Comments on: How to Photograph the Aurora Borealis – Northern lights http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights Photo blog featuring outdoor, travel and nature photos. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:16:42 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: AlaskaMatt http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-2#comment-147331 AlaskaMatt Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:19:32 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-147331 Hi Ron, do you think the 24mm f/1.4L ll USM is worth spending the $1100 more than the 28mm f/1.8 USM considering it is only 9 degrees wider and f/.4 larger aperature? Hi Ron, do you think the 24mm f/1.4L ll USM is worth spending the $1100 more than the 28mm f/1.8 USM considering it is only 9 degrees wider and f/.4 larger aperature?

]]> By: Ron http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-2#comment-146877 Ron Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:03:50 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-146877 Hi Matt, You know soft corners seem to plague most wide angle lenses, and shooting wide open usually exasperates the issue. I don't think long exposures will help the situation, but I don't think soft corners will be very noticeable when it comes to aurora photography. Even if the moon is out, night images tend to lack a lot of detail anyway, and auroras by there nature lack detail, so I don't think it will be a problem. The 7D sounds like a great camera - you should have fun with it! Now I wish there was more activity, it has been another slow year. Hi Matt,

You know soft corners seem to plague most wide angle lenses, and shooting wide open usually exasperates the issue. I don’t think long exposures will help the situation, but I don’t think soft corners will be very noticeable when it comes to aurora photography. Even if the moon is out, night images tend to lack a lot of detail anyway, and auroras by there nature lack detail, so I don’t think it will be a problem.

The 7D sounds like a great camera – you should have fun with it! Now I wish there was more activity, it has been another slow year.

]]> By: AlaskaMatt http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-2#comment-146843 AlaskaMatt Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:52:40 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-146843 I have been taking northern lights photos now for 3 years on my olympus dslr. I'm tired of the 1:2 processor and plan to buy the new canon 7D. My lens research is telling me that all the f/1.4-1.8 lenses produce poor results with soft borders. All the reviews were based on photos taken under normal lighting situations. Will longer exposures produce better results? My choices are canon 24mm f/1.4L ll USM, canon f/1.8 USM, and sigma AF 20mm f/1.8 EX. My goal is to capture reds in the aurora which I couldn't do with olympus. Do you have any advice for me? Thanks. I have been taking northern lights photos now for 3 years on my olympus dslr. I’m tired of the 1:2 processor and plan to buy the new canon 7D. My lens research is telling me that all the f/1.4-1.8 lenses produce poor results with soft borders. All the reviews were based on photos taken under normal lighting situations. Will longer exposures produce better results? My choices are canon 24mm f/1.4L ll USM, canon f/1.8 USM, and sigma AF 20mm f/1.8 EX. My goal is to capture reds in the aurora which I couldn’t do with olympus. Do you have any advice for me? Thanks.

]]> By: Ron http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-2#comment-143197 Ron Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:35:21 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-143197 Hi Jim - thanks for the comments and the information! Good to know. Hi Jim – thanks for the comments and the information! Good to know.

]]> By: Jim http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-2#comment-143190 Jim Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:17:34 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-143190 myths about aurora: its only seen on frosty night. what a surpise in fact aurora is linked to the sunspot cycle. We are just heading upwards at the moment so in two years au should be seen at lower latitueds. au happens day and night we just dont see it!. This is because of location. , cloud cover, and watching Emmerdale or Corrie!! . Radio signals bounce off au and give early warning of an event. This is very useful for photographers.. so check out the many sites that au warnings, many of witch you can get on your mobile phone. I hope this info may be useful. Jim GM8LFB myths about aurora: its only seen on frosty night. what a surpise in fact aurora is linked to the sunspot cycle. We are just heading upwards at the moment so in two years au should be seen at lower latitueds. au happens day and night we just dont see it!. This is because of location. , cloud cover, and watching Emmerdale or Corrie!! . Radio signals bounce off au and give early warning of an event. This is very useful for photographers.. so check out the many sites that au warnings, many of witch you can get on your mobile phone. I hope this info may be useful. Jim GM8LFB

]]> By: Jim http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-2#comment-143186 Jim Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:32:01 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-143186 Ok it my real name not many two legged ones left ! Ok it my real name not many two legged ones left !

]]> By: Jim Rabbitts! http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-2#comment-143183 Jim Rabbitts! Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:21:37 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-143183 Tnx info from amateur radio station located in Wick , the far north of Scotland. I use aurora for contacts. many sites available for aurora NOAA POES is good. Jim GM8LFB. Tnx info from amateur radio station located in Wick , the far north of Scotland. I use aurora for contacts. many sites available for aurora NOAA POES is good. Jim GM8LFB.

]]> By: Jim Rabbitts! http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-2#comment-143182 Jim Rabbitts! Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:09:43 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-143182 tnx for info, i live in the far north of scotland and have seen many auroras but never had a camera ! . my other hobby is amateur radio and can reflect my transmit signal on the vhf band. ( 2m and 6m ). for early warning check POES NOAA and if the activity reaches ten, dont watch tv. GET OUT AND HAVE A LOOK!! tnx for info, i live in the far north of scotland and have seen many auroras but never had a camera ! . my other hobby is amateur radio and can reflect my transmit signal on the vhf band. ( 2m and 6m ). for early warning check POES NOAA and if the activity reaches ten, dont watch tv. GET OUT AND HAVE A LOOK!!

]]> By: Cypecheerge http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-1#comment-142722 Cypecheerge Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:31:32 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-142722 I really enjoyed reading this blogpost, keep up writing such interesting posts. I really enjoyed reading this blogpost, keep up writing such interesting posts.

]]> By: Francis http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-1#comment-142199 Francis Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:30:36 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-142199 Hi Ron, Thanks for the prompt reply and advice. There will be three/four occasions when the boat will be in port at night, so if I'm lucky, I'll use a tripod. Thanks again, Francis Hi Ron,
Thanks for the prompt reply and advice.
There will be three/four occasions when the boat will be in port at night, so if I’m lucky, I’ll use a tripod.
Thanks again,
Francis

]]> By: Ron http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-1#comment-142183 Ron Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:47:10 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-142183 Hi Francis, It will be really tough to do from a moving boat - even a really bright show will require a few seconds of exposure. I don't think I would buy a fast wide angle lens yet. I would start with what you have - that 50 is a fast lens, I would use it and your current wide angle for now. Have fun! Hi Francis,

It will be really tough to do from a moving boat – even a really bright show will require a few seconds of exposure.

I don’t think I would buy a fast wide angle lens yet. I would start with what you have – that 50 is a fast lens, I would use it and your current wide angle for now.

Have fun!

]]> By: Francis http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-1#comment-142034 Francis Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:44:23 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-142034 Ron, I've really enjoyed reading and trying to learn from this site. I would love to capture the northern lights and intend to take the boat from Bergen to Kirkenes and back in February. I have a Canon 1000d camera and would welcome your advice on two issues. Firstly, what are the chances of taking a good shot from a moving boat? Secondly, if you think it is worthwhile, what lens would you recommend? I presently have the 18-55 is kit lens. fixed 50 f1.8 and the 70-300 is. Is it worth buying a fast wide angle lens? Many thanks for your advice Ron,
I’ve really enjoyed reading and trying to learn from this site. I would love to capture the northern lights and intend to take the boat from Bergen to Kirkenes and back in February. I have a Canon 1000d camera and would welcome your advice on two issues.
Firstly, what are the chances of taking a good shot from a moving boat?
Secondly, if you think it is worthwhile, what lens would you recommend? I presently have the 18-55 is kit lens. fixed 50 f1.8 and the 70-300 is. Is it worth buying a fast wide angle lens?
Many thanks for your advice

]]> By: Ron http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-1#comment-137248 Ron Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:20:45 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-137248 Hi Matt, You might try a bit lower ISO, but otherwise I really don't know why that is. My Canon's seem to go over board with reds, so I haven't noticed that issue. Good luck, Ron Hi Matt,

You might try a bit lower ISO, but otherwise I really don’t know why that is. My Canon’s seem to go over board with reds, so I haven’t noticed that issue.

Good luck,

Ron

]]> By: Matt Schneider http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-1#comment-137236 Matt Schneider Mon, 14 Sep 2009 06:22:43 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-137236 Ron, I have an Olympus E-620 w/ f/2.8 wide angle and am having trouble capturing reds. I shoot 15-30 seconds no higher than 400 ISO. I live outside of Fairbanks and see bursts of red all the time, just can't catch them. Any suggestions on this? Thanks, Matt Ron,
I have an Olympus E-620 w/ f/2.8 wide angle and am having trouble capturing reds. I shoot 15-30 seconds no higher than 400 ISO. I live outside of Fairbanks and see bursts of red all the time, just can’t catch them. Any suggestions on this?
Thanks,
Matt

]]> By: 30 Great Aurora Borealis Photographs | Speakear http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-1#comment-93274 30 Great Aurora Borealis Photographs | Speakear Sun, 24 May 2009 13:54:37 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-93274 [...] more info about Aurora Borealis check out Wikipedia and for some tips to photograph it, go to this Photo Blog. [...] [...] more info about Aurora Borealis check out Wikipedia and for some tips to photograph it, go to this Photo Blog. [...]

]]> By: objectief voor noorderlicht - Belgiumdigital forum - Digitale fotografie http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-1#comment-92135 objectief voor noorderlicht - Belgiumdigital forum - Digitale fotografie Mon, 18 May 2009 23:32:51 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-92135 [...] Dit ook een leuk artikel voor als een f1.4 groothoekobjectief te hoog gegrepen is. http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-...orthern-lights __________________ groet, Rik Nikon d2x, Nikon d200, Nikkor 50 en 85 1.8, Sigma 150 2.8 macro, [...] [...] Dit ook een leuk artikel voor als een f1.4 groothoekobjectief te hoog gegrepen is. http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-…orthern-lights __________________ groet, Rik Nikon d2x, Nikon d200, Nikkor 50 en 85 1.8, Sigma 150 2.8 macro, [...]

]]> By: Ron http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-1#comment-88523 Ron Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:57:00 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-88523 Hi Michael, I have seen some wonderful images with the moon and northern lights, it can add a interesting element. The moon also does a great job of illuminating the landscape, and that can also be a bonus. The problem with a full moon - it takes a lot brighter northern lights show to over power the light from the moon. Without the moon, a small display might be workable, but with a full moon, the same small display might not even be visible, so that makes it a bit more of a gamble. Hi Michael,

I have seen some wonderful images with the moon and northern lights, it can add a interesting element. The moon also does a great job of illuminating the landscape, and that can also be a bonus.

The problem with a full moon – it takes a lot brighter northern lights show to over power the light from the moon. Without the moon, a small display might be workable, but with a full moon, the same small display might not even be visible, so that makes it a bit more of a gamble.

]]> By: Michael http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-1#comment-88519 Michael Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:42:03 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-88519 Hi Ron, I am thinking of traveling to Fairbanks during this early Sept. Obviously, northern lights is one main reason for me to go up there. But there is a little concern - I checked the moon calendar, which shows it will be near a full moon over those days. So could you please advice more detail on how much impact the moon would have on my viewing and shooting the northern lights. If it's huge, I may have to reconsider my dates, which is not very convenient. Many thanks Michael Hi Ron,

I am thinking of traveling to Fairbanks during this early Sept. Obviously, northern lights is one main reason for me to go up there. But there is a little concern – I checked the moon calendar, which shows it will be near a full moon over those days. So could you please advice more detail on how much impact the moon would have on my viewing and shooting the northern lights. If it’s huge, I may have to reconsider my dates, which is not very convenient.

Many thanks
Michael

]]> By: Amazing Aurora Photos: 23 Amateur Shot of Aurora Borealis (With Tutorials) | Light Stalking http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-1#comment-85306 Amazing Aurora Photos: 23 Amateur Shot of Aurora Borealis (With Tutorials) | Light Stalking Mon, 30 Mar 2009 01:33:29 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-85306 [...] How to Photography the Aurora Borealis Northern Lights [...] [...] How to Photography the Aurora Borealis Northern Lights [...]

]]> By: Ron http://www.my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights/comment-page-1#comment-84788 Ron Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:45:56 +0000 http://my-photo-blog.com/how-to-photograph-the-aurora-borealis-northern-lights#comment-84788 Hi alyx, That is a good question. I would look at the <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542180-REG/Canon_2756B003_EOS_Rebel_XSi_a_k_a_.html?img=35&KBID=3179&BI=2356&KW=" rel="nofollow">Canon XSi</a> . You can get it in a kit with lens like the one I have linked to - you might consider adding a telephoto, I think this would be an all around great setup. Hi ZMac, Sorry I missed your question. Yeah, I think the 1000D is plenty of camera for Northern Lights. I would stick with the camera from now, and maybe cosider upgrading in a couple of years. Ron Hi alyx,

That is a good question. I would look at the Canon XSi
. You can get it in a kit with lens like the one I have linked to – you might consider adding a telephoto, I think this would be an all around great setup.

Hi ZMac,

Sorry I missed your question. Yeah, I think the 1000D is plenty of camera for Northern Lights. I would stick with the camera from now, and maybe cosider upgrading in a couple of years.

Ron

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