SIGMA 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens

[leemanley]

Does anyone think the above would be any good for astro work ?

On offer at currys for £99.

Looking for something to possibly use on imaging the milky way, any other suggestions ?

[ilove1995]

Hi,

I own this lens but I wouldn't recommend it for Astro work. For slightly cheaper you may be better off going for this 50mm prime.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EF-50-1-8-Lens/dp/B00005K47X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371974082&sr=8-1&keywords=canon+50mm+lens

If it was me I'd go for as wide a lens as possible but I've not attempted imaging the Milky Way. I'm sure someone else on SGL will give you the advise you need shortly.

Al

[knobby]

I'd agree with Al, go wide and fast. Try a 35mm or 50mm f 1.8 or as people seem to call them the 'nifty fifty'

[Polar Bear]

The Canon EF 50mm F1.8 'nifty fifty' will be the best £80.00 you ever spend on a lens. It is so sharp it would be a bargain at double this price.

[Steve Ward]

I had the APO version and it was a great bit of glass , BUT it was so smooth/loose in the Zoom that every time I pointed it above 45 degrees it would creep down and un-zoom itself.

Had to swap it for the Canon version .

[leemanley]

Cheers all, have been and picked a nifty fifty up this afternoon, can't wait to give it a go !

Although it feels a bit plasticky......

[Psychobilly]

Plasticky it might be but the optics are very good for the money....

To get decent star shapes corner to corner it will need to be stopped down to around f3.5-f4...

Use MF (or use AF on the moon then switch to MF).

I use a bit of blue tack or micrpore tape to stop the focus ring creeping...

Peter...

[leemanley]

top tip, I'll keep that in mind

[andyboy1970]

I have the Apo version for my Nikon and Canon and never use them for astro work.

Great lens for everyday photography though.