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The Best Nikon Camera for Astrophotography
The best Nikon Camera for astrophotography is unquestionably the Nikon D810A. In fact, the D810A is made specifically for astrophotography, so it’s really one of the best cameras for astrophotography period.
Although the D810A is the best Nikon camera for astrophotography, it’s not the only Nikon camera that can produce beautiful astrophotography images. So if you’re interested in other options and reading some reviews, then you’re in the right place.
Table of Contents
Best Nikon Camera for Astrophotography
The D810A is the best Nikon camera for astrophotography because it has all of the following qualities:
- It’s excellent in low light situations
- It’s designed for long exposure photography
- It handles higher ISO settings better than most cameras
It’s not really a surprise that a camera that has all those qualities is great for astrophotography. So, if budget is no concern and you simply want the best Nikon camera for astrophotography, then the Nikon D810A is the one for you.
There are other cameras that are good for astrophotography as well, but also offer more adaptability so they can be used across various genres of photography. So if you’re looking to become a professional photographer, or even making it a side hustle, a different Nikon camera may be a better choice.
All 4 cameras listed below are capable of producing some really beautiful astrophotography images. You’ll just need to figure out if you want a camera dedicated to astrophotography or if you want a camera with some flexibility, while also considering your budget.
Once you make a decision on which camera will work best for you, be sure to check out our article Best Nikon Lens for Astrophotography to see which lens you should pair it with.
The reviews and recommendations below are meant to help guide you through that decision making process. So, on to the best Nikon camera for astrophotography!
Best Nikon Camera for Astrophotography - Top Options
Nikon D810A
For all of the reasons stated above, it’s easy to crown the D810A as the best Nikon camera for astrophotography. It’s quite literally made for it.
Pros:
- Built specifically for astrophotography
- Excellent in low light
- Designed for long exposures
- Produces extremely sharp images
Cons:
- Expensive
Nikon D850
One of Nikon’s top cameras on the market, the D850 is another great choice for astrophotography at a slightly lower price.
This is a great choice for anyone that wants an incredible camera for astrophotography and other genres as well.
Pros:
- Top of the line Nikon camera
- Great low light performance
- Good for other genres as well
Cons:
- More of an all-in-one type camera rather than astrophotography specific (although this can be a good thing for many photographers)
Best Nikon Astrophotography Camera - Budget Options
Nikon D750
I’ve used the Nikon D750 for astrophotography on dozens of occasions and I’ve been pleased with the outcome. It’s not top-of-the-line for astrophotography purposes, but it can absolutely get the job done.
As the most affordable camera on this list, it’s definitely worth considering if you can’t stretch your budget any further.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Professional grade camera
- Sharp images
Cons:
- Photos can start to be noisy at higher ISO
Best Nikon Camera for Astrophotography - Mirrorless Options
Nikon Z7ii
The Nikon Z7ii is an excellent camera that’s compared to the D850, but is mirrorless instead. It offers up to 48 megapixels, but gives you the option to choose between 24 and 48.
It’s also ideal for hiking, camping, and outdoor use in general since it’s much lighter and smaller than DSLRs.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- 48 Megapixels available
- Great low light performance
Cons:
- Will need an FTZ adaptor for any non-mirrorless lenses
Nikon Z6ii
If you are on a tighter budget and really interested in a mirrorless camera, then go with the Nikon Z6ii. It’s an excellent camera overall and will produce some great astrophotography images.
Like the Z7ii, it’s great for hiking, camping, and outdoor use in general since it’s much lighter and smaller than DSLRs.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Good low light performance
Cons:
- Will need an FTZ adaptor for any non-mirrorless lenses
Recommendations on the Best Nikon Astrophotography Camera
If you simply want the best Nikon astrophotography camera, then go ahead and purchase the Nikon D810A. It’s an incredible camera that is made specifically for astrophotography, so you know the images are going to look flawless.
If you want to be able to use it for professional jobs in addition to astrophotography, then the Nikon D850 is an excellent option. It’s a top choice amongst professional photographers across all genres of photography.
If you are on a tight budget, then go with the Nikon Z6ii. Mirrorless is the future of photography and you’ll be getting a great camera at a good value.
Finally, check out our Gear page to read more articles just like this with up-to-date product reviews for gear across all photography genres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nikon good for astrophotography?
Yes, Nikon is a good brand of camera for astrophotography. Especially since they produce the Nikon D810A, a camera built specifically for astrophotography.
Which is better for astrophotography Canon or Nikon?
If we are being honest, both brands have cameras that are good for astrophotography.
Is Nikon D750 good for astrophotography?
Yes, the Nikon D750 is a good camera for astrophotography especially if you are on a tight budget.