By Ann Young 6 days ago Photo Accessories
Choose the best gloves for winter photography!
How should professional photography gloves for wintertime photoshoots look like? That’s a question every photographer asks if he/she has ever spent at least a single day outside with a camera during winter.
It doesn’t matter if you need to take a quick portrait in your backyard or are composing a long-exposure landscape shot somewhere in the middle of Iceland, you’ll still start losing the feel of your fingers in a couple of minutes.
I tried using regular fingerless gloves, but they’re not helpful. Yes, you can walk around in ordinary gloves, but then you won’t be able to feel the shutter release button, the zoom ring on the lens, or use the touchscreen. I’ve prepared top 12 best gloves for photographers that will allow you to work in any conditions.
Season: Mild Winter | Sizing: XS, S, M, L, XL | Material: Goats leather / Merino
⊕ Magnetic finger covers
⊕ Merino Wool-made interior
⊕ Touchscreen Compatibility
⊕ Knitted Cuffs
⊖ Not found
Don’t want to use boring black camera gloves, but feel like all the stylish options aren’t made for photographers? Then Urbex is a perfect choice – as these brown leather gloves with bright knitted cuffs are the embodiment of style.
Other than their stylish look, they also have a very convenient advantage – magnetic caps on the index and thumb fingers of both hands, which are responsible for holding the glove parts, which you take off the fingers, in place and preventing dangling.
Thanks to special fabric used for the finger caps, you can use your smartphone or camera’s touchscreen without taking them off.
These gloves are designed to help a city photographer feel stylish, warm, and able to take on any photography-related task possible, making them possibly the best winter photography gloves.
Season: Mild-Winter | Sizing: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | Material: Synthetic leather / Fleece
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⊕ Completely water-resistant
⊕ Comfortable finger caps
⊕ Dense outer materials
⊖ No touchscreen support
These gloves are made specifically for modern sport fishing enthusiasts and active photographers. The reason behind such a strange combination is that these gloves can sustain water without getting wet inside.
The manufacturer states that they are only meant to protect you from splashes, but, in reality, they don’t let water pass even under a direct stream from a faucet.
The lowest recommended temperature stands at 30 ºF, but if you’ll wear a hand warmer underneath the glove, you can use it even at 10 ºF.
I enjoyed having the finger caps on the thumbs and index fingers pinned back with the provided metal buttons that kept them firmly in place.
Sadly, these cold weather photography gloves aren’t made of a touchscreen-compatible material that allows working with a smartphone without taking them off, but such a design decision was made to offer better density and water-resistance.
Season: Mid-Winter | Sizing: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | Material: Merino / Twill / Suede
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⊕ FlipTech fingertip caps
⊕ Secure grip
⊕ SD card slot
⊕ Handy lens wipe near the thumb section
⊖ White Thinsulate insulation appears on black gloves
These gloves come with a fair share of Thinsulate padding that serves to make them more appropriate for cold winter days. They also have pure Merino wool inner part paired with jersey wristbands that push the snugly feel of these gloves to the max.
The main reason why I think the Nordic gloves are amazing it’s the detachable thumbs and index fingertips. They can be flipped backward to uncover the fingers you need the most when using photography equipment.
You can attach the flip-off parts to the gloves with the included magnets to ensure they won’t get in the way.
The backside of these insulated photography gloves comes with a small pocket that has a waterproof zipper. It’s primarily used for storing an SD card or other similar items. The left pocket also includes a stitched fast-release plate key for a tripod, which proved to be a very useful addition.
It allows you to avoid the hassle of looking for a coin in the middle of a shot. Moreover, since the key is attached to a string, you don’t have to worry about losing it.
Season: Mid-Winter | Sizing: XS, S, M, L, XL | Material: 3-Layer stretch softshell / Fleece
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⊕ Can easily uncover your thumb and index fingers
⊕ Triple-layer breathable fabric
⊕ Wind-resistant and waterproof
⊕ Comfortably fits both male and female hands
⊖ The thumb section of the XL model is too long
⊖ The fabric on the inside and outside of the glove isn’t attached
These warm gloves for photographers have weather-resistant properties, can be converted, and are perfectly suitable for everyday use. Thanks to the fingertip caps for the thumbs and index fingers, you can easily control your smartphone, DSLR, or lens ring in the cold.
Each glove consists of 3 layers of fabric paired with a softshell that prevents moisture, wind, and snow from getting inside. The gloves also have tricot lining that helps you get rid of the water drops faster.
They are quite comfy to wear and the offered range of sizes should satisfy both male and female photographers. Sure, they’re not perfect for extreme temperatures, but with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, you don’t risk much by trying them out.
Just remember that they’re suitable for temperatures about 14ºF, if it gets even colder – your hands will freeze.
Season: Mild Winter | Sizing: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Material: Fleece / Neoprene
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⊕ Seal for wrists and fingertip covers made of fleece
⊕ You can get the thumb and index finger out
⊕ Palm of the glove has silicone nubs that give you a nice grip
⊕ Wrist lanyards can be used to attach gloves to the jacket
⊖ Rubber loops are impractical
⊖ The grip is not firm enough
These cold weather photography gloves have small openings for the thumb and index finger covered in neoprene. That means that you can take the fingers out to photograph and cover them again not to get cold.
The glove itself is made from pieces rather than being seamless, thus, it will fit the hand a bit better. The Sensory Gloves are sturdy and will be able to stand up to really bad winter weather.
Fleece covers the wrist part of the glove as well as part of the palm (where the fingers meet the palm), which is additional protection from freezing temperatures. The silicone nubs cover the whole palm of the glove and guarantee a good grip.
Season: Light Winter | Sizing: XS, S, M, L, XL | Material: Polyester / Fleece
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⊕ 4-way stretchable fleece
⊕ 5-Dimensional Fit™ guarantees perfect sizing
⊕ Silicone gripping palm helps you get a better grip
⊖ Not suitable for temperatures below 0 Celsius
⊖ The power button sign on the index fingers looks silly
E-Tip are light photographers’ gloves that you can wear every day without taking them off. The main distinctive feature of this model is the thin fabric on the middle and index fingers thanks to which you can feel everything you’re touching.
They’re compatible with touchscreens on all devices. Additionally, several finger sections have a silicone cover that secures a superior palm grip. No matter if you’re holding an iPad, smartphone, or camera – they will never fall out of your hands.
This model is a lightweight glove so if you have to work in severely low temperatures, I recommend wearing it under your regular winter gloves to avoid freezing your hands off when you’d like to take a break and talk on your phone.
If the weather is simply chilly, the E-Tip photography winter gloves are enough to stay warm and maintain absolute finger sensitivity.
Season: Light Winter | Sizing: S/M, M/L | Material: Stretch
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⊕ 2-in-1 mittens and fingerless gloves
⊕ Magnetic thumb flaps
⊕ Light reflectors provide better visibility
⊖ Not suitable for temperatures below 0℃
⊖ The mitten stitch seems a bit unreliable
I adore the fact that the manufacturer went with a lighter material instead of resorting to bulky wool that you’ll find in most other mittens. Sure, this model isn’t suitable for the coldest winter days, but I’ve greatly enjoyed the dexterity they offer.
The palm part of these photography gloves for cold weather is made of silicone, which simplifies the process of working with various objects. If you don’t need the “mitten mode” for a moment, you can put a part of them into a pocket.
All my photographers-friends use gloves of this type. Mittens are noticeably warmer than regular gloves and naked fingers are better than gloves when using sensitive equipment, and here you get to enjoy the best of both types, as the transition between them takes about a second.
Season: Light Winter | Sizing: S, M, L, XL | Material: Stretch
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⊕ Comfortable enough to wear them constantly
⊕ Protection from scratches
⊕ Touchscreen support
⊖ XL and L sizes are identical
⊖ Design won’t be appealing to everyone
This model proved to be fantastic at protecting my hands from the cold even though they’re thin enough to use a touchscreen. The material is pleasantly breathable and keeps your skin dry while also preventing scratches.
They fit the hands tightly but don’t feel restrictive so you can go around wearing them for an entire day and still feel comfortable. The gloves also seem to be well-made and should be in a good state for years to come.
The thin fabric of this model makes them very versatile, but more susceptible to low temperatures. In rough weather conditions, I suggest using them as liners for a pair of larger gloves that will give you more warmth.
Overall, if you’re looking for a pair of lightweight, versatile gloves, these are the best gloves for photography outdoors for you.
Season: Arctic Winter | Sizing: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL | Material: Leather / Synthetic down / Microfiber
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⊕ Ultra-warm, breathable mitten that has a liner
⊕ Flaps for fingers and thumb
⊕ Wind and water resistant
⊕ Primaloft Gold Synthetic Down Insulation
⊖ Magnets that hold the gloves could be better
These Heat 3 Smart photographers gloves designed by the Heat Company are the most expensive due to the fact that they are meant to be used in the most extreme weather conditions.
They are rather big but that, on the other side, they are extra warm. If you shoot in arctic conditions, these are the gloves to consider investing in. However, if you simply shoot in moderate climate winters, they are definitely too large.
The glove itself is made of goat leather, which means it is extra soft, warm, and durable. At the same time, it is breathable, so there will be no sweating, which can cause discomfort.
The glove fits tightly and there is an extra mitten that can go over the fingers of the glove for additional harsh weather protection. The mitten has a handy pocket on its back, which may fit some hand warmers or memory cards, in case you need them.
Season: Deep Winter | Sizing: M, L, XL | Material: Polyester / Faux leather
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⊕ Hand heating up to 5 hours
⊕ 6 heating modes
⊕ Resistance to wind and water
⊕ Charge lasts for about 2 hours
⊖ Large
⊖ Limited range of sizes
I have no idea why this type of gloves is not as popular among professional photographers but these are a perfect choice! These are the best gloves for winter photography because they are already warm when you put them on and they will keep you warm at the temperatures of about 20oF.
When the temperature drops, here is where their main feature comes into play - it is the heating powered by a battery. This heating effect was designed specifically to make your fingers and the back of your hand warm. There are 6 heating modes and a special infrared emission from the heating elements for that additional blood circulation stimulation.
A 7.4V/2600mAh Lithium battery is used in the gloves. When the charge is full, the gloves can work for almost 5 hours, which is definitely enough for shooting outside. Moreover, the surface of the material on the fingertips will work on the touch screens.
You will be protected from water and cold wind, feel warm and comfortable. However, these gloves are really large, as they are meant for keeping the warmth inside. You will not be able to perform very precise movements in them.
Season: Arctic Winter | Sizing: S, M, L, XL | Material: Leather / Twill / Nylon
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⊕ The mittens have a weatherproof YKK zipper
⊕ Maximum hand isolation
⊕ There are pockets on the back of the hand
⊕ Straps for the jacket
⊖ Very big
⊖ You will need a second pair of lighter gloves
Despite being very big, the Vallerret Alta Over-Mitt Photography Gloves will keep your fingers absolutely warm even when it gets really cold. In the extreme subzero temperatures, these mittens are a better choice due to additional insulation and a long cuff that can be pulled tight and not let the snow get inside.
When you actually need to take a photo, you will unzip the mitten and uncover your fingers and the thumb. You should be wearing a pair of lighter warm gloves for photographers underneath, though.
With the special straps, you can attach the Over-Mitt to your jacket (much like your Mom would attach your mittens to a string and run them through your winter coat sleeves), although it will be hard to take the mittens off and keep your coat on. If you manage to do that, they may migrate up the sleeve.
Season: Deep Winter | Sizing: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | Material: Merino / Leather / Twill
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⊕ Finger caps have no gaps
⊕ A small pocket on each hand
⊕ Great grip thanks to a non-slip surface
⊕ Finger caps have magnets
⊖ Large
⊖ Finger caps are a bit uncomfortable
These are the best winter photography gloves for very low temperatures. The gloves are lined with Merino wool, making them extra soft and warm, but also keeping the moisture away. The biggest disadvantage is the bulkiness that comes with this extra layer of protection.
You feel like you have some ski gloves on, it’s warm for your fingers but your movements lack precision. There are special magnets that will make sure that the finger and thumb caps are out of the way when you are shooting.
An additional plus of the finger caps is that when they are down, there is no gap thanks to an overlap. This doesn’t only look great but gives additional protection from the cold. The knitted jersey cuff is snug on your wrist to keep it warm.
The gloves are made of goat leather and 2-ply twill, which makes them look and feel high-quality.
There are several things you need to keep in mind when you choose the best and warmest photography gloves for cold weather.
Winter glove rating ranges from Light to Arctic. When trying to make a decision about which glove to use, consider the weather conditions and choose accordingly. If, for example, you are going on a short photoshoot and the temperatures will be in the 30-40 oF range, then you will do well with a pair of Light Winter gloves.
Mild Winter is great for an exploring trip when you will do a couple of sunrise or general landscape photoshoots.
When planning to shoot in the middle of the winter in places when the temperature can drop below 0, then choose the Mid-Winter gloves.
And finally, the Arctic Winter gloves will keep you warm and protected during the trips to Iceland, Greenland or Norway, where you might have the night shooting. The gloves in this range are the warmest.
A glove that restricts movement and doesn’t allow you to move your fingers comfortably or the one which has a lot of extra room inside is a bad glove by default. Size is not the only thing you should take into account when choosing the gloves, you should also consider the circumference of your hand.
If it’s narrow, some of the glove models will be too big. A great choice is a knitted jersey cuff, it will keep your wrist warm and will sit tight on it, but still make it easy to take the glove off or put it on. A great alternative is a glove that has a lanyard that allows to tighten the cuff on the wrist.
The durability and level of warmth of the photography winter gloves depend directly on the materials that are used to make them.
If you are using the everyday Light Winter gloves, then Polyester or Stretch will work just fine. You can wear them non-stop. For harsher conditions, choose Merino wool lining with a thicker outer layer from leather or neoprene.
Ann Young
Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more