There are hundreds of different photography accessories available for your camera. But what about the tools you use to operate your camera – your hands? Are there any accessories you can purchase to improve your camera grip and control?
Photography gloves. These are special gloves that allow you to comfortably operate your camera in adverse weather conditions.We have created a list of the best options out there.
Some are not specialty gloves created specifically for photography, instead they are simply great to use for this purpose. Others, however, are dedicated garments specifically for outdoor photography.
1. Vallerret Markhof Pro 2.0 (Overall Winner)
Our top choice is the stylish and incredibly functional Vallerret Markhof Pro 2.0 photography gloves. These gloves look fantastic. They also work amazingly and offer a brilliant experience for outdoor photographers.
The gloves have a 100 percent Merino wool inner layer which offers amazing warmth and comfort. Moreover, there is an additional layer of Thinsulate insulation.
On the outside, the gloves are water-resistant and durable. A laminated membrane provides extra protection and ensures that you can grip and hold your camera comfortably.
In addition to this, the gloves have removable index and thumb fingers so that you can still use touchscreens without removing the garments. Finally, there is also a small exterior pocket – suitable for storing a few SD cards or lens wipes.
2. TrailHeads Elements Running Gloves
The TrailHeads Elements gloves are primarily used for running, however, they double-up as excellent photography gloves. This is due to their touchscreen compatible fingers and lightweight design.
The material is fully breathable and feels comfortable when worn – your hands will not get sweaty and you can enjoy modest protection from cold weather. In addition to this, the palm and finger material offers a brilliant grip but still allows for dexterous movements when holding a camera.
In addition to this, the material is stretchy and the cuffs stretch too which means they will fit comfortably, but securely, on various hand sizes.
Finally, these gloves are available in several different colors and sizes including a high-visability version. Moreover, the material is quick drying so if you do take them out in the rain, you can dry them in no time at all They’re always ready for your next adventure.
3. MacWet Unisex Climatec Long Cuff Gloves
MacWet has a superb range of unisex gloves and the Climatec Long Cuff Gloves feel amazing. The style and colors are perfect, but the design is highly functional and excellent for photography.
The fabric is created from three separate layers including a warm fleece lining, a windproof core, and a water-resistant outer layer. This combination provides excellent protection and comfort.
The only downside to this pair of gloves is the lack of touchscreen support – this makes the MacWet Unisex Climatec gloves suitable for fully-featured DSLR cameras that can be fully controlled using buttons and dials alone.
These gloves are machine washable, and available in three different sizes suitable for any gender. There are also two stylish colors to choose from.
4. SealSkinz Ultra Grip Waterproof Knitted Gloves
Although a little more expensive, the SealSkinz Ultra Grip Waterproof Knitted Gloves are magnificent. They look superb but are also highly comfortable and will keep your hands pleasantly warm.
Made from 84 percent Merino wool, the gloves are comfortable but functional and you can still easily move your fingers to operate a camera. In addition to this, the gloves are machine washable, waterproof, windproof, and fully breathable. You can wear them in comfort and battle against the elements.
We also like the chevron printed palms and fingers – these provide amazing grip so that you can hold your camera firmly. Finally, these gloves utilize the SealSkinz patented stretch dry technology – this means the gloves are flexible, stretchy, but dry quickly when wet.
5. PGYTECH Photography Gloves
PGYTECH has created a robust pair of photography gloves that are perfect for cold weather conditions. The gloves use advanced protective technology like HIPORA lining, which is breathable, but waterproof.
Moreover, the gloves are wind-proof and water repellant. If you want ultimate protection, this pair of photography gloves is a top choice.
Despite the protective material, the gloves are still flexible and allow users to effectively control their cameras. The fingers are made from thin material that is also touchscreen compatible – you can easily use your camera buttons, and work touchscreen controls.
If you enjoy outdoor sports and adventures in the cold with your camera, the PGYTECH photography gloves are a brilliant find and affordable too.
6. The North Face Apex + Etip (Best Budget Option)
The North Face is a well-known brand that produces high-quality outdoor clothing and equipment. It stands to reason that their Apex + Etip Glove is a fantastic item and one of the best photography gloves available.
These softshell gloves are made from 100 percent polyester but are still durable and resistant to adverse weather. Furthermore, your hands will remain protected and feel incredibly warm in cold temperatures.
We love the patented Apex ClimateBlock softshell technology which means that these gloves offer five-finger touchscreen compatibility. Most photography gloves only provide touchscreen compatibility for your index finger and thumb.
Moreover, the palm has special gripping material that allows you to effectively handle and grip your camera. These gloves are available in several different colors and sizes including medium grey, khaki, and black.
The combination of five-finger touchscreen technology and warm, protective materials make these gloves a brilliant option, with versions for all genders.
Protect Your Hands From the Elements With a Pair of Photography Gloves
Don’t worry about adverse weather and catching frostbite anymore! A good pair of photography gloves allow you to keep your hands warm and dry while still operating your camera effectively.
This means you can concentrate fully on your photography, have improved grip, but also not have numb hands at the end of a lengthy outdoor photoshoot in the cold!
When choosing a pair of photography gloves, consider the following:
- Size
- Material
- Durability
- Touchscreen compatibility
As seen above, touchscreen compatibility is incredibly important. Most recent DSLRs and modern point-and-shoot cameras have touchscreen functionality. Therefore, your gloves ideally should have fingers that are compatible with these screens.
