Cold weather question

New to astrophotography - but not new to photography.

Tonight is the full lunar eclipse, probably won't be able to see it due to full over-cast locally.

I did give the subject considerable thought, though. Overnight temperature is predicted to be 19F (-7C). My cameras, Canon 50D's and 7D's are rated 32-104F (0-40C). I've shot outdoors in -35F (-37C), but for less than an hour and daytime. Camera and lens were becoming sluggish by the time I finished shooting.

Lunar eclipse duration will be about 3-1/2 hours. I don't think the camera would continue functioning, over that time period, in the predicted temperature.

How does one keep gear warm during extreme cold and long shooting times? I know about lens warmers, but what about the entire setup?

Thanks for any advice.

Jim

GJim wrote in post #19444103
New to astrophotography - but not new to photography.

Tonight is the full lunar eclipse, probably won't be able to see it due to full over-cast locally.

I did give the subject considerable thought, though. Overnight temperature is predicted to be 19F (-7C). My cameras, Canon 50D's and 7D's are rated 32-104F (0-40C). I've shot outdoors in -35F (-37C), but for less than an hour and daytime. Camera and lens were becoming sluggish by the time I finished shooting.

Lunar eclipse duration will be about 3-1/2 hours. I don't think the camera would continue functioning, over that time period, in the predicted temperature.

How does one keep gear warm during extreme cold and long shooting times? I know about lens warmers, but what about the entire setup?

Thanks for any advice.

Jim

At -35F I personally wouldn't worry much about the temperature because I'd be shooting through the window of a climate controlled environment set to a comfortable 72degrees. One of the many reasons my retirement plans will take me far South of New England, and certainly nowhere near your home state of Montana lol