Great Lenses for Milky Way Photography with a Canon 6D Mark II

Photographing the Milky Way with a Canon 6D Mark II can be a breathtaking experience. To achieve stunning results, it's essential to choose the right lens. This article explores the best lenses and techniques for capturing the vastness of the night sky with your full-frame camera.

Recommended Lenses

When it comes to Milky Way photography, you'll want a lens that offers a wide aperture and a focal length that allows for capturing the expansive night sky. Here are some top recommendations:

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM

Aperture: f/2.8

Focal Length: 16-35mm

Advantages:

Excellent sharpness and minimal distortion Wide aperture allows for good light gathering Critical for astrophotography

Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC

Aperture: f/2.8

Focal Length: 14mm

Advantages:

A popular choice for astrophotography Ultra-wide field of view and excellent image quality Relatively affordable

Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

Aperture: f/1.8

Focal Length: 14mm

Advantages:

One of the fastest ultra-wide lenses available Wide aperture allows for more light Beneficial for capturing faint stars and details in the Milky Way

Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

Aperture: f/2.8

Focal Length: 15-30mm

Advantages:

Good image stabilization and sharpness Versatile focal length range for different compositions Relatively affordable and manageable for handheld use

Tips for Milky Way Photography

To achieve the best results, follow these tips:

Use a Sturdy Tripod

A sturdy tripod keeps your camera stable during long exposures, ensuring a sharp image.

Set a Wide Aperture

Use an aperture of f/2.8 or wider to let in as much light as possible, capturing the faint light of the stars.

Use a High ISO

A higher ISO (typically 1600 to 6400) helps capture the faint light of the stars, but be mindful of noise.

Experiment with Exposure Times

Start with exposure times between 15-30 seconds, depending on your focal length to avoid star trails. Adjust as needed based on the scene and your preference.

These lenses and techniques will help you capture stunning images of the Milky Way with your Canon 6D Mark II. Happy shooting!