5D2 or 5D3 for Aurora pics

[hughbie]

Off to Finland next month, cross country skiing. Good chance of northern lights - and they turn the village lights off to help. Plan to hire a 24 f1.4 lens, as per kind advice received, Jim.
Does anyone have thoughts on whether a 5D3 having an appreciable benefit over my 5D2? Giving urgent thought to selling the 5D2 but wavering. Have seen lots of fab aurora shots on web taken with 5D2. Assuming 5 s would be better than taking my 1D4.
Taking a tripod.

[Neilly]

Re: 5D2 or 5D3 for Aurora pics

Hi Hugh,
I'd take the 5Diii over the 5Dii, any day. Far better in low light condition - better higher ISO setting. Also a full frame camera (5Diii) would be better for landscape, than a cropped sensor camera (1D iv). The 5D iii will perform well with the action stuff, although the 1D iv might just have the edge. Overall, no contest - 5Diii (or better still a 1DX ). Look forward to seeing your successes in Finland

TTFN,
Neil

TTFN,
Neil

[JaKS_Foto]

Re: 5D2 or 5D3 for Aurora pics

2nd that!

5D iii for the low light/high ISO capability.

Enjoy the trip

[MX5]

Re: 5D2 or 5D3 for Aurora pics

Teaching granny to suck eggs - Don't forget the spare charged battery and something to keep the kit in out of the cold. When I was in Lapland (something I do once a year ) it dropped to a cool -40C ... that's quite nippy for the human body and the reindeer. But no aurora ... just a jet black sky, a clear very silky milky way and a wonderful display of stellar objects. Glad I packed the binoculars.

oh take plenty of cards.

Sorry to state the obvious.

[hughbie]

Re: 5D2 or 5D3 for Aurora pics

Thanks for the replies. This sounds costly.. Good thought about binoculars.

[jimsphotography]

5D2 or 5D3 for Aurora pics

Hi Hugh,
Really hope the aurora turns on a good display for you - would love to see your pics if things turn out ok !
James

[hughbie]

Re: 5D2 or 5D3 for Aurora pics

Common sense prevailed. Keeping the 5D2 for now. I don't think I can really justify the extra cost of a 5D3. May not even see the aurora..
I know it would be a bit better, but - for example - I could get a Sigma 35 1.4 to take instead of hiring a 24L 1.4. (but not sure if that would be quite wide enough) AND have lots left over towards the next trip. We'll see.

[colintf]

Re: 5D2 or 5D3 for Aurora pics

rent a 5d3 ?

[hughbie]

Re: 5D2 or 5D3 for Aurora pics

rent a 5d3 ?

Good thought, but 5d2 will have to do.

[hughbie]

Re: 5D2 or 5D3 for Aurora pics

OK. Went and bought a 5D3.
Got a Sigma 35 1.4 to go with it. Hope it will be wide enough.

[hughbie]

Re: 5D2 or 5D3 for Aurora pics

Just reflecting on the 35 1.4. Will it be wide enough -full frame? Have I done the right thing. Dither, dither...

[DaveCurley]

Re: 5D2 or 5D3 for Aurora pics

Should have gone for the canon 17-40mm F4 £595

[hughbie]

Re: 5D2 or 5D3 for Aurora pics

Should have gone for the canon 17-40mm F4 £595

Thanks, but I think a faster lens is needed here. I have a 24-205 f4.