Astrophotography lens for my EOS R100

[Stillnew04]

Hello everyone, I'm relatively new here but I am going to be getting a new R100 for my birthday and I'm really into astrophotography and I need help figuring out a good budget lens for astrophotography.

I was looking at the RF50mm F1.8 STM, but it has mixed reviews. My budget is very tight at around $200 which is why I picked what I did. If there is anyone with proof to show that, that lens either isn't bad for astrophotography or if there is a better alternative for around the same price, just let me know please and thank you.

[jrhoffman75]

Welcome.

From my experience a 50mm lens on a crop sensor body (80mm equivalent field of view) is long for astrophotography (like start trails, Milky Way etc.). I don't photograph deep space objects, but I think 80mm will be too short for that.

I suggest you look into the RF 16mm STM lens.

[ebiggs1]

You can use almost any lens for astrophotography. It all depends on what you want. A 50mm lens will certainly work if it provides the angle of view, AOV, that you want. You didn't mention what that goal was. For shooting the Moon it will not do a good job if you want to examine the Moon in detail. If you want deep space, it will not to very well there either. If you want a narrow section of deep space it will do OK. Basically you need a faster rather than slower lens for astro work especially if you are not tracking with it. 

A super popular lens for deep space is the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 Lens for RF. It is full manual which is prefered. One of the 150-600mm super zooms will do better on the Moon. Keep in mind things in space are so far away that nothing you can reasonably get will make anything any larger except objects in our own solar system. Those deep space objects are tiny and will remain tiny.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

I agree with John and Ernie here.  A 50mm on an APS-C body is not likely to give you an optimal FOV. 

The 16mm would be better for general Astro.  I have the Rokinon 12mm f2.8 in EF (retired) .  It provides a 170* FOV on fullframe

The 14mm offers 115* FOV, but neither will give you that on the R100.

Additionally, I would pump the brakes and consider getting the R50.  Its $120 more, but it's a much better camera.  

Better ISO, articulating screen (which will be huge for astro photography).  The R100 has a fixed LCD.  The R50 also has advanced focusing algorithms and subject tracking. Its really worth the additional expense.  

The image quality from both camera's will look about the same, but the R50 will have a bump in performance and features.  Its a small price to pay for the added benefits.  That's up to you of course.

[ebiggs1]

"Better ISO, articulating screen (which will be huge for astro photography)."

You know I never liked them just another gimmick.  Actually made sure I had cameras that didn't have one. That is until a situation like astrophotography and old age came around. Now I think they are great.