Astrophotography is a captivating pursuit that requires precision, patience and the right equipment. For photographers using Sony Alpha cameras, the extensive Sony lens lineup has so much to offer it can be difficult to decide. To help you out, below we explore some of the best Sony prime lenses suited for astrophotography – focusing on their features, performance and suitability for capturing the night sky.
What are the best lenses for night and astrophotography?
1. Sony 14mm f/1.8 G Master
Why It’s Great For Night & Astrophotography
The Sony 14mm f/1.8 GM is a standout choice for astrophotographers seeking a wide field of view and excellent light-gathering capabilities. Its ultra-wide 14mm focal length is perfect for capturing vast expanses of the night sky, while the fast f/1.8 aperture allows for stunning low-light performance.
Standout Features
- G Master Optics: Offers exceptional sharpness and clarity across the frame.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to handle and carry, ideal for traveling to remote locations.
- Advanced Coating: Reduces ghosting and flare, enhancing image quality under challenging lighting conditions.
Creator Review
“This lens is the bread-and-butter for the majority of my astrophotos. Its compact size and wide field of view allow me to carry it deep into the backcountry without added weight and capture sweeping scenes of the night sky. Its bright aperture is perfect for letting in the maximum amount of light possible at night.” Evan Lobeto, What’s In My Bag: An Avid Astrophotographer’s Kit For Capturing The Night Sky.
2. Sony 20mm f/1.8 G
Why It’s Great For Night & Astrophotography
The Sony 20mm f/1.8 G is another excellent lens for night sky photography. Its wide aperture and 20mm focal length make it versatile for capturing both expansive sky scenes and detailed Milky Way shots.
Standout Features
- Fast Aperture: The f/1.8 aperture is perfect for shooting in low-light environments.
- High-Resolution Optics: Delivers sharp, high-contrast images.
- Compact Design: Easy to pack and carry, making it ideal for outdoor astrophotography adventures.
Creator Review
“This lens is such a secret killer in the Sony lineup. So small, so light, so sharp. We put this in the bag a lot for its versatility and perfect middle ground in focal length that is really wide but not too distorted. I got out of the tent solo in the middle of the night for this shot and the 20mm was the choice for a super fast night shot that didn’t seem too distorted. It was perfect for this night shot building snow walls as we tried to survive the 100mph winds.” – Renan Ozturk, What’s In My Bag: A Film Director & Photojournalist’s On-Assignment Kit
3. Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master
Why It’s Great For Night & Astrophotography
The Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM combines a slightly narrower field of view with a fast aperture, making it a versatile choice for a range of astrophotography styles. It’s excellent for capturing star trails and detailed sky compositions.
Standout Features
Superb Sharpness: Consistent across the frame, even at wide apertures.
Minimal Distortion: Ensures accurate reproduction of the night sky.
Nano AR Coating: Minimizes flare and ghosting, critical for night shooting.
Creator Review
“When it comes to astrophotography, primes are king and G Master lenses are hands down the best astro lenses on the market. The G Master glass resolves extremely sharp images that also have very low coma resulting in pin point stars from corner to corner. In my opinion, king among them is the Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master. This superfast f/1.4 lens is a game changer for astrophotography when used in combination with a star tracker allowing for ISO as low as 400 when shooting the night sky. This allows for extremely low noise and some of the cleanest night images out there in the photography world. 24mm also happens to strike the perfect balance for Milky Way photography allowing for scale and detail in the galaxy’s core.” – Brandt Ryder, What’s In My Bag: A Complete G Master Kit For Landscapes & Astroscapes
4. Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master
Why It’s Great For Night & Astrophotography
The Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM offers a slightly narrower field of view, which is perfect for those looking to capture more detailed sections of the night sky and foreground elements. The fast f/1.4 aperture provides excellent low-light capabilities, making it a versatile tool for both astrophotography and general night photography.
Standout Features
- Superior Image Quality: Delivers sharp, high-contrast images with minimal distortion.
- Fast Aperture: The f/1.4 aperture is ideal for low-light shooting, capturing clear and bright stars.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry, making it suitable for travel and outdoor photography.
Creator Review
"If I was only allowed one lens, the Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master would be it. It's long enough to give you a sense of place but when you’re in tight and it's wide open, it could almost be mistaken for a longer portrait lens. It frees me up to shoot in almost any light. I still can't get over the degree to which I can shoot in situations you think won't even show up. Some of the images from this shoot speak to that. I could shoot most of the pictures I would ever want to shoot with this lens. The manual aperture ring is back to the future and I still can't get over how small and light this lens is." – David McLain, What’s In My Bag: This Pro's Simplified Kit For Authentic Storytelling
UPDATED FEB 2025
BONUS: Sony 16mm f/1.8 G
Why It’s Great For Night & Astrophotography
The Sony 16mm f/1.8 G is a remarkable addition to the astrophotography toolkit, offering an ultra-wide field of view ideal for capturing expansive starry skies. Its fast f/1.6 aperture ensures excellent low-light performance, making it perfect for photographing the Milky Way and other celestial phenomena.
Standout Features
- Ultra-Wide Angle: The 16mm focal length captures broad vistas of the night sky, providing a dramatic perspective.
- Fast Aperture: The f/1.6 aperture allows for more light intake, reducing noise and enhancing image quality in dark conditions.
- Advanced Optical Design: Features cutting-edge aspherical elements and ED glass to minimize distortion and chromatic aberrations.
Creator Review
“I love using my 16-35mm f/2.8 GM during the day, but at night I need more light so I find myself reaching for either the 14mm f/1.8 GM or the 20mm f/1.8 G. So now having my favorite focal length, 16mm, in my favorite aperture, f/1.8, is literally the lens I've been dreaming of for years." – Nate Luebbe, Sony 16mm f/1.8 G: See The First Shots Taken With The New Ultra-Wide Lens
