northern lights
Sep 17, 2018 07:48:23 #
I'll be heading up to the northern coast of Norway in early October. Hopefully we will see the Aurora Borealis. I have a Canon t3i with a 28-135 3.5 "go-to-lens". I also have a 200-400 zoom. I would like some advice on how to shoot these light spectaculars if we're lucking enough to see them, thanks
Sep 17, 2018 08:12:00 #
hillary wrote:
I'll be heading up to the northern coast of Norway in early October. Hopefully we will see the Aurora Borealis. I have a Canon t3i with a 28-135 3.5 "go-to-lens". I also have a 200-400 zoom. I would like some advice on how to shoot these light spectaculars if we're lucking enough to see them, thanks
Bring a tripod, use long exposure.
Sep 17, 2018 08:29:13 #
hillary wrote:
I'll be heading up to the northern coast of Norway in early October. Hopefully we will see the Aurora Borealis. I have a Canon t3i with a 28-135 3.5 "go-to-lens". I also have a 200-400 zoom. I would like some advice on how to shoot these light spectaculars if we're lucking enough to see them, thanks
https://iso.500px.com/northern-lights-photo-tutorial/
If you can beg, borrow or steal a 11mm lens that offers an F2.8 max aperture or one that zooms to 11 mm, you'll be glad you did. Tokina has two zooms 11-16 and 11-20, both are F2.8.
Sep 17, 2018 20:56:09 #
Tripod, wide angle, long exposure, as fast of a lens as you can afford, and lots of trial and error with a DSLR to dial in the correct exposure.
Sep 17, 2018 21:06:11 #
Thanks much. have a wide angle but not that wide or fast. will see what I can do. Tripod for sure.
Sep 17, 2018 21:12:19 #
Thank you, have the tripod, wide angle but not an 11mm or that fast. At least I know the wide angle and tripod are important. I appreciate the help.
Sep 18, 2018 06:54:01 #
They are fantastic events. As you assemble your kit, adjust your efforts accordingly. I got some better than acceptable Northern Lights shots in British Columbia and Alberta in on Ektachrome 200 with a 50mm f2 pentax lens in 1985.
Most important is to allow yourself to be totally awed at the phenomenon. It is magic.
Most important is to allow yourself to be totally awed at the phenomenon. It is magic.
Sep 18, 2018 07:12:18 #
Make sure you don’t have a UV filter on your lens. Keep in mind too that sometimes the lights aren’t overly visible to the eye. Still set up your camera and take a few long exposures. You might be surprised at what shows in a 30 second exposure.
Sep 18, 2018 07:35:31 #
The Canon 10-22 lens is a good option. Pick up a used one for a reasonable price. Very good landscape lens
Sep 18, 2018 08:53:21 #
Rent a lens for this one in a life time trip. Spend the few hundred dollars and take some great shots. There are plenty of places for lens rentals and other members have had a lot of experience and can help you out. Don't go half equipped and regret it for the sake of a few bucks.
Sep 18, 2018 08:57:31 #
Sep 18, 2018 09:04:15 #
Sep 18, 2018 09:05:56 #
hillary wrote:
didn't know I could rent a lens; sources????
https://www.lensrentals.com/
https://www.adoramarentals.com/
Sep 18, 2018 09:17:36 #
Sep 18, 2018 09:21:51 #
We have northern lights here a few times a year. I always focus for distance while I have good light (infinity) and then tape the lens to that spot. Then put the camera and lens in manual focus. Use a tripod, and a remote. I try not to go below fifteen seconds for shutter speed as the lights will be sharper. If you go 30 sec. they can look blurred. In the attached photo, I used 8 seconds (not too bad), wide open aperture and ISO fairly high. You'll have to play with the ISO to get it right...no moon, moon light, etc. And yes, when the screen pops up with your photo, you will be surprised at what the camera pics up. Much more than the eye can see. If it's cold, have a lens cloth to keep moisture off the lens.
Good luck and I hope they are there for you!
Marsha
Good luck and I hope they are there for you!
Marsha
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