Astrophotography can seem intimidating, especially when you consider the high-end cameras, lenses, and telescopes often used by experienced photographers. However, you don’t need to break the bank to get started. With the right equipment, even beginners can capture stunning images of the night sky. Here’s a guide to the best budget-friendly gear to help you dive into astrophotography without overspending.
1. Cameras
When it comes to astrophotography, the camera is the most crucial piece of equipment. While high-end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are ideal, many budget options can deliver impressive results.
Best Budget DSLR: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (Approx. £350)
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is one of the most popular entry-level DSLRs for beginners. Its 24.1-megapixel sensor is more than capable of capturing sharp, detailed images of stars, planets, and even some deep-sky objects. It also performs well in low light, which is essential for night photography. While it doesn’t have all the advanced features of more expensive models, its affordability and quality make it an excellent choice for newcomers to astrophotography.
Best Budget Mirrorless Camera: Sony Alpha a6000 (Approx. £350)
The Sony Alpha a6000 is an older model but remains a favorite among beginner astrophotographers due to its 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor and impressive low-light performance. The compact size of this mirrorless camera makes it ideal for portability, and it offers the versatility to capture both wide-field shots and more detailed celestial objects when paired with the right lens.
Alternative: Use Your Smartphone
If you’re not ready to invest in a dedicated camera, modern smartphones, particularly those with manual settings, can still capture decent astrophotography shots. Devices like the Google Pixel and iPhone 14 have powerful night modes, and with some practice and the right apps (e.g., NightCap or ProCam), you can take impressive photos of the moon, stars, and even meteor showers. Pairing a smartphone with a stable tripod and clip-on lenses can further enhance your shots.
2. Lenses
The lens you use is just as important as the camera. While premium lenses can be expensive, there are budget options that perform admirably for night sky photography.
Best Budget Wide-Angle Lens: Samyang 14mm f/2.8 (Approx. £150 - £200)
For capturing wide-field shots of the Milky Way, star trails, and expansive nightscapes, a fast wide-angle lens is essential. The Samyang (sometimes called the Rokinon) 14mm f/2.8 is a manual focus lens with a large aperture, which allows it to gather more light—a crucial feature for astrophotography. The 14mm focal length offers a wide field of view, making it easier to capture large portions of the sky.
Best Budget Telephoto Lens: Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III (Approx. £100 - £150)
If you’re looking to zoom in on specific objects, such as the moon or planets, a telephoto lens like the Canon EF 75-300mm is a great budget choice. While not as fast as more expensive lenses, its versatility and range make it a good starting point for astrophotographers who want to experiment with different subjects in the night sky.
3. Tripods
A sturdy tripod is essential for any type of long-exposure photography, and astrophotography is no exception. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable tripods that offer excellent stability without costing a fortune.
Best Budget Tripod: AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod (Approx. £30)
The AmazonBasics tripod is an inexpensive yet reliable option for beginners. It’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to take on trips to remote stargazing locations. While it may not have the heavy-duty build of pricier tripods, it does the job well for those starting out.
Best Mid-Range Tripod: Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod (Approx. £79)
For those willing to spend a bit more, the Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod offers greater stability and build quality while still being relatively affordable. Its sturdy design can support larger cameras and lenses, ensuring you get sharp, stable long-exposure shots.
4. Star Trackers
If you’re ready to take your astrophotography to the next level, a star tracker is an invaluable tool. Star trackers rotate your camera in sync with the Earth’s rotation, allowing for longer exposures without star trails, which leads to clearer images of deep-sky objects.
Best Budget Star Tracker: Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Mini (Approx. £275)
The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Mini is an excellent budget-friendly star tracker for beginners. It’s compact, easy to set up, and precise enough for tracking stars, the moon, and even deep-sky objects. Paired with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, this star tracker allows for long exposures without blurring or star trails, making it possible to capture the detailed structure of the Milky Way or even faint nebulae and galaxies.
5. Telescopes
While most beginners start with a camera and lens setup, some may want to explore telescopic astrophotography. Entry-level telescopes can offer a more detailed view of planets, the moon, and deep-sky objects.
Best Budget Telescope: Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ (Approx. £275)
The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ is an affordable yet powerful entry-level telescope for astrophotography. Its 130mm aperture gathers plenty of light, and the equatorial mount makes it easier to track celestial objects as they move across the sky. It also comes with an adapter for attaching your DSLR, allowing you to take close-up photos of planets and the moon.
Best for Smartphone Users: Celestron NexStar 4SE (Approx. £599)
The Celestron NexStar 4SE is slightly more expensive, but it’s a highly portable and versatile telescope for beginner astrophotographers, especially those who use smartphones. It comes with GoTo technology, which automatically locates and tracks objects in the night sky, making it easier for beginners to find and photograph celestial targets. With the right smartphone adapter, you can capture impressive planetary and lunar shots through the eyepiece.
6. Accessories
In addition to the core equipment, a few inexpensive accessories can significantly improve your astrophotography experience.
Remote Shutter Release (Approx. £10-20): A remote shutter release or intervalometer helps minimize camera shake during long exposures, ensuring sharp images.
Red Headlamp (Approx. £10): A red headlamp allows you to see your equipment in the dark without ruining your night vision, which is crucial for stargazing and setting up shots.
Dew Heater Straps (Approx. £30): If you plan to shoot for extended periods in damp conditions, dew heater straps help prevent moisture from forming on your camera lens or telescope optics.
Astrophotography doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. With the right budget-friendly equipment, you can begin capturing stunning images of the night sky without draining your bank account. Start with the basics—an entry-level camera, a sturdy tripod, and a wide-angle lens—and build your kit as your skills and interests grow. As you gain experience, you can add more specialized gear, like star trackers and telescopes, to expand your capabilities.
With practice and patience, even the most affordable equipment can yield breathtaking images of the stars, planets, and galaxies, making astrophotography a rewarding and accessible pursuit for anyone interested in the wonders of the cosmos.
