Thank you all for the great feedback, some details on the photography,
aurora images are difficult to capture, especially over head bands and pulses. The horizons are quite easy as a rule, I use the following settings and seem to be able to achieve good results:
- Canon 5D-mkII with EF 24-105mm 1.4
- remote shutter release
- A surdy tripod
- ISO between 1000 and 2000
- aperture wide open
- exposures range from 10 seconds this will achieve a more naked eye image to 20-30 seconds for enhanced colours and light beams
this info is based on where I live, very dark skies and the ability to see the southern horizon, cheers to you all Graham