Re: [APML] Older vs. newer lens advice? Favorite lenses?

[Jerry Lodriguss <jerryapml@astropix.com>]

>My question is: for on-camera film astrophotography and
>eventually for attaching to an astro-specific CCD, are the new
>lenses of the above-mentioned brands "preferred" or "better"
>optically and/or mechanically than the older, manual focus models
>of the same brand?


Hi Mike,

The Canon "L" fixed focus (non-zoom) series manual FD lenses were head and 
shoulders above anything Nikon made in the same focal lengths (24/1.4, 
50/1.2, 85/1.2, 200/1.8 300/2.8, 400/2.8). These Canon L series lenses are 
the best I've ever used for astrophotography, and I've shot with just about 
every Nikon Lens made in the last 25 years.



>Any suggestions on outstanding astrophoto lenses, any brand,
>new or old, any focal length?  How about lenses to avoid?


There are about a million different versions of all of these lenses. My 
advice is that no matter what you end up getting, even a lens with a great 
reputation, you must test it on a star field.  Even cosmetically perfect 
lenses may have been knocked around and can have lens elements out of 
alignment.

Jerry

_______________________________________________
Astro-Photo mailing list
Astro-Photo@seds.org
http://seds.org/mailman/listinfo/astro-photo