Aurora 27.2.14

[Graptolite]

Well the skies cleared and I headed out to see how the EM1 would cope with some night photography. It was very cold but the aurora didn't disappoint - one of the best we've seen here for a number of years. Carried on snapping until a mist came down about 12.30.

Taken at ISO's of either 1600, 2000 or 3200, with exposures ranging from 10- 30 seconds.


ISO 1600 10s f2.8


ISO 1600 10s f3.2


ISO 1600 10s f3.2


ISO 1600 25s f4

Final pic looking in the opposite direction, to the southwest:


ISO 3200 25s f4

[OM USer]

Re: Aurora 27.2.14

A very impressive set of shots.

[Zuiko]

Re: Aurora 27.2.14

Wow, that was a good night's work - I'm envious!

[IainMacD]

Re: Aurora 27.2.14

Now that is the way to do it! Excellent images David

[crimbo]

Re: Aurora 27.2.14

Very nice........

[brian1208]

Re: Aurora 27.2.14

Envy is a sin and I'm a SINNER!

A great opportunity well taken

[stoates]

Re: Aurora 27.2.14

Great series of images - much better than I managed. Do you remember what aperture you were using? I stuck with a 60 sec exposure, eventually using F4 - F5.6 (dependant on focal length set on my 9-18mm and varied the ISO but only up to maximum of 800. All of my images much darker than yours.

[Graptolite]

Re: Aurora 27.2.14

Do you remember what aperture you were using? I stuck with a 60 sec exposure, eventually using F4 - F5.6 (dependant on focal length set on my 9-18mm and varied the ISO but only up to maximum of 800. All of my images much darker than yours.

Sorry - I should have put those in but was a bit rushed this morning when I posted. I've edited the post and added them under each picture.
I find 60s exposure time a bit too long - anything over 30s and the stars begin to get noticeable tails (thats at 9 or 12mm end - it'll need shorter exposure times if you use longer focal lengths).

[crimbo]

Re: Aurora 27.2.14

You can let the stars track as the aurora does not

[alfbranch]

Re: Aurora 27.2.14

Finally someone showing what the EM1 can do at night.

I love those shots but I didnt see anything at 2am when I went to the beach.

I am so jealous those are great.

[stoates]

Re: Aurora 27.2.14

Sorry - I should have put those in but was a bit rushed this morning when I posted. I've edited the post and added them under each picture.
I find 60s exposure time a bit too long - anything over 30s and the stars begin to get noticeable tails (thats at 9 or 12mm end - it'll need shorter exposure times if you use longer focal lengths).

Thanks David. I am still a bit 'high ISO averse' with the E-5 but it is probably more preferable than having to crank up the exposure in post with regards to noise. I will give your recommendations a go - just have to wait for the cloud to disappear now!

[Mickg]

Re: Aurora 27.2.14

Excellent work. Would be happy to see it let alone shoot it!

[gregles]

Re: Aurora 27.2.14

Well done David, some really excellent shots

[Graptolite]

Re: Aurora 27.2.14

Well done David, some really excellent shots

Thanks Greg. Hope you managed to catch it in Annan!