Shooting the Northern Lights

[DrSheldonCooper]

Hi guys. My Uncle is making a trip up to see the Northern Lights and he hopes to take some nice pictures of it. He's currently using the Sony a6000.

1) Could you guys recommend a lens that he can take with him?

2) What's a good place to buy the lens?

Budget is BELOW $1k. Of course, the cheaper the better. Think he is hoping to get a prime lens.

Thanks!

 

[EJB]

He does realise he needs a tripod, remote, extra battery also?

 

[yjc109]

Not any lenses in particular, but in general you'd go for a wide prime with large aperture.

I guess this is somewhat debatable but I'd go for something like a 24mm f/1.4 The reason being that when you take the northern lights, you might not want to take too long an exposure which may end up smearing the shot.

My 2 cents.

 

[manujamwal]

I think there is no need of lens. You can buy at Value Basket Singapore.

 

[Flamingmakey]

Remote trigger will also help.

 

[Diveraz]

Hi,

I was at the Arctic Circle last January to shoot the Northern Lights. Let me share my experience.

Must have :-
- Tripod.
- Camera with manual controls/settings.
- Wide angle lens recommended.
- Spare batteries.
- Small torchlight.

Familiarise oneself with one's own camera before the trip. Know how to change settings quickly and in total darkness.

Settings I used :-
Aperture - f/2.8
Shutter - 8 secs
Lens - 17mm
ISO - 800

Take note, it can be a very long wait......in freezing temperatures.

From,
Diveraz

 

[Mad Hatter]

You don't need Autofocus to shoot Northern lights, just set focus to infinity and you are set, so can consider getting those inexpensive manual Samsung primes.

Can consider their 14mm f2.8 or 24mm f1.4

14mm is wider so you can get a more dramatic shot, 24mm is faster so you no need to drag shutter for as long, or avoid having to raise iso as much.

Consider buying a lot of heat packs as well to stay warm.