When the Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G were launched, they supported astrophotography with the ultra wide lens. However, after an update of Google Camera, the feature is no longer supported.
According to 9to5Google, the Google Camera 8.1 update released in mid-November, removed the ability to use the ultra-wide lens for astrophotography. Before users could switch to the astrophotography feature, they could switch between .6x, 1x and 2x. Since the update, the .6x option is no longer available, and according to a Google support document, astrophotography only works on zoom settings equal to or greater than 1x.
It’s unclear why the option was removed, but it’s disappointing for whatever reason. It’s possible that the feature is no longer available because the quality is not up to Google’s standards, but that’s just speculation; Google can easily clear things up by providing an explanation.
Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G owners can still use the ultra wide lens for Night Sight, but not to capture the stars. Using an ultra wide lens for astrophotography makes a lot of sense because it enables users to capture more of the scene. However, users will have to make do with the normal lens, which still offers a relatively wide field of view.
As 9to5Google comments, you can remove updates for Google Camera and return to version 7.6, which enables Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G owners to use the ultra wide lens for astrophotography. This is the version that was actually introduced with the Pixel 5.
Pixel 5 Forums || Pixel 4a 5G Forums
As winter storms spread across the US, this may not be the best time for astrophotography. But it’s a little frustrating to see features removed from Google’s flagships for no reason. Users on Reddit have definitely noticed this.
Maybe Google Camera will be updated in the near future and bring the feature back again. For now, astrophotographers can use zoom settings equal to or greater than 1x.