What focal length lens for starting to take astro-images with DSLR?

[FlatWhite (Colin)]

Hi,

I am considering buying a fixed focal length lens for my DSLR (60D). Just wondering what would be a good choice for experimenting / learning how to take some astro-images with it.

Appreciate any suggestions, pros/cons. Was thinking around 50mm.

Thanks
Colin

[NorthernLight (Max)]

hi colin,
the question is whether or not you are utilising an equtorial mount? if not, see that you get a wide angle lens. i have a 10mm lens and can expose for 30sec without star trailing,wich makes for great milky way shots without even atripod. i just put the camera lens up on the car roof. longer focal length means shorter exposure and higher iso. the 50mm has also a much smaller fov, you wont get much more in than the costellation orion-the stars only.
10mm gives you whole milky way incl lmc and smc. if there are no structures on earth within the frame you can take a number of short exposures and stack them until field rotation becomes visible.
for all other deepspace objects you need a tracking platform and probably more than 50mm.
i wanted to get the canon 50mm for under 200$ but couldnt really find use for it and am glad to have the 10-24mm.
good luck!