Buying guide · updated 5 November 2026

What camera is best for photographing the northern lights?

Aurora photography needs a camera that handles long exposures and high ISO cleanly, paired with a wide, bright lens and a sturdy tripod.

Quick answer

For most people, the best camera for the northern lights is the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX with the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, about £1,989. Under £1,000 · Under £2,000 · Under £3,000

What to look for

Clean high ISO (3200-6400)Bright wide lens (f/2.8 or faster)Manual focus aids for focusing at infinityBulb or long exposures

Lens advice: A 14-24mm equivalent lens at f/1.8-f/2.8 is ideal. Fast wide primes from Samyang, Sigma and Viltrox are affordable options.

Best camera for the northern lights under £1,000

Best Sony option£880

Sony Alpha A7 III + Samyang AF 24mm f/1.8

Body £620 + lens £260 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 24mm equivalent · 880g

Why: low-light rating 5.0/5, in-body stabilisation.

Best Nikon option£950

Nikon Z6 + Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8

Body £540 + lens £410 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 16mm equivalent · 1220g

Why: low-light rating 5.0/5, in-body stabilisation.

Best Fujifilm option£930

Fujifilm X-S10 + Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR

Body £680 + lens £250 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 24mm equivalent · 840g

Why: low-light rating 3.3/5, in-body stabilisation.

Best camera for the northern lights under £2,000

Best Sony option£1,979

Sony Alpha A7C + Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G

Body £930 + lens £1,049 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 24-50mm equivalent · 949g

Why: low-light rating 5.0/5, in-body stabilisation.

Best Nikon option£1,980

Nikon Zf + Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8

Body £1,220 + lens £760 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 17-28mm equivalent · 1160g

Why: low-light rating 5.0/5, in-body stabilisation.

Best Canon option£1,720

Canon EOS R6 Mark II + Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM

Body £1,490 + lens £230 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 16mm equivalent · 835g

Why: low-light rating 5.0/5, in-body stabilisation.

Best camera for the northern lights under £3,000

Top pick · Sony£2,960

Sony Alpha A7S III + Samyang AF 14-24mm f/2.8

Body £2,020 + lens £940 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 14-24mm equivalent · 1144g

Why: low-light rating 5.0/5, in-body stabilisation.

Best Nikon option£2,390

Nikon Z6 III + Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

Body £1,510 + lens £880 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 24-70mm equivalent · 1565g

Why: low-light rating 5.0/5, in-body stabilisation.

Each pick is the best body and lens we found from that brand within budget, priced with the body used where MPB lists it. Scores weigh the specs that matter for the northern lights.

Related guides

Best for astrophotographyTake the quiz

Frequently asked questions

What camera is best for photographing the northern lights?

For most people, the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX with the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG DN Art at about £1,989. Under £1,000: Panasonic Lumix S5. Under £2,000: Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX. Under £3,000: Sony Alpha A7S III.

What settings should I use for the northern lights?

Start with f/2.8 or wider, ISO 1600-3200 and 2-10 seconds, depending on how fast the aurora is moving. Focus manually on a bright star.

Can I see the northern lights from the UK?

Yes. Scotland and northern England see them most often, and during strong solar activity they can be seen across the UK.

What lens do I need for the northern lights?

A 14-24mm equivalent lens at f/1.8-f/2.8 is ideal. Fast wide primes from Samyang, Sigma and Viltrox are affordable options.