Starting from scratch...new gear help

[CaveDweller]

So over the last few years times haven't been the easiest. If my camera stuff hasn't been broken it's been sold for cash. I did have a canon 550d with a few L lenses but pretty much everything has gone now. When I was looking to get a new camera the 5d4 and 6d2 had just come out so I was hoping to snatch a good deal on the older models but it never happened.

The main thing I want out of the new camera is the ability to shoot in low light, night time to be precise which I found my old 550d used to hold me back with. There's nothing I enjoy more than chasing the aurora and capturing everything else in the sky inbetween. If i wasnt out at night I used my camera for a range of different things from water drop collisions to your average kids sports day, but night time is where I really wanted to shine. 4k video would be a big bonus, but I could live without it.

Since most of my stuff has gone I can pretty much buy into any brand and budget isn't really an issue. If anyone can point me towards some models that are currently out it would be much appreciated. After this camera I won't be able to get one for a loooooong time. Cheers.

 

[Raymond Lin]

For aurora you’ll be looking at wide angle primes, probably shoot manual do find a A7R2 used (so cheap now) for the sensor, sigma MC-11 adaptor and put on a sigma 14/1.8 on it.

 

[CaveDweller]

I was just going to get basic lenses to start with like a wide angle and telephoto, then after them I'd get more specific primes. It's mainly just a body I need advice with, is the Sony range still a top competitor with the higher range nikon and Canon bodies?

 

[snerkler]

Do you have preference as to size and weight, ergonomics etc? For astro type photography such as the Aurora then I would recommend Sony or Nikon over Canon as their dynamic range and high ISO low noise performance will be an advantage. The latest Sony A7 cameras are amongst the best in this regards, but the ergonomics aren't for everyone. I nearly swapped from Nikon to the Sony A7 last week but I tried the Sony and there's not enough room for my fingers between the grip and the lens. Well there is but I kept constantly catching them. Also there's certainly not enough room to use gloves with the A7's, and if you're chasing the Aurora chances are you're somewhere cold. Nikon's D850 is one impressive camera, solidly built, amazing sensor, and has light up buttons which make it much easier to changes settings in the dark.