D800 in the COLD

Originally Posted by danmc

I'm planning a cold weather outdoor trek this winter (a week of tent camping in Northern Minnesota in the dead of winter) and am very interested in capturing some images of what should be an incredibly beautiful trip. It is quite possible that we will have above zero (F) temps but it is also possible that it will be -20F (or colder) during the day.

Anyone have experience in subjecting a D800 to this kind of cold? Any suggestions in general about cameras and cold? I took a bunch of pics while snowshoeing in maybe 0 or -10F weather (don't really remember the cold, just remember snow falling on a deer) and felt like my white balance (daylight preset) was a bit off.

I'm on the fence between taking one or more of:

- 50mm/f1.8 : PRO: light weight, less moving parts to freeze, cheaper if lost or damaged. CON: fixed 50mm.
- 24-70mm/f2.8: PRO: great landscape lens. CON: a bit heavy, expensive if lost or damaged, more moving parts to freeze
- 70-200mm/f2.8: PRO: great for getting in on the action (and there will be action between snowshoes and sled dogs and maybe some wildlife). CON: a bit narrow for a landscape, HEAVY, expensive if lost or damaged, more moving parts to freeze.

anyone else have comments on gear and also general cold weather and snow shooting?

Thanks
-Dan

When in doubt, refer to your D800/D800E owner's manual to be on the safe side.

Bring extra fully charged batteries if the temperature becomes extreme. If it is snowing, ensure your hot shoe cover is installed. I would get insurance just to be on the safe side.

Originally Posted by Lee532

@gqtuazon I seem to remember a thread about your D800 getting a little chilly?

It was my D3s and Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 lens.

D3s Snow by gqtuazon, on Flickr