What do you carry?

[saturndb]

When you go to Disney, what kind of lenes and photgraphy equipment do you carry? Do you take more than one camera body? filters? tripod or monopod? what works best for you....
pirate:

[GoofyWaterCoaster]

I take my trusty cheap Canon Powershot A560 :rotfl:

[fhirleighinn]

I will be taking my D80, 18-70mm lens, and I am up in the air about what else I am going to take. I very well may take my 50mm 1.8, my 70-300 and my SB-600 flash., they will pake nicely into my belt pack. I will not take my tripod or monopod, it just seems that it will be just too much, I want to have some fun while I am there, and not be married to my photo gear.

[handicap18]

It varies for each park. Last trip I brought 6 lenses. The most I used in one day was 3. I really only used the 70-300mm at AK, but didn't use the 30mm f/1.4 or 50mm f/1.8 there.

MK I used mostly the 18-135mm and 30mm f/1.4. Occassionally the 50mm f/1.8.

EPCOT was the 18-135mm for a short time before it broke, then I used the 30mm f/1.4 almost exclusively there.

DHS was my 18-70 (brought it only for backup purposes should something happen to the 18-135. Glad I brought it) and 30mm f/1.4 at night.

When we had a character meal scheduled I would put my flash and diffuser in the bag.

I used a tripod at MK for night shots and fireworks. EPCOT I didn't get a chance to use the tripod because of my DSis who wasn't in the mood for her husband and myself to be stopping all the time to take pictures.

I also brought my film SLR mostly as a backup should something happen to my dSLR. I did take 1 roll of film around the hotel with it. Nothing much though.

I didn't get a chance on that trip to use the 90mm f/2.8 macro. I pulled it out once at night for a parade, but the 30mm f/1.4 performed much better. I was hoping for some macro work, but that'll have to wait for another trip.

[El Nebuloso]

I carry my Nikon DSLR, two lenses and a tripod. The lenses are an 18-200 which is a great general purpose lens and a 50mm f1.8 - super sharp and great in low light. As for the tripod, I don't carry it every day in the parks, and the only reason I bring it is because of its light weight and compact size. It is a full size carbon fiber travel tripod that fits in my carry on luggage. It wasn't cheap, but I find that I am willing to carry and use it as opposed to my previous tripod which was heavy and bulky.

[ukcatfan]

I just got back last weekend. I brought my Pentax K100D, 18-55mm, 50-200mm, 50mm f/1.4, external flash, extra batteries, a few filters, Nikon S210, and a waterproof bag for the Nikon. I would have also brought our Canon S2 IS, but it was out being fixed.

I have split personalities as I am a Pentaxian, Nikonian, and a Canonite!


P.S. I also brought a cheap tripod but it never left the room. The DW was in a wheelchair this trip from an ankle injury, so I did not get to do as much photography as I had planned.

[handicap18]

I just got back last weekend. I brought my Pentax K100D, 18-55mm, 50-200mm, 50mm f/1.4, external flash, extra batteries, a few filters, Nikon S210, and a waterproof bag for the Nikon. I would have also brought our Canon S2 IS, but it was out being fixed.

I have split personalities as I am a Pentaxian, Nikonian, and a Canonite!

PenNikoCanite? :confused3 :confused:

Though Nikcantax rolls off the tongue better.

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I carry my Nikon DSLR, two lenses and a tripod. The lenses are an 18-200 which is a great general purpose lens and a 50mm f1.8 - super sharp and great in low light. As for the tripod, I don't carry it every day in the parks, and the only reason I bring it is because of its light weight and compact size. It is a full size carbon fiber travel tripod that fits in my carry on luggage. It wasn't cheap, but I find that I am willing to carry and use it as opposed to my previous tripod which was heavy and bulky.

Okay, inquiring minds want to know, what brand/make/model CF tripod are you carrying? ;) I have a CF tripod and it still feels too heavy for me to lug around everyday, so I'm really curious. Thanks!:)

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I take my D80, 18-135 (next trip will be 18-200VR), 50mm1.8, and rarely 70-300VR (too heavy to lug around everyday). In the past I brought my SB800 flash, but I found that I never used it, so I have since stopped bringing it.

[JR6ooo4]

Canon rebel XT
canon 50mm f1.8
canon 28-135 IS + polarizong filter
canon 70-300 IS
three batteries
7 gigs of memory
lens brush
battery charger
card reader
DVDs for backups
laptop for storage

Mikeeee

[DisneySuiteFreak]

P.S. I also brought a cheap tripod but it never left the room. The DW was in a wheelchair this trip from an ankle injury, so I did not get to do as much photography as I had planned.

Ukcatfan, when you say you brought a cheap tripod, what kind was it? Is it strong enough to hold your DSLR and lenses without drooping? (Sorry I don't recall the technical name for when that happens.) I have a CF tripod and a cheapie one. I still prefer the cheapie one because it's easier to deal with, but I can't attach my mini ball to it so most of the time I end up handheld or lugging around the CF tripod. Thanks...

[Dcanoli]

...and 30mm f/1.4...then I used the 30mm f/1.4 almost exclusively there...and 30mm f/1.4 at night....but the 30mm f/1.4 performed much better.

I just posted this on the Learning Curve thread....I see you took your 30mm and used it quite frequently.

That's why I'm debating...30mm or 50mm? Do you prefer the 30mm at Disney World at night and in low-light situations?

What brand is your 30mm?

[tripodjw]

On my recent trips to WDW (with DH) and DLR (solo) i had

D80 (with extra long neck strap to sling it across body to my hip)
18-135 kit lens
50mm f/1.8
70-300VR
Flash unit
Spare battery for D80
Spare batteries for flash
Remote
24GB of memory cards (across misc sizes and brands)
Lens cleaning pen
Spectacle cleaning cloth (doubles up for cleaning my glasses and absorbing splashes of water/finger marks/sunscreen that get onto body)
UV filters for each lens (sometimes used sometimes not)
Lens hood for each lens

And finally my pods in a tripod bag:
Gorillapod (SLR version)
Sony branded tripod

Plus laptop, and miscellaneous chargers and cables left locked up in safe at hotel

[MarkBarbieri]

I carry one camera body. If it dies, oh well. It's not like a wedding. I'll be going back.

I usually have one lens on the camera and one or two others in my bag. I almost always have my 24-70 f/2.8. I usually bright either a 17-40 f/4 or a 70-200 f/2.8. On some days, I bring all three.

Occasionally I'll bring along a 50mm f/1.8 (low light shooting) or a 1.4x teleconverter (animal shooting).

I don't typically bring my tripod because my kids are usually ready to head home by nightfall. I'll probably bring one next year and locker it during the day. It's a Gitzo GT2540 (four sections, CF) and an Acratech ballhead.

I carry two 16 gig memory cards in my camera and have the pictures written to both cards for redundancy. I also bring along a few other accessories like a polarizer, a flash, some cleaning supplies, and maybe an extra battery. If I feel like going hard core, I might also bright along some things like an ND filter, a closeup filter, or other gear.

I bring more photographic gear than I plan to use at the park on any one day and draw from that set for each outing. The rest I leave locked up in the hotel safe.

[handicap18]

I just posted this on the Learning Curve thread....I see you took your 30mm and used it quite frequently.

That's why I'm debating...30mm or 50mm? Do you prefer the 30mm at Disney World at night and in low-light situations?

What brand is your 30mm?

I have the Sigma 30mm f/1.4. For Disney I found the 30mm to be more useful. The 50mm on a crop dSLR body can be a bit to tight especially for the indoor rides.

On our last trip to Disney I took over 1,000 images at the 30mm focal length. Probably 98% of those were with the Sigma 30mm. I came in especially handy at EPCOT after my 18-135mm lens broke. I then also used it at night at MK and DHS. We had a party of 5 adults and 3 kids and when we were together at night setting up a tripod to get a night shot just wasn't possible. So I would set my ISO to 1600 and put the camera on aperture priority set at f/1.4 and as we were walking around I would take pictures. More often than not I got acceptable shutter speeds. Those were mostly between 1/25th and 1/80th. I also thought it was much better for both MVMCP (at night) and Spectromagic.

Feel free to browse through my gallery:
http://handicap18.smugmug.com/Disney%20World/520800

You'll find the majority of pics with the 30mm on Day 4 (starting on page 3), Day 5 (I think all of them, though I do have to download a few more dozen from WS at night), Day 6 (starting on page 6) and Day 7 (ops for get that for now. I don't have all the images uploaded). I did use the 50mm a few times at MVMCP, but liked the 30mm better. To know for sure put your cursor over the pic on the right, then click on Photo Info. Focal Length is listed there.

[Dcanoli]

Those were mostly between 1/25th and 1/80th. I also thought it was much better for both MVMCP (at night) and Spectromagic. Feel free to browse through my gallery:
http://handicap18.smugmug.com/Disney%20World/520800

FANTASTIC! :thumbsup2 EXACTLY the info I was looking for. Thanks! I'll head over to your link now and check it out.

[YesDear]

I will usually carry my Nikon DSLR, 18-200, 50.1.8, 60 2.8 and will take 70-200 2.8 this trip because we are doing the sunrise safari. I will put the SB800 on the camera fairly often to get fill flash. Always take CR Polarizer for the 18-200 and 70-200. I usually carry 4gb and 8gb cards.

I will sometimes at night carry my tripod. I have a Benro CF 4 section tripod with an Arca Swiss head. I used RRS brackets and clamps and absolutely love them.

I always bring my mac laptop and a number of blank DVDs and burn pictures to them as I go. I also have a iomega portable hard drive for protection.

Since my baby is now 25, he and I will share stuff and he gets to carry stuff as well. (That is why we had them right?!)

[DebºoºS]

Nikon D200, Nikon 18-200VR, Nikon 50 f1.8, Signa f1.4, Velbon ultramax tripod, 4x 2G cards, battery, lens cloths, 2 Domke messenger style camera bags. ziplock sandwich bags & Plastic garbage bags,LOL!!! I use the 18-200 most often. Last month I didn't bring the 50 because the month before I barely used it. The 30 works best for me indoors and the 18-200 is great for everything else. I've tried filters but rarely use them. The tripod is super light and fits in my large Domke bag. I only take it with me for the fireworks.

[Dcanoli]

First-time DSL-er last trip--added more equipment since then, so here's my list for September (abbreviated):


Lowepro Flipside 200
Pentax K100D
18-55 KIT
50-200 Pentax
Tripod (full size this time, mini last time)
No filters
Extra batteries for camera
No flash
2, 2GB SD Cards
2, 1 GB Cards
Husband's lap top JUST IN CASE cards fill up
**NEED STILL--30 or 50mm PRIME & remote cable**

[ukcatfan]

Ukcatfan, when you say you brought a cheap tripod, what kind was it? Is it strong enough to hold your DSLR and lenses without drooping? (Sorry I don't recall the technical name for when that happens.) I have a CF tripod and a cheapie one. I still prefer the cheapie one because it's easier to deal with, but I can't attach my mini ball to it so most of the time I end up handheld or lugging around the CF tripod. Thanks...

It is the Walmart $18 cheapo kind. It is huge and not very portable, but is sturdy enough to hold everything I have mounted on it. Typically the cheap tripods can get the job done for most DSLRs with normal lenses. Long heavy lenses could be a problem, but I don't have the $$$ for those lenses anyway. The expensive tripods are often a matter of convenience and portability.

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Thanks Ukcatfan for the info.
Handicap18 your photos are beautiful! Thanks for posting!

[Groucho]

I've taken photos of my gear for my past couple WDW trips...

January 2007:

http://www.totalsham.com/pics/gallery/10351-4/ReadyForWDW.jpg

April 2008:

http://www.totalsham.com/pics/gallery/30971-4/2008WDWgear.jpg

We're tentatively planning a mid-January 2009 trip. The gear will probably be identical to the April 2008 trip, except with the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 replaced with a Pentax 16-50mm F2.8, and maybe a Pentax 60-250mm F4 lens, too (if it's released by then and I can afford it.) That'll give me weather-sealed lenses all the way from 16mm to 250mm.

BTW, the tripod is a Slik Pro 713 CF II, which I chose due to its combination of strength, weight, height, and price. Many CF tripods are still fairly heavy, this one is relatively light at 3.0 lbs w/o a head.

Also, I do bring a laptop and a slack of blank DVDs and burn duplicates of the RAWs each night.

[Dcanoli]

Groucho,

I always love when you include your "tic-tac" remote shutter release! :thumbsup2

[Groucho]

Groucho,

I always love when you include your "tic-tac" remote shutter release! :thumbsup2
:lmao: Thanks! You can see in the second pic that I added a sliding switch for really long exposures, though I have yet to use it. Except accidentally, the other day I had accidentally moved the switch then plugged it into the camera, which began taking photos as fast as it could. Oops!

I also just resoldered the ground in the plug end, which has been a headache a couple times. One of these days I may just put a whole new plug on it... or find an old cell phone headset with wires that I can solder to inside and use that.

[Dcanoli]

:lmao:

You just have too much time on your hands! BUT...glad to see you got that thing put back together! I remember last year.... :eek:

[Groucho]

:lmao:

You just have too much time on your hands! BUT...glad to see you got that thing put back together! I remember last year.... :eek:
:rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl: Yeah, too much time on my hands, that's me... I wish. :teeth: I feel like I'm busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest!

[WillCAD]

I have no manequin, and I find it difficult to take pictures of myself (I can't afford to keep replacing the broken lenses), so I just put all my crap, er, equipment on my computer chair for these photos.

Front View:

1. Mickey Photographer pin
2. Spare CF card
3. Spare camera battery
4. Remote shutter release
5. Mickey lens cloth
6. Sunglasses on neck cord
7. Mini LED flashlight (one each side)
8. ID/KTTW/FP lanyard
9. Spare CF card
10. Patriot Mickey Head pin
11. Business cards
12. Canon Digital Rebel 300D
13. Sigma 18-125 w/ petal hood
14. 2" web belt
15. SPF 50 (in summer months)
16. Cell phone

Back View:

17. LGMH
18. Brita Fill and Go filtered sports bottle
19. Rolled WalMart poncho (Mickey finally retired after 3 years)
20. Tabletop tripod

http://************/images/gear/gear-front.jpghttp://************/images/gear/gear-back.jpg

No spare lenses, no camera bags (no bags of any kind), no full-size tripod. I travel light in the parks - well, as light as a 275lb guy can travel - and don't even stop for those bag check lines at the entrances.

[bnorm27]

Groucho has a hidden Mickey in his second photo of his camera gear. The filters at the bottom of the shot.

Do you really lug all that gear around the parks all day, or do you leave some back in the hotel room?

[WillCAD]

Groucho has a hidden Mickey in his second photo of his camera gear. The filters at the bottom of the shot.

Do you really lug all that gear around the parks all day, or do you leave some back in the hotel room?

I spotted that, too. There is also a Mickey shape on the camera bag in that pic, but I can't tell if it's a single pin or a coupld of pins artfully arranged.

I've never met Groucho, but I've seen a few people in the parks with big camera backpacks full of that much gear. My back hurts just looking at them!

I saw a pic of Mark Barbieri once that looked like he was going to war with all the camera gear he had. He must have been packing 100lbs or stuff!

[bnorm27]

I saw that pic of Mark too. But I think he did that for a MNSSHP, and was dressed as a photographer. My wife cringes when I take out the tripod or monopod to take pictures. She would absolutely die if I carried that much stuff anywhere, let alone to Disney!

[Softrider]

I'm a Disney newb, having made my first trip in May. I took the following equipment:

D3
D50
50mm f1.4 (never used it)
17-55 f2.8
70-200 f2.8
SB-600
Digital Camcorder

What I learned:
Lugging this stuff around became very unpleasant after a few hours. (I carried everything the first day @ AK, after that, the D50 & 17-55 covered the other days just fine)

Next trip will only take one camera body and an 18-200 lens.

[YesDear]

I agree with Softrider completely about one thing. Take what you think you will need. I always take cameras to Disney, but there are times and trips I concentrate on photography and I carry the big guns.

Going on my first Disney Cruise in September. I will be loaded for bear.

I also agree the 18-200 is a marvelous all around lens for Disney.

[Groucho]

Groucho has a hidden Mickey in his second photo of his camera gear. The filters at the bottom of the shot.

Do you really lug all that gear around the parks all day, or do you leave some back in the hotel room?
There's actually four Mickeys in the second photo, if you look closely enough. ;)

It's really not as bad as it looks. The camcorder goes in the wife's bag (or is left behind, we really almost never use it and will probably just bring her Fuji F40 for taking video next trip), and she uses the K100D, kit lens, and 50-200mm lens. I only use one of the lens pouches and that holds 1-2 lenses at any given time, depending on size of the lens. The tripod goes in the bottom of our stroller, everything else fits into the camera bag in the background. It's an old Tamrac bag and I can cram all sorts of stuff into it. It's got an Op/Tech SOS strap which helps with comfort, plus it gets hung from the stroller while we're pushing it around (the stroller, not the bag!)

I spotted that, too. There is also a Mickey shape on the camera bag in that pic, but I can't tell if it's a single pin or a coupld of pins artfully arranged.

I've never met Groucho, but I've seen a few people in the parks with big camera backpacks full of that much gear. My back hurts just looking at them!

I saw a pic of Mark Barbieri once that looked like he was going to war with all the camera gear he had. He must have been packing 100lbs or stuff
The pin on the camera bag is a tachometer (and two smaller gauges) Mickey pin that my wife bought me on a recent trip. (Cars are one of my big passions.) It now has a Lotus pin on it, too; I need a third pin to balance out the Lotus one. I guess I'll have to keep an eye out next WDW trip. :)

No backpack for me (too hard to get in and out of), and the camera bag really isn't all that big. Two lenses deep, three lenses wide. Height-wise, you'd actually have a hard time fitting a 70-200mm F2.8 in it. I haven't looked too hard at newer bags as I doubt I'd find one that would hold more stuff in a smaller bag. The only thing I don't like is that the bottom is not rigid, so it sags if there's a lot of weight in the middle.

As for Mark... his lens pouches looked big enough to swallow my entire camera bag. :lmao: