In the dead of winter, photographers may not want to take their gloves off to operate their cameras’ external controls or touch-operated LCDs. Here’s a handy guide to photographer-friendly gloves.
Operate touchscreen devices and cameras without taking your gloves off
It’s the dead of winter (or it will be, sooner than you think). It’s snowing, and the scene is beautiful. You’d love to take a picture of it, but it’s not worth the effort: Your camera has a touch-operated LCD screen which you can’t operate with gloves on, and you don’t want to risk frostbite (or just numb digits) for the sake of a photo.
Now several companies have introduced gloves that are designed to let you operate touch-sensitive screen-based electronics with your gloves on. In most cases, these gloves also allow the user’s fingers enough nimbleness to press buttons, turn knobs and adjust controls on most cameras.
So, don’t let the cold weather prevent you from taking pictures. Here’s a quick round-up of available gloves for photographers and consumer electronics users):
AquaTech Sensory Gloves
These heavy-duty gloves from AquaTech, available at Adorama, have thumb and forefinger tips that flip back so you can operate cameras and touch screens. The outer shell is waterproof, and the entire glove is made of a double layer of breathable insulation that is said to dry quickly while providing warmth. A silicone palm pad assures a sure grip. Available in Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, and Extra Extra Large.
Freehands Photo Gloves
Freehands offers several dozen models, including Freehands Unisex Power Stretch Gloves ( at Adorama). Designed for cool, not cold, weather, they can also be worn under ski gloves. Made with Polartec material, the gloves have a black or silver silicone screened palm for grip and silver-plated polyamide index and thumb finger tips to conduct energy to touch screens. Available in Small/Medium or Medium/Large. Freehands also has a variety of Womens’ and Mens’ stretch gloves with pull-down fingertips.
Isotoner smarTouch 2 Finger Matrix Nylon Gloves
These stylish, ultra plush-lined Isotoner gloves feature conductive thread on the index finger and thumb which conveys electrical impulses from your fingers to the touchscreen. Thumb, middle and index fingers have a special conductive thread that works seamlessly with touchscreen devices. It allows you to stay connected even when it’s cold outside. Features a Matrix Nylon outer, stretch fleece sidewalls for flexibility and a jersey palm with silicone grip to better hold your touchscreen device. Available at Adorama for $19.95 — $29.95 in Medium Large for Women and in other sizes.
SetWear Cold Weather Gloves
While these gloves are not designed for operating touch screens, they are said to give you sufficient nimbleness for the thumb and index fingers so you can handle delicate tasks such as turning a camera knob. The index finger has a seamless design and extra padding for better sensitivity and durability. With a Thinsulate lining, these gloves range in price at Adorama from $16.95 — $39.95, and are designed for the coldest climates.
Browse all photographers’ gloves in the Adorama Photographer’s Apparel department.
