Should I be taking anything else with me?

[1osfan]

Now, I know I just set myself up for a dozen responses of "me" but I mean photographically.

I have had a Nikon D50 for three years and I love to take pictures, but I have never had the time to really learn to do more with the camera. I think some would clasify what I take to be snapshots and that is ok with me.

I have a DD6 and DS2 and we are making our first trip to WDW. I plan to take pictures of them in general (on rides, not on rides, with characters, everyway I can) as well as pictures of WDW. So I am looking at a variety of shots, maybe close when we are riding together all the way to long distance shots of the parks and evening shows.

Here's what I have:

Nikon D50
18-55 mm lens
55-200 mm lens
extra battery
charger
10+ GB memory
Olympus Stylus 1030 SW Waterproof camera

I love looking at the pictures that DIS members take and I would love opinions on whether there is anything else that I should take. Is there something that I do not have that makes photographing a Disney trip that much better?

Thanks!

[Kaigler]

Well I'm a Canon guy myself. So I don't know much about Nikon. But I think you might benefit from a fast lens if you can afford it. That being one with a smaller f-number/f-stop.

If you can afford it, Wal-Mart.com has a 35mm 1.8 for $199. That seems like a pretty good deal to me. But again, I don't know Nikon and that might be about right.

I'd post it but the message board won't let me because I only have 5 post counts lol. Just look for it in this section.

With that lens it will be a little easier to capture low-light situations due to the lower f-number.

[pointandshoot]

Maybe add a speedlight to your kit. A decent flash, not top end, would help light your two treasures. No need for top end, the SB 600 might work. I do not shoot Nikon anymore. Other posters might be able to recommend.

Use the flash during the day. This is called fill flash. It will light your subjects. Just keep it in program mode and fire away. Also, a cheap dry bag from a camping store like REI. Put your gear in it on wet rides.

Have a magical trip.

Chuck

[MarkBarbieri]

• If you want to shoot fireworks or night shots, a tripod and remote shutter release
• Polarizer
• A laptop or something to dump memory cards onto
• Improved strap - Black Rapid or Op/Tech
• Cleaning supplies for lenses and sensors
• Camera bag
• Lens hoods
• UV filters, if you're that type of person

I also concur with the suggestions that you bring a fast lens and a flash.

[frugal_mar]

[quote=MarkBarbieri;32761351]

• Cleaning supplies for lenses and sensors
  

The Giottos rocket air blower works quite well.
http://www.giottos.com/Rocket-air.htm

On one trip to Disney, I forgot to bring it and got a speck of dusk on my D50 sensor. I had a lot a post processing to do to get rid of the spot in my photos.

[ukcatfan]

With a D50, you have the option of a 50mm f/1.8 and it will autofocus on your camera. It is a little cheaper than the 30mm if that is an issue.

On ride portraits are going to be tough on any low light ride. The aperture is going to have to be so wide open that your background will be unrecognizable if you want to get the face next to you in focus. The depth of field is just too small.

[Gdad]

+1 for the 35mm f/1.8 if you can find one. I actually found mine at Walmart.

[donaldduck1967]

Maybe a wide angle lens.

[My2Girls66]

Another one for the 35mm 1.8 if you can get one in time as they sell out as fast as the stores get them in. The 50mm 1.8 would be nice, too. The remote shutter release for the D50 is like $17(at Ritz where I got mine). Its a handy little thing to have. It come with a little case that slides right on the camera strap so you'll always have it handy. Its the ML-L3.
If you are interested in the 35mm keep an eye on Ritzcamera.com($209), Wal-mart.com- $200+ship, B&Hphoto.com- $200+ship, a few of the others want way more $$ so stay away from them. Check daily, or even a few times daily. When I say they sell out fast- I mean it!

[1osfan]

Thanks for all of the answers! I greatly appreciate the advice.

So, I'll ask the novice question - what is the difference between the 35mm 1.8 and the 50mm 1.8?

[ukcatfan]

Originally Posted by 1osfan

Thanks for all of the answers! I greatly appreciate the advice.

So, I'll ask the novice question - what is the difference between the 35mm 1.8 and the 50mm 1.8?

The 35mm gives a larger field of view (It fits more into the picture). This is good if you are close, but not good if you are far away. For on ride shots, the 35mm is probably the best option. Take out your normal zoom (likely an 18-55mm) and set it to both focal lengths to see the difference.