DSLR Lens suggestions?

[SplashMtn40inches]

Anyone have any experience lugging a DSLR into the park and have any advice on which lenses to bring to maximize your shooting potential without having to lug in your entire library?

Currently, I'm thinking of bringing an 18-200mm lens for the daytime with a gradual ND filter. Then swapping at night to a 35-70mm 2.8 fixed aperture or a 35mm 1.8.

 

[mousehockey37]

A lot of us lug them in, lol, even though my experience is with WDW. That said, I don't have as fun lenses as you do, but when shooting in WDW, my 18-55 is mostly all the more I need. I only need my 55-250 for shooting across the World Showcase Lagoon. If I try to use it for most anything else, it's too tight. Hope this helps.

 

[sharona]

I think your plan is pretty good. I usually bring the 35mm 1.8 along with me during the day in case I want to shoot dark rides. For fireworks you want wide.

 

[SMD]

I'm local, so I don't take a camera for a whole day, but I take one lens per day and plan which shots I'm going to attempt. Early morning a smaller lens to wide shots. Later when there's more people, I'll try for shots on rides. I also keep my camera in a Domke wrap in a small park bag so I don't have to carry a whole camera bag. Consider getting a locker and swapping out what you carry if you want to bring extra lenses or accessories.

 

[mom2rtk]

I do lug most of the lens library along to Disney with me, but I pick and choose each day what I bring into the parks. I try to stick with one on my camera and 2 in my bag. I keep each lens in a padded pouch and just throw them into my backpack with my other things.

What are you hoping to shoot? That's going to make a difference in which lenses you need.

Sometimes if I have a specific lens along for night parades or shows (generally a heavier 2.8 lens) I keep it in a locker and swap out at dinner time. Same with the tripod for fireworks.

Something else to keep in mind is that you can rent lenses if you want a new toy to play with on your trip. Last fall I rented a fisheye for the first time and had a ball with it.

 

[SplashMtn40inches]

Reading these comments, it makes me want to bring like 4-5 lenses. My focus was more on available light...honestly, didn't think too much about WHAT I wanted to shoot (good question!). I don't use a flash (one of my two bodies doesn't even have a built in flash).

The 18-200 is more a general all purpose lens for the daytime. Given the throngs of people in the shots, I kinda gave up on shooting anything "pretty" in the daytime. I'd shoot "cutting my family off at the knees" type vacation photos with this lens.

In the evening, I'd go with a wide and fast 1.8 or 2.8 and hopefully shoot some prettier things with some nice bokeh with the various lights in and around the park. Thinking about the fisheye comment, I do have a 10-24 that would be cool to bring. And I'd love to do some long exposure work but I'm not about to bring in a tripod and don't even know if I'd have that type of opportunity. If I did, I may just chance it and try to set my camera on a garbage can or something.

That all said, the lenses I'm considering now are: 10-24mm, 18-200mm, 24mm or 35mm

 

[mom2rtk]

Reading these comments, it makes me want to bring like 4-5 lenses. My focus was more on available light...honestly, didn't think too much about WHAT I wanted to shoot (good question!). I don't use a flash (one of my two bodies doesn't even have a built in flash).

The 18-200 is more a general all purpose lens for the daytime. Given the throngs of people in the shots, I kinda gave up on shooting anything "pretty" in the daytime. I'd shoot "cutting my family off at the knees" type vacation photos with this lens.

In the evening, I'd go with a wide and fast 1.8 or 2.8 and hopefully shoot some prettier things with some nice bokeh with the various lights in and around the park. Thinking about the fisheye comment, I do have a 10-24 that would be cool to bring. And I'd love to do some long exposure work but I'm not about to bring in a tripod and don't even know if I'd have that type of opportunity. If I did, I may just chance it and try to set my camera on a garbage can or something.

That all said, the lenses I'm considering now are: 10-24mm, 18-200mm, 24mm or 35mm

Just because you bring them all along doesn't mean you have to carry them all every day.

As a general rule, I prefer wider at Disney. That allows you to get up close (to avoid more of the crowds) while still being able to get most of the scene in your shot.

That said, it all really is a matter of personal preference. Lots of people go with one prime and choose to just make the most of what they can get with that. Not me. I get to Disney once a year. I want to shoot all sorts of ways.

 

[wenrob]

I used to bring a selection and switch out on breaks. The most versatile was my 24-70 f/2.8 with the 50 f/1.4 for dark rides tucked in. Really heavy to drag around all day though. The last couple of trips I took my 35 f/1.8 and that was it. My last trip it was pouring rain and I ended up using my iPhone and leaving the camera in the hotel. I actually enjoyed that, it was very freeing. This next trip I'm bringing my Fuji Xpro2 and hopefully the 16 f/1.4. (just waiting for a sale) Above all bring a good, comfortable bag, it makes all the difference.

 

[mom2rtk]

I used to bring a selection and switch out on breaks. The most versatile was my 24-70 f/2.8 with the 50 f/1.4 for dark rides tucked in. Really heavy to drag around all day though. The last couple of trips I took my 35 f/1.8 and that was it. My last trip it was pouring rain and I ended up using my iPhone and leaving the camera in the hotel. I actually enjoyed that, it was very freeing. This next trip I'm bringing my Fuji Xpro2 and hopefully the 16 f/1.4. (just waiting for a sale) Above all bring a good, comfortable bag, it makes all the difference.

That 24-70 sure is a beast. But dang, mine sure takes sharp photos! (I have the Tamron version for Canon).

 

[wenrob]

That 24-70 sure is a beast. But dang, mine sure takes sharp photos! (I have the Tamron version for Canon).

It is but she's a beauty, no doubt. (Nikon) I have 100% crops of Ariel's eyes on top of the Soundsational float to show when people ask me if it's sharp. I've never regretted taking it. I'm more inclined to take a selection and switch out if it's a girls trip with my oldest DD. She's like me and just happy to be in the parks so she doesn't mind if I dawdle and take a million shots. When it's a family trip, I tend more towards practical so I'm not testing everyone's patience with my Disney Photo ADD.

 

[egritz]

I used to lug around my big/nice lens (used to have a Rebel and had the 17-55 2.8 on it) but it just got to be too big and heavy when running after the kids....I upgraded my camera to a full frame last year which also meant an upgrade to a 24-70 2.8 which as you know is a great lens, but sooo heavy. so last trip I bought a 40mm 2.8 pancake lens. Since my focus isn't on getting amazing pictures of Disneyland but to get cute moments of my littles, I didn't want to be weighed down by heavy gear (and constantly hit little kids in the head with my camera on my hip). I did also bring my 70-300 tamron but I only brought it into the park 1 day. I did not regret not having either of my better lenses (24-70 2.8 & 70-200 2.8 & 50 1.4).

Someday I'd love to take a trip by myself WITH my gear to play and have fun, but I'm probably many years away from that happening!

Also there is a Photography forum hear on DisBoards you will probably enjoy checking out:
http://www.disboards.com/forums/photography-board.97/

 

[idle]

What sort of straps are everyone using? After a while, the OEM neckstrap starts to wear on me. I see people with shoulder straps that look like they'd be comfy...

 

[sharona]

I used to lug around my big/nice lens (used to have a Rebel and had the 17-55 2.8 on it) but it just got to be too big and heavy when running after the kids....I upgraded my camera to a full frame last year which also meant an upgrade to a 24-70 2.8 which as you know is a great lens, but sooo heavy. so last trip I bought a 40mm 2.8 pancake lens. Since my focus isn't on getting amazing pictures of Disneyland but to get cute moments of my littles, I didn't want to be weighed down by heavy gear (and constantly hit little kids in the head with my camera on my hip). I did also bring my 70-300 tamron but I only brought it into the park 1 day. I did not regret not having either of my better lenses (24-70 2.8 & 70-200 2.8 & 50 1.4).

Someday I'd love to take a trip by myself WITH my gear to play and have fun, but I'm probably many years away from that happening!

Also there is a Photography forum hear on DisBoards you will probably enjoy checking out:
http://www.disboards.com/forums/photography-board.97/

Bucket list!

For now, when I go with the family, I will get up early on our "sleep in" morning or forego late afternoon nap time to go out in the parks or around the hotel by myself to get some photo time.

 

[wenrob]

What sort of straps are everyone using? After a while, the OEM neckstrap starts to wear on me. I see people with shoulder straps that look like they'd be comfy...

I've been through a million straps and I always go back to my old Op Tech. Not the slide, not the pro, just the basic, original system. It's not pretty or snazzy but it's comfortable and breathable. Over the years I've discovered I much prefer function over fashion. I've tried the fancy leather shoulder bags and custom straps. Give me a comfy, solid backpack (I use a Lowepro Hatchback) and workhorse strap and I'm good to go.

 

[idle]

I've been through a million straps and I always go back to my old Op Tech. Not the slide, not the pro, just the basic, original system. It's not pretty or snazzy but it's comfortable and breathable. Over the years I've discovered I much prefer function over fashion. I've tried the fancy leather shoulder bags and custom straps. Give me a comfy, solid backpack (I use a Lowepro Hatchback) and workhorse strap and I'm good to go.

I'll take comfort over style. Are you talking about this one?

https://www.amazon.com/OP-TECH-USA-...ECH+USA+3501242+Utility+Strap+-+Sling+(Black)

 

[sharona]

What sort of straps are everyone using? After a while, the OEM neckstrap starts to wear on me. I see people with shoulder straps that look like they'd be comfy...

I have a padded strap - brand is Targus - that I bought at Target of all places. It was under $20 and has lasted a long time. I should probably grab another one as a back up for when this one wears out. It's curved to fit comfortably around the neck but I wear it full length cross body so the weight isn't all on my neck and it's very easy to bring it up to shoot. It's my own version of a Black Rapid which I didn't find very comfy. I have worn this thing for a full day park open til close and not had an issue. If I'm toting a heavy lens, I wear my park bag cross body on the same hip at the same length and I "rest" the camera on top of the bag which seems to make the weight easier.

I think you have to try out several different straps to find what fits you best. Male vs. female is also a factor as well as body type.

ETA I also like it because it uses the designated strap holders and not the tripod mount.

 

[wenrob]

I'll take comfort over style. Are you talking about this one?

https://www.amazon.com/OP-TECH-USA-3501242-Utility/dp/B003T0EYVE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487085858&sr=8-1&keywords=OP/TECH+USA+3501242+Utility+Strap+-+Sling+(Black)

No, though I did try the Sling. I just can't make myself be comfortable carrying the camera any way but upright. Plus that pad is too thick for me.

I use this one:
https://www.amazon.com/OP-TECH-USA-1001062-Classic/dp/B0043WKRCW/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1487086351&sr=8-7&keywords=OP/TECH+USA+loop+strap
I added extensions so that I can carry it cross body if I want. What I like most is the loop and clip system I can reconfigure the strap as I'm going about my day in just a few seconds.

 

[mom2rtk]

I have a Black Rapid and love it. It puts the weight across your body instead of around your neck. I've had mine for years and love it.

 

[ehrawn]

Because I haul gear for a whole family, I compromise on my camera gear. First, I bring a mirrorless instead of a DSLR, and second I only bring one lens at a time. Not only does this reduce the volume carried into the Park, but it also forces me to be selective with what I shot. For our last trip, I brought a 10-24mm, 35mm/1.4, & 55-140mm, but I didn't shoot the long lens at all. Reviewing my photos now, it was nice to have the wide lens, but given the "closeness" of everything in the Park, I can probably get by with a mid-range focal length, fast lens and shoot about 90% of what I wanted.

10-24:

35:

 

[ehrawn]

What sort of straps are everyone using? After a while, the OEM neckstrap starts to wear on me. I see people with shoulder straps that look like they'd be comfy...

I like to keep my camera in my hand so that I can be ready for the impromptu moments with kids. I use a Gordy's wrist strap and a Peak Design Capture Clip attached to my backpack strap for the times when I need both hands. I keep a lenswrap in the bag for times when I want to pack the camera complete away. It helps that my camera/lens isn't heavy.
http://www.gordyscamerastraps.com/wrist-lug/
https://www.peakdesign.com/product/clips/capturepro/
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16162-REG/Domke_722_19B_19x19_Color_Coded_Protective.html