2 Primes and a Crop?

[sporadic]

Heyas,
Been thinking about what to bring along for next years trip to Disney World. Body is a Canon 7D. My go-to / walkaround lens has always been my 17-55 2.8. Outstanding lens for Disney and was accompanied by my Tokina 11-16 2.8. However, what wasn't so outstanding was my neck being a wreck by the end of the week mainly due to the 17-55 + 7D weight. The rides probably had something to do with it as well, but I had my C6-7 vertebrae fused a few years ago and am looking to lighten the load. I really don't want a cheaper zoom as I'm not looking to sacrifice quality or looking to buy a lesser version of what I already have. I have a 50 1.4 which I resorted to on my last day, but of course its way too long as a general lens on a crop. I'm looking at options in the 20-40 range like the Sigma 30 1.4, Canon 20 / 24 / 28 and 40mm pancake lenses. My other option is moving to a lighter mirrorless system as a travel camera, but a viewfinder is a must. Something like a Fuji XE-2 or X100s if I could find myself able to live with a single prime. Looking for others who've done the parks with a prime or two and their opinions on it. Thanks!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Heyas,
Been thinking about what to bring along for next years trip to Disney World. Body is a Canon 7D. My go-to / walkaround lens has always been my 17-55 2.8. Outstanding lens for Disney and was accompanied by my Tokina 11-16 2.8. However, what wasn't so outstanding was my neck being a wreck by the end of the week mainly due to the 17-55 + 7D weight. The rides probably had something to do with it as well, but I had my C6-7 vertebrae fused a few years ago and am looking to lighten the load. I really don't want a cheaper zoom as I'm not looking to sacrifice quality or looking to buy a lesser version of what I already have. I have a 50 1.4 which I resorted to on my last day, but of course its way too long as a general lens on a crop. I'm looking at options in the 20-40 range like the Sigma 30 1.4, Canon 20 / 24 / 28 and 40mm pancake lenses. My other option is moving to a lighter mirrorless system as a travel camera, but a viewfinder is a must. Something like a Fuji XE-2 or X100s if I could find myself able to live with a single prime. Looking for others who've done the parks with a prime or two and their opinions on it. Thanks!

Have you thought about a different/better way of carrying your camera?
Because of what I shoot, I use a lot of the heavier lenses. If I tried to carry my equipment (crop body w/vertical battery grip, 70-200 f2.8/100-300 f4, external flash) on the standard neck strap, I wouldn't last 15 minutes! Several years ago I switched to the Black Rapid strap and never looked back. With my larger lenses, I attach the strap to the tripod mount and it is balanced and since it isn't around my neck, I don't feel the weight. I can go all day with no problem. I would definitely look at a new camera strap system first.

 

[Pixel Dust]

Have you looked into other camera straps? BlackRapid's straps goes across the shoulder. Left shoulder to right hip. It takes the load off of the neck. I have done several multi-day trips to Disney with zero neck issues. There are other manufacturers that make this style too.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/738106-REG/Black_Rapid_RRS_1BB_RS_Sport_Extreme_Sport_Strap.html

As far as lenses go, primes are definitely lighter while on the camera. Around a 35mm is nice for a crop sensor just walking around Disney. Do you carry a backpack for other lenes/equipment?

 

[sporadic]

Have you thought about a different/better way of carrying your camera?
Because of what I shoot, I use a lot of the heavier lenses. If I tried to carry my equipment (crop body w/vertical battery grip, 70-200 f2.8/100-300 f4, external flash) on the standard neck strap, I wouldn't last 15 minutes! Several years ago I switched to the Black Rapid strap and never looked back. With my larger lenses, I attach the strap to the tripod mount and it is balanced and since it isn't around my neck, I don't feel the weight. I can go all day with no problem. I would definitely look at a new camera strap system first.

I use an Optech Utility Sling for my strap. Best $20 I've ever spent! Shooting kids soccer with a 70-200 2.8 is what sold me on it. It has made a world of difference, but still looking to lighten the load.

Have you looked into other camera straps? BlackRapid's straps goes across the shoulder. Left shoulder to right hip. It takes the load off of the neck. I have done several multi-day trips to Disney with zero neck issues. There are other manufacturers that make this style too.


As far as lenses go, primes are definitely lighter while on the camera. Around a 35mm is nice for a crop sensor just walking around Disney. Do you carry a backpack for other lenes/equipment?

Last year I used a Tamrac messenger style pack with my Tokina 11-16 and 430EX in it along with things like batteries and filters as well. However, we had a stroller and the shoulder bag sat on top of it most of the time. This year we probably won't have the stroller so I'm looking to really lighten it. The strap helps immensely, but with my fused vertebrae the ol' neck starts to feel it after a few days.

 

[nigelp]

Have you thought about a different/better way of carrying your camera?
Because of what I shoot, I use a lot of the heavier lenses. If I tried to carry my equipment (crop body w/vertical battery grip, 70-200 f2.8/100-300 f4, external flash) on the standard neck strap, I wouldn't last 15 minutes! Several years ago I switched to the Black Rapid strap and never looked back. With my larger lenses, I attach the strap to the tripod mount and it is balanced and since it isn't around my neck, I don't feel the weight. I can go all day with no problem. I would definitely look at a new camera strap system first.

I no longer have a conventional strap on my camera - just a wrist strap. But I use a Lowepro Passport Sling bag. This hangs at about waist level and has a top opening zip. When I'm not using my camera for a bit I just literally 'drop' the camera in to my bag.

The Passport sling features on this website:
Digital Photography School Top 13 camera Bags

 

[boBQuincy]

My other option is moving to a lighter mirrorless system as a travel camera, but a viewfinder is a must. Something like a Fuji XE-2 or X100s if I could find myself able to live with a single prime. Looking for others who've done the parks with a prime or two and their opinions on it. Thanks!

After carrying too much weight for years our answer was mirrorless. We also had to have a viewfinder, Panasonic's G3 worked for that. I have done some days with mostly a 25 f/1.4 and 45 f/1.8 (portrait lens). If I were sticking to primes I would also get Olympus nice 12mm f/2. Even with the three of these (and a G6/GX7/EM-5) your load will be much less than a 7D with even one lens.

 

[nbaresejr]

Another vote for Black Rapid. The wait will not be an issue with a sling strap.

Recently I have been thinking of switching over to the Luma Cinch. If i get a new camera I will most likely get a new strap at that time.

 

[SplashMo]

I would say mirror less. My current setup is the SONY RX100 P&S. I am goig to add the Ricoh GR 28 with 21mm adapter for the wide end and use it as a two camera system. Perhaps latter adding a Fuji x-e2 or Oly OMD with the 45mm oly lens.

 

[fla4fun]

Heyas,
Been thinking about what to bring along for next years trip to Disney World. Body is a Canon 7D. My go-to / walkaround lens has always been my 17-55 2.8. Outstanding lens for Disney and was accompanied by my Tokina 11-16 2.8. However, what wasn't so outstanding was my neck being a wreck by the end of the week mainly due to the 17-55 + 7D weight. The rides probably had something to do with it as well, but I had my C6-7 vertebrae fused a few years ago and am looking to lighten the load. I really don't want a cheaper zoom as I'm not looking to sacrifice quality or looking to buy a lesser version of what I already have. I have a 50 1.4 which I resorted to on my last day, but of course its way too long as a general lens on a crop. I'm looking at options in the 20-40 range like the Sigma 30 1.4, Canon 20 / 24 / 28 and 40mm pancake lenses. My other option is moving to a lighter mirrorless system as a travel camera, but a viewfinder is a must. Something like a Fuji XE-2 or X100s if I could find myself able to live with a single prime. Looking for others who've done the parks with a prime or two and their opinions on it. Thanks!

I bought the 40mm pancake for my Canon and the combined weight is actually about an ounce less than my former superzoom p&s. I can wear it on a neck strap and forget it's there. I find it's a good lens for general shots and works well in low light. I used it exclusively for my photos of the parade at MVMCP, and was very pleased. There are times though when I miss having just that little bit of zoom like you have on the 17-55 because I've left the other lens behind to save on weight.

But I would agree that a new strap may be what you need. If you have lenses that you already like, a new strap is less expensive than new lenses you may not need (want is a totally different story ), and could provide the comfort you are lacking with your current strap.

 

[sporadic]

I already use an Optech Utility Sling which I prefer over the Black Rapid straps. Love the way it carries. Very comfortable and it helps immensely. The issue is the titanium plate and screws in my neck from when I ruptured a disc and had my C6-7 vertebrae fused. The sling strap helps, but any amount of weight on neck or shoulders for an extended amount of time will start causing pain, and the rides definitely don't help the situation. The smart thing for me to do would just go with a point and shoot (or stay off the rides), but I can't bring myself to it. I've been tempted by the RX100, but for less money I could pickup an EOS M w/ a 22mm and 40mm pancake. However, both options lack a view finder. The G3 and lens options look interesting. Also been considering a SL1 which looks similar in size and could utilize the glass I already have. I have until late May to figure this out so plenty of time to think about it. If Canon's 22mm pancake had an EF-S / EF mount it'd make my decision much easier

 

[fla4fun]

The SL1 with the 40mm pancake will weigh just over a pound (about a pound and a quarter). It's very light. If you already have a Canon you like, and glass you want to keep, it's a good secondary camera for those times when weight is an issue.

Have you considered more of a harness strap as opposed to a sling or neck strap? I have back issues that are really aggravated by carrying weight cross body (I'm better off with the neck strap, but still have to really watch the weight).

 

[Animagic!]

When I want to go "light" in the parks I often go with just my Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens. It gets more use than all my other lenses. The versatility of my 17-50mm f/2.8 is nice but it is a lens with a little heft to it.

At the end of the day I find a fixed 30mm to be a nice compromise to a zoom. Personally, I find the speed and DOF of f/1.4 to worth losing a zoom range.

 

[traylorc]

Another recommendation for Black Rapid straps...without a doubt one of the best investments I have made when it comes to photography. I have no problem carrying my camera plus my 70-200mm or 80-400mm lenses for long periods of time. Heck, I sometime have two camera bodies out simultaneously (for events like parades or shows) and with two Black Rapid straps it's really no big deal.

 

[SplashMo]

I keep thinking about this. I think you would love an Oly E-M1 with 12-40 lens or a SONY At with Kit lens. Or A Fuji x-e2 WITH 18-55 LENS.

 

[jewood1234]

I can carry my Olympus EPM1, 12mm and 45mm in a cargo pocket and use a small wrist strap when shooting.

Both panasonic and oly have very small, great viewfinders that you can add when bright outside or leave on all the time.

 

[Pooh2]

I also have cervical spine and shoulder injuries so had to change things up a bit on our trip last month. I only brought one lens with me to the park each day, and used a crumpler neck strap cross body to get the weight off the neck and shoulder.
A few days, I just threw in the towel and brought along my panasonic lx5 for the second half of the day rather than lugging the dslr.
Good luck!

 

[BorisMD]

Two comments:

1) I'll second the recommendation for the BlackRapid. I've been using many different models of straps/carrying devices for years (belt/holster/neck straps) and I love the BlackRapid. No neck strain and the camera is always at the ready.

2) I have a 7D and used to always have the 17-55 IS on there. That is truly a great Disney park lens on that body. However, lately, I've been using the 40mm pancake lens. I really like the stealthy (as stealthy as one can get with a larger body like the 7D) look and the light weight and low profile. It takes great shots and is a good lens for walk around and for family photos at the parks.

I actually now do both -- the BR strap and the pancake lens. Great combo.

If you'd like to see some Disney photos with the pancake, I can throw a link up for you.

Regards,

Boris