When Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G were launched, they supported astrophotography with ultra-large lenses. After a Google Camera update, however, this feature is no longer supported.
According 9to5Google, the Google 8.1 Camera update that launched in mid-November removed the ability to use the ultra wide-angle lens for astrophotography. Before, when switching to the astrophotography feature, users could switch between .6x, 1x and 2x. Since the update, the .6x option is no longer available, and a Google support document says that astrophotography only works with zoom settings equal to or greater than 1x.
It is not clear why the option was removed, but it is disappointing, regardless of the reason. It is possible that the feature is no longer available because the quality does not meet Google standards, but this is simply speculation; Google could easily clear things up with an explanation.
Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G owners can still use the ultra-wide-angle lens for night vision, but not to capture the stars. Using an ultra wide-angle lens for astrophotography makes a lot of sense because it allows users to capture more of the scene. But users will have to settle for the normal lens, which still offers a relatively wide field of view.
Like 9to5Google Notes, you can uninstall Google Camera updates and revert to version 7.6, which allows owners of the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G to use the ultra wide-angle lens for astrophotography. This is the version that was actually released with the Pixel 5.
Pixel 5 forums || Pixel 4a 5G Forums
With winter storms falling in the US, now may not be the best time for astrophotography. But it’s a little frustrating to see features being pulled from Google’s flagships for no apparent reason. Reddit users certainly noticed.
Perhaps the Google Camera will be updated in the near future and bring the feature back. For now, astrophotographers can use zoom settings equal to or greater than 1x.