Samyang 24mm f/1.8 Astro vs 20mm f/1.8: Compare
Samyang 24mm f/1.8 Astro vs 20mm f/1.8
When it comes to astrophotography, wide-angle prime lenses play an important role in capturing the night sky with clarity and depth. Among the popular choices for photographers are the Samyang 24mm f/1.8 Astro and the Samyang 20mm f/1.8. Both lenses have gained attention for their ability to deliver sharp results, wide apertures, and relatively affordable prices compared to many premium alternatives. But how do they compare in real-world use, and which one makes more sense for photographers in 2025?
This guide will take a closer look at both lenses, covering build, image quality, low-light performance, and usability, while highlighting their differences so that you can make a confident choice.
The Importance of Wide-Angle Lenses for Astrophotography
Astrophotography requires lenses that let in plenty of light while keeping stars sharp from edge to edge. Wide angles help capture more of the night sky, including the Milky Way, constellations, and foreground elements like landscapes or city skylines.
The aperture size is just as important as the focal length. A fast aperture, such as f/1.8, makes it possible to shoot at lower ISOs and shorter exposures, helping reduce noise and star trails. Just as sound quality depends on precise equipment like Rode microphones for recording, image quality in night photography is heavily influenced by the right choice of lens.
Samyang 24mm f/1.8 Astro: Designed for the Night Sky
The Samyang 24mm f/1.8 Astro is a relatively new addition designed with astrophotographers in mind. It features an “Astro-Focus” mode that allows the lens to quickly lock onto infinity focus, ensuring stars are sharp and well-defined.
Photographers value this lens for its balance between wide angle coverage and natural perspective. At 24mm, it provides enough space to capture large sky scenes while still being versatile enough for landscapes and street photography.
Another advantage is its compact size. The lens is lightweight, making it a good choice for travel photographers who carry their gear into remote areas. The wide f/1.8 aperture ensures plenty of light gathering ability, keeping exposures clean even in dark conditions.
Samyang 20mm f/1.8: A Wider Field of View
The Samyang 20mm f/1.8 takes things a step further by offering an even wider field of view. This allows photographers to fit more of the sky and foreground in their compositions, which is ideal when shooting dramatic Milky Way landscapes or including more environmental elements.
Its manual focus design appeals to those who prefer a traditional shooting style, especially since astrophotographers often rely on precise manual focusing rather than autofocus. The 20mm focal length also gives a slightly different perspective, making skies appear more expansive and immersive compared to the 24mm.
The optical performance is strong, with minimal coma and good sharpness across the frame when stopped down slightly. Its larger body compared to the 24mm Astro may make it less portable, but it remains a practical choice for dedicated night sky work.
Key Differences in Performance
While both lenses deliver strong results, their differences matter depending on your shooting style. The 24mm f/1.8 Astro has the advantage of autofocus and its unique Astro-Focus mode, which is very helpful for beginners or photographers who want faster setup times. It balances well as an all-rounder lens, not just for night skies but also for everyday photography.
The 20mm f/1.8, on the other hand, prioritizes field of view and manual control. Its wider framing can be the deciding factor if your main goal is to capture vast skies with dramatic landscapes. However, it requires more experience to nail focus and may not be as versatile in general photography compared to the 24mm Astro.
Usability for Different Photographers
For travelers, the 24mm f/1.8 Astro stands out because of its compactness and flexibility. It fits well on smaller mirrorless cameras, making it easy to carry along with other gear. The autofocus system is also handy for casual shooting outside of astrophotography.
For dedicated astrophotographers, the 20mm f/1.8 offers a more specialized approach. Its wider coverage makes it excellent for Milky Way panoramas, but it is less convenient for those who want a lens they can also use during the day for general photography.
Choosing Between the Two
If you are new to astrophotography or want a single lens that can cover both starscapes and everyday scenes, the Samyang 24mm f/1.8 Astro is the more practical choice. It delivers sharp results, has autofocus, and remains compact.
If your main focus is capturing wide night skies and you are comfortable with manual focus, the Samyang 20mm f/1.8 is an excellent option. It gives you more creative freedom to compose dramatic shots with greater sky coverage.
When making your decision, it helps to think about how the lens fits into your overall gear setup. Just like checking the latest drone camera price in Pakistan before buying a drone, weighing the specifications, usability, and budget will guide you toward the right choice.
Final Thoughts
Both the Samyang 24mm f/1.8 Astro and the Samyang 20mm f/1.8 are strong contenders for astrophotography in 2025. The 24mm shines with its modern design, autofocus, and versatility, while the 20mm stands out with its wider angle and manual control suited for purists.
Neither is a wrong choice—it comes down to your preference for convenience or creative freedom. In either case, both lenses continue Samyang’s reputation for delivering high-quality optics at accessible prices, making astrophotography more approachable for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
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