With winter around the corner I plan to be out taking photos even on cold snowy days (which I’ve done before) but I’ve always been ill-prepared not taking the cold weather seriously enough. My camera is more than capable of handling the weather but I’d love for some advice on accessories either clothing or camera related that can help extend outdoor sessions and make for a more comfortable experience.
Reading this thread really makes me appreciate the relatively warm winters where I live.
Hmm
All US Amazon links:
USB-C Rechargeable handwarmers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BG9TB26K?
Photography mittons/gloves: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081D7B54P?
For landscape/astro/night shooters - Lens warmers: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L1N9YBH/
For night/astro shooters - Headlamp: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09C85T9HX/
For wildlife/fishermen/boat/adventure shooters - Cheap chest waiters: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JZBF17G/
For wildlife/birders - Small monocular (like binoculars, but only on optic, I love mine): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KMA19Y/
Appreciate the links
small point regarding the headlamp. Astro photographers go for red lights as it doesn’t affect night vision when switched off.
I was given those mitts, personally I hated them, plus they are held open with little magnets which cause all kinds of issues; the magnets get COLD
I love the gloves for cooler/milder weather. They’re light and pack down nice when not in use. I like the hybrid design of them being mittens while still allowing your fingers full access to touch screens when not in “mitten mode”. I never had an issue with the magnets, personally.
However, I wouldn’t recommend these gloves for anything below the 40’s F (4-5 C). I have a much more expensive/rugged pair for colder temps, but they’re 4X the price, clunkier (harder to work with in the field) and take up twice the room in my bag when not in use.
Black Diamond Lightweight Screentap Gloves.
Helps to keep spare batteries inside whatever layers you’re wearing. Battries hate cold.
ooh! good one.
Insulated coveralls, also called a bib. My brother lent me one last winter. Wore them along with new leather boots and have never had such a comfortable time in winter. I also second all the merino wool suggestions.
The Heat Company do good gloves for photography.
Remember to keep your lens caps on, maybe get an extra filter, condensation is the worst. I am considering a portable lens warmer although I havent seen it being used successfully yet but I have had way too many photos ruined by my lens + sensor getting fogged up when its really cold.
Their fingerless liner is really good. I’ve also found an usb warmer that’s just the right size for it. Combined with the outer shell I can go out in -40c no problems.
How cold is cold? What country? Are you looking for high end outdoors stuff or budget?
I like electronic hand warmers. A charge lasts for hours.
Keep one in your pocket. Put your hand in there when you want to keep your hand warm. Take your hand out when you need to adjust something on the camera. More convenient than taking mitts on and off.
Spend the extra money for good outdoor clothes. If you are cold you will be miserable and won’t be able to concentrate on photography.
Regarding the cold, photographers are in a bit of a quandry. While you are hiking, snowshoeing, sking to your spot you are generating heat so you don’t need as much warm clothing. But once you stop moving you get cold very fast.
So you’ll need layers and will want layers on everything. Tops, bottoms, head, feet, hands. E.g. mittens over a lighter weight glove. Hat plus hood on a parka and maybe scarf. Control your heat and try not to break into a sweat when exerting yourself. You may need eye protection if the wind picks up.
The normal clothes you might wear in winter is nowhere near enough once you stop moving. It will feel much much colder after you’ve been standing around doing nothing. If it’s 0C outside I might dress like it’s -20C for photography
Beware of condensation when bringing your gear inside. Keep a big trash bag in s cold spot and put your gear inside it before entering a heated space. That way the condensation will be on the bag not your gear.