A couple of questions, 1st trip

[AnnieDan_Artlover]

Hi!
Ok, so I after about 25 years of waiting for this trip, I'm finally going to Disney!!!
I'm also a photography passionate, but wouldn't want to live this trip only through my camera lens... or drive Mama crazy. I want to live it.

Mostly, I'm ill. I'll be in a wheelchair (I can walk, but have no stamina whatsoever, the heat makes it worst and I can't walk or stand long without fainting. If that wasn't enough, I've got joints problems, with lots of pain).
That means I really need to make Mama happy, because she pushes the w/c!
No really, it mainly means I must be careful about what I'll bring into the parks!
Of course, we can put whatever bag I bring photo-wise on the w/c handles, Mama could even sport it for a while, but I really don't want to make her my mule. She's not into photography, I am!

One good thing is we'll be there long enough (we have to take our time, I'll need to take naps, etc.) so I'll probably be able to experience a first time, and focus on picture taking the second time (like AK for example... I won't bring the zoom the first time, only the 2nd visit. Definitely will bring the camera both times, but not the cumbersome zoom!).
Another good side is, I'll be able to take a rest and put the camera on my lap, not always having to keep it around my neck, but still having it ready all the time!

(hey, you always need to find positive things about being in a wheelchair for your dream trip...)

So equipment wise (I may miss some details, but bear with me, I'm stuck in bed today and can't go and check):
I have a Nikon D70s
the Nikkor kit lens (18-70mm if I'm right)
Sigma macro lens (no idea of the details. I know how to use it, just not one to speak about it so the numbers aren't engraved in my brains... plus I have memory issues!)
Sigma zoom (70-200mm or in that range. It's the 70mm I'm not sure about, I know it stops at 200mm). That zoom is heavy!!! Very, very heavy. I have trouble holding it up for more than 5 minutes.
Manfrotto monopod with ball head. As of now, the monopod clip-on shoe is attached to the zoom, since I've never felt the need to use it with any other lens and since I can't hardly use the zoom without it!
(I've got to say, this bothers me a little... It may be an easy clip-on shoe, but it's hard to install on either the camera or the lens... and if I want to use it with the zoom lens, I can't put the monopod shoe on the camera body because of balance... So I can't use the monopod easily with all my lenses! I can't change it quickly from one to the other.The only advantage is I don't have to bother with the bulk of that clip-on shoe on my camera all the time)

Now, 1st question :
I've read this board a lot and read a 50mm would be the best for night shots, low-light situations and night parades (especially Spectro). I don't have a 50mm. Would any macro do the job???

2nd question : Should I put the monopod shoe on the camera body (to use with regular & macro lens)? Meaning : I'll mostly need the monopod for Wishes (I intend to try to do without it for other night shots, as I don't want to do long exposure night shots, and if I'd ever want to, I'd have the w/c arms I could use), but after reading many posts on the board (especially the sticky), I deducted the best lens for Wishes would be my kit lens (or maybe the macro???)...
I could always put it back for AK (where I'll need my zoom) or try to use the zoom without the monopod...
Sub-question : Would the macro be better for Wishes? Or is the kit lens the best?

3rd question : Does anyone know if any of the w/c parade/wishes viewing spaces are any good for photography?

4th question :
intro : I intend on taking all my 3 lenses (plus extra battery and all memory cards) to Disney, using my Lowepro mini-trekker, and also bringing my dad's Pentax PnS (for foodporn pix -less attention!- and for Mama to use when I'm with a character... I don't think she'll feel at ease enough with the Nikon to use it. I prefer lower quality pix with the PnS than missed shots with the Nikon or none at all... or making people angry because she's taking too much time... or making her stressed out!).
But that would be only for the plane... Since I'll be in the wheelchair, only one of use can carry a bag, really. Of course, putting one on the w/c handles and Mama carrying another one is always possible, but not what we'd want. And I don't think it would be necessary to bring all my photo stuff to the parks each day either!
I think I'd sport the camera with a lens attached (I was thinking of the kit lens, most of the time), and putting a second one, the most useful for the park we'd go in that day, in our backpack.
Now the question is : do you think putting a lens, with both caps on, but without it's padding case, in a backpack, would be OK?

Last question : Would you be worried about leaving a monopod hanging on the w/c handle? (for example, we brought it to the park for the night, but we go to a restaurant and can't bring the w/c in -or just decide it's less complicated if we don't, and decided to leave the monopod with it)... Would it be gone in minutes? (stolen)... Would you never take that chance? Of course I'm insured, but that's not the point...

Last note : I've read you can always bring your bag and camera (around your neck or in your hands) with you on rides, and the only problem are the thrill rides or water rides... Well I'll be allright on that side, since Mama doesn't do any thrill rides and don't intend on doing the water rides either!

Thank you!

 

[MICKEY88]

I'll let others answer the other questions, but one thing you might want to check on, it is possible to buy extra quick release plates for some tripods or monopods, that would allow you to keep one on the big lens and keep one on the camera, eliminating the need to switch back and forth..

 

[YEKCIM]

I'll take a crack at the low-light situation question. It is not a macro lens that you need for low-light photography, although a particular macro lens might work. Macro lenses have the ability to focus very close to the subject so that you get a 1:1 magnification ratio, if that makes sense.

What you need for Spectro and for nighttime/low-light situations is a lens with a large maximum aperture (low "f" number). If you are photographing a static (non-moving) subject, and have a way to steady the camera, a large aperture is not necessarily essential. But, since the lighting is turned down during Spectro, and the floats, etc, are moving, you need a large aperture *and* a fast shutter speed, to stop the action. In addition, you will probably need to use your highest ISO setting which, IIRC, is 1600 on the D70. If you have a lens that is f/2.8 or less, you will probably be OK. The focal length is not as important as the maximum aperture. An aperture setting of f/1.8 or f/1.4 would be best but, if you have only f/2.8, give it a shot and see what happens. I'd use shutter priority with 1/60 second, probably, as the shutter speed, ISO 1600, as stated above, and let the camera set the aperture.

Hope that makes sense.

~YEKCIM

 

[AnnieDan_Artlover]

Hi and thanks to you both for answering so quickly!

(altough I still hope for other answers! )

It does make sense! I had just stuck on the 50mm thing because it had been coming back over and over in other threads on low-light subjects and it had been standing out, I guess!
I need to check out the max. aperture for my lenses... (can't wait to get out of that bed... Well I just did, to have dinner, but I can't really stay up long enough for things like getting my camera bag and check that... altough I should... fooling around with the camera settings and the different lenses paricularities is something I definitely need to do before I leave and it would make the time go by faster... -it's been awhile since I was able to use them- but you do need all your concentration for that and I couldn't say I have it today!)

As for extra quick release plates (that's the word I was looking for! ), I'll look into that... but after the trip... my expenses are way up there already! But it's exactly what I'd need!

Thanks a bunch!

 

[AydensMom]

If excessive heat is an issue for you rest assured that the best light for quality pics is real early morning or right around sunset. I would try and have you dinner about an hour before the scheduled sunset and then shoot the good stuff right afterwards. AK is great with the safari ride. Animals are best shot first thing in the morning when the park opens before the beasts hide in the shade. The reason everyone mentions the 50mm is, like mentioned ,the f-stop not the focal length. 50mm is popular because fast glass can be had inexpensively. A 50mm 1.8 can be had for just over $100 US in many places. A 50mm 1.4 for about $300 US. An 85mm lens at 1.8 would cost around $400 US new and an 85mm 1.4 would be $1000 or more. Almost any lens faster than 2.0 is usually considered pro glass and priced accordingly. I hope you have a wonderful trip. My father-in-law had to use an electric scooter on our trip in 06 and he had a wonderful time. Just let your body be your barometer and take it slow. There is so much to see and do in the World. Epcot is my favourite.

Enjoy your trip, Pat.

 

[Master Mason]

Hi!
That means I really need to make Mama happy, because she pushes the w/c!

You might want to look into an ECV for at least some days so she isn't having to push you all the time, that might make it more enjoyable for everyone.

3rd question : Does anyone know if any of the w/c parade/wishes viewing spaces are any good for photography?

Right near the bridge going from the castle into the Area with the Hall of presidents there was a handicap specific area, that would probably fit your bill perfectly.

 

[Merrywheather]

Hi! I'm not sure if you will be viewing Illuminations in Epcot, but there is a w/c section between Germany and Italy. We were standing near that area and had a great view of it all - no trees or other obstructions in the way. Have a great trip!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I kept my kit lens and my 50mm 1.8 lens in a ziplock bag and swapped them out from my fanny pack (which I wear facing forward, not behind). I always had either one of those lenses on my camera at any given time, so there wasn't much else for the lens in the ziplock bag to bump against, besides coin purse and money pouch. I used an Optech bag to hold my camera and attached lens so the camera was always accessible at all times. I just strapped in diagonally across my body and it was great. (No neck fatigue.) The Optech padded strap is also wonderful. I often carry my lenses this way (even though I have about 5 bags) just because it's so much lighter to carry. I wouldn't drop it in this type of bag though and I do understand that's the risk I run and I'm willing to take it for the price of convenience. With that said, I'm not lugging around a $2000 lens either. Good luck!
Another option would be to take a few padded pieces out of your existing camera bag and velcro it around your lens, then put in a ziplock to prevent dust, and then inside your fanny pack or backpack.

 

[AnnieDan_Artlover]

Wow!
So many good answers, so quickly!
Thanks so much guys! Once again, just reminds me why I love the DIS so much!

AydensMom... I think we may have to go with the later safari more than with the earlier, since I almost have as much trouble with early mornings as with the heat! I had heard about the animals being lazy during the day... I do plan on trying to get good pix along the paths during that time though... We'll just have to wait and see if I'm lucky or not! But we'll definitly try to do a later safari...
As for the 50mm 100$, really??? hmmm, I'll have to look into that...

Master Mason and Merryweather, thank you so much for the w/c viewing spots info! That was bugging me big time... (yes, we plan on viewing IllumiNations... In fact, we plan on seeing pretty much everything. I know we're not likely to do it, but it's the plan! )
And about the manual w/c... well it's my own pushchair... So it wasn't about what to rent betwee w/c or ECV.
First of all, Mama really does want to push it (even in AK!). I told her about the eneven paths, the long walks, long days and such... But she still wants to. I must say she is a pusher... (a pusher... hahahahahahah! ...ahem, sorry.)
...she misses pushing my stroller, could you believe that? And she wants the exercise it involves... But I'm not ruling out renting the ECV if she ever changes her mind!

DisneySuiteFreak... That's the best tip ever!!!
Take some padding and put it in a Ziploc bag around the lens! Yeah! I would be more sure about it not getting bounced on hard things inside the bag (or on the pavement, for exemple, if there is almost nothing else inside the bag!). Great!

And for the info, I've played a little with my lenses this afternoon.
So I can tell you the zoom is indeed a 70-200mm (and the aperture goes from f2.8 to f32... f32! Is that even possible?! It's what I read on the camera setting anyways!).
And the macro is a 105mm with the same aperture limits.

My Nikon D70s ISO settings do indeed run from 200 to 1600 (and, extra info, the shutter speed does includ bulb... although, not liking the effects you can get with it, I don't think I'll use it in WDW... maybe it's an acquired taste? ... After "bulb" it starts at 30sec. and runs up to 1/8000sec.).

So... thanks again!

 

[handicap18]

Wow!
And for the info, I've played a little with my lenses this afternoon.
So I can tell you the zoom is indeed a 70-200mm (and the aperture goes from f2.8 to f32... f32! Is that even possible?! It's what I read on the camera setting anyways!).
And the macro is a 105mm with the same aperture limits.

My Nikon D70s ISO settings do indeed run from 200 to 1600 (and, extra info, the shutter speed does includ bulb... although, not liking the effects you can get with it, I don't think I'll use it in WDW... maybe it's an acquired taste? ... After "bulb" it starts at 30sec. and runs up to 1/8000sec.).

So... thanks again!

Based on your description of your 70-200mm, it is f/2.8 though the whole zoom range. This means that its widest aperture is f/2.8 no matter if your at 70mm, 120mm or 200mm. (compared to your 18-70mm lens that has a variable aperture of f/3.5-4.5, that means that when you zoom from 18mm to 70mm the widest aperture gets smaller) Its probably the older AF version. (there have since been 2 new versions released, one with AF-S[meaning it has the focus motor in the lens] and one with AF-S and VR [meaning it has the focus motor and Vibration Reduction]. The one you have (again speculation) is an excellent lens (used copies go for $600+). This lens would work well at Animal Kingdom if you have a mono pod. Since it is so heavy you might have some trouble with it on the safari ride with all the movement. At the 200mm end even if your standing still, it might be a little tough to get clean shots unless you use a high ISO and fast shutter speed.

The 105mm Macro is also an f/2.8 lens. Again, another excellent lens. This would be to long for SpectroMagic or any of the indoor rides. If your interested in upclose shots of flowers and butterflies and other things like that, its nice to have. Works well around EPCOT during the F&GF and there are also some great flowers around the MK and AK. You should be able to get as close as about 12 inches and still be able to focus.

I used the 18-70mm lens 2 different times at Disney. It works well and I got a lot of great shots. I think you'll find yourself using this lens probably 75-80% of the time.

Bring the tripod and use it for night shots around the World Showcase in EPCOT & for SSE, everywhere in MK (love Tomorrowland at night and of course the Castle and Wishes), ToT, RnRC and the Hat at DHS. If you can get to an evening EMH at Animal Kingdom then it is worth it to bring the tripod. Go behind The Flame Tree BBQ near the water for a spectacular view of EE. Then the bridge going over the river into Africa has a great view of the ToL. Another cool view is the bridge from EE towards Dinoland. Another great view of the ToL.

If you really want some great shots of Spectro, then the 50mm f/1.8 is great to have. I also use it as my portrait lens and will use it as a general purpose lens for occassional candid pics around the house. Works great in low light. You can't beat the price either.

 

[Groucho]

Re: keeping your lenses in a bag... what I would recommend is a small padded pouch to put the lens in. I have a couple "Zing" padded pouches that are designed to be worn on the belt but with also work perfectly as some basic protection inside a larger bag. They have a string on top to keep them cinched up tightly and are fairly cheap.

Most other stuff has been answered so I'll refrain from re-writing what others have already written!