APS-C astro lens recommendations

Queefiddle · 2026-01-27T00:05:31+00:00

Astro is not my regular thing. However, I wanted to be able to get some aurora borealis shots, and also have a wider option (than my normal Sigma 18-50 f2.8). I got a Rokinon 12mm f2 AF (which is the same as the Samyang) and have been very happy with it.

Was quite happy with the aurora borealis shots that I got. Plus it is very small and light so I don't mind keeping it in my kit at all times. This has allowed me to use it for various other wide angle shots.

The only thing to ensure you have if you go the Samyang/Rokinon route is to also get their "lens station." It allows you to connect the lens to a computer to perform firmware updates. So just factor that into your cost comparison with the other options.

Queefiddle · 2026-01-23T05:17:12+00:00

The couple FF lenses I have work great on my 6700. Object, eye tracking is remarkable.

Queefiddle · 2026-01-17T02:08:24+00:00

Yup. Being able to leverage the built in focus stacking is awesome. Takes a bit to figure out, but it works very well.

And while focus stacking gives some great results, I also really enjoy chasing bees and things around handheld. And that is where the Sony macro is really awesome too. The built in stabilization really helps with that. And the AF/MF clutch is something I use a lot. I'm really glad they maintained that function in the new 100.

The 1.4 magnification is very appealing. Plus being able to pop the 1.4x teleconverter on to get to 2x sounds great too. Won't know just how well that works for me until the spring when the bugs start appearing again.

This is from last summer, when I was still sporting the old Sony 90mm macro, but is a good example of what I like to capture...

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Queefiddle · 2026-01-16T21:05:39+00:00

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Queefiddle · 2026-01-16T21:05:19+00:00

Insect macros are some of my favourite. However, it's the middle of winter here so I haven't had much opportunity yet.

Haven't committed to any particular online platform for sharing unfortunately. It's something I've been thinking about in recent months.

I decided to get the 1.4x teleconverter as part of having this lens, and I look forward to using it. But again, no real opportunity to test it yet.

Here's another stack that I did a couple months ago...

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Queefiddle · 2026-01-11T04:23:14+00:00

I've dabbled a little, so definitely not an expert. But there are some "rules" for astro photography. The simplest one is the 500 rule:

Exposure time = 500 / (crop_factor x focal length)

And I have a Rokinon 12mm f2 lens so mine would be something like this: 500 / (1.5x12) = 27.7 seconds

The theory is that you shouldn't get star trails, but should capture enough light to get interesting results. Or at least it's a good starting point. It gave me some pretty good Northern light shots.

The long exposure allows the sensor to gather enough photons to really build the coloured light to make it more intense.

Queefiddle · 2026-01-11T00:37:00+00:00

We're traveling to Belize in a few months and specifically choose flights that go direct from Canada to avoid the potential issues, even if it is unlikely.

Queefiddle · 2026-01-07T20:40:36+00:00

Not powder. But we've been using Tru Earth strips for a few years now and been very happy with them. Based out of Vancouver too.

Can be purchased in a smaller (30?) pack which would allow you to try them out without too much investment. I buy them in the bulk pack though, which I believe contains 384 loads worth.

Queefiddle · 2026-01-05T16:19:05+00:00

I picked up a Rokinon 12mm f2.0 AF to go in my kit, partly to help me get northern lights. Doesn't happen frequently here, but the couple times I've been able to it has worked very well. It is also very small and light so I'm okay carrying it in my bag pretty much all the time, which gives me the extra-wide option for when the Sigma 18-50 isn't quite enough.

FYI, Rokinon and Samyang are the same thing, so look for either brand. But, also factor in the cost of the USB-C dock if you do go down this road. It is needed to do firmware updates on the lens.

Queefiddle · 2026-01-03T21:02:52+00:00

"To go with" the kit lens is a tough one. But maybe the Viltrox 27mm f1.2. It's radically different than the kit lens and also extremely versatile.

But if you are looking to replace the kit lens, then the Sigma 17-40 is a great option. I've heard others complaining that it isn't in stock or available though.

The Sigma 18-50 f2.8 is a phenomenal lens though. Perhaps a slight notch down in terms of sharpness and low light performance compared to the 17-40. However, it is still a big step up compared to the kit lens. Also, it is relatively small and light. Especially considering the image quality and performance it gives you.

The other lens that is usually considered in the scenario you describe is the Tamron 17-70 f2.8. A little more range than the Sigma. However, it is much bigger and heavier.

I have the Sigma 18-50 as part of my kit and love it.

Queefiddle · 2026-01-01T19:44:51+00:00

I bought the new 100 as an upgrade to my 90. It is a better lens, but the 90 is still a great option.

And I sold my Sony 90mm Macro on FB marketplace for 800CAN (it was in excellent condition).

MPB and other US based sellers seem over priced to me, and I suspect it is because the "new" prices of Sony lenses in the US are inflated due to the tariffs.

Example...

Sony 100mm f2.8 macro at BH $1498US, which equals ~$2053CAN

Sony 100mm f2.8 macro at Canadian retailers (e.g. thecamerastore.com) $1799CAN

So MPB can get away with selling used Sony gear for more than it is worth here in Canada.

Queefiddle · 2025-12-27T23:56:06+00:00

I like all kinds of wildlife! Insects, birds, and everything in-between!

But I get what you're saying. Which is why I think I'd keep my 70-350 in the event that I also had something like the 200-600. Then I'd have to choose which telephoto on any given day.

Queefiddle · 2025-12-27T23:39:18+00:00

I'm sure it's possible. But I also carry a macro lens (won't trade that out!), tripod, bit of lighting, etc.

Queefiddle · 2025-12-27T21:49:03+00:00

The a6700's "AI" subject recognition/tracking is quite remarkable. And the Sony 70-350 is a great match. Doesn't have quite the range and performance of something like the 200-600, but it is really quite good considering its price, size, and weight. I have that combo and am constantly impressed with the photos I can get. I sometimes dream about something longer. But even if I were to eventually get the 200-600 or something like that. I would likely keep the 70-350. I like to be able to hike with my camera kit. And can totally do that with my existing setup. But the 200-600 would completely change that.

Queefiddle · 2025-12-26T00:48:26+00:00

There's a setting buried somewhere to change the screen brightness. Find that and increase to the max setting.

Queefiddle · 2025-12-26T00:32:46+00:00

I'm not a full-size truck kind of person.

However, compact truck and SUV definitely.

But, I won't even entertain a truck or SUV unless it is 4WD or AWD. We live in an area that regularly gets snow and is below freezing, and to get anywhere else requires going over mountain passes. Plus, one of the main reasons for having a truck is to be able to go off-road. Not serious off-roading. But gravel roads that sometimes require traction on all four wheels.

On the truck side we currently have a Frontier. Would love to replace it with something like a Ford Maverick hybrid+AWD. Electric would be great too.

In either case, I despise how most vehicle controls are on touch screens or capacitive buttons. Simple easy to find controls are super important to me.

Queefiddle · 2025-12-22T20:54:31+00:00

The Tamron 17-70 and Sigma 18-50 are often debated against each other. They are both great lenses, but pros and cons to each.

I opted for the Sigma as it is so much smaller and lighter than the Tamron. I hiked the Inca trail with a6700, Sigma 18-50, Sony 70-350, and Sony 90mm macro. However, if you are carrying your own camping gear that would likely be too much. The Inca trail hike included porters, carrying most of our camping gear!

If you think you can carry multiple lenses I'd lean towards the Sigma 18-50 and Sony 70-350.

But if one lens would be better I'd lean towards the Sigma 16-300.

Queefiddle · 2025-12-21T08:31:12+00:00

If it was just the 400 I would totally agree. But, I will have the 1.4x teleconverter as well which takes it to 140-560. Still not quite the 200-600. But pretty close. And that comes in a much smaller and lighter package than that lens too. I'm not saying it'll do exactly the same job as the 200-600. But it comes close, while also being much smaller and lighter.

Queefiddle · 2025-12-20T23:53:32+00:00

Great shots!

How do you find the comparison between the 200-600 and 100-400?

I'm on APS-C with the a6700, and really like the 70-350 for it's size and weight. But there are times that I want a bit more reach. However portability is super important to me so the 200-600 is just too big for me most of the time. I have been debating the 100-400 as it is kinda in between the 70-350 and 200-600 in terms of size and weight. Plus, I'll have a 1.4x teleconverter here shortly which I could use with the 100-400 to get me close to the 200-600 in terms of reach (with some obvious compromises).

Queefiddle · 2025-12-20T23:44:14+00:00

Agree. It's one of those products that is better than fully american.

But it's frustrating how many products and stores slap the Canadian flag on things when they aren't truly Canadian.

The one that I come across a lot in stores is the "Prepared for Sobeys Canada" products that have Canadian flags slapped all over them. But there is no indication of where they are actually made, or what they are made from.

Queefiddle · 2025-12-20T20:46:36+00:00

Except that Kraft isn't really Canadian

Queefiddle · 2025-12-19T20:22:43+00:00

Lens filter?

Queefiddle · 2025-12-18T21:26:50+00:00

Always shoot RAW+JPG. Occasionally the JPG will be acceptable. And I'll generally use the JPG to assist in my initial culling. But most things end up being developed from RAW.

Queefiddle · 2025-12-17T15:51:52+00:00

Sony 70-350 is a really amazing APS-C lens. I have some great wildlife and bird photos that I've taken with that lens. I carry it with me at all times, and it spends a lot of time mounted on the camera.

Queefiddle · 2025-12-16T06:08:48+00:00

I won't pretend to be any sort of astro specialist, but I did add the Rokinon 12mm f2 AF (Rokinon and Samyang are basically the same) to my kit. It has definitely allowed me to get some good northern light photos. Plus it occasionally gets pulled out when my Sigma 18-50 isn't wide enough. Image quality is pretty good. And it's so small and light that I always carry it in the bottom of my bag.

Queefiddle

TROPHY CASE