Important Accessories You Should Take On An Aurora Adventure
The camera and lenses are the stars of the show. But… there are other accessories that you should make sure that you have before you venture out on an aurora outing.
Tripods – A sturdy tripod is a MUST. In order to capture the Northern Lights at their best, it is crucial that you have a tripod that can support the weight of your camera equipment and hold everything steady. I will always opt for bringing my strongest tripod with me when I am going out and photographing northern lights. I would also check with your manufacturer to see if they sell optional spikes for the feet of your tripod. If the ground is icy, these spikes will help secure the tripod firmly into the ground. The spikes also serve a dual purpose if you use your tripod as a walking stick.
My tripod and ballhead that I use for Northern Lights are:
Tripod – Really Right Stuff Series 2 Carbon Fibre – See More
Ballhead– Really Right Stuff BH-40 - See More
Remote Controls – Once your camera is on a tripod, don't ruin everything by physically pressing the shutter release button to take your photo. That will introduce a camera shake to your picture. Instead, use a shutter release cable to open your camera's shutter without touching it.
There are two options. A wired cable release, and a remote release. I choose to use the wired cable release versus one that uses a small battery that could stop working in the cold. One word of caution – in extremely cold nights, that small cable can freeze. Moving it will snap the cable in half. I wrap it around the top of my tripod and tape the remote to the leg of the tripod. The eliminates constant handling. The other option is to push the remote trigger up into the lock position, The camera will automatically take one photo after another. – just make sure to check your images every couple of minutes to ensure proper focus and exposure.
Another option is the timer function on your cameras. Some cameras also have a 2-second, 5–second, or 10-second shutter delay feature, which serves a similar purpose as a shutter release. It eliminates camera shake.
Batteries – I would always pack three or four batteries with me before I leave for my trip. The cold weather will deplete your batteries faster than normal when photographing the northern lights. This redundancy ensures you will never run out of batteries during an exciting night of aurora photography.
Flashlight – A mini flashlight or even a headlamp will give off enough light to help you walk in the dark, and more importantly for photographers, see the settings on your camera. Watch for the light shining out into your scene when taking photos.
Glow Stick – These are the kind that lights up once you crack them. If I am in a group I will often use my gaffer tape to attach one of these to the back of my tripod leg, furthest away from the aurora in the sky. Having it only shines backward will keep the ambient light out of the foregrounds in your images. This will help make your tripod and camera visible to others that may be wandering around in the dark.
Hand Warmers – With extended lengths of time you will be outside in the winter, I suggest chemical hand warmers. Pack them in your checked bag and do not carry them on with you. I would suggest only using them in your mittens. Do not use inside your boots as it will cause excessive sweating. For best results, it is suggested to put inside your liner glove on the back of your hand. This will keep the blood flowing to your fingers warm.
Aurora App – I have two apps on my phone. “Aurora Alerts” and “Aurora Fcast”. These will both give you an accurate Kp setting of the aurora strength. Please note that these apps give you an average of the aurora forecast throughout the hemisphere you are in. Your local area may be receiving higher or lower intensity. It is best to check out the local area forecast for the aurora in your area. These apps are also listing GMT and not your local time. It's always best to see how far your local time is off of GMT to get a more accurate local forecast for the time you are out taking photos.
Gaffer Tape – If duct tape is the homeowner’s best friend, Gaffer tape is the photographer’s equivalent. It’s like a repair kit and an extra set of hands all on one roll. It is also used to tape down the barrel of your lens to keep the lens from moving once you identify true infinity on your lens.
Matches and Fire Starter – This is a safety measure. Always carry a pack of matches and a fire starter kit to light a fire outside. I will often have one of those chemical fire logs with me in case I am out in the winter and cannot find anything to use for a fire. Clear the snow away and place the log on an elevated area before lighting it. Setting it on the snow will simply create water puddles.
I would also suggest you keep a candle handy. One candle inside your car in case of emergency will give off enough ambient heat in an enclosed space to keep you safe.
Toilet Paper – How many times have you been out in nature for hours and realized that you did not bring toilet paper?
GPS and Satellite Communication System - I always have my Garmin inReach Mini. It offers me the capability of two-way messaging, Interactive SOS alerts, and location sharing.
Fuel for the Body - before I depart out into the field I pack snacks. Dried fruit, beef jerky, and energy bars are sufficient food sources to bring with you.
Lens Wipes - I always have an assortment of alcoholic and dry lens wipes. Keep them in an inside pocket and make sure you frequently check the end of your lens for spots.
Sensor Cleaning Kit – I own the Eyelead SCK-1 Sensor Cleaning Kit. A very easy-to-use method of cleaning your sensors without liquid. Do not do this out in the field. It's best to do this before you depart while your camera is warm. Opening up your camera could introduce condensation on your sensor.
Rain Cover - You never know what the weather will do. I always have my Lenscoat Raincoat in my bag in case I need to cover my camera and keep it from snow or frost forming on the camera and lens.