Im also going in December (17-21st) but as a TUI organised package trip. I know we go on a Golden Circle tour, and a couple of nights Aurora spotting. I think we have the last day free to do our own thing so not sure what to do. We are in Reykavic and wont have transport.
If anyone has any tips on what photography equipment to take, packing techniques, care of equipment whilst there in the harsh temperatures etc, that would be much appreciated. Apologies if ive hijacked the thread but hopefully it will help us all.
If you have a free day, hire a car and get out on your own.
If you don't want to hire a car, I can thoroughly recommend a whale watching boat trip from Reykjavik harbour.
We did
this one in the summer, but don't worry, they provide thermal coveralls.
It was about 3hrs on the water and we did see whales, dolphins and puffins.
If you do this, I'd recommend a 100-400mm lens as they can pop up anywhere from 10metres to 1km away.
As for gear to take, take a tripod, lenses that will cover you from 15/16mm up to 200/300 (assuming full frame). Try to make sure you have a wide lens that goes at least to f2.8 because if/when the aurora kicks off you'll want a lens that can open up wide. This could be a 14/16mm f2.8 prime or a 16-35 f2.8 zoom. If you don't have one, I'd recommend hiring one.
Take an ND filter and/or polariser for photographing waterfalls.
On the aurora front, join this facebook group, it has the most comprehensive info on when the next aurora will hit the earth.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/492548942452002/
And install the Glendale app
https://aurora-alerts.uk/ (both cover UK and Iceland).
In terms of looking after gear, make sure you have something to cover the camera if raining/snowing (even a cheap plastic shower cap works).
If you have been using your camera in the cold, leave it in the bag when you get back to the warm car/accommodation. Leave it in there for a couple of hours to get up to temperature. The air in the bag will gradually warm up from freezing to ambient room temp. I'd also do the same when heading out, ie try to pack your camera bag earlier and perhaps in a cooler area of the building then any air and kit in it will cool down more before you want to take it out in the cold. This will hopefully prevent you getting moisture in lenses and cameras.
Also remember that camera batteries won't last as long in the cold, so take plenty of spares.