Beginner's guide to landscape astrophotography: equipment recommendations for different budgets

Astrophotography has a special appeal: the night sky offers fascinating subjects that can be captured in impressive images with the right equipment. But which camera, lenses and accessories are suitable for beginners? In this article, I give recommendations for different price ranges - from a budget setup to semi-professional equipment.

Note: The prices quoted refer mainly to used goods and may vary depending on availability. In addition, the budget does not include costs for astromodification - these amount to ~25-400€ depending on the camera, provider or DIY

Budget setup (approx. 500€)

This set is ideal for beginners who are starting out on a limited budget but still want to take their first high-quality astrophotos.

Sony a6000

Camera: Sony a6000 (200-250€)

The Sony a6000 is an excellent choice for beginners in astrophotography. It has an APS-C sensor with good low-light performance and offers excellent value for money.

Samyang 12mm f2

Lens: Samyang 12mm f/2 (150-200€)

A fast wide-angle lens is essential for landscape astrophotography. The Samyang 12mm f/2 offers high speed, a wide field of view and solid optical quality.

Tripod: Rollei c5i aluminum (50-60€)

A sturdy tripod is necessary for long exposures. There are usable aluminum tripods in this price range that are sufficient for beginners.

Accessories: Intervalometer, SD card, dew heater, power bank (50-75€)

  • An intervalometer makes it possible to take long exposures and time-lapse sequences.
  • An SD card with sufficient storage space is essential. I recommend a minimum of 64gb
  • A dew heater prevents the lens from fogging up.
  • A power bank to operate the dew heater and charge the batteries (for cell phone or camera).

Mid-range setup (approx. 1250€)

For ambitious beginners who want better image quality and more control over their shots.

Camera: Sony a7/s/r (300-450€ used)

A full frame camera like the Sony a7 offers better low light performance and lower image noise compared to APS-C cameras. The A7r performs similarly well with the advantage of having more megapixels (36mpx) while the a7s delivers the best low light quality, even at high ISO values like 6400/12800  

Tracker: Move Shoot Move Nomad + accessories (350€)

A star tracker reduces the earth's rotation and allows longer exposure times without star movement in the image

With the code "Jakob" you can save 5%! 

tokina firin 20mm

Lens: Tokina Firin 20mm f/2 (300-450€)

The Tokina Firin 20mm f/2 is a fast wide-angle lens with high optical quality that is ideal for astrophotography.

Tripod: Rollei C6i Carbon (75-100€)

This carbon tripod offers high stability with low weight - ideal for transportation into the great outdoors.

Accessories: Intervalometer, SD card, dew heater, power bank (50-100€)

The same accessories as the budget setup, but with higher quality options for more reliability and performance.

  • An intervalometer makes it possible to take long exposures and time-lapse sequences.
  • An SD card with sufficient storage space is essential. I recommend a minimum of 64gb
  • A dew heater prevents the lens from fogging up.
  • A power bank to operate the dew heater and charge the batteries (for cell phone or camera).

High-end setup (approx. 2500€)

For serious astrophotographers who aspire to a professional level.

Camera: Sony a7III (900-1100€)

The Sony a7III is an outstanding full-frame camera with excellent low-light performance and very good dynamic range.

nomad tracker

Tracker: Move Shoot Move Nomad + accessories (350€)

A star tracker reduces the earth's rotation and allows longer exposure times without star movement in the image

With the code "Jakob" you can save 5%! 

sigma 20mm f1.4

Lens: Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG DN (750€)

An improved version of the Sigma 20mm f1.4 DG HSM for DSLR cameras with high sharpness and better correction of optical errors.

Panorama head: 150€

A panorama head enables the creation of detailed panoramas and is a great help for Milky Way photography.

rollei c6i

Tripod: Rollei C6i Carbon (75-100€)

This carbon tripod offers high stability with low weight - ideal for transportation into the great outdoors.

Accessories: Intervalometer, SD card, dew heater, power bank (100-150€)

The same accessories as the budget setup, but with higher quality options for more reliability and performance.

  • An intervalometer makes it possible to take long exposures and time-lapse sequences.
  • An SD card with sufficient storage space is essential. I recommend a minimum of 64gb
  • A dew heater prevents the lens from fogging up.
  • A power bank to operate the dew heater and charge the batteries (for cell phone or camera).

Conclusion

Whether you have a budget of €500, €1250 or €2500 - there is possible entry-level equipment for landscape astrophotography in every price range. While the budget setup lays a solid foundation for your first astrophotos, the higher price ranges allow a significant increase in image quality and possibilities. Which setup you choose depends on your personal requirements and your budget.

Good luck and clear skies!

Professional image processing

With little effort

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