The best DSLR for astrophotography in 2025 is the Canon EOS 90D for balance of price, resolution, and low-light performance. If you want a budget-friendly option, go with the Nikon D5600, while serious deep-sky shooters should consider the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.
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Table of Contents
The Best DSLR Models Compared:
| Camera | Sensor Type | Megapixels | ISO Range | Weight | Best For | Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS 90D | APS-C | 32.5 MP | 100–25,600 | 701 g | All-rounder | $1,199 |
| Nikon D5600 Buy on Amazon | APS-C | 24.2 MP | 100–25,600 | 465 g | Budget Nightscapes | $433 |
| Canon EOS 6D Mark II | Full-Frame | 26.2 MP | 100–40,000 | 765 g | Deep Sky & Serious Hobbyists | $1,199 |
| Nikon D850 Buy on Amazon | Full-Frame | 45.7 MP | 64–25,600 | 915 g | Expert-Level Detail | $1,303 |
🧪 How We Evaluated These DSLRs for Astrophotography
I did not rely on lab testing alone. My recommendations are based on a combination of trusted sources and empirical user experience, including:
- Manufacturer specifications (sensor size, ISO range, weight, dynamic range).
- Astrophotography community feedback from well-known forums (e.g., Cloudy Nights, AstroBin, DPReview discussions).
- Expert reviews published by established photography outlets and astrophotographers.
- Real-world use cases—how each camera performs in nightscapes, long exposures, and deep-sky imaging based on reports.
I then compared these findings with what matters most for astrophotography:
- Sensor sensitivity in low light
- High-ISO noise control
- Weight and portability for field setups
- Lens and mount support
By combining spec-driven criteria with the experience of the astrophotography community, I’ve narrowed the field to models that consistently deliver strong results for night-sky imaging.
Review of the Best DSLRs for Astrophotography
📷 Canon EOS 90D – The Best All-Rounder
The Canon EOS 90D has a 32.5 MP APS-C sensor, making it one of the highest-resolution crop-sensor DSLRs available. This gives sharp images in your nightscapes and is also lightweight enough for portable astro rigs.
- Pros: High resolution, Dual Pixel AF, long battery life.
- Cons: APS-C sensor struggles a little more in deep-sky vs. full-frame.
Why it’s great for astrophotography:
The 90D balances resolution, ISO performance, and affordability — great for both Milky Way landscapes and basic deep-sky imaging.👉 As DPReview notes in its review, the camera delivers excellent image quality in low-light conditions, provided noise reduction is carefully managed in post-processing.
📷 Nikon D5600 – Best Budget Pick
Lightweight and affordable, the Nikon D5600’s 24.2 MP APS-C sensor produces clean star shots and pairs perfectly with budget astro-lenses like the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8.
👉 Many astrophotographers on Cloudy Nights recommend the D5600 for beginners because of its cost-to-performance ratio.
📷 Canon EOS 6D Mark II – Best for Deep-Sky
The full-frame 26.2 MP sensor excels at capturing faint nebulae and galaxies. Its wide ISO range and relatively low cost for a full-frame make it a favorite among astrophotographers upgrading from crop sensors.
👉 See examples of deep-sky images from this camera on AstroBin’s Canon 6D II gallery.
📷 Nikon D850 – Best for Resolution
With its 45.7 MP full-frame sensor and high dynamic range, the D850 is for serious imagers looking for fine detail in galaxies and nebulae.
👉 Photography Life’s review of the D850 highlights its outstanding dynamic range, which is great for astrophotography image quality and will make processing much easier.
What is the Best DSLR Brand for Astrophotography?
Like many people, I use a DSLR for astrophotography. There are alternatives such as a dedicated electronic astrophotography camera but these are often much more expensive. Most beginners find it easier to start using a DSLR also. In this article, we’ll discover why DSLRs are so popular and which camera models are the best for astrophotography.
The best DSLR for astrophotography is one that takes high-quality photos with very little noise. Canon or Nikon is very reliable and is very suitable. A model with a live view screen is important for focusing.
Having said that, two of the most reliable and well-known cameras to use for astrophotography are Canon and Nikon, there are many different models both old and new which vary greatly in their usefulness as an astrophotography DSLR. On this page, we will examine in more detail which features and which models are best for you. So let’s get started!
Most people have their own preferences, but the consensus is that you are good to go with any of the three major brands Canon, Nikon, and Sony. The general quality seems the same so you could choose any of these. However, certain models such as the Sony A6000, are more suitable for high-quality astrophotography than others.
After 2003, when DSLRs began to be used widely for astrophotography, Canon was the most popular choice. Nikons then had problems that made them a poor choice for the astrophotographer, such as noise reduction that removed some stars. They also lacked a connection for an intervalometer (a device to automatically take photos at set intervals and each for a certain length of exposure), and compression was also used on RAW files.
The popularity of Canon led to the creation of a lot of software specifically designed for Canon, for example, Backyard EOS, Astrophotography Tool, etc.
Early Nikons were challenging to use compared to Canon models but this changed as technology progressed. Nikons improved after about 2013, with the introduction of the D53001, which used Sony sensors and had low read noise levels even at higher ISO. This changed the game for Nikon.
Nikon and Canon are popular choices for astrophotography now, with Sony the third choice. This is something for the budding astrophotographer to think about as the most popular choices are probably cheaper in the long run due to more choices of accessories designed for DSLR use in astrophotography.
Both Nikon and Canon have DSLR models with ASP-C and full-frame which has a larger sensor. They also now sell both mirror and mirrorless versions. Sony has great cameras like the A6000 or the A7 and these can be used for astrophotography.
So, if you have a preference for one brand your next step in choosing a DSLR would be to look into different models and check which of these are recommended and why. Let’s do exactly that and discover which models might be best for you…
What is needed for DSLR astrophotography?
There are several important aspects of a camera that make it good for astrophotography:
- Noise levels
- Signal-to-noise ratio
- Live view screen
- Sensitivity to light from deep sky objects
- Good resolution
Let’s consider each of the above and how this affects your astrophotos.
Noise Levels
Every camera will produce noise2 and there are different kinds of noise that affect astrophotographers. There is read noise and thermal noise, for example. In older cameras, such as the one I have, a Canon 600D, noise can be a problem especially when the temperature is higher in summer.
Thermal noise increases as the sensor warms up. As we take longer exposures in deep sky astrophotography, this thermal noise increases as the sensor gets hotter and hotter. I have regularly noticed my camera’s sensor temperature reaching 34C at night on a long imaging session!
Modern cameras have less noise and this doesn’t change with higher ISO levels. My Canon 600D is best at 800 ISO, (I tested this), and has more noise at other levels. By taking darks and subtracting them from my photos when stacking, much of this noise can be removed but this is not perfect.
A low-noise DSLR is best for astrophotography.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
The higher the signal compared to the level of noise the better. Imagine a picture of a nebula where the signal is very weak and faint and the details are hidden by lots of noise. This would be a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We can improve the SNR in astrophotography by taking and stacking many shots together and removing noise with Darks and other calibration frames but the better the camera, the better each photo will be and the result will improve even more.
Consider the SNR when choosing a camera.
Live View Screen
A live view screen is helpful when trying to focus manually on a star or target. I have tried to use a DSLR without a live view screen and it was nearly impossible to do this. The live screen can also help you frame your shot or to move position slightly and enables you to view your photos after they are taken. A live screen definitely makes astrophotography easier!
Sensitivity to Light from Deep Sky Objects
It is important that your DSLR camera can pick up the light from deep sky objects. This is especially true of HA alpha or the red colour of hydrogen gas in nebulae and other deep-sky objects. Normally, filters cut down the available light in this wavelength to simulate how our eyes see, so unless you have a model which is made for astrophotography, (such as the Canon EOS 20Da, 60Da, or the Nikon D810a), you will need to get your camera modified and remove the filter that stops this light.
Resolution
Many people get far too concerned about the differences in the resolution of cameras. In particular, I have addressed a common question that is often asked by those looking for a good camera for astrophotography. The question is: How many megapixels do you need for astrophotography?
A selection of some Other DSLRs for Astrophotography
| Model | Used for | Price Est. |
| Nikon Z6 Buy from Amazon | Deep Sky Nightscapes | $1100 |
| Nikon Z6 II Buy from Amazon | Deep Sky Nightscapes | $1749 |
| Canon EOS R6 | Deep Sky Emission Nebulae Nightscapes | $2139 |
| Nikon D810a Buy from Amazon | Emission nebulae | $1500 |
The Best Budget DSLR for Astrophotography
If the above DSLR cameras are a bit above your budget there are many other good choices that cost less. Here is a good place to start:
| Model | Level | Price Est. |
| Canon 600D | Beginner | $650 |
| Nikon 5600 – view on Amazon | Beginner | $600 |
| Canon Rebel 450D | Beginner | $200 |
| Canon EOS Rebel T7 – view on Amazon | Beginner | $720 |
| Canon EOS 60Da – View on Amazon | Beginner | $470 |
The above cameras are just a rough guide and probably the most common choices with the easiest-to-obtain accessories. They all generally satisfy the requirements we have talked about for an astrophotography DSLR.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a DSLR still good for astrophotography in 2025?
Yes. While mirrorless cameras are growing in popularity, DSLRs are still a strong choice for astrophotography because of their long battery life, wide lens compatibility, and low cost on the used camera market. Many astrophotographers still use DSLRs and get amazing results.
2. Which DSLR is best for beginners in astrophotography?
For entry-level users, the Nikon D5600 is recommended because it is lightweight, affordable, and easy to use. Beginners can easily take great nightscape and Milky Way shots.
3. Do you need a full-frame DSLR for astrophotography?
No — full-frame DSLRs like the Canon 6D Mark II or Nikon D850 offer better low-light performance and larger field of view, but many fantastic astrophotos are taken with APS-C cameras like the Canon 90D or Nikon D5600. It depends on your budget and the type of astro you want to shoot. I use a budget Canon 600D and get good results with it.
4. What lenses pair best with DSLRs for astrophotography?
Popular astrophotography lenses include wide-aperture primes like the Rokinon/Samyang 14mm f/2.8, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8, or Nikon 20mm f/1.8G. The key is finding lenses with a wide field of view and fast aperture (f/2.8 or faster). I also recommend a lens I regularly use for deep sky photography, the Samyang 135mm F2.0 lens but use it at F2.8 for sharper images.
5. How does DSLR astrophotography compare to mirrorless?
DSLRs have the advantage of long battery life and affordable lenses, while mirrorless cameras often provide advanced sensor technology, better live-view focusing, and lighter weight. Both can give you great astrophotography images; it’s more about budget, shooting style, and future-proofing.
6. How long does it take to learn astrophotography with a DSLR?
Most beginners can learn the basics of nightscape astrophotography (Milky Way, star trails) within a few nights of practice. More advanced imaging, such as deep-sky astrophotography with tracking mounts, can take months to master, especially in processing skills.
References
[1] Wikipedia. Nikon D5300. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon_D5300
[2] Brian Dipert. A Deep Dive into Types of Camera Noise and Their Impact on Image Quality – Edge AI and Vision Alliance. Retrieved from https://www.edge-ai-vision.com/2024/05/a-deep-dive-into-types-of-camera-noise-and-their-impact-on-image-quality/
