Canon part 3

[nvtsallo]

ok I have an upcoming trip to wdw with a Canon 60d.
I have the 18-135mm and 15-85mm and am trying to decide if I need anymore reach for the lights motors action stunt show and the show in front of the castle. This close to Christmas I would hate to buy the 70-300mm usm lens just for that purpose but if it will get me photo's that I would want them someone please give me some advice.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

First, on our last trip we had VIP seating down low and up front. I used my 28-70mm f2.8 lens to photograph almost the entire show. I tried using the 70-200 a couple times and most of those ended up being throwaways. I would think that either would be sufficient as long as you are not in the nosebleed section. Since I have never shot from that high in the stadium, I'm not sure.

 

[nvtsallo]

Assuming i get nose bleeds or for other areas of the park would i need longer than 135? Like the 70-300?

 

[ukcatfan]

Rent one.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

On our last trip, I bought several new lenses for the trip, a 28-70mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8, 100-300mm f4. For the upcoming trip (we arrive at WDW in 23 days), I have purchased a new body (high ISO usable capability) and the Sigma 30 f1.4. On the last trip, I took out the 100-300 one time for the Safari ride. Although it is a very, very good lens, it will probably be staying home this trip. I'm not sure the extra reach was necessary. The 70-200 was the long lens I used the most for shows in front of the castle. It allowed me to stand back and shoot. I could just as well gotten a little closer and used a 135 focal length. I found I needed lowlight capability and sometimes a little wider than I needed length. For my style and use, the 70-200 has become my lens of choice for regular telephoto use. I still love the Sigma 100-300 f4 for its quality, I just don't use it as much. So to answer your question, do I think the length of 300mm is necessary, no. I think you can get along with what you have. Just be aware of your distances and plan ahead. The lenses that you own are consumer lenses and not as fast as the more professional lenses. The 70-300mm also fits into that same class. If I was to purchase a lens, I would look at something a little faster, something in the f2.8 range unless you are going for the dark rides and then you would need 30-35mm f1.4-1.8. That is increase in cost and weight.

And as ukcatfan above stated, you can always rent one. They are not all that expensive to rent.

 

[nvtsallo]

I can get the 70-300 for $550 but would only use it for this trip or the 70-200mm 2.8 for $1400 but it weighs 3lbs and i am worried it will be too heavy with 2 4yr olds to chase. Another option was the 18-200mm but that seems like a lot for 65mm more of reach. Plus i would want it the be able to keep up with the parades and all the christmas stuff they'll have going on. I could rent it but thats $140 vs buying a lens the next trip I go on.

 

[mom2rtk]

When you say show on the castle steps, are you talking about "Dream Along with Mickey" or the show at night during MVMCP? I see no reason your 135 won't work for the daytime show. You might want something faster for a night show though. Just in terms of sheer reach, 135 is fine for that. We haven't seen LCA, but would probably just suggest getting to the show a little early to assure a closer seat and I bet you'll be fine.

As much as I'd love a 70-200 2.8, I do know I'd never carry one around Disney. Many do every day. You've heard from them here, and you'll see them in the park. But most aren't herding 2 four year olds. I rented one for my son's high school graduation last year and that was helpful to squash my desire to buy one for a while.

I bought the Sigma 50-150 2.8 last year and love it even more now that I've carried the heavier 70-200 for a bit. That lens was discontinued but shows up on Ebay still. It's what I plan to use to shoot the MVMCP parade this year. And it's what I use for most stage shows at Disney unless I'm right up in the first few rows.

 

[rotlex]

Every year I take fewer and fewer lenses along. On our most recent August trip, I decided to take nothing but the 18-135 kit lens. It was perfect for just about everything. It's a great range for just about anything, and frankly, the quality the thing puts out is on par with a few considerably more expensive lenses I own, or have owned in the past.

 

[nvtsallo]

Yeah i think i will just go with what i have and enjoy my time with the family. Thanks everyone. I will bring both my lenses just because the 15-85 has a better low end quality imo. I do want to pay attention to the vacation and my kids. Plus were getting the photopass cd also so i'm sure we'll be covered any tips on how to get vip seating for the lights action motor stunt show?

 

[Frantasmic]

With your better sensor, get the 55-250. It is inexpensive, image-stabilized, and it gets pictures you won't think it can get, even in darker circumstances.

 

[nvtsallo]

So you say spend the $300 on it over the 70-300mm?

 

[mom2rtk]

Yeah i think i will just go with what i have and enjoy my time with the family. Thanks everyone. I will bring both my lenses just because the 15-85 has a better low end quality imo. I do want to pay attention to the vacation and my kids. Plus were getting the photopass cd also so i'm sure we'll be covered any tips on how to get vip seating for the lights action motor stunt show?

But isn't it fun to while away the time waiting for your trip dreaming of new gear?

Disney with twin 4 year olds.... Sounds exhausting, but oh so magical. 4 is my favorite Disney age. Old enough to be a little less work, but still young enough to be caught up in the magic!

When is your trip? We'll be there the 9th to the 18th.

 

[RadioNate]

With your better sensor, get the 55-250. It is inexpensive, image-stabilized, and it gets pictures you won't think it can get, even in darker circumstances.

I would absolutely recommend the 55-250 IS over the 70-300. You can get the 55-250 for $200 and I've gotten some great shots out of this cheap lens.

I'd absolutely save the $350 and go with this one over the 70-300.

 

[Frantasmic]

So you say spend the $300 on it over the 70-300mm?

Actually, it can be found with a store that rhymes with sadollama for $200.

It is definitely worth the money, IMO. It was a good lens on my XSi. I haven't tried it with the my 60D yet.

 

[nvtsallo]

Yeah we are going the 12-19th maybe we can see you there in passing. Send me a personal message with your email and ill send you mine.

 

[nvtsallo]

I recently found out the 24-70 2.8mm is available but it would cost me $1300 and I would have to lose my 15-85mm and am worried there will not be enough wide end for all my shots at wdw and for the holidays. I am still thinking about the 55-250mm because it would be a low cost investment to see how many times i need that reach. Otherwise if I do I would get the 70-200mm f4 IS lens for a permanent lens but not for a trip like this. I also have in hand the new Canon s100 and it takes some decent pictures and I am inclined just to bring it since I am packing a family aswell but I know I will not be happy with the photo's in the end and regret it. Ohh so many decisions. Is there anyone out there like me who has put this much thought just into your camera choices for a vacation?

 

[mom2rtk]

Many here shoot with 24 (or even 28) as the widest part of their walk-around lens at Disney, and are very happy with it. I recall when I got my first kit lens that went to 18 feeling like I'd died and gone to Heaven. I loved being able to get more of the beautiful scenery at Disney into my shots. And I loved being able to get a shot or 2 of my kids while we were standing in line or riding something. You can't back up to widen the shot in those situations. And even out in the open at Disney, by the time you do back up, a bunch of people will typically get between you and your subject.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Ohh so many decisions. Is there anyone out there like me who has put this much thought just into your camera choices for a vacation?

If you want to be happy, choose the type of shots you want to get and take the best equipment you have to get those shots. Without devoting your entire vacation to photography, you won't be able to get every shot there is to take at WDW. You need to enjoy all that WDW has to offer and record it for future rememberances, but don't forget to have fun. For our upcoming trip, I'm focusing on lowlight rides and shooting from lower angles than I have in the past. My last trip was a lot of looking up, signs, and shows. Since I will have a weatherproof DSLR and lens, I want to get a couple of shots of the water rides at splashdown. My shotlist is coming together. Just remember to have fun!!

 

[nvtsallo]

Good advice thanks. I just care about the basics actually my kids would prefer no pictures because i would be having fun with them. So i'm goin with what i got and am going to be happy with that.

 

[bob100]

With your better sensor, get the 55-250. It is inexpensive, image-stabilized, and it gets pictures you won't think it can get, even in darker circumstances.

I found that to be true. surprisingly you can get good pics at high ISO shooting at f4 and f5

only $177 at Adorama - free shipping and one year warranty!
http://www.adorama.com/CA55250AFSR.html