What are the best camera settings for photographing the Northern Lights in Iceland?
Photography of the Northern Lights is hard for beginners but we at Enjoy Iceland Tours can take you through it and leave you with amazing results.
Essential Gear
Camera: Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera that has manual mode.
Tripod: A tripod is a must in which you will be working with long exposures.
Lens: Go for wide angle with a low f stop (anything from f/2.8 and below is what I use).
Recommended Settings
Start with these recommended settings:
ISO: Between 1600–3200 which varies with the aurora brightness and light pollution.
Aperture: As wide open as your lens will go which is at f/2.8.
Shutter Speed: 5–15 seconds. For fast moving auroras it is less and for faint ones it is more.
Focus: Manually set to infinity; in the dark autofocus fails.
Guidance From Experts
Our guides which we have at your disposal as they help you adjust your settings in real time because with each aurora display there is something different.
Also they pass on pro tips like:
Lower ISO a bit which in turn reduces noise
Change shutter speed when the auroras are moving very fast
For Beginners and Pros
Sure if you are new to photography that is fine. In most of our tours we have professional Aurora photos included which you may want to use as a reference which will still leave you with great quality mementos even if your own camera isn’t performing well.
Also for the more experienced we have our Northern Lights Photographer Guides which will teach you in depth which tips will get you that perfect frame and composition.
Pro Tips Before You Head Out
Remember: Put on warm clothes, you will be spending time outside adjusting your camera.
Bring along extra batteries which drain faster in the cold.
Final Note
Capturing the aurora is not just for the right equipment it is for the right location at the right time. That’s which joining a guided tour with experts in the field makes the difference between failed attempts and fantastic frame worthy images.
Planning a trip to Iceland can feel overwhelming. From the best time to see the Northern Lights, to whether the Blue Lagoon is included in tours, to how to prepare for Iceland’s ever-changing weather, travelers often have many questions before booking.
At Enjoy Iceland Tours, we’ve guided thousands of visitors on unforgettable journeys— from luxury private airport transfers to Northern Lights adventures, Blue Ice Cave explorations, and Golden Circle tours. Along the way, we’ve learned exactly what travelers want to know most.
This Iceland Tours FAQ page is your one-stop guide to planning smarter. We’ve organized answers into categories covering:
- General questions about traveling in Iceland
- What to expect on our Northern Lights tours
- Visiting the Blue Lagoon and other iconic landmarks
- Tour booking, payments, and cancellation policies
- Practical travel tips for different seasons
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or planning your second adventure, our FAQs will help you prepare with confidence. And if your question isn’t answered here, you can always click Contact Us Now for direct support—or secure your spot instantly with Book Now.