Nikon DX Format Lenses and Cameras

If you have a Nikon camera with a detachable lens but you do not know know the difference between a full frame and crop sensor, chances are you have a Nikon DX or cropped sensor camera. All of these cameras work fine for the aurora and there is not a substantial low light performance gap from the cheapest to the most expensive. Therefor, if you are planning on picking one up, your best value will be in getting an inexpensive DX sensor camera and spend your money on a lens where you can meaningfully improve your low light performance. 

Nikon DX Cameras with January 2019 Amazon Pricing

DX Flag Ship	DX Enthusiast	DX Advanced	​DX Entry
D500 - $1796.95	D7500 - $1146.95	D5600 - $596.95	D3500 - $396.95
-	D7200 - $696.95	D5500 - $608	D3400 - $437
-	-	D5300 - $462	D3300  - $329 Used

Most of the 3000 and 5000 series cameras come with a kit lens, the 18-55mm F3.5 lens like seen in the photo above. The kit lens can work for the aurora but it is difficult to manually focus in the dark due to no focus markings on the focus ring and it is at best moderately capable for low light. You will have a vastly improved experience and photos by pairing one of the suggested lenses below with your Nikon DX camera.

Lens Recommendations

Tokina 11-16mm F2.8
New - $399
Pros: Ultra wide angle, good low light ability. This is a well known and well regarded aurora lens for cropped sensors.
Cons: This is a specialty lens and it only shoots wide angle. Since people love it so much they don’t like selling their used copies and there are not many good used deals to be had.

Our take: If you can afford it get it.

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Tamron 17-50mm F2.8
New - $299
Pros: Affordable, wide angle, good low light ability, since the room range goes out to 50mm this lens will have a lot more flexibility for non-aurora shooting. It is basically like the kit lens but with  significantly better low light performance. There are some really cheap used copies, well under $200.
Cons: Not as wide as the Tokina
Our take: If you can’t afford the Tokina go for a used copy of the Tamron.

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Nikkor 35mm F1.8
New - $196.95
Pros: Super affordable and and this has the best pure low light ability on the list.
Cons: Many aurora photographers want a wider angle and this is a prime lens, no zooming here. There are no focus markings so it is difficult to manually focus at night just like the kit lens.

Our take: If you don’t mind a more narrow field of view and just want low light performance get the Nikkor.

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Summary

If you are in the market for a new DX Nikon camera for aurora photography, I would suggest you get the D3500 based on today's prices and pair it with the Tokina 11-16mm F2.8. If that lens is too expensive I would instead sift through the used market and get a Tamron 17-50mm F2.8. If you already have a DX Nikon camera I still suggest the same lens pairings as I did for a new one. Don’t forget to bring a tripod and an extra battery (3000 and 5000 series battery).