Another "What lens" thread - what I want vs what I need

[2Tiggies]

I am taking my new D7000 on a trip next month so we can spends some quality time together

One of the places I am going is a fairly large railway museum and will probably be spending the better part of a full day there. I've checked with them and tripods are welcome provided they are used along with a fair dose of common sense and consideration which is great so I will be taking mine. But I am wondering if I should rent a fast lens (specifically the Nikon 24-70 F2.8 which I am eventually going to buy but can't right now) or just make do with the tripod and longer exposures.

I have a wide angle (Tokina 11-16 F2.8) which will cover me for shots that are suitable for that lens, but the best all purpose I have is the 18-105 F3.5 which loses some speed obviously, as soon as I start zooming in.

I will have the little 50 mm F1.8 with me although I may leave it in the room as I doubt there is really any advantage of that lens for this situation.

So do I rent and go handheld or take the tripod and just use what I have?

I have never taken photos inside a museum before but spoke to someone who has been there and said definitely take a fast lens or a tripod - or both. Any thoughts?

 

[SunDial]

Now if you were coming to Disney World I would meet you and you could use my 24-70 2.8 but i would like to shoot some stuff with your D7000 too. That is the next body i plan on picking up.

 

[2Tiggies]

Now if you were coming to Disney World I would meet you and you could use my 24-70 2.8 but i would like to shoot some stuff with your D7000 too. That is the next body i plan on picking up.

Now ya know, those kind of trades seem 'fair and practical' to me Wish I was going to Disney! I'm so pleased with it so far but I need to really spend some time putting it (and me) through the paces of getting to know it

 

[boBQuincy]

I am taking my new D7000 on a trip next month so we can spends some quality time together

One of the places I am going is a fairly large railway museum and will probably be spending the better part of a full day there. I've checked with them and tripods are welcome provided they are used along with a fair dose of common sense and consideration which is great so I will be taking mine. But I am wondering if I should rent a fast lens (specifically the Nikon 24-70 F2.8 which I am eventually going to buy but can't right now) or just make do with the tripod and longer exposures.

Both is a good plan but from my experience in railroad museums a tripod trumps a fast lens. It also allows for HDR sets which helps when taking photos of black locomotives. My wide angle gets used a lot at places like that, getting close helps keep people out of the photograph and it is usually difficult to back up enough anyway.

Which museum are you going to?

 

[2Tiggies]

Both is a good plan but from my experience in railroad museums a tripod trumps a fast lens. It also allows for HDR sets which helps when taking photos of black locomotives. My wide angle gets used a lot at places like that, getting close helps keep people out of the photograph and it is usually difficult to back up enough anyway.

Which museum are you going to?

Good point about the bracketed shots! I think that alone has probably answered my question, unless I can arrange the lens I want just for a day or to to collect and return in person at the lens rental place right in the town.

I am going to this one http://www.nrm.org.uk/ I LOVE trains! So excited and hoping my camera will love them as much

Edit: Regarding the link, there are two - it's the one in York

 

[havoc315]

I will have the little 50 mm F1.8 with me although I may leave it in the room as I doubt there is really any advantage of that lens for this situation.

I used a 50mm 2.8 extensively at the Museum of Natural History.

I really isn't a bad focal length inside a museum... Unlike a Disney dark ride, you have the freedom to compose your shot.
So the 50mm 1.8 would really give you lots of flash-free options.

I also did use a tripod extensively.


museumnight-40-2.jpg by Havoc315, on Flickr


museumnight-51.jpg by Havoc315, on Flickr


museumnight-70.jpg by Havoc315, on Flickr

 

[2Tiggies]

I used a 50mm 2.8 extensively at the Museum of Natural History.

I really isn't a bad focal length inside a museum... Unlike a Disney dark ride, you have the freedom to compose your shot.
So the 50mm 1.8 would really give you lots of flash-free options.

I also did use a tripod extensively.

Right, I'll make sure I just put that one in the bag or in my pocket too, having seen your shots in your post! I guess, since I don't mind carrying extra gear with me, I'm more at risk of regrets going too light than going too heavy

 

[boBQuincy]

Definitely take the 50, it's small and light and good for those times when a tripod won't work. 50 would have been much too long for this one, no more room to back up!