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Here goes then on a family "adventure" for 7 nights to Iceland. We thought we should go in the winter (Feb 22) - well you'd go to Spain in the summer!
We appreciate day length will be minimal and weather conditions poor. Any advice on lenses to buy/hire for our trip?
Our 'family' bodies are Canon 40D, 300D and an old 35mm XF(?)1000 (from the canon museum of photography) - which is fantastic for discipline with a couple of rolls of Ilford XP2.
We obviously would love the Northern Lights, have a solid tripod and the 40D's 'shutter-up' mode is great for time exposures - But you only get one shot at it! - a bit like with lightning - so this is where, we hope, you lot come in.....
Quote: But you only get one shot at it! - a bit like with lightning
Not so, we see the Aurora in Shetland, I have stood for nearly an hour watching some nights, so you will have more time than you think for adjusting to get good exposures. Its a great sight, hope you get your wish,
Northern Lights in Iceland
Adrian
Thanks for your prompt replies, we currently have
2x Canon EF 28 - 80 1:3.5-5.6 (one of them is the 'free-bee' with the 300 kit - the worst lens in the world we think!)
Canon EF 28 - 135 1:3.5-5.6
Sigma 70 - 300 1:4-5.6
Sigma 70 - 200
Oh yes, and how do i upload a profile picture here?
Quote: Here goes then on a family "adventure" for 7 nights to Iceland.
Get us a family pack of choc ices whilst you're there and also the chicken breasts if they are still on special offer 
Oh come on.. you were all thinking it 
I agree with Cole on the wide angle idea. I've been to Iceland before and there are some staggeringly beautiful landscapes out there - you'll want to make the most of them.
I know we've got at least one EPZ member on here who is based in Iceland: Check out Hugeknot's portfolio for some inspiration. I'm sure he'd be happy to help with any practical advice too.
Oh, and I don't know if you're hiring a car, but when I went I found it much cheaper to organise from over here, than I would've done when I arrived. S'worth looking into in any case.
Quote: Oh, and I don't know if you're hiring a car, .
I got us a Hummer in the package - my treat.
Thanks for that, i will check out mr hugeknot.
Quote: I am jealous, I have been thinking of going there in winter the scenery looks great and the thought of the northern lights :-0
To see the northern lights is still an ambition of mine (I went in March, so it was a touch too late). Scholey & I even discussed heading to Tromso last year! There are some very good deals on the Iceland Air website if you trawl it regularly. I saw one recently for a long weekend (4 night) break, plus 3 star hotel (B&B) for about £400. I'm thinking about going back in January for my birthday. For about £500 you can go to Boston with a stopover on the way.
BTW, if you're looking for even more inspiration, I can definitely recommend THIS book as the one that will push you over the edge towards booking the tickets!
Been to Iceland 5 times in the past 4 years - absolutely in love with the place...
1) Get a wide angle. And try and get a fast one...
2) ND grads = a must. Light is incredible there, but it'll be very strong so if you want balance in your landscapes, grab some grads. Teamwork Photo do some good £12.50 HiTech ones - miles better than Cokin grads.
3) Northern lights can occur at any time - the one time I saw them was in August, so always go out and hope - conditions change fast, it's worth losing a bit of sleep for an experience that'll put all your hair on end!
J
p.s. check my portfolio for ideas / locations, and feel free to drop me a message about anything...
ND grads = a must.
is post production on photoshop any substitute?
i stopped using filters years ago with my last 35mm (pre marriages and kids)
The best aurora displays I have seen here have been in Feb. Aurora in August does happen but it is very rare because it is so bright.
If you are lucky, you could get a whole night of aurora display. I have taken nearly a thousand pictures in one night (time-lapse).
Your lens with the widest aperture will give you the best chances.
Don't use filters with the aurora
Check out my site for more information. And have a good trip.
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