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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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