T-minus 0 days - We're back - Mini photo TR begins on page 3

[Todd_H]

We're leaving this Saturday for the World so it's that time... time for the gratuitous standard gear pic. Now, I don't plan on lugging all of this into the parks at one time. However, I see myself taking one camera body and two or three lenses around the parks and renting a locker for the tripod/monopod and the 70-200 during the day or until I need them.

(this was taken with my Canon SD850IS p&s which will also be making the trip)
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/650869434_E4Pai-XL.jpg

From the top L to R:
Canon 70-200 f/2.8
Canon 24-70 f/2.8
Canon 17-40 f/4
Canon 35mm f/1.4
Canon 50mm f/1.8
hoods for the 70-200 and the 24-70
el-cheapo monopod
Manfrotto tripod & ball head
mini-tripod (for camcorder and p&s)
Canon 5DM2
Canon Rebel XTi
(not pictured, but used to take this picture) Canon SD-850IS p&s
Sony mini DV camcorder (can't remember the model #)
Polarizing filter
4 pt. star filter
Canon 430EX speedlight
Gary Fong diffuser
Canon wireless remote shutter release
Canon remote shutter release
Sandisk card reader
2 X 2GB SD memory cards
1 X 2GB CF memory card
6 X 4GB CF memory cards
2 X 8GB CF memory cards
1 X 16 GB CF memory card
BlackRapid RS-4 strap (for 5DM2)
Optech neoprene strap (for XTi)
Canon WP-DC15 waterproof housing for SD-850
going up to the right
2 batteries for 5DM2
2 batteries for XTi
spare battery for SD-850
battery charger for XTi
battery charger for SD-850
battery charger for 5DM2
tripod leveler
hot shoe mount bubble level
Rocket blower
blank DV tapes
lens cleaning pen
pec pads (non abrasive wipes)
Eclipse cleaning solution

Forgotten anything? Kitchen sink? A few heavy rocks? :confused3

[C&B Young]

Wow, and I thought we were loading up because we just decided to bring a 2nd body! :) But if I had all those nice lenses I probably couldn't bear to leave any at home either. Can I ask how much of that gear you'd carry to the parks on a daily basis? And what do you carry it in? I think we'll be using our Crumpler 5MDH for the parks, it should be big enough to hold a body and a couple lenses but still be portable enough to go on rides. Taking the gear definitely adds another level to the Disney planning!

[WDWFigment]

Quite the setup. Did you have that 35 1.4 for your last trip? I don't recall seeing any shots on dark rides at 35mm. That should be a sweet lens for you when coupled with that 5DmkII's high ISO.

[saturndb]

Airport TSA must love you. Do they give you any looks with all that gear. I get pulled aside everytime and they search thru my camera bag and I have a third of what you bring.


Dave pirate:

[Todd_H]

Wow, and I thought we were loading up because we just decided to bring a 2nd body! :) But if I had all those nice lenses I probably couldn't bear to leave any at home either. Can I ask how much of that gear you'd carry to the parks on a daily basis? And what do you carry it in? I think we'll be using our Crumpler 5MDH for the parks, it should be big enough to hold a body and a couple lenses but still be portable enough to go on rides. Taking the gear definitely adds another level to the Disney planning!

On a daily basis, I usually take the 5DM2, the 24-70 as my walk around lens, and the 50mm f/1.8, along with some filters, remote shutter release, memory cards, rocket blower, and some plastic bags in case it rains. I carry it in this old Canon backpack (which shows the 70-200, but I don't plan on lugging it around):
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/571353464_D2sgE-XL.jpg

For this trip, I'm seriously considering using the 35mm as my walk around lens, but I'll still carry the 24-70 and the 17-40 in the pack.

[Todd_H]

Quite the setup. Did you have that 35 1.4 for your last trip? I don't recall seeing any shots on dark rides at 35mm. That should be a sweet lens for you when coupled with that 5DmkII's high ISO.

Actually, the 35mm and the 17-40 are rented lenses. I'm definitely looking forward to the 35mm for the dark rides (trying to change it up from using the 50mm so much from my last trip). It's supposed to be one of Canon's best primes with a dreamy bokeh, so I'm going to try to give it a good workout while we're down there.

Airport TSA must love you. Do they give you any looks with all that gear. I get pulled aside everytime and they search thru my camera bag and I have a third of what you bring.


We're driving down for this trip :thumbsup2. I wouldn't want to try to carry this much through TSA screening.

[saturndb]

Airport TSA must love you. Do they give you any looks with all that gear. I get pulled aside everytime and they search thru my camera bag and I have a third of what you bring.


Dave pirate:

[pointandshoot]

Hey Todd,

Where do you live in Carolina and when do you plan on not being at home?:)

Seriously, I would like to know how that 35mm 1.4 works out. It is on my short list. Have a great trip.

Chuck

(does TSA like Eclipse on flights?)

[VVFF]

That is one of the sexiest things I have ever seen...


that is all I got to say ;):goodvibes

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

Have fun Todd!! Looks like you are covered on gear. With that 35 f/1.4 I imagine that someone is going hunting for a caretaker. Bring back some good ones, we are all anxious to see them.

[YesDear]

Todd I carried about that much with me last week. I was not stopped going down but I was swabbed in the Orlando airport. I always carry my tripod in by checked bag so that was not a problem. I also had my wife's macbook in the bag as well.

Have a great time

[Todd_H]

Hey Todd,

Where do you live in Carolina and when do you plan on not being at home?:)

Seriously, I would like to know how that 35mm 1.4 works out. It is on my short list. Have a great trip.

We're in Fayetteville, but beware... we have two large dogs that will do absolutely nothing to you if you pay us a visit while we're not there ;)

I played with the 35mm at lunch today. I will say that it is a little soft wide open with some vignetting (on the 5D2), but it supposedly gets noticeably sharper at f/2. Haven't tried anything but wide open yet.

(does TSA like Eclipse on flights?)

Never tried to get it through, but as long as it's under that liquid requirement I don't think it would be a problem

That is one of the sexiest things I have ever seen...


that is all I got to say ;):goodvibes

Thanks!

Have fun Todd!! Looks like you are covered on gear. With that 35 f/1.4 I imagine that someone is going hunting for a caretaker. Bring back some good ones, we are all anxious to see them.

Thanks, Roger! Yep, I'm really looking forward to using the 35mm in the HM. Hopefully I can capture those scenes that have gotten the best of me lately (the phantom piano player in the beginning of the ride, the caretaker, some of the graveyard, and the hitchhiking ghosts).

[Todd_H]

Todd I carried about that much with me last week. I was not stopped going down but I was swabbed in the Orlando airport. I always carry my tripod in by checked bag so that was not a problem. I also had my wife's macbook in the bag as well.

Have a great time

Thanks, John! You know, I have never had any problems whatsoever flying out of RDU carrying on all my gear (including my tripod). The TSA agents in MCO are a little different though. Some of those guys take their jobs waaaaay to seriously and seem to like exerting their "power" over flyers.

[Evad]

Have fun Todd!! Can't wait to see the results of your excursion.... :thumbsup2

[Steve's Girl]

Never tried to get it through, but as long as it's under that liquid requirement I don't think it would be a problem





I didn't think Eclipse was allowed in any quantity since it contains methanol and is flammable. A few years ago, I purchased the Dust Aid sticky pad things just for that reason. TSA may not stop you with the Eclipse, but I believe it is prohibited.

[Todd_H]

I didn't think Eclipse was allowed in any quantity since it contains methanol and is flammable. A few years ago, I purchased the Dust Aid sticky pad things just for that reason. TSA may not stop you with the Eclipse, but I believe it is prohibited.

It's probably prohibited, but if it's in the clear plastic bag, TSA at Raleigh-Durham won't check it closely. However I realize that security at all airports is different (even though they're supposed to be playing by the same TSA rulebook) and much of it is left up to the discretion of the individual agent.

I've also tried to carry on a lighter and a book of matches at the same time. They confiscated the lighter but left me the matches. Go figure that one out.

It doesn't matter in our case anyway because we're driving.

[Todd_H]

Have fun Todd!! Can't wait to see the results of your excursion.... :thumbsup2

Thanks, Dave!

[Todd_H]

Well, I know that there's usually a chance of scattered thunderstorms every afternoon in central FL during the summer, but it's actually forecast as a 40% chance EVERY day of our trip (except Friday when it jumps to a 60% chance :scared1:). Hopefully these will be the routine afternoon thunderstorms that last for about 30 - 45 minutes and then clear out.

The best thing about it raining in WDW is the great nighttime photography opportunities it presents ;).

Oh well, time to make one of those ziplock-baggy rain jackets for my DSLR!

[My2Girls66]

That sure is a lot of gear! Have a great trip. I can't wait to see your photos:)

[Groucho]

I didn't think Eclipse was allowed in any quantity since it contains methanol and is flammable. A few years ago, I purchased the Dust Aid sticky pad things just for that reason. TSA may not stop you with the Eclipse, but I believe it is prohibited.
Ditto that - I was going to say the same thing. Obviously not an issue if you're driving, but something to keep in mind - you may get it thrown away if you fly with it.

Todd - two bodies but only five lenses? I don't know how people get by with so little selection - didja bring only two pairs of pants, too? ;)

[Todd_H]

Todd - two bodies but only five lenses? I don't know how people get by with so little selection - didja bring only two pairs of pants, too? ;)

Well, the XTi is actually my backup body, so you could say the lens to body ratio is 5:1. That makes it a little better, right :confused3?

I'm afraid I just don't have the prime arsenal that you do, Groucho ;). Someday, maybe.

[boBQuincy]

I don't know how people get by with so little selection - didja bring only two pairs of pants, too? ;)

Actually, yes. ;) My carry-on with camera gear: 22 lbs; my main luggage with clothing: 21 lbs.
It's all about priorities! ;)

[Todd_H]

I didn't think Eclipse was allowed in any quantity since it contains methanol and is flammable. A few years ago, I purchased the Dust Aid sticky pad things just for that reason. TSA may not stop you with the Eclipse, but I believe it is prohibited.

Ditto that - I was going to say the same thing. Obviously not an issue if you're driving, but something to keep in mind - you may get it thrown away if you fly with it.


Back to this Eclipse issue for just a minute for clarification... There's no doubting that it is a prohibited item in carryons by TSA due to the flammable nature, so would you be able to put it with your checked luggage? I checked this link http://www.seatguru.com/articles/tsa_prohibited_items.php#flammable and I'm still not sure if it can be carried at all on a plane. What do you guys and gals think?

[spinetnglr]

Have a really great trip Todd. Hope the weather holds out for you and its only those pesky afternoon showers that they are predicting. Looking forward to seeing your pics.

[boBQuincy]

Well, I know that there's usually a chance of scattered thunderstorms every afternoon in central FL during the summer, but it's actually forecast as a 40% chance EVERY day of our trip (except Friday when it jumps to a 60% chance :scared1:). Hopefully these will be the routine afternoon thunderstorms that last for about 30 - 45 minutes and then clear out.

The best thing about it raining in WDW is the great nighttime photography opportunities it presents ;).

Oh well, time to make one of those ziplock-baggy rain jackets for my DSLR!

We take heavy duty ponchos just in case.
Looking at historical data and recent patterns it looks like we can expect scattered thunderstorms from about 3 pm on. There's nothing like that element of surprise when you walk into Test Track from sunshine and come out of the sliding doors at 40 mph into pouring rain! ;)

Or the trip where I was watching "Beauty and the Beast" and just when Gaston yelled "kill the Beast" a big bolt of lightning hit nearby! As you mention, get the zip-locs ready and hope we don't have to pay WillCAD a royalty on each one we make!

[WDWFigment]

So today is the day, right? Good luck and have fun!

[Steve's Girl]

Back to this Eclipse issue for just a minute for clarification... There's no doubting that it is a prohibited item in carryons by TSA due to the flammable nature, so would you be able to put it with your checked luggage? I checked this link http://www.seatguru.com/articles/tsa_prohibited_items.php#flammable and I'm still not sure if it can be carried at all on a plane. What do you guys and gals think?

My understanding is that it cannot be in checked or carry on bags.

[Todd_H]

My understanding is that it cannot be in checked or carry on bags.

After reading this http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#9 which is the official TSA list, I have to agree with you.

[Todd_H]

Have a really great trip Todd. Hope the weather holds out for you and its only those pesky afternoon showers that they are predicting. Looking forward to seeing your pics.

Thanks!

There's nothing like that element of surprise when you walk into Test Track from sunshine and come out of the sliding doors at 40 mph into pouring rain! ;)

Now THAT'S funny :lmao:

As you mention, get the zip-locs ready and hope we don't have to pay WillCAD a royalty on each one we make!

Made one last night... shhh.. don't tell WillCAD

So today is the day, right? Good luck and have fun!

It's actually tomorrow, but thanks!

[KAT4DISNEY]

There's nothing like that element of surprise when you walk into Test Track from sunshine and come out of the sliding doors at 40 mph into pouring rain! ;)


Oh yeah - done that! DH thinks it was the best ride we ever did!!! :rolleyes: I kept trying to duck and closed my eyes the whole time - it wasn't exactly painless. :scared1::scared1::scared1:

My nephew had Eclipse solution confiscated by TSA a couple of years ago in his carry on. And nothing flammable in checked luggage anymore either.

Have a great trip and stay dry!!!!

[ngineer]

We're leaving this Saturday for the World so it's that time... time for the gratuitous standard gear pic.

Forgotten anything? Kitchen sink? A few heavy rocks? :confused3

Looks like we'll be at Disney the same time as you; though I'm not going with quite the same complement of gear (20D, 35 1.4, 85 1.8, 300 f4, 1.4x, maybe 18-55 IS). Your low light photos and tips have been very useful in my planning, so I appreciate it!

Excited to see your trip photos!

Kevin

[Groucho]

I'm afraid I just don't have the prime arsenal that you do, Groucho ;). Someday, maybe.
I fear that I will be forced to take at least 7, maybe 8 lenses next time. :lmao: Hoping for a 300mm F4 before then...!

As for Eclipse, the article here (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/sensor-cleaning.shtml) mentions it and I know I've read it elsewhere too, including the place I bought mine from (even though I haven't had to use it in a loooong time.)

You can't fly with either of the necessary sensor cleaning products. Eclipse fluid is flammable and therefore can't be brought onboard an airplane, and neither can compressed CO2 capsules. This means that the only cleaning tool that you can fly with is a bulb blower bulb.

Oh and you can't get it shipped to you any way other than ground, last time I checked.

[Todd_H]

OK we're back to reality after a much-too-short trip. We had a great time, but I never quite found my photography rythm during the week for several reasons (mainly I didn't want my family waiting around while I continuously set up shots... they are not a patient crew ;)). I'm working on a full trip report linked at the bottom of my signature if anyone is interested, but I'll just stick to the nitty-gritty scenic photos for this thread.

As far as the two Canon lenses I rented, I really liked the 35mm f/1.4L, but I'm not sure I would buy it. It's really deceiving to use on dark rides (the 1.4 is a double-edged sword because it makes it really easy to see through the viewfinder, but the focal length puts the scenes pretty far away to nail the focus) and it's a bit too wide for portraits, but the bokeh is really nice. Bottom line is that I could have used a lot more practice with it before I took it down there. I also liked the 17-40 f/4L that I rented, but it has horrible distortion when shooting close subjects (I know that's just my inexperience in using an UWA talking, though).

Here's one shot that was on my list of things to get from Pirates. The ship is going down!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3959137081_01fbe3fea6.jpg
35mm, f/1.4, ISO 6400, 1/30 sec

It's going to take me a while to wade through my shots, but I'll post some as I get them processed.

[saturndb]

Todd,

Glad you had fun and cannot wait to see some of your pics.


Dave pirate:

[Evad]

Glad to see you made it back safe and sound. Hope all went well and everybody had a fun time. Can't wait to see your pics!! :thumbsup2

[Todd_H]

Day 1 was spent at DHS. It was really, really hot that day :crazy2: and despite the crowds being minimal, all the FPs for TSM had been distributed by 1:30pm. I had to settle for a photograph since we weren't planning on waiting an hour to ride it.

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/664507465_E4Sso-L.jpg

We then hit some standards (for us)

Self portrait in the Muppets pre-show
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/663867807_b2pCv-L.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/663871627_mtHvj-L.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/663872919_N9oyV-L.jpg

I got some pretty decent shots while riding the ToT, but haven't processed them yet.

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

Welcome home Todd. Great shots so far. :thumbsup2 Can't wait to see what you captured.

[Todd_H]

Here are a few more from our Day 1 at DHS. Side note - I think DHS is currently my least favorite park. As many times as I have been there, I still find the layout to be very confusing. It used to be a much better park when the Disney Animation branch was located there and you could tour the studios where they were working on real Disney projects (the building where the current character stop is now) . If it weren't for the ToT and RnRC, we probably wouldn't visit that park on every trip. That being said, the street performers are still awesome.

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665840917_mhxeM-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665841152_PK2qu-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665841291_KenyJ-M.jpg

I wish I had gotten this shot more in focus. This is just before the first drop
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665841671_FdTw9-M.jpg

Fantasmic is always a great show and it really gets you in the Disney spirit (although I'm still trying to figure out what the extended Pocahontas sequence has to do with it :confused3). We didn't have very good seats, and the full frame really bit me here on length, but here are a couple of shots that I think turned out pretty good
http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665842058_huZ7n-M.jpg

http://thh.smugmug.com/photos/665842634_rKYXn-M.jpg

Again, the details of the day and some additional pictures (mostly family) are in my TR thread linked below if you are interested.