The Best Canon Camera Kit for Astrophotographers

When it comes to photographing the stars, star trails and so on, one requires a camera and a lens that can get everything right. While we have already spoken about Micro Four Thirds options for those on a budget, here is also a look at the Canon kit that is ideal for serious photographers who can invest. Have a look.

Canon RA

What makes it great? A 30MP camera, the RA offers an ISO between 50 and 102,400, and a 3.15-inch fully articulating LCD. There is also a deep grip, a 3.69 million dot EVF, and a well-made layout for the designs. It is as sturdy as the 5D III, but a tad lighter. The 30x magnification zoom feature in live view helps to nail the focus. Overall, the design, the build, and the buttons help to make this camera an ideal partner for astrophotography.

Why is it unique? With astrophotography, you are likely to work with manual focus for most of the time. However, if you can also use the camera for eye detection, autofocus, tracking and so on. The image quality is amazing, with the RA’s infrared-cutting filter, which allows for the transmission of hydrogen-alpha rays. The latter can let you see the nebulae without additional accessories. The colors are great, and the details are just right for your needs.

In our review, we said:

There is no doubt in my mind that, for the serious deep space astrophotographer, the Canon EOS Ra would be a fantastic choice of camera, and you will surely capture images that stun. While the camera can be used to shoot wide astrophotography shots, the main use for this camera would be to attach it to a large telescope that would then become the lens for the camera. With a setup like that, you would easily be able to create otherworldly images of Nebulae and galaxies in the night sky.

Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM 

What makes it great? Designed with 16 elements in 12 groups, the 15-35mm features 9 aperture blades, 15-step image stabilization, and 840g of weight. The lens is long, and does not extend when zoomed in. It is, overall, a simple lens, with a few buttons and rings around it. You will also adore the weather sealing, which makes outdoor shooting much more fun. The image stabilization can also help you get steady shots.

Why is it unique? Since the lens is designed for landscape and documentary photographers, you get a nice autofocus to work with. However, you can also rely on the focus ring for manual setup. Similarly, the image quality is amazing, with fantastic colors, and sharpness that is “off the charts.” There is some vignetting and distortion, but that can be corrected in post. You also get some fantastic bokeh, in case you want to add subjects in front of the lens.

In our review, we said:

L series glass has the reputation it has for good reasons, and overall sharpness is one of the highlights of this glass from Canon. As long as your shot is in focus, and you have good lighting, your images will be razor-sharp every single time.