cold weather Photo's

[porterd2nz]

Originally Posted by Nicole

Could also try those little silica gel packets that you get in shoes and other things inside the ziplock bag to help absorb the moisture.

Every time I go into our local discount shoe store, I actively hunt out these little packets that are dropped out of the shoe boxes onto the floor. These get thrown liberally into my camera and lens bags. I'd assume that they just throw these away.

I've had some strange looks from salespeople, but no one has ever said anything to me directly.

[JAHphoto]

One thing I noticed when I was using non HSM sigma lenses (I was using the 28-80 and 70-300) is that when it gets really cold, the focus gets really slow, and sort of seems like its stressing the motor (Thus I switched to manual focus). Haven't really heard of anyone else having this problem, mainly noticed this on a hike in the mountains when it was around -35 at least, including wind chill.

As far as batteries, I always keep at least one extra in a pants or shirt pocket, inside snow pants or coat, and when the one I'm using dies, switch them out, the first one warms up in my pocket and will work again when the second dies. That system works pretty well for me.

[teinee]

I have not shot in severe cold yet, but I would like to comment on a couple of things. Someone mentioned carrying a paper towel to dry things off, I used to work with plaques, and paper towels are very very bad for wiping things off with, they are wood pulp after all and they can do a lot of damage especially with lenses. Also keeping your camera inside of your clothing is not a good idea when you want to shoot because this too is a rapid change of temperature. I followed the links that, I think, naturepixels posted and the first one was very helpful because it was someone with a huge amount of experience in severe cold photography and they commented on that as well.

[Bentwing]

The articles as well as everyones comments are very helpful. thanks for all the advice. I now have a plan for when it get cold.

[Bumblebee Bruin]

Originally Posted by JAHphoto

One thing I noticed when I was using non HSM sigma lenses (I was using the 28-80 and 70-300) is that when it gets really cold, the focus gets really slow, and sort of seems like its stressing the motor (Thus I switched to manual focus). Haven't really heard of anyone else having this problem, mainly noticed this on a hike in the mountains when it was around -35 at least, including wind chill.

I notice that on my camera as well as it gets cold the focus gets slow. I guess I am not brave enough to go out when it is -35 W/ wind chill.

I think someone else mentioned this too but I hold my breath when looking through the viewfinder. Otherwise it is impossible to see. Lots of people look at me funny b/c I will breath some breaths away from my camera or when I can't hold it any longer there is vocal exhale I will have to remember the bag idea when it is raining.

[GEli]

I had my camera out for 3 hours at -30°C last weekend, and it's been out in temperatures as low as -50°C. The only trouble I've ever had is my LCD freezing and my battery life going to hell. The plastic bag advise, and putting a desiccant of some sort in it is a good idea too. You shouldn't be getting condensation when you bring the bag in, though - if you're getting condensation in the bag, you're not doing it right.