Lens Choice

[bobbyv]

So I'll be hanging out with LOTS of stars this week in South Dakota. I have a nice Nikon 17-55 2.8, Nikon 16-80, and a Sigma 17-50 2.8 os. Any ideas as to which one would be better for stars, Milky Way, etc.? I'll be shooting D500 bodies.

 

[7006]

Either. They are very similar. Provided you have a good tripod, no clouds no light pollution you should be able to take lots of great pictures.
First time doing astro photography or first time with these lenses?

 

[bobbyv]

Either. They are very similar. Provided you have a good tripod, no clouds no light pollution you should be able to take lots of great pictures.
First time doing astro photography or first time with these lenses?

Two good tripods, a big Induro and a series 2 Feisol, both carbon fiber, and I'm taking a ballhead, Markins M20. I've shot stars and night rocket launches with the Nikon 16-80. I could take the Wimberly but when I shoot night stuff I prefer a ballhead. The weather calls for clear nights and there's little to no light pollution in the Badlands.

 

[7006]

Two good tripods, a big Induro and a series 2 Feisol, both carbon fiber, and I'm taking a ballhead, Markins M20. I've shot stars and night rocket launches with the Nikon 16-80. I could take the Wimberly but when I shoot night stuff I prefer a ballhead. The weather calls for clear nights and there's little to no light pollution in the Badlands.

Brilliant, I look forward to your pictures.
We usually would be heading for Borrego Springs to do some astrophotography between Sept-Nov, but unfortunately this time around, no travel allowed to the USA for us Brits in the UK.
:-(

 

[Commodorefirst]

Nikon or Sigma, either will be fine, enjoy!

 

[Allan]

Another vote for any one of them. Enjoy.

 

[bsinc1962]

Any would work, however I'd be more worried about the wildfire smoke.

 

[bobbyv]

Any would work, however I'd be more worried about the wildfire smoke.

I'm here now, no smoke. I've never seen stars like last night.

 

[bobbyv]

Another vote for any one of them. Enjoy.

I ended up with the 16-80. I have no idea what I'm doing...never even saw the Milky Way before, but I'll give it a shot.

 

[bsinc1962]

I'm here now, no smoke. I've never seen stars like last night.

Great to hear. Can't wait to see what you come back with.

 

[Butlerkid]

I ended up with the 16-80. I have no idea what I'm doing...never even saw the Milky Way before, but I'll give it a shot.

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