What are the best lenses for capturing star trails?

What are the best lenses for capturing star trails?

The best lenses for capturing star trails are typically wide-angle lenses with a large aperture. Lenses like the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 or the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 are great choices.

Why is a wide-angle lens preferred?

Wide-angle lenses allow you to capture more of the sky in your frame, which is essential for star trails. They also help in reducing the amount of distortion.

What aperture should I use?

Using a wide aperture, like f/2.8 or lower, lets in more light, which is crucial for capturing the faint light of stars during long exposures.

How long should my exposure be?

For star trails, you typically want to expose for at least 20-30 minutes, or you can take multiple shorter exposures and stack them.

Any tips for post-processing star trail images?

Yes! Use software like Adobe Photoshop or StarStax to stack your images. Adjust the contrast and brightness to enhance the trails.