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Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

snegron7
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

Hello everyone. Im posting this question in two forums to get opinions from users of both systems.

I am planning a trip to Iceland during this winter, and I would love to capture images of the northern lights. I have zero experince with anything astrophotography related. It won't be in January as I mentioned in a previous post, so the weather won't be as brutally cold as I anticipated (end of November/Beginning of December).

I currently have cameras/lenses from 3 systems and would like to know which of these camera/lens combos will be best to use specifically for capturing the northetn lights (I can only take two cameras with lenses, so the choice would be best 2 out 3). Here's what I currently own:

- Canon R6II

- Canon RF 16mm f2.8 STM

- Canon RF 28mm f2.8 STM

- Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro

- Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM

- Canon EF 17-40mm f4.0L

- Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L

- Canon EF 100mm f2.8L Macro

- Canon EF 300mm f4.0L

- Sony a7c

- Tamron 17-28mm f2.8

- Tamron 20-40mm f2.8

- Tamron 28-200mm f2.8/5.6

- OM Systems OM-5

- Olympus 7-14mm f2.8 Pro

- Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8

- Olympus 30mm f3.5 Macro

- Olympus 60mm f2.8 Macro

Will any of my equipment be good enough to capture the northern lights? Any suggestions, tips, etc.?

Sep 14, 2024 at 09:49 AM

Danpbphoto
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

I have taken images of the Northern Lights here in Maryland with my olde Canon DSLR's and various UWA to 70-200MM f/2.8 lenses. All were fine!!
Try to "scout out" a location 1st. That may dictate which lense would be most suited for the composition. Don't overthink it! It is actually very easy!
Tripod is a MUST for me, cable release helps and if your camera has a mirror, use MLU(mirror lock up) before shutter release! Also don't expose too long or you will have star trails in the frame. I think 2-3 seconds at the most was my shutter open.
Have fun and good luck!
Dan
PS PM member Rajan Parrikar with any questions. He lives there!

Edited on Sep 15, 2024 at 09:09 AM · View previous versions

Sep 14, 2024 at 10:36 AM

snegron7
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

Danpbphoto wrote:
I have taken images of the Northern Lights here in Maryland with my olde Canon DSLR's and various UWA to 70-200MM f/2.8 lenses. All were fine!!
Try to "scout out" a location 1st. That may dictate which lense would be most suited for the composition. Don't overthink it! It is actually very easy!
Tripod is a MUST for me, cable release helps and if your camera has a mirror, use MLU(mirror lock up) before shutter release! Also don't expose too long or you will have star trails in the frame. I think 2-3 seconds at the most was my shutter open.
Have fun...Show more →

Thanks!! I sent him a PM (not sure if it went through as it doesn't show on my history tab). I'm in the process now of booking tours, but I'd love to know which would be the best ones for both northern lights and for landscape sites. I'm not planning on renting a car there because the hotel I booked doesn't have parking (plus, I would have no clue about reading the road signs or even pronouncing the names of streets!).

Sep 14, 2024 at 10:52 AM

SpecFoto
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

As an Sony and Olympus/OMDS owner my suggestion is to bring for sure the OM-5 and 7-14 f2.8 Pro lens. This is the perfect lightweight system for shooting night skies. The other camera setup is up to you.

~The OM-5 has Starry Sky AF, specifically made for getting accurate AF when shooting the Northern Lights and night skies.

~The OM-5 has the best weather sealing.

~The OM-5 has the best performing IBIS (even thought the Canon is "rated" 1 stop higher). My EM1 Mk III from 2020, rated at 7 stops of IBIS (which the OM5 is based upon with the truepix IX processor) is 2 to 3 stops better IBIS than my 2023 7 stop rated Sony A7CR.

~ The 7-14 f2.8 Pro lens is fully weather sealed and very sharp. Being a FF eq of 14-28mm, it is the best choice FL zoom for expansive night sky photography.

Here is a link to a OM website with lots of helpful info on shooting the Northern Lights:

https://learnandsupport.getolympus.com/learn-center/photography-tips/seasonal-tips-winter/field-guide-to-photographing-the-northern-lights

Sep 14, 2024 at 11:03 AM

nmerc_photos
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

Everything you have will be more than enough to capture the lights. People get great pics just handholding with cell phones nowadays. That being said, none of the lenses you have are -super- good Aurora lenses.

If you can spare it in your budget, I'd buy or rent something like a Rokinon 24mm f1.4, or 12mm f2.8.

I just came back from Iceland for the 3rd year in a row, and when I'm shooting I always want as wide and as fast as possible. My personal choice is the Sigma 14mm f1.4, which is the widest/fastest combo - but quite pricey. I've used the Sony 14mm f1.8 which is also phenomenal, but still around $900+ ea. The Rokinon options can usually be had for sub $200 used.

if you have to keep the current gear, I'd go with the Olympus and 7-14 f2.8 and R6II and 16mm f2.8.

also note - although the Northern Lights happen every night in Iceland, it is very easy to go a whole trip without seeing them. cloud cover is the big enemy. if you want to maximize your chances, do not book accommodations in advance - and be willing to drive all over the island to chase clear skies. best of luck!

Edited on Sep 16, 2024 at 09:58 AM · View previous versions

Sep 14, 2024 at 11:37 AM

alundeb
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

Regarding focal length, it is almost impossible to catch the whole Aurora, and get an interesting picture.
28 mm equivalent FOV is a good starting point IMO.

Sep 14, 2024 at 11:46 AM

Danpbphoto
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

snegron7 wrote:
Thanks!! I sent him a PM (not sure if it went through as it doesn't show on my history tab). I'm in the process now of booking tours, but I'd love to know which would be the best ones for both northern lights and for landscape sites. I'm not planning on renting a car there because the hotel I booked doesn't have parking (plus, I would have no clue about reading the road signs or even pronouncing the names of streets!).

His blog is tremendous!
https://www.parrikar.com/Search/thumbs?search=Auroa,Northern%20Lights

Sep 14, 2024 at 03:46 PM

BDA7
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

Will any of my equipment be good enough to capture the northern lights? Any suggestions, tips, etc.?

As others have stated all are capable. I would check and see how the lenses deal with "coma". I bought a 28 mm f1.8 lens to shoot the Aurora and was disappointed in the results due to the coma that the lens produced.
https://www.lenstip.com/253.7-Lens_review-Canon_EF_28_mm_f_1.8_USM_Coma_and_astigmatism.html

Another thing i would suggest is NO filters. They produce a problem known as "Newtons Rings" on all the exposures.

I deal with star trails by using the "rule" of 400. 400 divided by the focal length you are using will give you an indication of when the star trails will start to show. IE: 400divided by 24mm = 16.66. So I would use an exposure time of 15 seconds and have never had a star trail problem.

I like to use a long exposure to let the Aurora "paint" the frame. This works well when the lights are not as bright. The camera sees more than the eye and will get whatever is there.

When the light brightness is changing I will use the ISO setting to control my exposures letting my exposure time stay at 15 seconds.

Brian

Sep 15, 2024 at 02:37 PM

snegron7
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

BDA7 wrote:
Will any of my equipment be good enough to capture the northern lights? Any suggestions, tips, etc.?

As others have stated all are capable. I would check and see how the lenses deal with "coma". I bought a 28 mm f1.8 lens to shoot the Aurora and was disappointed in the results due to the coma that the lens produced.
https://www.lenstip.com/253.7-Lens_review-Canon_EF_28_mm_f_1.8_USM_Coma_and_astigmatism.html

Another thing i would suggest is NO filters. They produce a problem known as "Newtons Rings" on all the exposures.

I deal with star trails by using the "rule" of 400. 400 divided by the focal length you are using will give you...Show more →

Thank you!! I actually have filters on all my lenses (except for the Olympus 7-14mm f2.8); I'll definitely be removing them for this trip!

Sep 15, 2024 at 07:29 PM

twodees
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

I use 14mm and 20mm f1.8 primes, usually at 1.8 but up to 2.8. Shutter speed between 4s and 6s, iso from 1600-6400 depending on aurora brightness. Star trails will not be something to worry about.

Sep 16, 2024 at 12:51 PM

nmerc_photos
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

FWIW - here were some pictures taken last night and this morning in my driveway in lower Michigan with my cell phone (Samsung S23 Ultra) handheld

Everything you should get with your gear will be much better, especially if using a tripod.

Galaxy S23 Ultra 6mm f/1.7 1/4s 4000 ISO 0.0 EV

Galaxy S23 Ultra 6mm f/1.7 1/2s 3200 ISO 0.0 EV

Sep 17, 2024 at 11:40 AM

nmerc_photos
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

and here were some pictures my sister took with an iphone in Iceland last year for reference

Sep 17, 2024 at 12:00 PM

kylebarendrick
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

I'm not familiar enough with the Sony and OM systems to have an opinion on them. I mostly wanted to voice an alternate opinion.

If I was making a (presumably) once in a lifetime trip to Iceland hoping to get northern lights photos, I'd invest in some equipment that would allow me to take good ones. That isn't a phone. I'd recommend deciding which of your cameras has the resolution and low-light performance (ISO 1600-3200) that you want and then make sure you have some f/2.8 or faster lenses to use with that camera with focal lengths that suit the subjects you want in the foreground. You will want to go wider than a normal landscape shot in order to include more sky if the lights are impressive.

For reference, I made a northern lights trip to Norway in February. My main gear was a Canon R5, Canon RF 15-35 f/2.8, and a Sigma 14mm f/1.8. That gave me the speed and flexibility to shoot the scenes I wanted. I bought a used copy of the canon lens for the trip. I could have sold it afterwards for about the same amount, making it a cheap rental. I decided that I liked it so I still have it.

Sep 17, 2024 at 12:10 PM

BDA7
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

This link may be of some interest to you......

https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast

Sep 17, 2024 at 03:43 PM

snegron7
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

BDA7 wrote:
This link may be of some interest to you......

https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast

Bookmarked it! Thank you!!

Sep 17, 2024 at 05:18 PM

snegron7
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

kylebarendrick wrote:
I'm not familiar enough with the Sony and OM systems to have an opinion on them. I mostly wanted to voice an alternate opinion.

If I was making a (presumably) once in a lifetime trip to Iceland hoping to get northern lights photos, I'd invest in some equipment that would allow me to take good ones. That isn't a phone. I'd recommend deciding which of your cameras has the resolution and low-light performance (ISO 1600-3200) that you want and then make sure you have some f/2.8 or faster lenses to use with that camera with focal lengths that suit the subjects...Show more →

I agree with you 110%! My thought process was very similar when I started this thread. Here's what led me to my decision to ask about what gear to take:

I'll be going to Iceland with a family member. This family member does not have a camera, so my plan is to let that family member borrow one of mine. So, from the 3 cameras I currently have (Canon R6II, Sony A7c, OM System OM-5), one of them will be going with my family member. I get to take the other 2.

I like the idea of shooting with either of my full frame cameras (R6II and A7c), however, my tiny OM-5 produces amazing images that are very close to my full frame images (it beats out any APS-C camera I have ever owned). There is a 99% chance that the OM-5 will be one of the two cameras that I take with me. The jury is still out between either the R6II or the A7c.

My Olympus 7-14mm f2.8 Pro lens on my OM-5 is incredibly bright and sharp, so no regrets taking it with me. However, that leaves me with the other 2 cameras I own; R6II and A7c.

My Canon lenses are not the greatest. If I can't count on my RF 16mm f2.8 STM to capture the Northern Lights, then I have to consider a faster/better wide angle lens. The RF 15-35mm f2.8L has been on my radar, but I have read several reviews and posts complaining about how bad it performs for astrophotography. In addition to high levels of vignetting, comma seems to be an issue as well. That bugs me because for a $2000 "L" series lens, this lens should be near perfect. Native RF mount, fast/wide lenses are not that abundant, so I would have to look into a 3rd part EF mount lens to use with an EF/RF adapter.

As for Sony, there are options (Sony 14mm f1.8 GM), however, I am leaning heavily toward letting my family member use my Sony A7c. I think there's a pretty good chance my family member can use my Tamron 17-28mm f2.8 to capture shots of the Northern Lights. On a side note, I owned (and returned) a Viltrox AF 16mm f1.8 for use with my A7c. The lens failed me while on an overseas trip. The faulty electronics froze up my A7c.

So, I'm tossing around several ideas and options which led me to post my original question. Should I get the Sony 14mm f1.8 GM and let my family member use my R6II with RF 16mm f2.8 STM? Should I instead bite the ($2000+) bullet and get the Canon RF 15-35mm f2.8L and let my family member use my Sony A7c with Tamron 17-28mm f2.8? Will what I currently own suffice for this trip leaving me with extra cash to spend?

P.S. Regardless of whatever path I go with, the OM-5 with 7-14mm f2.8 Pro stays with me for this trip.

Sep 17, 2024 at 05:52 PM

nmerc_photos
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

snegron7 wrote:
I agree with you 110%! My thought process was very similar when I started this thread. Here's what led me to my decision to ask about what gear to take:

I'll be going to Iceland with a family member. This family member does not have a camera, so my plan is to let that family member borrow one of mine. So, from the 3 cameras I currently have (Canon R6II, Sony A7c, OM System OM-5), one of them will be going with my family member. I get to take the other 2.

I like the idea of shooting with either of my full frame cameras (R6II and A7c), however, my tiny OM-5 produces amazing images that are very close to my full frame images (it beats out any APS-C camera I have ever owned). There is a 99% chance that the OM-5 will be one of the two cameras that I take with me. The jury is still out between either the R6II or the A7c.

My Olympus 7-14mm f2.8 Pro lens on my OM-5 is incredibly bright and sharp, so no regrets taking it with me. However, that leaves me with the other 2 cameras I own; R6II and A7c.

My Canon lenses are not the greatest. If I can't count on my RF 16mm f2.8 STM to capture the Northern Lights, then I have to consider a faster/better wide angle lens. The RF 15-35mm f2.8L has been on my radar, but I have read several reviews and posts complaining about how bad it performs for astrophotography. In addition to high levels of vignetting, comma seems to be an issue as well. That bugs me because for a $2000 "L" series lens, this lens should be near perfect. Native RF mount, fast/wide lenses are not that abundant, so I would have to look into a 3rd part EF mount lens to use with an EF/RF adapter.

As for Sony, there are options (Sony 14mm f1.8 GM), however, I am leaning heavily toward letting my family member use my Sony A7c. I think there's a pretty good chance my family member can use my Tamron 17-28mm f2.8 to capture shots of the Northern Lights. On a side note, I owned (and returned) a Viltrox AF 16mm f1.8 for use with my A7c. The lens failed me while on an overseas trip. The faulty electronics froze up my A7c.

So, I'm tossing around several ideas and options which led me to post my original question. Should I get the Sony 14mm f1.8 GM and let my family member use my R6II with RF 16mm f2.8 STM? Should I instead bite the ($2000+) bullet and get the Canon RF 15-35mm f2.8L and let my family member use my Sony A7c with Tamron 17-28mm f2.8? Will what I currently own suffice for this trip leaving me with extra cash to spend?

P.S. Regardless of whatever path I go with, the OM-5 with 7-14mm f2.8 Pro stays with me for this trip. ...Show more →

Having owned the RF 15-35 f2.8, I would not buy it if my main intent was Aurora in Iceland. There are far cheaper and far better lenses out there.

Have a look at the Rokinon 24mm f1.4 and 12mm f2.8 that I mentioned before. You could buy 10 of them for the same price as a single RF 15-35.

If you have other areas where you think the 15-35 f2.8 will shine - then sure.

The Sony 14mm f1.8 is one of the best lenses I've ever used (and I've owned just about every mirrorless lens from both Nikon/Canon, and many Sony ones). It's my go-to travel Aurora lens. The Sigma 14mm f1.4 is better in just about every optical way - but is is significantly larger, heavier, and more expensive.

if you're planning on letting the family member use the Sony, I'd pick up one of the cheap Rokinons for them. and then use the OM5 with your 7-14 for yourself. I expect the Sony + Rokinon will produce better images, but they should be fairly close.

Sep 17, 2024 at 06:42 PM

kylebarendrick
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

I agree that the canon 15-35 f2.8 is overkill if you don't have other uses for it. I'd argue that the coma is actually pretty well controlled on that one - much better than any of their 16-35 options. Yes, there is vignetting.

The Tamron 15-30 is a really nice Astro lens and much cheaper (although still heavy). I'm not a huge fan of the Rokinon 24/1.4. It is great when it works but does need to be stopped down a little and it has always seemed finicky. The Rokinon/Samyang SP 14/2.4 is a great option for that focal length while smaller and cheaper than the sigma.

My main point was that a trip like this is worth an investment.

Sep 18, 2024 at 09:10 AM

juststeve
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

My favorite aurora and general night sky lens is the Tamron 35/1.4. Its rendering of stars at the periphery is the best I know of (see also Lens Rentals review of the lens several years ago). Using it at 1.4 I was able to go to 1 second exposures at EI 800 for the Sept. 16 aurora with very fine results on an R5 using the ER-RF adapter. With exposures that short you can pivot the camera to make panos. Good idea to turn off IBIS if doing so. Oh, and focus manually even though an R5 will autofocus on stars.

I do not believe the lens is currently in production but would not be surprised if it is available used or even new with a bit of searching

Sep 18, 2024 at 12:32 PM

Ming-Tzu
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Gear Suggestions for Northern Lights?

I just came back from Norway and took tons of pictures of the aurora. I don't have experience with any of your lenses, but I suggest as wide as possible. I shot all of my aurora pictures with a Canon 5DSR w/ the Samyang 14mm SP f/2.5. Tripod with a 2-second shutter delay. I just got back so haven't checked the pictures yet, but it probably turned out ok.

Sep 28, 2024 at 02:34 AM

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