What gloves work best for using a camera in sub-zero temperatures?
Asked 12/6/2011
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I need gloves that still let me operate a camera in very cold weather, around -20°C. The goal is to keep enough dexterity to use buttons and dials, press the shutter, remove a lens cap or change lenses, and ideally use a touchscreen as well. What glove setup works well for this kind of shooting?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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I'm involved in a research project on glaciers and as such often have to use a computer in the cold, although thankfully never that cold. One thing I've found works well is wearing thin glove liners under fingerless gloves. This way you can use the equipment fairly easily but if you have a short break you can flip the mitten bit of the fingerless gloves down for added warmth.
The other thing I've found handy is having multiple pairs of gloves. So I have the combination described above but also carry a pair of thick ski gloves, using any equipment is impractical in these, but they are good for when you know you won't need to do anything requiring fine motor control for a while.
Originally by user2818. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2818
14y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For very cold shooting, a layered glove setup is usually the most practical. The most useful approach mentioned was thin glove liners for dexterity, combined with fingerless gloves or convertible mitten-style gloves so you can briefly expose your fingers when needed, then cover them again for warmth. It also helps to carry a second, much warmer pair such as ski gloves for times when you are not actively operating the camera.
Thin windproof fleece-style gloves can work well for basic controls, and some photographers pair them with insulated shell gloves for extra warmth between shots. If you need better feel on the shutter and dials, gloves designed for dexterity—such as tactical or shooting gloves—can be a good option because they tend to have a smoother trigger finger and better grip.
For touchscreen use, ordinary gloves often won’t work unless they are specifically touchscreen-compatible.
In practice, no single glove is perfect at -20°C: the best balance is usually thin dexterous gloves for operating the camera, plus heavier over-gloves for warmth when you pause.
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