The 5 Best Prime Lenses Under $300 That Will Transform Your Astrophotography (2025 Edition)

You’ve set your sights on capturing the cosmos, but your wallet isn’t quite as expansive as the universe itself. Don’t worry—quality astrophotography doesn’t require breaking the bank. In 2025, several prime lenses under $300 deliver exceptional night sky performance without the astronomical price tag. These affordable gems offer wide apertures, superior optics, and robust construction that’ll drastically improve your star trails, Milky Way panoramas, and lunar close-ups. Ready to discover which budget-friendly lenses will elevate your cosmic portfolio?

105mm Night Sky Light Pollution Reduction Filter for Camera Lenses by Breakthrough Photography

Serious astrophotographers struggling with light pollution will find the 105mm Night Sky Filter by Breakthrough Photography a game-changer for their stargazing sessions.

This filter specifically targets the 570-610 nanometer range where most artificial light pollution occurs, enhancing star definition by up to 50% and eliminating that frustrating orange color cast.

You’ll appreciate the ultra-slim, weather-sealed design with its rugged traction frame that performs reliably in harsh outdoor conditions. The strong grip makes it easy to attach even with gloves on.

Backed by a 25-year ironclad guarantee, it’s built for decades of field use.

Best For: Dedicated astrophotographers and night sky enthusiasts who shoot in light-polluted areas and need professional-quality results from their 105mm lens setups.

Pros:

• Eliminates artificial light pollution in the 570-610nm range, improving star definition by up to 50% and removing orange color cast
• Features ultra-slim, weather-sealed construction with a rugged traction frame that performs reliably in harsh outdoor conditions
• Backed by an impressive 25-year ironclad guarantee, ensuring decades of dependable use in the field

Cons:

• The 105mm size limits compatibility to only larger, professional-grade lenses
• Premium construction and specialized filtration technology likely commands a higher price point
• May require additional equipment and technical knowledge to maximize its benefits for astrophotography

12mm F2 Manual Focus Prime Lens for Fujifilm X-Mount Cameras

Fujifilm shooters on a budget will find the Brightin Star 12mm F2 III an attractive option for capturing the night sky. This lightweight, compact lens delivers impressive performance in low-light conditions, allowing you to capture more stars at lower sensitivity settings.

Its wide f/2.0 aperture gathers plenty of light, while the multi-layer coating reduces flare and improves image quality. Though entirely manual, most astrophotographers won’t mind since they’re typically shooting static scenes.

Some users report difficulties achieving perfect focus on distant objects, so practice before your nighttime shoot. At this price point, you’ll forgive its minor quirks for the quality images it delivers.

Best For: Budget-conscious Fujifilm X-Mount camera owners who are interested in landscape and astrophotography and don’t mind working with manual focus.

Pros:

• Excellent value with impressive low-light performance and f/2.0 aperture for capturing night sky and stars
• Compact, lightweight metallic construction (10.6 ounces) with multi-layer coating that reduces flare
• Wide 12mm focal length ideal for landscape, architecture, and astrophotography applications

Cons:

• Completely manual focus that requires practice and may be challenging for beginners or when shooting moving subjects
• Some users report difficulty achieving sharp focus on distant objects, particularly for astrophotography
• No click stops on the aperture ring which can lead to accidental adjustments during shooting

Telephoto Lens for Nikon DSLR (420-800mm Manual Focus Zoom)

The BENOISON Telephoto Lens for Nikon DSLR cameras offers remarkable range at an accessible price point, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious astrophotographers.

With a 420-800mm focal length, you’ll capture detailed shots of distant celestial objects without breaking the bank. The fixed F/8.3-16 aperture requires you to master manual settings—keep your camera in M mode and adjust ISO/shutter speed accordingly.

You’ll need patience as this lens demands practice. Despite occasional chromatic aberration issues, users rate it 4.0/5 stars for its value. A tripod is essential for stability. Compatible with numerous Nikon models including D3500, D850, and D5600.

Best For: Amateur photographers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an affordable telephoto lens for occasional long-distance photography without investing in expensive professional equipment.

Pros:

• Impressive 420-800mm focal range at a budget-friendly price point, making distant subjects accessible for hobbyist photographers
• Direct compatibility with numerous Nikon DSLR models without requiring additional adapters
• Includes protective sleeve and tripod mount to enhance usability and protect your investment

Cons:

• Manual focus only with no electronic connections, resulting in potential “F–” error messages and requiring complete manual operation
• Fixed aperture (F/8.3-16) limits shooting options and requires good lighting conditions for optimal results
• Notable learning curve requiring practice to master focus techniques and proper exposure settings

Celestron Cometron 7×50 Beginner Astronomy Binoculars

Stargazers looking for their first astronomy tool will find exceptional value in the Celestron Cometron 7×50 binoculars. These 2-pound optics deliver impressive performance with their 50mm objective lenses that gather ample light for bright, detailed views of the night sky.

The multi-coated optics enhance contrast while minimizing chromatic aberration. You’ll appreciate the wide field of view when identifying constellations and tracking celestial events. Their rubber-armored, water-resistant housing guarantees durability in various conditions.

With 4.5/5 stars from over 3,700 users, they outperform competitors at similar price points. The simple focusing mechanism and tripod adaptability make extended viewing sessions comfortable.

Best For: Amateur astronomers and beginners seeking affordable, lightweight binoculars with good light-gathering capabilities for casual stargazing, constellation identification, and terrestrial viewing.

Pros:

• Excellent light collection with 50mm objective lenses, providing bright and detailed views of the moon, stars, and constellations
• Durable, rubber-armored and water-resistant construction that withstands outdoor use in various conditions
• Outstanding value for money compared to similar products, backed by Celestron’s Limited Lifetime US Warranty

Cons:

• At 2 pounds, may cause arm fatigue during extended viewing sessions without a tripod
• Limited diopter adjustment range might not accommodate all vision correction needs
• Some plastic components in the focusing mechanism may lead to occasional focus wobble

Telescope for Adults & Beginners with 80mm Aperture and Phone Adapter

While traditional prime lenses excel for most astrophotography, those seeking budget-friendly alternatives should consider the Telescope with 80mm Aperture and Phone Adapter. This versatile instrument features a 600mm focal length at f/6.7 with multi-layer coated optics that maximize light transmission for crisp celestial views.

You’ll appreciate the flexibility of 24X to 180X magnification range through its included eyepieces and 3X Barlow lens. The smartphone adapter transforms your phone into a capable astrophotography tool, while the aluminum tripod provides necessary stability. The tool-free assembly and 5×24 finder scope guarantee you’ll be capturing the night sky within minutes of unboxing.

Best For: Amateur astronomers and photography enthusiasts seeking an affordable entry-level telescope with smartphone integration capabilities for casual stargazing and basic astrophotography.

Pros:

• Comprehensive package includes everything needed to start observing immediately (multiple eyepieces, Barlow lens, phone adapter, tripod, and carrying bag)
• User-friendly design with tool-free assembly and a 5×24 finder scope makes it accessible for beginners
• Lifetime maintenance guarantee and responsive customer support provide peace of mind for new astronomy enthusiasts

Cons:

• 80mm aperture, while good for beginners, limits viewing capabilities for fainter deep-sky objects compared to larger telescopes
• Maximum 180X magnification may be insufficient for detailed planetary observation
• Phone adapter astrophotography, while convenient, produces lower quality images than dedicated astrophotography equipment

Factors to Consider When Choosing Prime Lenses Under $300 That Unlock the Night Sky

When selecting affordable prime lenses for astrophotography, you’ll need to prioritize wide aperture capabilities, ideal focal length, manual focus performance, and overall build quality. Your lens should ideally have an f-stop of f/2.8 or wider to capture enough light from distant celestial objects and stars. The right combination of these factors will dramatically improve your night sky photography without breaking the bank.

Subheading Discussion Points for “Factors to Consider When Choosing Prime Lenses Under $300 That Unlock the Night Sky”

Selecting the right prime lens for astrophotography can transform your night sky images from ordinary to extraordinary, even with a budget under $300. Prioritize lenses with wide apertures (around f/2.0) to maximize light capture without increasing ISO sensitivity, which helps reveal faint celestial objects with minimal noise.

Look for high-quality multi-layer coatings that reduce flaring and vignetting—critical for maintaining clarity when shooting bright stars against the dark cosmos. Pay special attention to manual focus functionality, as precise focusing is essential for sharp star points.

Don’t overlook build quality—a weather-sealed lens will protect your investment during those damp nighttime sessions. Finally, research user experiences specifically related to astrophotography performance, as real-world results often reveal capabilities beyond technical specifications.

Wide Aperture Capabilities

Three critical factors make wide apertures the cornerstone of successful astrophotography, with the most important being light-gathering ability. When you’re shooting at night, every photon counts—lenses with f/2.0 or wider apertures capture considerably more starlight, revealing celestial details invisible with slower glass.

Wide apertures also reduce your reliance on high ISO settings, dramatically cutting noise that would otherwise muddy fine star details. This means cleaner images with better dynamic range, even on budget cameras.

Finally, these fast lenses enable shorter exposure times, helping you avoid star trailing without specialized tracking equipment. The shallow depth of field they provide is an added bonus, creating dreamy bokeh that separates foreground elements from your starry backdrop, adding dimension to nightscapes.

Focal Length Selection

The ideal focal length for your astrophotography lens acts as the primary gateway to how much of the night sky you’ll capture. When shopping under $300, prioritize lenses between 12mm and 24mm if you’re after wide-angle Milky Way shots and expansive star fields.

If you’re looking for versatility, the sweet spot falls between 20mm and 35mm, offering that perfect balance of width without excessive distortion. These mid-range focal lengths let you include interesting foreground elements while maintaining stellar clarity.

Don’t dismiss longer focal lengths like 50mm entirely—they’re excellent for isolating specific celestial objects, though you’ll likely need a tracking mount to avoid star trails. Remember, your focal length choice should complement a wide aperture (f/2.0 or larger) to maximize light gathering in the darkness.

Manual Focus Performance

Precise manual focusing represents the cornerstone of successful astrophotography, especially when working with budget-friendly prime lenses under $300. You’ll need to master the focus ring, as these lenses lack autofocus capabilities critical for capturing distant celestial objects.

The learning curve can be steep, particularly in low-light conditions where achieving sharp focus demands patience and practice. Look for lenses with smooth focus operation that allow for fine, precise adjustments when framing night sky compositions.

Be wary of models without click stops on the aperture ring, as accidental adjustments can compromise your exposure settings during long shooting sessions. While manual focusing initially presents challenges, the control it offers ultimately enables the crisp, detailed star images that transform ordinary night photography into stunning astrophotography.

Build Quality Durability

Beyond mastering focus techniques, your next consideration should be the physical construction of any prime lens for astrophotography. In the challenging environments where you’ll capture the night sky, weather-sealed construction is essential to protect against dust and moisture.

Look for lenses crafted from robust materials with rugged designs that can withstand harsh conditions while extending the equipment’s lifespan. Ultra-slim profiles with traction frames are ideal, as they’re easier to attach or remove and reduce overall weight—a significant advantage during long shooting sessions.

Don’t overlook multi-layer coatings that minimize flaring and vignetting, vital for maintaining image quality in low-light situations. Finally, seek lenses with substantial warranties from manufacturers, as these guarantees often reflect the company’s confidence in their product’s durability and reliability over time.

Light Pollution Compatibility

When shooting under urban skies, light pollution can dramatically reduce your ability to capture celestial details, with artificial lighting often diminishing starlight definition by up to 50%. Look for lenses with special coatings that eliminate wavelengths between 570-610 nanometers, which helps restore color neutrality in your night images.

A wider aperture (around f/2.0) will greatly improve your results in light-polluted areas by gathering more starlight. The lens construction should minimize flaring and vignetting—both common issues when shooting near city lights.

Don’t overlook filter compatibility; many affordable prime lenses can accommodate specialized light pollution filters that enhance contrast between stars and the sky. This combination can transform an ordinary lens into a powerful tool for urban astrophotography without breaking your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can These Lenses Work With Full-Frame Cameras?

Yes, these lenses can work with full-frame cameras. You’ll want to check each lens’s compatibility specifically, as some might be designed for crop sensors and could cause vignetting on your full-frame camera.

How Do Budget Prime Lenses Compare to Expensive Telescopes?

Budget prime lenses won’t match a telescope’s magnification power, but they’re more portable and versatile for wider celestial views. You’ll get excellent night sky shots without breaking the bank, especially for beginners.

What Type of Tripod Is Best for Astrophotography?

For astrophotography, you’ll want a sturdy tripod with these features: high load capacity, reliable locking mechanisms, carbon fiber construction to minimize vibrations, and a ball head that allows smooth positioning for night sky tracking.

Are These Lenses Suitable for Daytime Photography Too?

Yes, these lenses are definitely suitable for daytime photography too! You’ll enjoy their fast apertures for shallow depth of field, sharp image quality, and versatility across landscapes, portraits, and street photography in good lighting conditions.

Do I Need Special Camera Settings When Using These Lenses?

Yes, you’ll need specific settings for astrophotography: use manual mode, set a wide aperture, slow shutter speed (15-30 seconds), high ISO (1600-3200), and manual focus set to infinity for capturing night sky details.