Advice needed about cold temps and photography

[Dave]

Hi photographers,

I am planning to go hiking tomorrow. Location to be determined, but I will be in below zero temperatures for a good chunk of the day. Is that okay with my new camera and lens? How does low temperature affect photography equipment. Should I take steps to ensure that it does not get too cold? What is too cold? Would you advise against taking my Canon 7D and 300mm F4 along?

Your thoughts are more than welcome!

[butterfly]

Hi Dave;
We haven't had any problems with our Canon camera and lenses in below zero temperatures but we have added the leg from a pair of rubberized, waterproof work pants from Canadian Tire over the lens and it covers the cameras when we aren't using the camera and is easy to get to when we want to use the camera. We measured the diameter of the lens, the measured the legs of the rubberized work pants at Canadian Tire, got the right fit, then fit the leg bottom over the lens end, pulled the rest up to the end of the camera, it rolls over the camera when not in use. It keeps rain and cold out when out in bad weather. Hope this helps.
You've done well with your camera, we are impressed with your photos, you are a natural.

[Gord]

Dave, the only thing you might notice is the battery going out sooner in cold temperatures. If you have a spare, keep it warm so you can swap back and forth with the cold battery.

I think it was that cold trip up Needle we took years back. The battery was dead half-way through the trip but it seemed I could revive it if I warmed it in my pocket but even then it wouldnt last very long before I would have to repeat the process.

[butterfly]

That's good advice about the batteries. We keep our spares in inside pockets on minus temperature days to keep them warm. Best to have a couple of back ups if you can on longer excursions.

[Dave]

Thanks!

[bandj]

That's very cool(?) about the pant legs over the lens. Could you possibly post a picture of it? I'd love to see what your setup looks like.

Thanks - Bryan

[butterfly]

We haven't got a photo at the moment, sorry, maybe one day soon.

[kenpossum]

Hi Dave Where I learned and practiced nature photography was in Manitoba where we would spend the day out in -40. Cameras and fully charged batteries worked fine. It is your hands and feet that special attention.