shooting canon gear (5d) in extreme cold (siberia)

[edawg]

Thinking of going back to siberia this winter to get some cold weather shots (and bringing the 5d iii)... anyone have experience with shooting canon gear at -30 and below?

 

[wickidwombat]

i've shot Nikon at -25c at Harbin China, not all that far from siberia
and it started having issues at around that temp
not autofocusing correctly, and freaking out not writing images

mind you this was after quite a few hours out in that temp

I kept cycling batteries into my inner shirt to keep them warm and kept the lens tucked under my armpit to try keep it from getting too cold too so the AF gears didnt sieze up I guess they have some light machine oil in them which might be close to freezing around there.

A lens warmer might be a good idea to help,
I've considered having a go at this but Im not in such cold environments these days
DIY lens warmer/heater - for nightscape photographers

 

[edawg]

Awesome pic and good info. Harbin is on the list of cities to see.

 

[wickidwombat]

the snow and ice festival is amazing and there is a tiger sanctuary (like an african game park) with over 900 tigers! you drive around in an armoured bus

heres a few more pics from the trip

 

[dr croubie]

i'd be willing to sacrifice a lens or two to get a pano shot like that...

(maybe check out whether your Travel Insurance will cover things like lenses freezing)

 

[Ew]

i'd be willing to sacrifice a lens or two to get a pano shot like that...

+1

 

[wickidwombat]

i'd be willing to sacrifice a lens or two to get a pano shot like that...

(maybe check out whether your Travel Insurance will cover things like lenses freezing)

Thanks for the complement!

handheld too and just stitched in PS

I would definately have a crack at making a lens warmer though if i did it again especially with expensive lenses

 

[adhocphotographer]

Was in Canada a couple of years ago, taking pics when it was -24°c with a Canon 450D and kit lens... both held up fine, being dragged around all day, in and out of cold/heat... even though its isn't meant to be used below 0°c... you'll be fine! Have fun!