Best lens(es) for photographing the Aurora Borealis?

[Canonswhitelensesrule]

I would like to know what do you feel is/are the best lens(es) for photographing the Aurora Borealis with a Canon EOS 50D? Esp the maximum aperture.

I've read various suggestions on this, from the EF 24mm f1.4L to any lens with a speed of f2.8 or faster.

I have also looked at the exif data from photos by ArcticShooter and Kajuah in which they've used f3.5 and even f4 to capture the Northern Lights, so I'm just wondering what is the "Optimum" lens to use.

I would love to photograph them one day in the near future, so I would just like to make sure I buy the best lens. Not only for the Aurora, but to also use as a UWA.

My 3 main choices are the:

Canon EF-S 10-22 f3.5-4.5
Tokina 11-16mm f2.8
Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6

I love the constant f2.8 aperture of the Tokina (even though I likely won't be shooting at f2.8 very often, but it makes the viewfinder nice and bright,and is there if needed)

I like the Canon since it zooms and focuses (manually) in the same direction as all other Canon lenses, plus it has a bigger focal length range)

The Sigma is the least expensive of the three, and from the sample pics I've seen posted, takes some very impressive and SHARP photos.

Thanks for any input.

[troypiggo]

Can't comment on usage for auroras, but those 3 choices you list are the most popular suggested here for UWA zooms. I have the Canon, but in hindsight probably would go with the Sigma. Agreed the f/2.8 Toki is attractive, but at such wide angles I don't see the need to such apertures. Speed isn't as important. And the viewfinder isn't dark with the Canon f/3.5.

As I understand it, the thing to be careful of with lenses and astro/celestial shooting is internal reflections of bright objects on the multiple lenses. Maybe that's why primes were recommended because less lenses? That being said, I don't know that auroras are bright and pinpoint enough to be a problem there. Usually moon and very bright stars/planets seem to be the issue. Someone could correct me on this, though.

[jgrussell]

I would like to know what do you feel is/are the best lens(es) for photographing the Aurora Borealis with a Canon EOS 50D?I'm heading to Alaska next month with high hopes of seeing -- and photographing -- the aurora. I'm taking the 10-22 and 17-55 and am considering renting a 14-15mm fisheye. (I just saw a series of aurora shots with a 15mm fisheye and a 40D and they were fabulous.)

[siddr20]

(I just saw a series of aurora shots with a 15mm fisheye and a 40D and they were fabulous.)

Got a link?