Do I need to bring my own camera for Northern Lights photography?

Bringing your own camera to the Reykjavik Lights tour is a very good idea if you are looking to record the aurora at its best. Although smartphones do capture the Northern Lights, they do so in a very basic way. Professional or semi pro cameras do a much better job. A DSLR or mirrorless camera which has manual settings is what you’ll want  they allow you to play with shutter speed, ISO, and aperture which are so important in low light conditions.

A wide angle lens that has a large aperture (f/2.8 or lower) works great for the vast Icelandic sky and the glowing green, purple or pink auroras. Also a very stable tripod is a must to use as the exposure time is long which in turn will help to capture the lights clearly. If you do not have a tripod even the best of cameras may let you down and you won’t get sharp images.

For instance which don’t have professional equipment, our guides at Iceland Tours are trained in photography which we can help you out with your camera settings or even take the pictures for you. Also some operators do rent out tripods or include basic photo assistance in the price. That said using your phone which isn’t professional gear may not always give you the results you want.

Also bring along extra batteries which in cold temps die fast and while not in use keep them warm in your jacket. For storage use large capacity memory cards which are a must as the RAW format we use for shooting gives you better quality for post editing.

Though there is no experience quite like seeing the Northern Lights in person, we do have our cameras which allows us to take home amazing personal memories. Also with the private Northern Light tour we are able to make unscheduled stops at pretty locations which in turn gives you more chance to get out the camera and capture unique 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.

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