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08-08-2017, 12:19 PM   #1
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Vintage long lenses for Astrophotography

I currently have a Prinzflex 80-200mm 4.5-5.6 which I use wide open with tracking for astro shots. Are there any other cheap (<£50) vintage lenses that would be a worthwhile upgrade? So either something faster or maybe longer and faster?

I see that there is a Pentax 200mm f/4, Pentax 80-200mm f/4.5 and the Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/3.5

Are these going to be much different or would I have to go 1 click down to 5.6 anyway?

Thanks

08-08-2017, 12:29 PM - 1 Like   #2
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I have the M200 F4 lens, and I have been using it for astrophotography.
The 200mm F4 SMC Takumar, should be one of the best, at least according to Cloudynights.com: The Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography - Articles - Articles - Articles - Cloudy Nights
I'm planning to buy one before the season starts
One of my first attempts with the M200, the Horsehead Nebula.



And the Whirlpool Galaxy:


Last edited by DrawsACircle; 08-08-2017 at 12:40 PM.
08-08-2017, 12:39 PM   #3
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If you are going to use the Vivitar Series 1 lenses, you will need to find a way to prevent zoom creep, as they are "1 touch" lenses. A Velcro strap should probably take care of it. Also important, they are fairly heavy and don't have a tripod mount. To be honest, you should probably try and find some sort of prime lens.
08-08-2017, 12:44 PM - 1 Like   #4
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Try the Takumar 200mm F3.5 It is sharp wide open but also has a circular aperture so no diffraction spikes when you stop down.

I don't do astro, but I made this shot of the moon with it hand held:

100% crop lens at infinity


Last edited by D1N0; 08-08-2017 at 12:52 PM.
08-08-2017, 01:15 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by DrawsACircle Quote
I have the M200 F4 lens, and I have been using it for astrophotography.
The 200mm F4 SMC Takumar, should be one of the best, at least according to Cloudynights.com: The Best Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography - Articles - Articles - Articles - Cloudy Nights
I'm planning to buy one before the season starts
One of my first attempts with the M200, the Horsehead Nebula.



And the Whirlpool Galaxy:
Do you know if the non-SMC version is just as good? Does yours have half-clicks like the Pentax M lenses do?

Last edited by ekip; 08-08-2017 at 01:27 PM.
08-09-2017, 11:48 AM - 1 Like   #6
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At 60$ the M200/4 is tough to beat and much easier to find than non SMC version.

I've had problems with CA at f/4 though:


M42, 12 X 40 s iso 400, K-30 with astrotracer.
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