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Shooting the night sky is one of my favorite ways to slow down and really connect with a place. But as magical as those star-filled shots look, the right gear can make all the difference — especially when you’re working in low light and long exposures.
This guide breaks down my top picks for the best astrophotography gear in 2025 — from cameras and lenses to tripods and accessories — plus camera settings and shooting tips based on what’s actually worked for me out in the field. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, here’s everything you need to capture the stars with confidence.
quick jump:
Cameras for Astrophotography
When it comes to astrophotography gear, your camera plays the starring role. You’ll need one that performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions and offers full manual controls to tailor your settings. Ideally, a full-frame camera is your best bet for capturing all the detail in the night sky.
best overall:
Sony A7IV
The Sony a7IV stands out as the best overall thanks to its full-frame brilliance, exceptional ISO performance, and advanced features, making it a top choice for astrophotographers seeking stunning image quality and versatility. Its 33MP sensor captures incredible detail in low light, while the 15-stop dynamic range ensures minimal noise in shadows and highlights. The a7IV also offers impressive autofocus capabilities, including real-time tracking, making it easy to focus on stars and celestial objects. Pair this with its compatibility for a wide range of astrophotography lenses and 4K video recording for time-lapse creations, and you have a camera that excels in capturing the night sky.
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best budget-friendly:
Sony A6400 (APS-C)
The Sony A6400 is an excellent entry-level camera that offers solid low-light performance, even with its crop sensor. Its compact design and user-friendly interface make it ideal for beginners, while features like high ISO range and advanced autofocus ensure quality results in challenging lighting conditions. Perfect for those starting out in photography without breaking the bank.
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best pro-level:
Sony A7R V
The Sony A7R V allows you to capture stunning detail with incredible resolution, ideal for blending astrophotography with breathtaking landscape shots. Whether you’re photographing starry skies or scenic vistas, this resolution ensures sharp, vibrant images every time.
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*Why it matters: For star photography, high ISO sensitivity with minimal noise is critical. These models shine in those pitch-black shooting environments.
Best All-Around: Lightweight, powerful, and endlessly capable — the Sony A7 IV stands out as the most balanced option for creators.
Best Lenses for Astrophotography
Once you’ve got the camera body, your lens needs to pull its weight. Wide-angle, fast prime lenses are key for capturing expansive views of the night sky while letting in as much light as possible. Look for lenses with a low f-number (aperture) to shoot sharp images in dark conditions.
best prime lenses:
Sony 14mm f/1.8 GM
The ultra-wide lens delivers stunningly sharp images, making it perfect for capturing expansive landscapes, architectural details, and those dreamlike Milky Way shots with incredible clarity. Its advanced optics ensure minimal distortion and exceptional low-light performance, so you can shoot breathtaking photos even in challenging lighting conditions. A must-have for photographers looking to elevate their craft.
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Sony 20mm f/1.8 G
Slightly less wide, lightweight, and versatile, this lens is a great all-rounder for capturing both starry skies and detailed foreground scenes. Its balanced field of view makes it ideal for astrophotography, landscapes, and general photography needs.
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Sigma 16mm f/1.4
A fast, wide-angle prime lens ideal for landscapes, astrophotography, and vlogging. Its f/1.4 aperture delivers excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur, while its sharp optics ensure stunning image quality. Designed for mirrorless cameras, it’s compact, durable, and perfect for both photography and video.
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best versatile zoom:
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
Provides flexibility for shooting a range of compositions, making it ideal for combining wide-angle shots with versatility for different scenarios. It’s a great choice for photographers who need adaptability in their gear, but keep in mind it may be heavier and more expensive than other options.
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*Why it matters: Think of your lens as the window to the stars. The wider and faster, the more celestial beauty you can capture.
Tripods for Stability
A tripod is absolutely non-negotiable for long-exposure astrophotography. The last thing you want is shaky, blurred lines in your otherwise perfect star captures.
top pick:
Peak Design Travel Tripod
Super lightweight yet sturdy enough for travel and long nights of shooting, these tripods come in two options: carbon fiber and aluminum. The carbon fiber version offers maximum portability and durability, making it perfect for adventurers who need to hike to remote locations for astrophotography. Its vibration-dampening properties ensure sharper images, even during long exposure shots. The aluminum version provides a budget-friendly yet reliable option, offering excellent stability for extended shoots in any setting. While slightly heavier, it’s robust enough to handle heavy camera gear and stay steady during windy nights, making it a solid choice for astrophotography enthusiasts. Choose the one that fits your needs and never compromise on stability!
→ View Peak Design Carbon Fiber Tripod
→ View Peak Design Aluminum Tripod
best budget:
Manfrotto Befree Advanced
A budget-friendly option with reliable stability for beginners. Its lightweight design and sturdy build make it ideal for astrophotography, allowing you to capture clear night sky shots with minimal vibration. Compatible with most DSLR and mirrorless cameras, it’s a great choice for stargazing adventures.
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*Why it matters: When shooting stars, exposure times might range from 10 to 30+ seconds, and every little vibration counts. A steady tripod is your best friend.
Accessories That Make All the Difference
While your core star photography setup includes your camera, lens, and tripod, these add-ons can take your shoot from frustrating to smooth. A little preparation goes a long way when you’re working in the dark.
must-have accessories for astrophotography:
1. Remote Shutter Release
A remote shutter lets you trigger your camera without touching it — crucial for long exposures, where even a slight vibration can cause blur. It helps you capture sharp, detailed shots of stars and the night sky.
Top Picks:
2. Star Tracker (Optional, But Powerful)
A star tracker moves with the Earth’s rotation, letting you shoot longer exposures without star trails. While not essential for wide-angle shots, it’s incredibly useful for deep-sky work or zoomed-in images of galaxies and nebulae.
3. Extra Batteries
Cold nights and long exposures drain batteries fast. Always bring spares so your session doesn’t get cut short.
4. Fast Memory Cards
Use high-speed V60 UHS-II SD cards to handle large RAW files and long exposures without lag. This helps you avoid bottlenecks when shooting continuously or transferring files.
Top Pick:
*Why it matters: Small tools can solve big problems when working in total darkness. Plan ahead to make your shoot stress-free!
Key Camera Settings for Star Photography
Here’s the million-dollar question for beginners: What settings should I use? While the exact answer depends on your conditions, these general tips will get you started:
- Aperture: Use the widest available aperture on your lens (e.g., f/1.8 or f/2.8).
- Shutter Speed: Start at 15–20 seconds.
Use the 500 rule to avoid star trails:500 ÷ focal length = max shutter speed in seconds
- ISO: Start between 1600–3200 and adjust as needed
- Focus: Set to manual and focus at infinity; use live view and zoom to focus on a bright star
- White Balance: Set manually around 3800K–4200K or use “Daylight” and fine-tune in editing
- Shoot RAW: Gives you full control in post
- Image Stabilization: Turn off when using a tripod
- Long Exposure Noise Reduction: Turn off to avoid long wait times (handle noise in post)
Your Checklist for Stellar Astrophotography
Here’s a quick checklist for your night-out shooting stars:
✓ Reliable Full-Frame Camera:
Top Pick: Sony A7IV
✓ Fast, Wide-Angle Prime Lens:
Top Pick: Sony 20mm f/1.8 G
✓ Sturdy Tripod:
Top Pick: Peak Design Travel Tripod
✓ Remote Shutter Release:
Top Pick: Pixel TW-283
✓ Extras batteries & memory cards:
Top Pick: SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO UHS-II
Ready to Chase the Stars?
Astrophotography blends creativity, patience, and a deep love for the night sky. Whether you’re refining your technique or just getting started, every shot is a chance to connect with something bigger.
If you’re dreaming up your next stargazing trip, check out my guide to the Best National Parks for Stargazing and Astrophotography — some of the darkest, clearest skies in the U.S. are waiting for you.
Have a favorite spot to shoot the stars? Or a piece of gear you swear by?
Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear what you’re using and where you’re shooting!