T7i Lens for Astronomical Photos

[TMike]

I have the 75-300, 1:4-5.6 III.  I get good pictures of the moon, I have a difficult focusing on Jupiter and Saturn, especially with screen.  I am looking at a faster lens.  However, not sure what the limitations of the camera might restrict choices.  I have experimented with the manual settings without satisfactory results.

Looking for Lens recommendations or am I expecting too much for this camera?

Is the 75-200, 2.8 overkill for the T7?

Thanks for you advice!

[Tronhard]

I think you are asking too much of both the camera and the lens.  The T# series is about the cheapest of the camera range out there in the DSLR series, and has limitations with dynamic range compared to higher end models, but the lens is likely your weakest link.  It is arguably Canon's worst optic.

If you are going to shoot images of large objects like the moon, something in the range of 500-600mm on a crop-sensor body is more reasonable, as per the enclosed sample.   

Canon EOS 7DMkII, Sigma 150-600c@600mm, f/6.3, 1/800sec, ISO-160

Given your targets are significantly smaller, the first questions one should asks are:
1.  What are you trying to capture with these subjects - e.g. small location images in a wide context or much closer images showing these planets at a significant size?
2.  What are you hoping to produce?
3.  What is your budget - not much or some such is not helpful, a number is more appropriate.

[AtticusLake]

You might want to try looking at astrophotography resources and forums.  With the kinds of lens you're using -- even up to 600mm -- Jupiter and Saturn are going to be pretty close to points.  Focussing on those kinds of objects is not easy.  Astrophotographers (I am not one) will have a better handle on this.  For example, they might recommend a Bahtinov mask (and that's my astrophotography knowledge all used up).

Nico Carver -- Nebula Photos on YouTube -- is good for this kind of stuff.  He covers telescopes etc., but also shows how to do astrophotography with normal cameras.

[Tronhard]

This is great advice Atticus.  I have been puzzled at the subjects myself - hence the need for clarification, but I think your suggestion of seeking specialist advice is bang on!

[Waddizzle]

I suggest getting on YouTube and searching for channels about astrophotography.  Many of them publish videos aimed at an absolute beginner audience to advanced astrophotography image processing.  “Astrobackyard” is one such channel.  

https://youtu.be/WS_SpSSQUsA 

There is one “must have” piece of gear for photographing the night sky, that being a robust and stable tripod.  A lightweight, carbon fiber, travel tripod simply does not cut it.  Capturing long exposures is the norm when it coms to astrophotography.  You would want to use a very stable tripod, one that does not move in a breeze or wind gust.  I suggest taking a look at video tripods.

[Waddizzle]

There is a LOT more to astrophotography than capturing a single photo.  An astrophotographer may capture many dozens of images of the area of the night sky, and then combine the images in post processing.  

An astrophotographer may capture images over the course of an hour or two.  During this time you do not want your tripod to budge by the wind or bumped by your foot.

[TMike]

Thanks for the replies.

On another note, For birding/wildlife, Is there a faster telephoto lens you would recommend that is a good match for my T7?

Which camera would be a step up toward my original question?

[Waddizzle · Accepted solution]

Almost [any] current Canon camera would work well for Astrophotography, including the T7i.  I think the small size and lighter weight are advantages.  

Fast super telephoto lenses are costly. I think a Sigma 100-400 or 150-600 would be a good match with a T7i. A better body depends on your budget   Any of the recent R series bodies would be an upgrade. Take your pick R10, R7, or. R6. 

[ebiggs1]

"I think you are asking too much of both the camera and the lens."

You are asking too much from the lens but not the camera. I would not discourage you from upgrading but if another Rebel is what you want you need to go with the T8i. Not a T7i. If you want a real upgrade the 90D is an outstanding choice providing you want to stay DSLR and Canon. However, you can take great photos of the Moon with your T7.  Even deep sky stuff. The problem is your lens or lenses.

Keep in mind it is always daylight on the Moon. It is only night time here on Earth. So a super fast lens isn't really needed.

The Rokinon 14mm F/2.8 (example there are others) is a manual, wide-angle camera lens that comes in Canon EF mount and a great choice for deep sky photos. One of the 150-600mm super zooms from Sigma or Tamron is about all you have in a reasonably priced big lens. Photos of planets really need telescopes and tracking devices with heavy duty tripods.

BTW, one of the 150-600mm super zooms will be best choice for wildlife. 

[TMike]

Thanks for your kind reply.  This is were I'm at in choosing a lens.  I am looking at the Sigma lens you suggested and I found a Tamron one to consider. [link removed per forum guidelines - replaced with description] Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DI VC USD G2 Lens for Canon EF-Mount {95} with Tripod Mount (A022).

My dilemma is getting a faster lens with lower zoom with getting faster shutter and digitally enhance.  Thus getting more detailed bird wings or planet movement.

Or getting a slower lens with higher magnification.

One use is taking movies at school band's half time performance at night under stadium lights.  Though bright lights, sill a lot of shadows when zooming in.

I can get a used Canon 75-200 f2.8 used with excellent condition rating in the $700 to $1100 range. 

The after market  new ones in 100 to 600 or 75 to 400 f5 with good stabilization, lens coating, auto focus.

However, some sources claim that Canon won't license 3 party mfgs to take advantage of their features.

I appreciate your input.  As you realize, I am  in the ignorant in this subject.

thanks Mike