Best Lenses for Northern Lights Photography in 2024

Without the optimal Northern Lights camera lens, it doesn’t really matter how good your camera is.

Photographing the Northern Lights has been my passion, and over years shooting the Aurora using different camera lenses, I can now summarize the preferred lenses for photographing the Northern Lights:

1. Sony Alpha a7R IV Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera
2. Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM
3. Rokinon 14mm f/2.8
4. Venus Laowa 15mm f/2
5. Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S
6. Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8
7. Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG
8. Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD
9. Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone
10. Viltrox 20mm f/2.8

(460 gr) Sony
Canon Mirrorless Sony
Canon (500 gr)

(450 gr) (840 gr) Sony
Canon Sony Canon
Pentax (157 gr)

		Lens	Camera	Focal distance	Aperture	Mass	Pricing
$1600
Digital single-lens reflex camera Mirrorless	14 mm	f/1.8	2.58 lb (1170 gr)	$1500
14 mm	f/2.8	1.43 lb (650 gr)	$300
Mirrorless	15 mm	f/2	1.10 lb	$750
$1000
$2300
Digital single-lens reflex camera Mirrorless	14-24 mm	f/2.8	1.75 lb (795 gr)	$1300
Mirrorless	17-28 mm	f/2.8	0.92 lb (420 grams)	$800
DSLR	15 mm	f/2.4	1.34 lb (608 grams)	$550
$158
OPTIMAL OBJECTIVES FOR OBSERVING NORTHERN LIGHTS

Besides owning a quality lens, using the ideal settings for capturing the Northern Lights is fundamental to obtaining the finest possible images. Also, bear in mind that cameras are crucial for night photography, so be sure to pair your lens with one of the cameras best suited for Northern Lights photography.

This winning list of the best optics for viewing the Northern Lights only includes wide-angle optics since these offer the best field of view to capture the Aurora. Also, all these optics are specifically designed for Full-Frame cameras.

This guide contains a comprehensive catalogue of the superior selections when it comes to lenses well-suited for capturing images of the Northern Lights as per cost and preferences. Included are some of the top zoom and fixed-focal lenses compatible with APS-C cameras, as well as Nikon, Sony, and Canon options ideal for Northern Lights photography.

If you need buying advice, I’ve also added a section with some key things you should consider when purchasing a Northern Lights lens

Let’s get started with the best lenses for capturing the Northern Lights!

• Top camera optics for Northern Lights imaging
• Best lenses for the APS-C format when photographing the Northern Lights
• The top Sony camera lens for capturing the vibrant Northern Lights display
• Recommended Nikon lens for Northern Lights photography
• Recommended Canon lens for Northern Lights photography
• What makes for a quality Northern Lights camera lens?

Table of Contents

1. Sony 14mm f/1.8 GM – The best lens for Northern Lights photography

Sony 14mm f/1.8 GM

• LENS ATTACHMENT: Sony E
• LENS FORMAT: Full-Frame
• MASS: 1 lb (460 g)
• MAX-MIN APERTURE: f/1.8-f/16
• FOCUS TYPE: Autofocus
• IMAGE STABILIZATION: No
• FILTER SIZE: None

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design
• Extensive field of vision.
• The original text contains “Build quality
• Fast lens

Cons

• Limited variability
• Expensive
• No screw-in filter allowed

• Today`s deals on the Sony 14mm f/1.8 GM:

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• Best alternative:

A top quality lens by Sony

The Sony 14 mm f/1.8 is considered the top lens choice for photographing the Northern Lights. The quality in low-light photography is astounding. It remains sharp and clear even in the corners, with no distortions, aberrations, or other commonly encountered issues in other Aurora lenses. It`s also lightweight and compact, with its sole downside as the cost, though worth every last cent invested.

As soon as I tested it, it became my absolute favorite night photography lens. The field of view and aperture are also perfect for filming the Aurora and shooting Northern Lights time-lapses.

*If you are seeking something more affordable and don’t mind compromising field of view, the Sony 20mm f/1.8 is also an excellent option for Northern Lights photography .

2. Sigma 14mm f/1.8 – best wide-angle lens for Northern Lights

Sigma 14mm f/1.8

• LENS MOUNT: Sigma SA, Canon EF, L-Mount, Nikon F, Sony E
• LENS FORMAT: Full-Frame
• WEIGHT:2.57 lb (1170 g)
• MAX-MIN APERTURE: f/1.8-f/16
• FOCUS TYPE: Autofocus
• IMAGE STABILIZATION: No
• FILTER SIZE: None

Pros

• Incredibly sharp
• Extensive field of vision.
• The original text contains “Build quality
• Fast lens

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy
• No screw-in filter allowed

• Current bargain offers for the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 lens:

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3. Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 – Best cheap lens for Northern Lights photography

A lens with a focal length of 14mm and maximum aperture of f/2.8.

• OPTICAL ASSEMBLY: Sony E, Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Fuji X
• SENSOR SIZE ACCOMMODATED: Full-Frame, APS-C, Micro 4/3
• WEIGHT IN GRAMS: 650
• MAXIMUM TO MINIMUM APERTURE: f/2.8-f/22
• FOCUSING METHOD: Manual
• IMAGE STABILIZATION: No
• FILTER DIAMETER: None

Pros

• Highly cost-effective
• Small and light construction
• Multiple mounts and formats
• Fast lens

Another

Cons

• The original text contains “Build quality
• No screw-in filter allowed

• Today`s deals on the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8:

*Note: For those favoring a longer focal length to photograph the Aurora, the Rokinon 20 mm f/1.8 and Rokinon 24 mm f/1.4 are also quality, affordable alternatives .

4. Venus Laowa 15mm f/2 – best third-party Northern Lights lens

Venus Laowa 15mm f/2

• OPTICAL INTERFACE: Sony E, L Mount, Canon R, Nikon Z
• LENS FORMAT: Full-Frame
• MASS: 500 grams
• MAXIMUM-MINIMUM APERTURE: f/2-f/22
• FOCUS METHOD: Manual focus
• IMAGE STABILIZATION: No
• FILTER DIAMETER: 72mm

• 4326″ “Laowa 15mm f/2 present deals:

Another

A wider variant for Northern Lights photography is the Laowa 12 mm f/2.8.

5. NIKKOR Z 20 MM F/1.8 – Best Nikon lens for Northern Lights

Nikkor 20mm f/1.8

• LENS MOUNT: Nikon Z
• LENS FORMAT: Full-Frame
• WEIGHT:1 lb (450 gr)
• MAX-MIN APERTURE: f/1.8-f/16
• FOCUS TYPE: Autofocus
• IMAGE STABILIZATION: No
• FILTER SIZE: 77mm

• Current bargain prices for the Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8:

6. Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8 L – Best Canon lens for Northern Lights

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Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L wide-angle lens

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• LENS ATTACHMENT: Canon RF
• LENS FORMAT: Full-Frame
• WEIGHT: 1.85 lb (840 g)
• MAX-MIN APERTURE: f/2.8-f/22
• FOCUS TYPE: Autofocus
• IMAGE STABILIZATION: Yes
• FILTER SIZE: 82mm

Another

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7. Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG – Best Wide-angle zoom lens 

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Lens system designed for landscapes and architecture f/2.8

• MOUNTING SYSTEM: Canon EF, L-Mount, Nikon F, Sony E
• SENSOR SIZE: Full-Frame
• WEIGHT:1.75 lb (795 gr)
• MAXIMUM-MINIMUM APERTURE: f/2.8-f/22
• FOCUSING METHOD: Autofocus
• IMAGE STABILIZATION: No
• FILTER DIAMETER: None

• Today`s discounted rates for the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8:

Another

8. Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

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Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8

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• Lens Attachment: Sony E
• Lens Format: Full-Frame
• Mass: 0.92 lb (420 gr)
• Maximum/Minimum Aperture: f/2.8-f/22
• Focus Type: Autofocus
• Image Stabilization: No
• Filter Size: 67mm

Another

• Today`s deals for the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 lens:

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9. Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone – Best cheap lens for DSLR

Another

Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone

• LENS MOUNTING: Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K
• LENS FORMAT: Full-Frame
• WEIGHT:1.34 lb (608 gr)
• MAX-MIN APERTURE: f/2.4-f/22
• FOCUS TYPE: Manual focus
• IMAGE STABILIZATION: No
• FILTER SIZE: 95mm

• Current bargain offers for the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 lens:

Finally, it is worthwhile considering the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card. This Capital One credit card does not levy any fees associated with international transactions, does not require an annual payment, and welcomes new cardholders with an offer for spending $500 within the first three months. Hence, it represents another suitable starter card, especially since achieving the welcome offer necessitates a relatively modest initial outlay. Additionally, as it is a Visa card, it serves as a handy payment method while traveling abroad.

10. Viltrox 20mm f/2.8 – An alternative for Sony E-mount

A lens with a focal length of 20mm and maximum aperture of f/2.8.

• Lens mounting: Sony
• Lens format: Full-frame
• Weight: 0.35 lb (157 gr)
• MAX-MIN aperture: f/2.8-f/16
• Focus type: Autofocus
• Image stabilization: None
• Filter size: 52mm

Pros

• Excellent sharpness for the cost
• Economical
• Compact and lightweight design
• Versatile

Cons

• The original text contains “Build quality
• Availability exclusively for the Sony E mount

• Today`s deals on the Viltrox 24mm f/1.8:

Best APS-C lenses for Aurora photography

Castello represents another good selection just east of the main tourist area of San Marco. It’s conveniently positioned for short walks to many of the city’s major attractions.

Best prime lenses for shooting the Aurora Borealis (APS-C)

• Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 x-mount: The optimum all-purpose lens for photographing the Northern Lights in APS-C mirrorless cameras overall. It’s light, sharp, fast and highly cost-effective. Compatible with Sony,Fuji,Canon,Olympus, and Panasonic.

• Rokinon 10 mm f/2.8 ED: A comparable choice to the Rokinon 12mm, however in addition accessible on Nikon and Canon APS-C cameras.

• Sigma 16mm 1.4 DC DN: If you’re seeking a lens that incorporates additional characteristics like autofocus or some weatherproofing, this is a suitable choice. Compatible with Sony E mounts and Micro 4/3 cameras.

Best wide-angle zoom lenses for shooting the Northern Lights (APS-C)

• Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD: In regard to quality for price, this is the highest quality generic wide-angle lens for capturing the Northern Lights on APS-C cameras. Compatible with Sony and Fujifilm APS-C cameras.

• Sony – FE 12-24mm F4 G: This top-quality wide-angle lens to pair with Sony crop-sensor models presents great width and versatility. Compatible with: Sony

Best Sony lens for shooting The Northern Lights

Sony features some of the top lenses for photographing the Northern Lights. In addition to the Sony 20 mm f/1.8mentioned above, these are my 4 preferred choices:

• Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G: This lens is among the finest options for photographing the Northern Lights, it`s swift, wide-ranging, light, affordable, and is the most suitable choice if you wish for a fast ultrawide lens to seize your Northern Lights pictures. It`s also an exceptional lens for Milky Way photography, and it`s considerably more compact and light compared to the Sigma 14mm 1.8 discussed above (1 lb/460 gr vs. the 2.5 lb/1170 gr of the bulky Sigma).

• • A high-quality zoom lens manufactured by a well-known brand: This is the speediest and most adaptable ultra-wide-angle zoom for Northern Lights photography. It’s bulkier and heavier, and more pricey than other Sony lenses, but the possibilities are limitless. It’s also the perfect choice for capturing Aurora panoramas and time-lapses.

  

• Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II: This wide-angle lens offers tremendous versatility for capturing scenes like northern lights displays, video footage, and time-lapse sequences. I have relied on the earlier version of this lens extensively over many years for night shoots including photographing the Milky Way. The Mark II model provides even higher image sharpness and quality across the entire zoom range. To my eyes, it represents the best choice in a Sony wide-angle zoom lens for shooting the Aurora.

• Sony FE 24mm F/1.4 GM: The 24 mm GM model is more expensive, but it’s regarded as providing the best image quality and performance for viewing the Aurora Borealis and filming the Northern Lights. It utilizes the wide f/1.4 aperture.

Best Nikon lenses for Northern Lights photography

Best of all, visiting Tromso at Christmas means having the chance to see festive decorations, attend the Christmas markets, and go ice skating.

• Nikkor Z 14-24 f/2.8: This represents the lightest f/2.8 wide-angle zoom lens currently available, designed to capture maximum quality even under low-light conditions across its entire focal length range. It is also well-suited to capturing the ephemeral movements of the Aurora.

• One lens that could perform well for Northern Lights photography is the Nikkor Z 24 mm f/1.8 S, available at this link. While 24mm may seem somewhat limited, it offers specs much like the Nikkor Z 20 f/1.8 but with a bit more zoom potential.

• Nikkor 14-24 f/2.8G ED: I relied on this lens for many years past when seeking to capture northern lights scenes. Offering good versatility, sharpness and a fast aperture, it stays a suitable option for Nikon DSLR users especially considering its lower cost nowadays. That said, newer alternatives deliver upgraded functionality and results such as the Sigma 14-24 f/2.8. You can view northern lights photographs I have taken with this lens within my Northern Lights photography guide.

• Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED: The best Nikon DSLR single focal length for shooting the Northern Lights. This lens allows you to use a shorter shutter speed while capturing more light. The difference between f/1.4 and f/2.8 in Northern Lights photography is huge.

Best Canon lens for the Northern Lights

Talking about some of the top Canon lenses for photographing the Northern Lights, beyond the Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8, these two prime lenses for Canon DSLR cameras could be good additions to your equipment:

• Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM: This is likely the top Canon lens for capturing the Northern Lights. It’s wide and swift enough to record the motion of the Aurora.

Plan approximately 100 to 300 shots to capture the movement of the Aurora. Then, assemble them using the LRTimelapsesoftware. The outcome will leave you in awe!

What makes a good Northern Lights camera lens?

There are some fundamental aspects to consider when obtaining lenses for Northern Lights photography. Some of the most significant are:

Conclusion

Choosing the most suitable camera lens for Northern Lights photography is not simple, but it’s essential if you want to capture the best possible images.

Once you have a good camera for shooting the Northern Lights and know the best camera settings in Northern Lights photography, using the right lens will be the key factor in getting a sharp and quality image.

You’ll find impressive bridges across Manhattan and the other boroughs of New York City. Some are for pedestrians solely, while others have numerous lanes of traffic, but all offer lovely views of the city and surroundings. Plus, you may be surprised by how old a few of these bridges are!

For myself, I consistently borrow my Aurora photography lenses through Lensrentals, which operates in the United States. Their rentals are affordable and straightforward to process. Additionally, if you lease your equipment through this link and utilize the Lensrental promo codeATLAS15, you will receive a 15% discount.

For example, the weekly lease of the Sony 12-24 f/2.8 GM is $93, while the full cost of this lens is $2,998.

You are able to check other camera equipment rental businesses near you in our guide to Camera lens rentals.

I hope this article helps you select the best Northern Lights lens. If you aren’t sure if you can photograph the Aurora with your lens, or if you have any other questions related to Northern Lights gear, feel free to leave a comment below.

Wishing you fruitful pictures and clear observation conditions!