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Lens for Nikon D5200 astro photography
Hi All,
I am currently having Nikon D5200 body with kit lens 18-55.
Can anyone please suggest if d5200 camera is suitable for astro photography, if yes which lens would be suitable.
Based on the suggestions I want to either buy suitable lens for Nikkon or upgrade to mirror less camera like Sony alpha 7R IV with required lens.
Thanks,
Surya
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2 Replies
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You can get started with astro photography with your current equipment. You will need a tripod and a good tripod head.
🔧 Camera Settings
1. Mode: Manual (M)
2. Focus: Manual Focus (Switch the lens to manual focus, then set it to infinity. You may need to slightly adjust from the infinity mark for sharpness.)
3. Aperture: The lowest possible for your lens, which is f/3.5 at 18mm. This will let in the most light.
4. Shutter Speed: Use the 500 Rule to avoid star trails.
• Formula: 500 / Focal Length (in 35mm equivalent)
• For 18mm on a crop sensor (1.5x crop factor), equivalent is 27mm.
• So, 500 / 27 ≈ 18 seconds.
• Set your shutter speed to 15–20 seconds.
5. ISO: Start with ISO 1600 or 3200. Adjust based on the brightness of the sky and level of noise.
6. White Balance: Set to Daylight or 4000K. You can adjust later in post-processing.
7. File Format: RAW (for better post-processing flexibility).
8. Drive Mode: 2-second timer or remote trigger to prevent camera shake.
🌠 Shooting Tips
1. Tripod: Absolutely essential for long exposure shots.
2. Disable Image Stabilization (VR): Since you’re on a tripod, it may cause slight blur if left on.
3. Live View Focus: Use Live View and zoom in to a bright star to focus manually.
4. Noise Reduction: Disable in-camera noise reduction and handle it later in editing software.
5. Dark Location: Shoot in a place with minimal light pollution.
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Thank you very much sir 🙂
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