Do I REALLY NEED...

[ColleenG]

...Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Autofocus Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras? We leave for the World next Tuesday and I am feeling the itch for a new toy to take with me. I was thinking about the Sigma 30 mm, but B&H is out of stock on it. So I was thinking why not try a wide angle. I currently have my kit lens-18-55mm, 50 mm f/1.8, and 55-250 mm. The wide angle is just what I have in my "secret lens fund".

So, should I splurge?

The other factor is if B&H can have it here by Monday. If they ship from Manhattan, I am only about an hour and half away, so it doesn't have to go too far.

[ColleenG]

B&H says it will be here this Thursday. I'd even get time to practice with it!

Where are all my photography gurus? :lovestruc

[AlbertZeroK]

Congrats! I remember getting mine and walking into a post. The lens is wider that your own eye's ability to see and it's easy to run into things! ;)

Enjoy your new lens!

[Uncle Greg]

What about the Tamron 11-16...or a fisheye?

[annnewjerz]

My initial reaction was to tell you to go elsewhere to get the Sigma 30/1.4 before you leave. It's my favorite lens, great for group shots, dark rides, fireworks and those shots that you want some nice shallow DOF. Then I saw you had the 50/1.8 and even though my preference is still the Sigma 30, as long as you aren't hell-bent on trying to get the best dark ride pictures, I think that will suit your needs right now just fine!

I think whenever the question is "Do I really need?" the answer should always be "YES!" when it comes to new gear. So my vote would be to get the Sigma 10-20, there are a lot of people on here who have/had the lens and brought back some pretty awesome shots from WDW...so I'm sure you'll love it!

[zackiedawg]

I'd say it's a fun purchase and a great part of a lens collection. My only advice would be to shop the available prices on the Sigma 10-20 F4-5.6m the Tamron 10-24 F3.5-4.5, and the Tokina 11-16 F2.8, as well as the UWA of your own camera brand - see if any of them are on particular sale price over the others. When it comes down to it, they're all fine lenses, all quite capable - some slightly better than others in a few areas, but you'd likely get as good results and have as much fun with any of them. So if you can get one of these for $400, and the others are $500 or more, I'd say go for the one with the best deal.

[WDWFigment]

If you do decide to get it, make sure to read some literature on using an UWA before it arrives, then get out and practice extensively once you get it. There's a fairly steep learning curve for using the lens properly.

[Suburbanmom]

While my UWA - Tokina 11-16 does not get used everyday, I have never regretted it's purchase. It gives me just want I need when I need wide angle and it doesn't take up much room in the bag, so it's goes everywhere I do.
Of course you NEED it...silly.

[mom2rtk]

Of course you NEED it...silly.



:rotfl2:

Ditto that!

[ColleenG]

If you do decide to get it, make sure to read some literature on using an UWA before it arrives, then get out and practice extensively once you get it. There's a fairly steep learning curve for using the lens properly.

Tom, is there anything you recommend. Hopefully it will arrive on Thursday and we leave Tuesday. Other than some stuff around the house I'm not sure how many big things I'll get to practice on.

[Groucho]

NO you do not need that lens.

YES you need a fisheye instead. ;) :thumbsup2

[ColleenG]

NO you do not need that lens.

YES you need a fisheye instead. ;) :thumbsup2

I would love a fisheye but it's just not in my budget at teh moment. Someday though!

[Groucho]

You can get the Samyang fisheye for pretty cheap... :cool1:

[ColleenG]

Well, I caved and ordered it last night! According to B&H's estimations it should be here tomorrow.:banana: An extra day to practice, but I think we are supposed to get rain all day :sad1:. I'll post my first attempts.

[tlcmommyx4]

I am so excited for you. I am going to the World in 42 days and was really thinking that I need an UWA. I have looked at Toms photos since I first got my DSLR and I am trying to decide on the Tokina 11-16 F 2.8 or the Sigma 10-20 F 4-5.6. Do they both have a big learning curve? Hope you have a wonderful trip.

[boBQuincy]

As long as we understand how lenses work and how perspective is determined there should be little learning curve for a new lens. One thing to watch for is to keep a wide angle lens level to avoid keystoning (unless that is the effect we want).

It's not about "need", we want it and that's good enough! ;)

[Experiment_626]

Another good thing to learn with UWA is that you can -- and usually should -- try to get startlingly close to something in the foreground of an image. Having items of interest in the foreground, mid-ground and background of an image shot with a UWA helps create a sense of depth. Too many people use the lenses as simply a way to "get more in the shot." A UWA will allow this, of course -- and nothing says you can't do that too -- but it creates shots that look flat and separate from the subject (because the lens exaggerates the apparent distance between objects, it makes the background look farther away than it actually is).

Take a look at the lengthy wide-angle thread hereabouts -- it's filled to bursting with good UWA shots you can use for education and inspiration.

I'd never dream of going to Walt Disney World -- or any scenic location -- without my own Sigma 10-20 (or suitable equivalent) in my camera bag.

[WDWFigment]

As long as we understand how lenses work and how perspective is determined there should be little learning curve for a new lens. One thing to watch for is to keep a wide angle lens level to avoid keystoning (unless that is the effect we want).


I disagree. I've read things from plenty of people who have all the technical expertise of different aspects of photography, know how everything works and why, and yet still can't effectively apply these principles to fully leverage the different tools at their disposal to their advantage. I think that knowledge is something wholly different from mastering the actual use of a lens (the latter being what I'd consider the true 'learning curve'). I've had my Tokina 11-16 for around a year and a half, and yet I still haven't fully mastered it.

Another good thing to learn with UWA is that you can -- and usually should -- try to get startlingly close to something in the foreground of an image. Having items of interest in the foreground, mid-ground and background of an image shot with a UWA helps create a sense of depth. Too many people use the lenses as simply a way to "get more in the shot." A UWA will allow this, of course -- and nothing says you can't do that too -- but it creates shots that look flat and separate from the subject (because the lens exaggerates the apparent distance between objects, it makes the background look farther away than it actually is).

Take a look at the lengthy wide-angle thread hereabouts -- it's filled to bursting with good UWA shots you can use for education and inspiration.

I'd never dream of going to Walt Disney World -- or any scenic location -- without my own Sigma 10-20 (or suitable equivalent) in my camera bag.

This is along the lines of what I mean about the learning curve of the lens.

[zackiedawg]

Time to throw in a quick link back to my UWA advice article/post! I'm far from an expert on the topic, but I have been playing with and learning with my UWA for a bit over a year, and along the way picked up various tips or made various observations in using them that helped me learn the lens and the UWA shooting style...I've posted this in a few forums when folks asked for advice on using UWAs, and added the advice as a guest writer on a blog...so maybe some of these 10 tips might be useful for anyone considering such a lens here and looking for ideas on using them:
http://stphoto.wordpress.com/2010/05/21/10-tips-on-using-a-wide-angle-lens/

There are other tips out there, the UWA thread can give you visual inspiration...so look around and see if any of it helps you decide if a UWA would be a fun pickup for you. And if you got one, maybe you'll get some ideas or inspiration to go out and experiment with it and get your own favorite style.

[ColleenG]

It's HERE!!! My new toy arrived today. Now if it would just stop raining so I can go out and play. I played with it around the house a bit just to see how some of the distortion affects things. I got a really weird shot of DS where his nose looks way too big for his face. Thanks for all the advice and links to articles. I'm still working my way through the UWA thread. There are some amazing and inspiring shots on there. Any more advice and tips are always welcomed. I'll try to post something later.

[tlcmommyx4]

Time to throw in a quick link back to my UWA advice article/post! I'm far from an expert on the topic, but I have been playing with and learning with my UWA for a bit over a year, and along the way picked up various tips or made various observations in using them that helped me learn the lens and the UWA shooting style...I've posted this in a few forums when folks asked for advice on using UWAs, and added the advice as a guest writer on a blog...so maybe some of these 10 tips might be useful for anyone considering such a lens here and looking for ideas on using them:
http://stphoto.wordpress.com/2010/05/21/10-tips-on-using-a-wide-angle-lens/

There are other tips out there, the UWA thread can give you visual inspiration...so look around and see if any of it helps you decide if a UWA would be a fun pickup for you. And if you got one, maybe you'll get some ideas or inspiration to go out and experiment with it and get your own favorite style.

I just read your tips, which are wonderful, but know I am more confussed than ever. I was wanting a new lens for Disney and I just knew it was the UWA. So I am guessing that you really don't take a lot of family shots with this one. I have 3 lenses that I am going to take and they are the Canon 28-135, Canon 55-250 and my Canon prime 50 1.8 for fireworks. Would the UWA work better for the fireworks?:confused3

[Docarino]

Would the UWA work better for the fireworks?:confused3

Some of that depends on where you are standing. If you're fairly close to the hub, the UWA can work well but if you get too far away, that lens will cause the castle to look quite small. I'm far from an expert but I tend to shoot fireworks wider than I think I'll need and then crop afterwards because I don't want to get half bursts at the edges of my frame. People that are more skilled or know the shows better may compose differently.

[mom2rtk]

I just read your tips, which are wonderful, but know I am more confussed than ever. I was wanting a new lens for Disney and I just knew it was the UWA. So I am guessing that you really don't take a lot of family shots with this one. I have 3 lenses that I am going to take and they are the Canon 28-135, Canon 55-250 and my Canon prime 50 1.8 for fireworks. Would the UWA work better for the fireworks?:confused3

If you're using a tripod for fireworks, then you won't need the greatest strength of the 50mm f1.8 lens...... its low light capability. But you WOULD be limited by its focal length of 50mm. If you put it on a tripod, any lens should work for fireworks.

I'd have to look, but I think I used my 18-55 kit lens last time I shot fireworks at Disney.

Looking at what you have available, it does appear you are lacking some lens capability on the wide end. I can't imagine not having something at Disney that goes down to 18 at least.

I was thinking of trying to get really close for the fireworks next time and using my UWA, but hadn't considered that it might diminish the size of that castle. That's a good point. If I'm pretty close, like up in the hub area near the castle, does anyone have an opinion on whether that would still be a problem?

[WDWFigment]

I was thinking of trying to get really close for the fireworks next time and using my UWA, but hadn't considered that it might diminish the size of that castle. That's a good point. If I'm pretty close, like up in the hub area near the castle, does anyone have an opinion on whether that would still be a problem?

If you're too close, being so close will hurt your view of the fireworks.

[mom2rtk]

If you're too close, being so close will hurt your view of the fireworks.

Even WITH the UWA?

Now I might have to rethink my plan...... I want to photograph MSEP with the castle in the background, and I expect it to be REALLY busy that night, so I need to stake out one spot for both. Hmmmm......

[C&B Young]

I have 3 lenses that I am going to take and they are the Canon 28-135, Canon 55-250 and my Canon prime 50 1.8 for fireworks. Would the UWA work better for the fireworks?:confused3

For reference, here's a shot we took at MNSSHP last year. Our tripod was set up on Main St. USA right outside Casey's & before the path over to the Crystal Palace/Adventureland. It was shot at 25mm (we used the kit lens).

http://www.crystalyoungphotography.com/Disney-World/Disney-World-2009/IMG4355/689011442_3MPxc-M.jpg

[Docarino]

Even WITH the UWA?

Now I might have to rethink my plan...... I want to photograph MSEP with the castle in the background, and I expect it to be REALLY busy that night, so I need to stake out one spot for both. Hmmmm......


Yes, even with the UWA, the closer you get to the castle, the smaller and closer to the castle the bursts are. If you're close up, the castle won't be too small but the fireworks will be tighter.

I've got some shots in my Aug trip report if you want to check out different views- I'd reference them directly here but I'm at work and probably need to get off the boards!

[WDWFigment]

Even WITH the UWA?

Now I might have to rethink my plan...... I want to photograph MSEP with the castle in the background, and I expect it to be REALLY busy that night, so I need to stake out one spot for both. Hmmmm......

UWA has no effect on this. It's your perspective in relation to the Castle and fireworks (or something like that). I wouldn't go past Partners.

[zackiedawg]

Here's a UWA shot for perspective - at 10mm:

http://g4.img-dpreview.com/4AA7F1EEB7E0414D94DDBD8B3422F4D9.jpg

For that shot, I was standing inside where the two ramps come down to ground level, just on the rim of the 'compass' circle that sits on front of the castle stage. In other words, CLOSE! Way inside partners...I was across the street from Partners. This is of course vertical orientation - but as you can see, still quite a bit of sky around the castle despite practically standing on top of it. I honestly couldn't tell you if the fireworks would be compromised from there as I haven't tried it - but it seems you can still get a surprising about of sky in the shot from very close.

[WDWFigment]

Here's a UWA shot for perspective - at 10mm:

http://g4.img-dpreview.com/4AA7F1EEB7E0414D94DDBD8B3422F4D9.jpg

For that shot, I was standing inside where the two ramps come down to ground level, just on the rim of the 'compass' circle that sits on front of the castle stage. In other words, CLOSE! Way inside partners...I was across the street from Partners. This is of course vertical orientation - but as you can see, still quite a bit of sky around the castle despite practically standing on top of it. I honestly couldn't tell you if the fireworks would be compromised from there as I haven't tried it - but it seems you can still get a surprising about of sky in the shot from very close.

From that location, you'd be able to see 50% of the show, at most. It's not an issue of how much sky you'd have with the UWA.

[mom2rtk]

For reference, here's a shot we took at MNSSHP last year. Our tripod was set up on Main St. USA right outside Casey's & before the path over to the Crystal Palace/Adventureland. It was shot at 25mm (we used the kit lens).

http://www.crystalyoungphotography.com/Disney-World/Disney-World-2009/IMG4355/689011442_3MPxc-M.jpg

Nice shot!

I have just had bad luck with really big heads showing up in the middle of my shots and was hoping to get close and go really wide.

So now you all have me rethinking my plan yet AGAIN! Oh well, what else would I have to obsess about between now and then!

At least I should have a couple tries. We're doing Wishes on 12/13 and MVMCP on the 14th and 16th. I might try the hub once and back by Casey's another time. I do understand that up close I'll miss a lot of the peripheral shots. But I tend to like to focus on castle with some fireworks thrown in for decoration......... so getting the entire view is not necessarily required.

Thanks for all the feedback!

Colleen......... enjoy that new lens and have a great trip!

[WDWFigment]

But I tend to like to focus on castle with some fireworks thrown in for decoration......... so getting the entire view is not necessarily required.

Up close, you'll still be able to see the perimeter bursts (with your eyes, at least), it's the bursts behind the Castle you won't be able to see or photograph.

If you're too far inside Partners, the perimeter bursts might be the only thing you'll see.

[annnewjerz]

Up close, you'll still be able to see the perimeter bursts (with your eyes, at least), it's the bursts behind the Castle you won't be able to see or photograph.

If you're too far inside Partners, the perimeter bursts might be the only thing you'll see.

So where do you recommend standing and what focal length do you recommend using, Tom? I've only shot fireworks once (at MNSSHP) and wasn't at all happy with what I got. Would like to try again during our February trip.

[WDWFigment]

So where do you recommend standing and what focal length do you recommend using, Tom? I've only shot fireworks once (at MNSSHP) and wasn't at all happy with what I got. Would like to try again during our February trip.

The incline in the road about 10 feet towards the Castle from Casey's, 11-16mm cropped. That's my "standard" choice, although I've shot from all over and with a multitude of focal lengths.

Here's the above location and focal length, give or take.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/4959723167_b8b31aa958_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tombricker/4959723167/)
Walt Disney World's Summer Nightastic! Fireworks - 104 Second Exposure (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tombricker/4959723167/) by Tom Bricker (WDWFigment) (http://www.flickr.com/people/tombricker/), on Flickr

[annnewjerz]

The incline in the road about 10 feet towards the Castle from Casey's, 11-16mm cropped. That's my "standard" choice, although I've shot from all over and with a multitude of focal lengths.


And what is your strategy for making you have an unobstructed view? My tripod isn't incredibly tall and the one time I did shoot HalloWishes, someone with a Sorcerer Mickey hat came up and stood right in front of me.

[WDWFigment]

And what is your strategy for making you have an unobstructed view? My tripod isn't incredibly tall and the one time I did shoot HalloWishes, someone with a Sorcerer Mickey hat came up and stood right in front of me.

I bark at anyone who comes near me... :confused3

In reality, I move if that happens or I have Sarah ask people if they will move. Haven't had a problem in a while as far as that goes.

[mom2rtk]

Up close, you'll still be able to see the perimeter bursts (with your eyes, at least), it's the bursts behind the Castle you won't be able to see or photograph.

If you're too far inside Partners, the perimeter bursts might be the only thing you'll see.

That really helps. I've really only seen Wishes a handful of times. We are early morning park goers, so we typically pick just one night to stay for the fireworks.

The incline in the road about 10 feet towards the Castle from Casey's, 11-16mm cropped. That's my "standard" choice, although I've shot from all over and with a multitude of focal lengths.

Here's the above location and focal length, give or take.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/4959723167_b8b31aa958_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tombricker/4959723167/)
Walt Disney World's Summer Nightastic! Fireworks - 104 Second Exposure (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tombricker/4959723167/) by Tom Bricker (WDWFigment) (http://www.flickr.com/people/tombricker/), on Flickr

Sure .... piece of cake...... I'm sure I can do just this.......... :rotfl: I guess it's something to "shoot" for anyway.........

Really though, I'm sure I've said it before. Stunning shot! :worship:



And what is your strategy for making you have an unobstructed view? My tripod isn't incredibly tall and the one time I did shoot HalloWishes, someone with a Sorcerer Mickey hat came up and stood right in front of me.

THIS is my big concern here. I plan on staking our our spot early, but what's the point when someone always can move right in front of you at the last minute? Maybe I should practice my barking?????

I'm pretty sure I'll move farther back for the Holiday Wishes show. We like watching the parade from Main Street near the entrance to the park, so we'll just watch the fireworks from in front of Casey's, then scooch back near the park entrance for the parade. I love watching it come down Main Street right at us!

For those of you who get these great shots near Casey's. Are you up on the curb right outside the entrance to Casey's? In the street? Right across the street that goes to Crystal Palace on the curb?

[C&B Young]

THIS is my big concern here. I plan on staking our our spot early, but what's the point when someone always can move right in front of you at the last minute? Maybe I should practice my barking?????

I'm pretty sure I'll move farther back for the Holiday Wishes show. We like watching the parade from Main Street near the entrance to the park, so we'll just watch the fireworks from in front of Casey's, then scooch back near the park entrance for the parade. I love watching it come down Main Street right at us!

For those of you who get these great shots near Casey's. Are you up on the curb right outside the entrance to Casey's? In the street? Right across the street that goes to Crystal Palace on the curb?

We set up right next to another couple shooting the fireworks with a tripod. Strength in numbers I guess, people gave us a pretty wide berth. It also helped that it was a MNSSHP early in the month & it had rained until around 7 pm, so it wasn't crowded at all. We were pretty much dead centre in the middle of the street, with the path to Crystal Palace about 5 or 10 yards ahead.

[ColleenG]

Oooh, I like how the discussion has turned. I was thinking about shooting Wishes with my new toy, just to have different pictures for last year. Last year I used my kit lens and set up with the tripod at about the same place by Casey's on the street. I did end up with one tall guy in front of me.

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh15/jettabrain/2009%20Disney%20Pics/Disney_2009_1246.jpg
At least he is a little off to the side.

So here is one I took of the tree out in front of my house with the new baby.
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh15/jettabrain/Photography%20Fun/Oct_2010_113.jpg

I'm amazed how close you can get to things. My cats couldn't figure out why I had the camera whiskers away from their noses.
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh15/jettabrain/Photography%20Fun/Oct_2010_108.jpg

Here's one of DS3. He found an old binky in the changing table drawer and has resorted to his old ways. I like the distortion on this one.
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh15/jettabrain/Photography%20Fun/Oct_2010_111.jpg

[tlcmommyx4]

THIS is my big concern here. I plan on staking our our spot early, but what's the point when someone always can move right in front of you at the last minute? Maybe I should practice my barking?????

I'm pretty sure I'll move farther back for the Holiday Wishes show. We like watching the parade from Main Street near the entrance to the park, so we'll just watch the fireworks from in front of Casey's, then scooch back near the park entrance for the parade. I love watching it come down Main Street right at us!

For those of you who get these great shots near Casey's. Are you up on the curb right outside the entrance to Casey's? In the street? Right across the street that goes to Crystal Palace on the curb?[/QUOTE]

I think we should ban together, I will be there December 8 thru the 14th and going to do MVMCP on the 9th. Was that one of your dates? We could have power in numbers lol

[mom2rtk]

I think we should ban together, I will be there December 8 thru the 14th and going to do MVMCP on the 9th. Was that one of your dates? We could have power in numbers lol

Ah..... bummer. We'll be at MVMCP the 14th and 16th. Any chance you're doing the MK on the 13th? I think the "Great Wall of Tripods" is a great idea!

[WDWFigment]

How early do you all stake out your spots? Maybe that's the issue. I never set up my tripod more than 20 minutes before the show, and at that point I pick a spot where I won't interfere with anyone else and where no one interferes with me. The longer you're set up somewhere, the greater your chances of ending up with someone in front of you.

The later set-up strategy is especially good during the parties, where it isn't that crowded (if you go on the right nights), anyway. If it's really a concern, just set up where no one can possibly stand in front of you (or buy a taller tripod).

[Docarino]

Ah..... bummer. We'll be at MVMCP the 14th and 16th. Any chance you're doing the MK on the 13th? I think the "Great Wall of Tripods" is a great idea!

I'll be there the 9th-14th, and probably at the MK on the 13th. I'll be on the lookout for a barking woman :)

[mom2rtk]

How early do you all stake out your spots? Maybe that's the issue. I never set up my tripod more than 20 minutes before the show, and at that point I pick a spot where I won't interfere with anyone else and where no one interferes with me. The longer you're set up somewhere, the greater your chances of ending up with someone in front of you.

The later set-up strategy is especially good during the parties, where it isn't that crowded (if you go on the right nights), anyway. If it's really a concern, just set up where no one can possibly stand in front of you (or buy a taller tripod).

That makes a lot of sense. But I honestly feel like the nights we will be there will be CRAZY packed. It's a slow-ish time of year overall, but MVMCP really drives the crowds. Since the party is held 4 times that week, everyone who wants to see regular Wishes is squeezed into just a few nights. I think if I wait that long, I'd be lucky to find room to squeeze ourselves in.... let alone the tripod! I did get a pretty tall tripod for this very reason. And the MVMCP parties we will be at are during the last week they are offered. I understand the ENTIRE last week of MVMCP sold out last year.

So I'm probably not going to be comfortable with the "wait til 20 minutes out" approach since our opportunities are limited.

I'll be there the 9th-14th, and probably at the MK on the 13th. I'll be on the lookout for a barking woman :)

I usually don't see THAT many tripods out. If you see some on the 13th, start listening in for barking! Woof Woof! Right now I'm leaning toward being right in front of the Partners statue the night of the 13th.

[Docarino]

That makes a lot of sense. But I honestly feel like the nights we will be there will be CRAZY packed. It's a slow-ish time of year overall, but MVMCP really drives the crowds. Since the party is held 4 times that week, everyone who wants to see regular Wishes is squeezed into just a few nights. I think if I wait that long, I'd be lucky to find room to squeeze ourselves in.... let alone the tripod! I did get a pretty tall tripod for this very reason. And the MVMCP parties we will be at are during the last week they are offered. I understand the ENTIRE last week of MVMCP sold out last year.

I agree with you that the MK is likely to be very crowded on a non MVMCP night that week. I was at the MK last Saturday night and despite the generally low crowds, since it was not a MNSSHP night, the MK was mobbed. They had added a second MSEP and EMH were extended until 3 am. When we arrived at 7:45 pm, Main Street was a least 5 rows deep of people sitting waiting for the 9 pm parade. Because it was so crazy, I chose to watch Wishes from Frontierland. The spot I chose wasn't great and I would pick a different spot next time but I figure that if I get even 1-2 unique shots from it, that was better than repeating 10 shots I already have and definitely better than fighting the crowds on Main Street.

[ColleenG]

Anyone going to be down Nov 2 to 10? Let me know and we can band our tripods together! Last year we went with my in-laws and DH and I were able to sneak off on our own to catch Wishes. So this year with 4 kids in tow and a double stroller. Hopefully we can stake out a lot of space.

[tlcmommyx4]

I usually don't see THAT many tripods out. If you see some on the 13th, start listening in for barking! Woof Woof! Right now I'm leaning toward being right in front of the Partners statue the night of the 13th.[/QUOTE]

I think that I can be there on the 13th and we could set up our attack lol.:rotfl2:

[Groucho]

And what is your strategy for making you have an unobstructed view? My tripod isn't incredibly tall and the one time I did shoot HalloWishes, someone with a Sorcerer Mickey hat came up and stood right in front of me.
What I try to do is set up right behind a bench or behind a railing (the latter can be tricky if you're not there very early!)... getting some heads in is difficult to avoid. If you're willing to go to one side or the other, you may have more luck since most people will try to get straight in front of the castle; the problem with moving to the sides is that the trees can get in the way.

If you want to visualize the difference between your UWA and a "regular" or even a telephoto lens, try thinking about it this way: what the telephoto lens does is make far-away objects look large, and the UWA will make far-away objects look small. Remember that most of the fireworks are launched from far behind the Magic Kingdom entirely... if you're right up close to the castle, not only will the castle block most of them but an UWA will make them look pretty tiny in comparison.

For example, here's Wishes from the beach at Poly, taken at 115mm:

http://www.groucho.org/pics/26733-7/2007WDW4-272.jpg

Note that the castle towers over the trees and the fireworks look massive. For comparison, here's a shot from one side taken with a 16mm fisheye lens (which is probably not dissimilar to an UWA at a wider focal length.)

http://www.groucho.org/pics/24862-7/2007WDW4-122.jpg

Note that the castle looks not a lot taller than the trees, and the fireworks barely clear the castle.

[ColleenG]

Thanks for the post with the comparison Groucho. Maybe if I am lucky we'll catch Wishes on 2 nights and I can use the UWA for one and my kit lens for another.

[mom2rtk]

Thanks for the post with the comparison Groucho. Maybe if I am lucky we'll catch Wishes on 2 nights and I can use the UWA for one and my kit lens for another.

If you do, be sure to post examples for us like Groucho did. Those of us participating in the "Great wall of Tripods" need all the info we can get before the big meeting!

[ColleenG]

If you do, be sure to post examples for us like Groucho did. Those of us participating in the "Great wall of Tripods" need all the info we can get before the big meeting!

I definately will. I am hoping to use my kids and the stoller to "mark my territory"!

[tlcmommyx4]

Well I did it! I ordered the Tokina 11-16mm F 2.8. I hope that I can get this learning curve before we leave for CO. for Thanksgiving and then to off to Disney :)

[mom2rtk]

Well I did it! I ordered the Tokina 11-16mm F 2.8. I hope that I can get this learning curve before we leave for CO. for Thanksgiving and then to off to Disney :)

:cheer2: Yeah! Have fun! And watch for us near the Partners statue on the 13th!

[Suburbanmom]

Well I did it! I ordered the Tokina 11-16mm F 2.8. I hope that I can get this learning curve before we leave for CO. for Thanksgiving and then to off to Disney :)

Good for you! Can't wait to see what you do with it. :)

[tlcmommyx4]

:cheer2: Yeah! Have fun! And watch for us near the Partners statue on the 13th!

What time are you going to try and get there? I cant wait!

[mom2rtk]

What time are you going to try and get there? I cant wait!

We'll be in the park from early entry on, so I think we'll be ready to get off our feet early. I think we'll watch the last castle stage show and castle lighting from the same spot, so we'll just set up camp and stay for MSEP and Wishes. It's a girls only trip, so just my daughter and me. So definitely look for us!

[tlcmommyx4]

Sure thing! We will take the spot by storm :)

[ColleenG]

Well we are here at the World and we've been getting a lot of rain, so my new toy has not gotten used as much as I would have hoped. Even the camera hasn't gotten a lot of use. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny. We'll be at DHS. I'll use the UWA to get a shot of the BAH!

[mom2rtk]

Here's hoping for better weather tomorrow! Note to self....... order a couple more disposable rain covers for camera..........

Just remember........ some of the most stunning shots I've seen posted here the past year were during or right after rain. The wet pavement reflects colors and light so well!

[tlcmommyx4]

Here's hoping for better weather tomorrow! Note to self....... order a couple more disposable rain covers for camera..........

Just remember........ some of the most stunning shots I've seen posted here the past year were during or right after rain. The wet pavement reflects colors and light so well!
I would like to know where to get\find disposable rain covers. I thought you just used Turkey roasting bags lol:banana:

[mom2rtk]

I would like to know where to get\find disposable rain covers. I thought you just used Turkey roasting bags lol:banana:

I ordered the one I have on Amazon, but Ebay has them too. I think it was $6 or $7.

[WDWFigment]

Well we are here at the World and we've been getting a lot of rain, so my new toy has not gotten used as much as I would have hoped. Even the camera hasn't gotten a lot of use. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny. We'll be at DHS. I'll use the UWA to get a shot of the BAH!

Whatever you do, DON'T use a Disney shopping bag to cover your camera. The colors bleed off those things terribly.

In June, I used a poncho somewhat successfully (see below). It was still not what I hoped for, so I ordered some camera ponchos from ebay. Plus, I ended up getting soaked because the poncho was on the camera instead of me.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4806756794_05e006b65a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tombricker/4806756794/)
Perfection in the Imperfect (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tombricker/4806756794/) by Tom Bricker (WDWFigment) (http://www.flickr.com/people/tombricker/), on Flickr

[mom2rtk]

So what does everyone else here use for rain coverage? Do you guys use the disposable rain covers? I've seen some plastic covers that are not disposable and am thinking that might be better. I have seen some great shots (like Tom's) that were done in light rain and would like to have that option!

[Uncle Greg]

So what does everyone else here use for rain coverage? Do you guys use the disposable rain covers? I've seen some plastic covers that are not disposable and am thinking that might be better. I have seen some great shots (like Tom's) that were done in light rain and would like to have that option!

I bought one of these before my trip.

http://www.kata-bags.com/product.asp?Version=Photo&p_Id=229

Never used it. My hope was for something I could take on Kali River type rides, but I never felt confident enough in the product to keep all the water out (it doesn't secure tightly around the end of the lens and if you try to tighten it up too much it wont allow your lens to focus).

Now for shooting out in the rain, I think it would be very good. However, I found that it was either rainly so lightly that I wasn't concerned about the water hurting my camera, or it was raining enough that I didn't want my camera (or myself) in it at all.

I'd say if you had a specific requirement to be shooting in moderate rain, the $50 price tag might be worth it. Otherwise, I'd try the disposable-type covers first.

[tlcmommyx4]

Its here, its here, my new lens. I can't wait to see what I can shot tomorrow! Watch out world here I come!

[mom2rtk]

I was nosing around at rain covers and found this:



http://cgi.ebay.com/Rain-Protector-Canon-Nikon-Sony-Pentax-Olympus-DSLR-/270312823454?pt=Digital_Camera_Accessories&hash=item3eefe65a9e

You guys don't think I'd look too conspicuous going down Splash Mountain in this, do you????

[AlbertZeroK]

OpTech makes rain sleaves, I keep a few in my camera case at all times

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/469774-REG/OP_TECH_USA_9001132_18_Rainsleeve_Set_of.html

[tlcmommyx4]

Here are a couple of shots from my new lens. I think this will work so much better at Disney! Please tell me what you think.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll189/tlcmommyx4/Misc/trialshots-124.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll189/tlcmommyx4/Misc/trialshots-122.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll189/tlcmommyx4/Misc/trialshots-112.jpg
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll189/tlcmommyx4/Misc/trialshots-104.jpg
These were taken at the University of Oklahoma, which is a beautiful campus, I just don't feel like I did it justice.