When it comes to buying the best astrophotography gear, the number of different brands and products available can make it all a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re a beginner or don’t have a huge budget. But before you even jot down your budget, there are several factors to consider when looking for the correct equipment, such as what celestial objects you want to photograph.
Will you need one of the best telescopes in order to be able to see them? Do you want to take long-exposure images? Figuring out precisely what kind of astrophotography you want to do can be a big help when it comes to looking for your astro gear. That way, you won’t end up spending money on things you don’t need or end up buying completely the wrong thing.
Everyone loves to save money, especially when we are all going through a cost of living crisis and the price of simply existing is constantly rising, it’s more important to save money than ever. Luckily, we’ve rounded up 10 great ways to save money on astrophotography gear, so you can get out there stargazing for less.
1. Buy second hand
One of the best and most popular ways to save money on astrophotography gear is definitely to buy your gear secondhand. Whether it’s cameras, lenses, telescopes, or any necessary accessories, you can save a ton of money by checking out what’s on offer on the used market. Many retailers offer used and refurbished gear for a cheaper price than buying new, but if you want to save even more money you can buy on platforms like eBay where you buy directly from someone else (there is slightly more risk involved here, so you need to keep your wits about you and know what to look out for).
2. Choose third party lenses
Another way to save a lot of money on astrophotography gear is by…