Trip tp Iceland

Hi Guys, Im off to Iceland in about 8 weeks
I currently have a Canon 6D with 17-40 f4, 24-105 f4 and a 80-200 2.8. Do you think the f4 on the wide angles will be enough for capturing the aurora? I have been advised to get a 2.8 wide angle zoom but don't really want the expense. I can borrow a 24mm 1.4L from a friend if need be but I don't really want to be carrying a lens with a focal length I've covered twice. Any advice is welcome

A group from our local club went and they commented on the winds which had small bits of dust or grain. This was a few years ago and maybe the winds are at a certain time of year and only in certain areas. You may want to explore that and if so maybe think about protective filters, etc, just in case.

Your f4 will be fine for the aurora, these were taken with a sigma 10-20 f4-5.6 at 20secs f4.5 ISO1600 on a 7D. When it was really bright I could have halved the exposure lenght and they were still plenty bright enough.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/pFUT​bd

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/pFXW​4J

If you are only going to be displaying your photos on the web then you could get away with the 17-40. If you want to print them I would consider something faster. The slower lens will mean you will be using a higher ISO and therefore more noise. It won't be as visible on the web but may show up in print.

It's personal preference but I like aurora shots that show definition and texture in the lights which is done with a shorter shutter speed, 3-10 seconds or so, usually on the quicker side. A faster lens will help keep the ISO lower for those faster shutter speed shots.

If you really didn't want to double up on the 24mm focal length, you might consider renting the 14mm f/2.8L II.

Good stuff guys, I'm trying to keep my spending down ( on camera gear anyway - The wife is starting to notice!) I think Ill take a lend of the 24mm, it should be wide enough.
Thanks for the advice on the grit, Might invest in (make) a dust jacket of some sort - The lenses all have filters for them, not always on though.

I'm heading there this summer.. Right now my plan is probably the 17-40 (though I may rent a 16-35 2.8, we'll see), 24L II, 50ZE 1.4, and either the 24-70 F4 IS, or 85L. Sounds like there may be some telephoto situations with puffins and other things, so most likely I'll pick up a 70-300L or a cheap 100-400L I, since the Mk II just came out and is dropping used Mk I prices.

I'm also planning on a monopod.. not entirely sure about a tripod yet and if I want to mess with the hassle of bringing one.

Tripod was first on my list! I think we only get 3 - 4 hours of daylight when I'm there. Only trouble is travel tripod or heavier one, I think the wind will play a big factor and I'm leaning towards the bigger legs, will have to pack my bag and decide then on the weight!

mad_mackem wrote in post #17346238
Tripod was first on my list! I think we only get 3 - 4 hours of daylight when I'm there. Only trouble is travel tripod or heavier one, I think the wind will play a big factor and I'm leaning towards the bigger legs, will have to pack my bag and decide then on the weight!

You might be right, I'll have to go EXIF hunting on Flickr and see what the scoop is. I know I can get away with 1/2 - 1/4 second range with a monopod, and ISO3200 + f/1.4 on the 24L should be decent as far as light, but I will certainly have to research it before making that decision.

You'll have to come back and post and let us know how often (or not) you used the tripod.

In Iceland I've used Samyang 14mm 2.8 & Zeiss 21mm 2.8 to capture the Northern Lights. Both of them are very easy to focus to infinity and have sharp stars. If you can borrow your friends 24L I can guarantee that you will get the best possible pictures out of all your lenses.

Three headed dragon attacking Strokkur (February 2014 @ Geyzir, Iceland)

BrandonSi wrote in post #17346243
You might be right, I'll have to go EXIF hunting on Flickr and see what the scoop is. I know I can get away with 1/2 - 1/4 second range with a monopod, and ISO3200 + f/1.4 on the 24L should be decent as far as light, but I will certainly have to research it before making that decision.

You'll have to come back and post and let us know how often (or not) you used the tripod.

dkizzle wrote in post #17346258
In Iceland I've used Samyang 14mm 2.8 & Zeiss 21mm 2.8 to capture the Northern Lights. Both of them are very easy to focus to infinity and have sharp stars. If you can borrow your friends 24L I can guarantee that you will get the best possible pictures out of all your lenses.

Three headed dragon attacking Strokkur (February 2014 @ Geyzir, Iceland)

Brandon - I will get back and let you know how important the legs were and dkizzle all I can say about that picture is WOW!

BrandonSi wrote in post #17346225
I'm heading there this summer.. Right now my plan is probably the 17-40 (though I may rent a 16-35 2.8, we'll see), 24L II, 50ZE 1.4, and either the 24-70 F4 IS, or 85L. Sounds like there may be some telephoto situations with puffins and other things, so most likely I'll pick up a 70-300L or a cheap 100-400L I, since the Mk II just came out and is dropping used Mk I prices.

I'm also planning on a monopod.. not entirely sure about a tripod yet and if I want to mess with the hassle of bringing one.

Definitely bring a tripod. There are SO many beautiful waterfalls in Iceland... unless you don't like long exposures, of course.