Can one wide prime lens work for both landscapes and Milky Way photography?
Asked 5/28/2016
3 views
2 answers
0
We use a Canon EOS 750D with the 18-55mm kit lens and want to improve both daytime landscapes and wide-field night sky shots. Our current issues are edge distortion in landscapes and the kit lens being too slow for low-light/stargazing.
We’re considering a wide prime around 18mm or wider, with a large aperture and manual focus, and wondered if one lens could serve both purposes. For example, would something like a Samyang/Rokinon 16mm f/2 be a sensible shared choice for landscape and star photography?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
2
Yes, you can use a wide, manual focus, large aperture, prime lens for both astrophotography and landscape photography.
You can use just about any lens to capture landscape photography, it depends on the vision you have and the scene; but a lens such as the one you described will give you many opportunities for landscape photography and it will capture them well.
Astrophotography really comes down to sharpness and light gathering ability. Assuming that the lens you select is also quite sharp, one with the attributes you described should do quite well.
If you haven't thought about it yet, make sure to invest in a good tripod. It will be key for both endeavours.
See also:
Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4892
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes — for wide-field astrophotography (such as Milky Way or night landscapes), a wide prime with a relatively large aperture can also be a very good landscape lens.
The overlap in requirements is real: wide focal length, good sharpness, and strong light-gathering ability are useful for both. Manual focus is also fine, especially for stars.
The main caveat is what kind of astrophotography you mean. If you want broad sky scenes or stars over a landscape, this approach makes sense. If you want close-up images of smaller areas of the sky, planets, or deep-sky subjects, a wide lens is not the right tool.
For landscapes, almost any lens can be used depending on your composition, but a sharp wide prime gives you lots of options. For stars, lens sharpness and aperture matter a lot.
Also, don’t overlook support gear: a solid tripod is important for both landscape and night shooting.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI10y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Best first lens for Nikon D5500 astrophotography and landscapes?
What lens should I choose for photographing the Milky Way on a full-frame Canon body?
Should I choose a 14mm prime or an ultra-wide zoom as a travel/landscape lens for Canon APS-C?
Do I need an ultra-wide zoom for travel landscapes on a Canon APS-C DSLR?
Is a 14mm f/2.8 manual-focus lens a good choice for indoor action shots on a Sony NEX-3N?