Which camera lens for Piggyback astro photos?

Greetings all!!

At the moment I am looking into getting perhaps two prime lenses (affordable!!) for piggyback constellation shots... maybe a 50mm and 20 - 28mm or thereabouts.

The canon EFS F1.8 mk2 50mm seems too good to be true at about 100 yoyos. Also of interest in the 50mm range is the Sigma F2.8 Ex DG Macro 50mm.

Keeping in mind that I would also like to use the lens for photographing close ups of things on the ground (during cloudy days), the sigma appeals to me despite being a slower lens. In addition, alot of piggyback shots are rarely as fast as F1.8.

However, Sigma also produce a 24 - 70mm F2.8 Macro, which seems affordable too!!!

I am open to suggestions regarding what experiences people may have had also in the 20 - 28mm (prime) range of focal lengths for constellation shots.

Any advise greatly appreciated!!!

Many thanx.........

Hi Steve,

I am also gearing up for such a project and my modus operandi will involve a Canon EOS 300D and an EOS EF 50mm/f1.8. I have checked the field of view provided by this combination and it will cover MANY constellations extremely well.

Also look into getting a fog filter which will allow you to highlight the dominant/primary members of the constellation so as to make its outlines readily apparent.

Please remember to post photos so that we can compare notes and learn from each other.

Thanx Anthony........ will do!!!!

That looks like one up for the Canon EF S F1.8 mk2 50mm.... I'm looking at using it with a Canon 350D

Steve,

Due to the fact I have other Canon EOS bodies, I purposely pursued the EF 50mm lens (and not any version of EF S which is restricted to the digital EOS body). When looking to purchase lenses for astrophotography, concentrate on the ones which are problematic with respect to autofocus. Not only will you get such lenses very cheap (the autofocus does not work) but it is a non-issue for us since we focus on infinity (I have mine taped).

Also, in relation to the fog filters, check out the Tiffen "Fog 1" and/or "Fog 2". I have picked up both of them for a 2-3 euro each (on eBay).

will check them out anthony

Thanx and Cheers!!!!

The canon EFS F1.8 mk2 50mm seems too good to be true at about 100 yoyos. Also of interest in the 50mm range is the Sigma F2.8 Ex DG Macro 50mm.

I believe Michael O'Connell has this lens or one similar to it, and is quite pleased with it.
I plan to purchase same in the near future. Will check details with him 1st.