Aurora over winter camp in the Brooks Range, Alaska. Canon 5D Mark III, Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8, 10 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 1600.
This is another photo from my recent trip into the Brooks Range to photograph the last show of aurora before summer. I was using a wireless remote to attempt some self portrait work, but the long time in the subzero temps caused some problems and it quite working. So I used a regular remote in the lock mode and let it take consecutive pictures. I’m in the tent, but in this frame, I’m a little blurry. I do have some where I’m more distinguishable, but the aurora is less dramatic in those.
My Canon 5D Mark III Rant
I’m including this picture to vent a major frustration that I have found with the Canon 5D Mark III. It has to do with my long time shooting style of the aurora, which is to use aperture priority with some compensation dialed in. With this method, the camera can make adjustments based on the intensity of the aurora. But… with the 5D Mark III, light leaks in through the viewfinder and influences the exposure values. This means that you have to cover the viewfinder when creating an exposure – which is a total pain. I have never had a problem like this with any of Canon’s other 1D or 5D series cameras, and I’ve owned them all. What did you do Canon? Yes of course, there are some work arounds for this, but if you have ever spent extensive time in cold weather at night, photographing the aurora, none of them are easy or efficient.
