Northern Light Photography Tours in Iceland
Mar 29, 2022 14:56:12 #
patgehant
Loc: Florida
Does any one have recommendations on Photography led tours to capture the Northern Lights from Iceland and any recommendations about your experience including how to handle the camera in the cold weather, and what settings you used. I have a canon EOS R (mirrorless) and I am planning to use a wide angle lens EF24mm r/1.4l II USM. I am planning a trip in 2023. All recommendations welcomed. THANK YOU!
Mar 29, 2022 15:06:17 #
I took such a trip in 2015. Our group went up north to Mývatn, where at approximately midnight, the forecast for the Northern Lights was good, but not excellent. We went out at about 2:00am. I won't say the cold was awful, but the wind made things extremely uncomfortable. So, I'm sure you already know that you'd better plan on wearing layers. I like Merino wool, so Smartwool and Icebreaker are the brands I like.
Because of the wind, I strongly recommend a sturdy tripod -- one that you can attach a sandbag or anchor to -- because you'll likely be making long exposures. Since you don't have a mirror, a mirror lockup isn't needed, but if you have a remote shutter release, I'd also recommend it. Anything you can do to eliminate even minor vibration should be considered.
Also, remember that the Northern Lights aren't guaranteed. You may wind up spending your time in the lobby or bar, imbibing on your beverage of choice. I saw the lights, but they weren't spectacular, and so I have no good images to share. But I had a ball on the trip!
Because of the wind, I strongly recommend a sturdy tripod -- one that you can attach a sandbag or anchor to -- because you'll likely be making long exposures. Since you don't have a mirror, a mirror lockup isn't needed, but if you have a remote shutter release, I'd also recommend it. Anything you can do to eliminate even minor vibration should be considered.
Also, remember that the Northern Lights aren't guaranteed. You may wind up spending your time in the lobby or bar, imbibing on your beverage of choice. I saw the lights, but they weren't spectacular, and so I have no good images to share. But I had a ball on the trip!
Mar 29, 2022 15:43:44 #
This probably sounds silly but practice setting up, adjusting settings and grabbing focus in the dark so it is second nature before you go.
It can be different than normal.
Good luck!
It can be different than normal.
Good luck!
Mar 29, 2022 15:47:10 #
patgehant
Loc: Florida
Thanks. The sandbag is a great idea. I will be borrowing my friends Antarctica clothing and boot and hand warmers.
Mar 29, 2022 15:48:13 #
Mar 29, 2022 20:01:38 #
Use chemical warmers taped/glued/whatever to the bottom of your camera. Works in Alaska!
Mar 30, 2022 07:29:50 #
LLC
Loc: Ontario, Canada
patgehant wrote:
Thanks. The sandbag is a great idea. I will be borrowing my friends Antarctica clothing and boot and hand warmers.
How about shopping bag that you can fill up with stones on the site? Better than carrying sandbag with you...
Mar 30, 2022 07:59:57 #
Mar 30, 2022 08:15:24 #
Buy a tripod "stone bag" for 10-15 dollars on Amazon. Their very useful no matter where you’re photographing.
Mar 30, 2022 08:56:46 #
LLC wrote:
How about shopping bag that you can fill up with stones on the site? Better than carrying sandbag with you...
Although stones may be covered with snow and/or cemented into place with ice...
Mar 30, 2022 09:20:03 #
Steve DeMott
Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)
patgehant wrote:
Thanks. The sandbag is a great idea. I will be borrowing my friends Antarctica clothing and boot and hand warmers.
Use your camera bag with a large Carabiner Clip as the weight. Saves on items to carry & airplane weight.
Mar 30, 2022 09:29:46 #
PACSMAN
Loc: MA
patgehant wrote:
Does any one have recommendations on Photography led tours to capture the Northern Lights from Iceland and any recommendations about your experience including how to handle the camera in the cold weather, and what settings you used. I have a canon EOS R (mirrorless) and I am planning to use a wide angle lens EF24mm r/1.4l II USM. I am planning a trip in 2023. All recommendations welcomed. THANK YOU!
I have done 3 different tours with Iceland Photo Tours. First rate and great guides. I recommend them highly.
Mar 30, 2022 12:31:13 #
Mar 30, 2022 12:31:40 #
JFCoupe
Loc: Kent, Washington
Your 24 mm lens should work fine, and if you can borrow or rent something wider it might be even better. Be sure to take a good headlamp with a red light switch for working in the dark. It is better than white light which could intrude on other photographers images.
Mar 30, 2022 12:46:56 #
ecurb
Loc: Metro Chicago Area
BassmanBruce wrote:
This probably sounds silly but practice setting up, adjusting settings and grabbing focus in the dark so it is second nature before you go.
It can be different than normal.
Good luck!
It can be different than normal.
Good luck!
Practice, practice.
Get to where using your equipment at night, on tripods, is second nature to you. Then do the same in your cold weather bulk. Clothing can and will make it harder to concentrate on shooting. Shooting night and deep sky photos will give you a better idea of what settings work best with your equipment and workflow.
FYI, my son found a 24hour hot dog stand at the old harbor in Reikievck. He loved icelandic hot dogs.
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