SL2 at -10 C temperature

[Manicouagan1]

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I have been trying to decide whether to take my SL2 system or my Canon R5 system on a trip to Iceland, Greenland and Labrador, Canada.  I noticed that the SL2 is one of the few cameras with a formally declared operating temperature of -10 Centigrade.  The professional mirrorless camera from other manufacturers have a stated lower operating limit  of 0 C.  Do other photographers have experience operating a their SL2 at temperatures below  0 C?  Does anyone have experience suggestion that the SL2 is a better choice for sub-zero photography?

Edited July 29, 2022 by Manicouagan1

[LeicaR10]

Manicougan1,   I have used the SL2 and even the M cameras in the northern Yukon and Alaska in winter for weeks on end.  I never had an issue with any of my Leica cameras or lenses in extreme cold.  I kept the batteries warm using hand warmers in my parka.  Lenses in cold weather;  I never take the lenses or even cameras directly from cold to warm environments.  I use freezer bags to slowly let the get gear warm or get cold going to/from warm (hotel or warm tent) environments.  This keeps moisture from condensing on the optics and sensors.  I also use insulated cooler chests to keep the cameras and lenses outside to negate the large temperature change. This is my experience for cold Arctic weather environments, hope it helps.  r/ Mark

Edited July 29, 2022 by LeicaR10

[frame-it]

1 hour ago, Manicouagan1 said:

I have been trying to decide whether to take my SL2 system or my Canon R5 system on a trip to Iceland, Greenland and Labrador, Canada.  I noticed that the SL2 is one of the few cameras with a formally declared operating temperature of -10 Centigrade.  The professional mirrorless camera from other manufacturers have a stated lower operating limit  of 0 C.  Do other photographers have experience operating a their SL2 at temperatures below  0 C?  Does anyone have experience suggestion that the SL2 is a better choice for sub-zero photography?

used the SL2S in -26°C for over 4 hours at a time, no issues, keep an extra battery deep in the jacket

[beewee]

I've never had issues with cameras in the cold. My SL2-S, M10, and M8 all works well below -20°C.

The only advice is as follows:

• Keep your spare batteries in a internal jacket pocket so they stay warm
• Once you're done shooting in the cold and you go inside, let the camera come to room temperature before taking it out of the bag so condensation doesn't build up on or inside the camera
• Let your batteries warm up before charging them to avoid excess wear on the cells

[Anakronox]

I’ve shot my SL2 in -10 to -20 Centigrade temps during the Moscow winter and haven’t had any show-stopping issues.  The batteries drain very quickly though, so as others have recommended, keep your spares in your jacket and close to your body.  

[Stuart Richardson]

I live in Iceland and use the SL2 all winter long with no special precautions (no bags, etc), and it works just fine. -10 is fairly cold for Iceland in the winter though, other than the central highlands. Greenland is another story and I can't vouch for the camera below -20...but based on having no issues at all at -16 or -17C or so, I would not anticipate any issues. I do think keeping an extra battery or two on hand inside your clothes is a good idea, however. And of course, condensation can be annoying if you go from a super cold environment to a warm, humid one, but for Iceland at least I have not had any issues just keeping the camera in a bag.

[Manicouagan1]

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Thank you all. 

Do any of you have comments on  issues in the cold with particular L mount lenses?   My kit included the Sigma 14-24 f 2.8 DG DN Art, Leica 24-90, Leica 90-290, and the Sigma 150-600 Sport lenses.  I doubt the big Sigma will make the trip.  

 

[Coral Palm]

I had an M240 in Siberia as well as multiple trips after that with the SL and assorted SL lenses, it got as cold as -25C if not colder and not a problem. What the others said about keeping batteries in an inside pocket and warm are wise words! I never worried once with the SL and its lenses. Planned on returning there last year with the SL 2 but Covid nixed that trip, now sadly a war has stopped any travel there. I have also had the SL in Mongolia during winter and -25C can seen balmy. 😁 Siberia is dry cold which is a lot easier to handle than damp cold. A few years back maybe 2 1/2 weeks after Siberia was in Scotland and the weather was 0 or +1 C or so--even with layers it was cold sometimes! 

[beewee]

17 hours ago, Manicouagan1 said:

Thank you all. 

Do any of you have comments on  issues in the cold with particular L mount lenses?   My kit included the Sigma 14-24 f 2.8 DG DN Art, Leica 24-90, Leica 90-290, and the Sigma 150-600 Sport lenses.  I doubt the big Sigma will make the trip.  

 

For L-mount, I’ve shot both the 16-35 SL and 24-90 SL in sub -15°C temperatures but not the Sigma 14-24 or 90-280 SL.

Given the other SL lenses worked fine, I wouldn’t hesitate with the 90-280 SL. As for the Sigma 14-24, I wouldn’t hesitate either. There aren’t that many things that would cause a lens to break, short of exposing it to moisture or extreme heat. Lenses are designed to be transported by air and ship and not all methods are climate controlled. In general, most manufactures will design products to at least not be damaged if stored between -40°C and +60°C.

As for optical performance at extreme temperatures, that’s something that only the optical designers would know but chances are that you probably won’t notice any degradation shooting at -20°C. Sigma in particular has gone to great lengths to develop thermally stable plastics for their lens barrels to help ensure the structure works well in a wide temperature range. I expect Leica to do the same. In terms of the SL lenses, even though they use a metal barrel on the outside, much of the internals at least for the 24-90 is a plastic - probably chosen for thermal stability and weight reduction.

[hoolyproductions]

I've used both the 24-90mm and 90-280mm in subzero (minus 15 to minus 25 oC), no problems at all. I'm cautious about changing lenses until the camera has adjusted to the temperature (risk of condensation freezing on the sensor) and as others have pointed out, keep spare batteries somewhere warm.

 

[MarkP]

I used an SL and SL2 in Antarctica early 2022. Lenses were 16-35 SL, 24-90 SL, and a 70-210 Panasonic.  Those big and bulky SL lens hoods we all hate came into their own and proved invaluable keeping water drops off the front lens elements. All my equipment performed flawlessly in sub-zero cold, rain, sleet & snow, and sea spray when on the Zodiacs (with added windchill).

Each camera went back into a waterproof stuff sack with the excess air expelled before I went inside (either boarding off a Zodiac or after extended shooting on deck).  I then didn't open the stuff sack until the camera had warmed to room temperature.  Obviously then I wiped down the equipment with a clean damp cloth followed by a dry one every evening.  It is is essential you do this.

Only once I forgot to do this with the SL and 16-35, and to add insult to injury accidentally moved the zoom ring on the lens which sucked more warm humid air into the lens. Camera and lens completely unusable for 8 hrs due to fogging of lens and viewfinder window.  Fortunately not the SL2 and 24-90 which I found to be by far the most used and versatile combination for my needs. 

No complaints with battery life. Spares obviously kept warm against my body. 

Not a single technical issue with the SL system in this most hostile environment. 

Regards,
Mark

 

Edited August 3, 2022 by MarkP