Nebula Targets for Astrophotography: Download the Guide (50+ Objects) 

Last updated March 16, 2026

After going through the usual list of deep sky objects and imaging them one by one, I found myself hunting for new astrophotography, particularly new nebula targets for astrophotography. I couldn’t find a list for interesting nebulae in one place. I also couldn’t find the astronomy information I needed to easily locate them, nor suggestions on how I should image these celestial objects.

So I created my own list: Night sky wonders: 50 magnificent and lesser-known nebulae for astrophotgraphy

My list also includes everything you need to know so that you can capture them effortlessly:

• Type of nebula, (refection or emission).
• Details about the objects in a short summary.
• Coordinates for each astronomical object to save time finding the objects or plate solve, you’ll spend less time looking for this information online and more time photographing them.
• Notes and tips to help you photograph the object and get better results.
• Lengths of sub-exposures and integration times are also suggested. (My exposure calculator may also help with calculating long-exposure times).
• An image of the object. If I have captured it, I include mine, I have also included images from other astronomers.
• Alternative names of each object so you can research it further if you want to.

I designed the list for myself but also realized it would be valuable to anyone wishing to explore the skies more deeply and image lesser-known objects often forgotten.

One word though, some of these are challenging! This is not a beginner’s list of astrophotography targets. Most will require a good telescope, mount, and auto-guiding as a minimum. If you’re an intermediate astrophotographer or a successful starter looking to progress this list will be an eye-opener!