman]

hi Chris

What camera will it go on? Crop sensor or full frame?

On a crop sensor, my next purchase would've been a Tokina 11-16. StephenM has some images with this in the Nightscapes forum.

I ended up getting a Samyang 14mm, which is great on the full frame. You can see some results of it by myself as well as Greg Gibbs (obsidianphotos) in the Nightscapes forum.

[chrismw86]

Thanks, iceman!

I just updated my post but it's a canon 550d so it has a crop sensor.

[iceman]

In that case, go for the Tokina 11-16!

[chrismw86]

How's the image sharpness, quality etc? Does it work well even with some light pollution? I'm just hesitant to buy a non-canon wide angle lens for astro shots. The reviews appear to be fairly good for this lens but after using my Tamron 10-24mm wide angle with iffy results, I'm a bit hesitant as I'm not familiar with this brand. How does it compare with other brands? Thanks for the info!

[Irish stargazer]

I picked up the Tokina 11-16 a few months ago for my 450d. It's a good lens. Have a look at the Sigma F1.4 50mm as well as the Canon. iIt's is a sharp lens. I recently upgraded to a Canon 7d. Here are some example shots with both lenses.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7703127@N07/7989811821/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7703127@N07/7807868960/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7703127@N07/8081125120/in/photostream

[chrismw86]

Those pictures look very sharp, nice shots; lots of detail! Thanks for the information. I may pick up the Canon 50mm f/1.4 for now as I just purchased my Tamron wide angle a few months ago. I would love to hear other suggestions though!

That Tokina lens looks amazing though, ugh! Decisions, decisions.

[chrismw86]

Does anyone know the difference between the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX II Digital Zoom Lens and the original Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX Digital Zoom Lens? The price difference is $599.00 versus $739.00 I'm just wondering if the newer version is worth the money.

Thanks! :D

[SteveInNZ]

+1 for the Tokina 11-16. Good stars at 11mm and wide open. Mine is a Mk1 on a 40D. A quick google says the Mk2 has a better motor and some coating improvements.
Jerry Lodriguss (http://www.astropix.com/HTML/I_ASTROP/LENSES.HTM) has tested a few lenses and the results for the 50mm f/1.4 and 50mm f/1.8 are interesting. As are his results for the 18-55 kit lens.
I have a Tamron 60mm f/2.0 macro which gives good stars out to the corners at f/2.5 but the illumination drops off substatntially and would need to be used with flats. I wasn't expecting that.
One thing my testing really showed up was how bad the phase contrast auto focus is for astro. The contrast a/f is great.

The Samyang lenses seem to be excellent astro lenses if you don't mind fully manual.

Steve.

[Davros]

I would be taking a long hard look at this one in the trades section.


http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=97937

[chrismw86]

I decided to purchase the first generation Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX, I couldn't pass up the $599.00 price tag. From what I've read the reviews are awesome and this is a solid lens! Now, if only the grey Washington skies would clear up!

Thanks for everyones input!