Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G: A Stellar Astrophotography Lens (Even in Bug-Infested Florida!)

As a blogger dedicated to all things celestial and the tools we use to capture it, I recently had the opportunity to test a new contender in the astrophotography arena: the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G lens. My experience took me to the beautiful, yet notoriously buggy, Coker Prairie in Florida, for a night shoot that proved both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

First Impressions: Small Lens, Big Performance

For such a compact and lightweight prime lens, the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G seriously impressed me. The standout features for astrophotography are its remarkable sharpness, even when shot wide open at f/1.8, and its exceptional coma performance. Coma, that pesky aberration that makes stars look like little comets at the edges of wide-angle shots, was incredibly well-controlled. In my opinion, this lens is easily one of the best ultra-wide options I've encountered, especially considering its size and price point for astrophotography applications.

The Florida Factor: When Nature Fights Back

However, not all nights are created equal, and my experience at Coker Prairie was a testament to that. The atmospheric conditions were less than ideal for human comfort. I was absolutely devoured by mosquitos! The combination of Florida's signature rainstorm humidity and still air created a perfect breeding ground for these tiny terrors. It was, without a doubt, one of the most uncomfortable nights I've had shooting in a long time. Despite the relentless assault, I persevered.

The Results: Worth the Battle?

Despite the less-than-ideal conditions and the mosquito invasion, I managed to capture some truly stellar shots. I'm genuinely thrilled with the footage and images I obtained. The Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G proved its mettle, delivering sharp, clear images of the night sky that exceeded my expectations.

If you're contemplating this lens for your astrophotography adventures, I can confidently say it punches well above its weight. Just a word of advice from personal experience: if you're venturing into the Florida prairie for a night shoot, bring ample bug spray! You'll thank me later.

I'm excited to share more of my astrophotography journey and gear reviews, so stay tuned!