Camera & lens for Northern Lights
Nov 5, 2023 05:59:18 #
live4summer
Loc: Long Island, NY
radar51 wrote:
thank you. I have looked at renting lenses, but didn't get to call them yet. If you want to rent for say a month from now, how do you insure that the lens you want will be in stock?
I went online to reserve the lens about a month before the trip and specified the lens I wanted and the dates it would be needed. It shipped to me in a protective case about 3 days prior to the trip in perfect condition. They only charge for the days you specified. I’d use LensRental again in a heartbeat.
Nov 5, 2023 08:12:41 #
V2volk
Loc: St. Louis area
Enjoy and of course I know it isn’t the same but take your iPhone or whatever you have. Honestly a friend quickly got some pretty good NL pictures and videos in Iceland on a cruise ship with her new iPhone. Of course it sounds like you will have plenty of time and equipment to do it right.
Nov 5, 2023 08:39:34 #
Heading to Iceland in January to hopefully shoot the Aurora.
I'll be bringing my Nikon Z-5 and a Zeiss Distagon 15mm f/2.8 for the Aurora and a Travel lens for everything else.
The Zeiss is pricey -- but for me is a lifetime investment. If you're willing to risk Ebay, you can find this lens for about <$800 (less than $700 if you get very lucky).
Right Now, a cheaper option might be getting a used copy of an IRIX Firefly 15mm f/2.4. I just peeked online and saw a copy for a Nikon Fit for under $250 on MPB. The third budget option is the Samyang/Rokinon 14mm -- though I think the IRIX is a better lens and (used) about the same price.
I'll be bringing my Nikon Z-5 and a Zeiss Distagon 15mm f/2.8 for the Aurora and a Travel lens for everything else.
The Zeiss is pricey -- but for me is a lifetime investment. If you're willing to risk Ebay, you can find this lens for about <$800 (less than $700 if you get very lucky).
Right Now, a cheaper option might be getting a used copy of an IRIX Firefly 15mm f/2.4. I just peeked online and saw a copy for a Nikon Fit for under $250 on MPB. The third budget option is the Samyang/Rokinon 14mm -- though I think the IRIX is a better lens and (used) about the same price.
Nov 5, 2023 11:58:39 #
KenProspero wrote:
Heading to Iceland in January to hopefully shoot t... (show quote)
If he’s shooting crop sensor those will all be at least 21mm equivalent.
Nov 5, 2023 19:36:19 #
Nov 5, 2023 19:58:16 #
SuperflyTNT wrote:
If he’s shooting crop sensor those will all be at least 21mm equivalent.
True, I personally would rather go wider -- though I've seen a number of people suggest that the Nikon Z 20mm lens would work for that purpose. So a 14mm on a crop sensor might be ok.
Nov 6, 2023 14:45:21 #
You guys are going to make me take the 10-24 DX lens to Scotland next month aren't you?
It will be interesting to see how it performs on an FX body, lol
It will be interesting to see how it performs on an FX body, lol
Nov 6, 2023 15:38:00 #
Mike D. wrote:
You guys are going to make me take the 10-24 DX lens to Scotland next month aren't you?
It will be interesting to see how it performs on an FX body, lol
It will be interesting to see how it performs on an FX body, lol
My experience with a similar 10-24 crop sensor lens shows it will probably be pretty good in the 14-24mm range.
bwa
Nov 6, 2023 16:07:37 #
Mike D. wrote:
You guys are going to make me take the 10-24 DX lens to Scotland next month aren't you?
It will be interesting to see how it performs on an FX body, lol
It will be interesting to see how it performs on an FX body, lol
Last year when I was in Scotland, (Glasgow and the Highlands), I never needed my 7–14mm, (M4/3). My 12-40mm, (24-80 equivalent), handled pretty much everything.
Nov 6, 2023 16:50:51 #
bwana wrote:
My experience with a similar 10-24 crop sensor lens shows it will probably be pretty good in the 14-24mm range.
bwa
bwa
It's something that I've been wanting to try for some time. It takes very sharp images on the D7100. I should probably try it before boarding the plane though. lol
It might have to do until I get the 10-24mm f2.8 for the FF.
Nov 6, 2023 19:28:37 #
DougS
Loc: Central Arkansas
You may also want to take/use a remote shutter release. That way you can keep your hands inside your coat (well, at least some of the time). Do you have a particular destination around Fairbanks? Chena Hot Springs is very picturesque, as is the 'Dalton Hwy'(!); The Brooks Range (north of Coldfoot) is Spectacular! The Santa Clause House is interesting, and has large ice sculptures around that time. Keep your eye on the weather... sometimes (read often) it can be cloudy, or even foggy, and -50° F. If you use a small 'tour' van, make sure to sit in the FRONT passenger seat, due to the rear windows will be frosted over... I sat right behind the driver, and put my finger(s) on a small spot on the window, just to keep a 'peep hole'. Still managed to get some decent shots thru it.
Nov 7, 2023 09:34:10 #
Nov 7, 2023 10:41:14 #
DougS
Loc: Central Arkansas
You mentioned an insane amount of clothing... I used 2 sets of 'ARCTIC LEVEL (grade 4) insulated underwear', along with the foot warmers (Hot Hands). Alpaca heavy duty socks are really nice, too. Fairbanks has a Walmart, in case you forget anything.
Nov 10, 2023 18:17:44 #
thanks for the info, I ended up getting a camera from and a lens they recommended (Sigma 16mm F1.4) from Lensrental, they were just delivered today. This will give me time to learn how to use both, and if I like the camera I will probably go and buy one
Nov 10, 2023 18:24:49 #
we will be about 28 miles north of Fairbanks at Borealis Basecamp. Not sure where else we will be going in particular, other than one 10-12 hour round trip to the Arctic Circle.
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