SANParks.org Forums

Hi everyone,

We’re planned a trip in September to KNP and will be staying one night at Sabledam. I want to start experimenting with night sky photos. For star trail photos I’ll use my Canon EF-S 55 - 250mm f4-5.6 IS lens (just need to sort out the settings). But I need to buy a wide angle lens for night sky photos. Do I go for the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM or the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens? Or what about the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM Lens?

For both I would use the widest lens, so the 10-22 or 10-20.
If you just want to photograph the sky it is no longer than a few minutes, otherwise you will see the stars creating trails already.
The f-stop doesn't make much of a difference in the equation, you are talking about long exposures.

Thanks DQ. Do you think the Canon is a beter buy than the Sigma? The price deferince is about 2k.

It should be, the Canon has been rated as "almost L quality".
Have a look at my brothers site (Madach) or on Flickr for some samples.

Actually, as you will only be using it on the trip you should have a look at renting the lens?
That kind of lens will not be a very expensive rental?

And I miss the 17-40 L f/4 lens in your list!
That is an extremely good lens for your purposes, and for landscapes, as well as general photography.
I know, I bought one, but it got hijacked forever by my SO.

No I haven't looked at the 17- 40. I'll put it on my list when I go to the shop. I've never rented any equipment. Where can I do that?

Sent a PM....

I have only heard good things about the 17-40..it is a really good lens, and almost all photograhers have it in their bag the sigma 10-20 is a good lens, my mate has one and I played with it for a bit. but as with most lenses, the canon equiv. will be better