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Astrophotography Gear Guide

CAPTURE
THE COSMOS

Get the gear you need to explore the universe through astrophotography

Gear Guide: Cameras, Lenses and Accessories for Astrophotography

Silhouette of trees in front of a full moon

Astrophotography is an exciting hobby that allows you to capture stunning images of the moon, planets, starscapes, eclipses and night sky phenomena like auroras. To get started or to take your skills to the next level, you'll need camera equipment that can handle low-light conditions and long exposures.

Here are some recommendations to help you capture fantastic photos:

Camera

Choose a camera with manual settings (Manual mode) that allows you to control exposure, aperture, and ISO. Digital SLRs or mirrorless cameras are popular choices for astrophotography due to their versatility and interchangeable lenses. Cameras with full-frame sensors are preferable as they typically perform better in low-light situations.

Lenses

Common lenses for astrophotography include wide-angle and telephoto lenses. Wide-angle lenses like 14-24mm, 24mm, or 35mm are ideal for capturing starry landscapes, the Milky Way, and auroras. 200mm, 300mm, or more telephoto lenses are used to capture detailed shots of the moon, planets, and deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae.

Tripod

Avoid blurry images by keeping your camera steady during long exposures by using a sturdy tripod. One with a three-way pan head allows you to easily aim your camera and properly frame your chosen shot.

Remote Shutter Release

Trigger your camera remotely using an applicable app such as Canon’s Camera Connect or use a remote shutter release compatible with your camera. This will help minimize camera shake when taking long exposure shots.

Backpack, Filters and Accessories

Carry and protect your gear comfortably during outdoor shoots

Solar Eclipse Photography Gear

April 8th, 2024 will provide an opportunity for those in southern Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes (and down into the U.S.) to witness and capture an annular eclipse - An awe-inspiring moment when the moon comes between the Sun and the Earth.

Partial Solar Eclipse

What types of photos do you want to capture?

What kind of photos do you want to capture? Enough to say "I was there" and capture the people around you, or something bigger to capture the majesty of the moment - a close-up of the sun, or a wide-angle shot to capture the landscape and surroundings?

Solar Lens Filters

No matter what you’re shooting with, you must protect your gear just as you need to protect your own eyes. That means using lens filters, like the Kenko Pro ND100000 Solar Eclipse filter. The Kenko PRO ND100000 filter is especially dedicated to solar and solar eclipse photography and is available in 67mm, 77mm, 82mm, and 95mm sizes at Henry’s, so you can find one that fits your lens.

solar filter for camera lenses

How large do you want the sun to be in the photo? (% of field of view)

Check out this Shutter Speed Calculator for Solar Eclipses tool. In addition to helping you figure out what shutter speed you should shoot at depending upon your elevation, ISO, and filter type, it can help you determine what focal length you need to shoot at to capture the type of photo you’re after, so you’ll know what type of lens you’ll need to get the shots you want.

Once that’s decided, look at what you’re planning to shoot with – your current camera, a new camera, or your phone? Answering these questions will help you determine what gear you need to capture the types of photos you want.

Total Solar Eclipse

Recommended Tools for Capturing the Eclipse

a comet in the night sky