is this lens suitable for night astrophotography?? how is the comma effect when using maximum aperture 1.8 ?
1267954
Well, in the maximun aperture f1.8 this lens is very poor, present too much vigneting and very soft focus. In f4 to f22 this lens is great with an excelent sharpness.
648774
In my personal experience, it's a bit difficult to focus in lowlight situations. If it's as dark as a room with very dim lights, then I do not recommend this. In addition, I try to keep the ISO at a max of 1600. If I have to, I will go up to 3200. The noise/grain is noticeable around 3200, and it is a bit noticeable even at 1600.
1324233
This lens is amazing for star photos. I will be uploading a recent picture taken with this lens of the stars in my review of this lens. Great, great lens, and most definitely worth the money! It has become my standard go-to lens for great shots!
623354
Since this lens only provides for manual focus, it would be nearly impossible to use this successfully in any sports/action situation. The lack of autofocus capability is what makes this lens as inexpensive as it is. This lens is most appropriate for night sky photography due to its good optics and fast (f/2.0) lens.
2072501
I took some very nice shots with this at night on a fairly bright street (Chinatown in Yokohama), but you may have problems focusing if it is too dark. Just because you can see the subject doesn't mean the AF can find it. Then again, that isn't very surprising.
2242945
Hello Mike, it is an f/4G so los light conditions will always be an issue. Having said this, I can tell you theta I love this lens. It is very fast in focus and extremely sharp. In dark enviroments such as weddings or concerts you may have to put up your iso setting a bit and get a little noise on your images but again, sharpnes will do the work and have a little noice images in dark enviroments sometimes is good. If you use flash you have no problem at all. I hope this helps a little on your choice.
91517
I bought the lens for shooting night time soccer matches. It is awesome at that. I have moved on to high school basketball and it performs flawlessly there as well. I have used it for one wedding (outside), worked well there too. I think you would be happy, but have not tried in that low of a light situation. Now if you wish to support the lens with a flash of some sort, then there would be no question. My gut tells me you would be fine, but I have nothing to back that up. The lens is great, fast and extremely clear. I am very happy.
2156710
Hi there... I have this lens, and love it, for its total flexibility - it is a perfect traveller's lens. It is not exactly a "macro" lens, though I have used it with success to make some close-ups. If you then buy a close-up set (1+2+3), I am sure it can handle many of your macro needs - though you should bear in mind that that is not what it was designed for, nor is it a lens with low aperture readings - i.e. - it will be darker than your average macro lens.
747378
For landscape it's amazing. I have not tried it yet for astrophotography. I did take some amazing sunsets with it but have not tried it with stars. For that i'm thinking of buying the Rokinon 24mm f1.4. That lens is a fixed lens but that's what you will need for shooting the stars. This is an amazing carry in your bag lens though. It takes incredible sharp photos! I love it! I will try to go out tonight and see about the stars but I think with the 3.5 aperture I probably won't get great images. I would buy this again.
1619211
Not great... the field of view is a bit narrow for the milky way and the aperture could be better. You should probably aim for a wide angle with a larger aperture (f/2 or lower...)
1205535
I have had fun using this lens. I adjust for the f6.3 using shutter speed and iso. I do not use it at night. But on a recent vacation I was able to take good pix of distant features in dim to overcast to bright light. Use a tripod. After all, it is less than$200, and takes little extra space in the camera bag. It is worth having.
1619212
If you're asking about photographing the stars, then (in my opinion) it doesn't have enough magnification. It's a "normal" lens, not a telephoto which is typically used for that. If you're asking if it's good in low light, then the answer is yes, sort of. For the price it's great. It's sharp wide open (at f2.4). Some faster lenses that go down to f1.4 aren't sharp at that aperture, so they end up being usable only at f2.4 to f2.8. Dollar for dollar this is a very good lens.
388179
I have found that it produces acceptable images in fairly low light. I don't try to take pictures in almost total darkness so I have no experience there. Under a full moon it took acceptable pictures of animals in my yard. HTH
1414086
I have used mine for astrophotography but it is on the slow end if what is possible. For occasional use it is fine, but if this will be its main use you may well get frustrated. How well does your camera handle noise at high ISO? I don't think 1/3 stop should make enough difference for you to change your mind if this is the lens you prefer. It is very light and the IQ on full frame is fantastic. I have since bought a 24 - 70 f2.8 and despite the longer focal length I use this at night for the extra speed. So for dedicated astrophotography lens consider something faster. For occasional use it will do the job. I have used mine for astrophotography but it is on the slow end if what is possible. For occasional use it is fine, but if this will be its main use you may well get frustrated. How well does your camera handle noise at high ISO? I don't think 1/3 stop should make enough difference for you to change your mind if this is the lens you prefer. It is very light and the IQ on full frame is fantastic. I have since bought a 24 - 70 f2.8 and despite the longer focal length I use this at night for the extra speed. So for dedicated astrophotography lens consider something faster. For occasional use... » Read More I have used mine for astrophotography but it is on the slow end if what is possible. For occasional use it is fine, but if this will be its main use you may well get frustrated. How well does your camera handle noise at high ISO? I don't think 1/3 stop should make enough difference for you to change your mind if this is the lens you prefer. It is very light and the IQ on full frame is fantastic. I have since bought a 24 - 70 f2.8 and despite the longer focal length I use this at night for the extra speed. So for dedicated astrophotography lens consider something faster. For occasional use it will do the job. « Show Less
626722
It's a very good low light lens, however if you use a F/2.8 aperture be very careful with your depth of field. Depth of field is very shallow with that large aperture. Stop it down to f/4 or more if possible.
1311666
It is good for night photography above f/5.6. Not that sharp edge to edge below f/5.6. Also, light sources will have six pointed stars, which look unnatural. The 16-35/2.8II has 14 pointed stars.
2004641
hi. Do you plan to shoot more weddings or landscapes...? i think it could be the answer of your question. I think about buying this lens too. i am a wedding photographer, and wedding conditions are always dark light situations. So i need the 2.8 aperture. If you are more a nature photographer, so the 2.8 is not so needed. During wedding the IS can't help too much, because the people that you take are dancing, the low speed will be impossible to use, even with IS on.I hope it will hlep you.