Armed with my Sony A7R V camera and the FE 12-24mm f/4 G lens, I embarked on a quest to capture the mesmerizing beauty of the northern lights in Abisko National Park.
Nestled in the heart of Swedish Lapland, 121 miles (195 kilometers) within the Arctic Circle, Abisko National Park offers the ideal backdrop for photographing the northern lights. Achieving the perfect shot requires the right conditions, plenty of patience, and a sprinkle of luck.
As a newcomer to northern lights photography, I initially harbored doubts about how both myself and the camera would fare in the harsh Arctic conditions, where temperatures frequently plummet to around 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 degrees Celsius). However, I was pleasantly surprised by the resilience of both, as evidenced by the stunning photos captured.
Prior to venturing out into the night, I meticulously pre-programmed the camera settings tailored for northern lights photography. Opting for an aperture of f/4 (the widest setting on my lens), a 4-second shutter speed to allow ample light onto the image sensor, and ISO 1600 to enhance sensitivity while minimizing image noise proved to be effective choices.
Throughout my expedition, I occasionally experimented with exposure times, occasionally extending to 6 seconds, but generally found the 4-second exposure ideal for capturing the dynamic aurora displays. Operating the camera in manual shooting mode was a breeze, thanks to the conveniently located dials on the body, which remained accessible even amidst cold, fumbling hands.
While awaiting the appearance of the auroras, the 3.2-inch LCD screen served as a valuable tool, offering a clear view of the night sky and often detecting the northern lights.
Over three remarkable nights of aurora hunting, each more spectacular than the last, the Sony A7R V proved its mettle in challenging conditions, consistently delivering beautifully composed photographs.
Impressively, the camera's battery endured the frigid temperatures admirably, withstanding 4 hours of continuous shooting at 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 degrees Celsius) while retaining 71% charge upon my return.
Furthermore, the Sony A7R V exhibited commendable performance during the daytime, effortlessly capturing the ethereal beauty of the landscape bathed in the soft, blue glow of polar light conditions
Sony A7R V camera