Fast glass recommendation for dark indoor rides

[rmattman]

My family and I are going to WDW in October. This will be my first trip since my DW gave me the Nikon D7000 for our anniversary. I will be using the 18-200 kit lens as my walking around lens but do not have a good lens for darker indoor rides (Pirates, Peter Pan, etc). I'm planning to rent a faster lens from Lensrental.com to use on the darker rides. I am looking for recommendations for that lens. If you could have one lens to use for the darker indoor rides, what would it be? Cost is not really important since I'm renting it for this trip. Buying a lens of this caliber is not an option currently (or in the next 5 weeks).

 

[HPS3]

I would look into the Nikon 35mm/f1.8 AF-S. For the price($200ish) I would just buy it. I use it 90% of the time on my D5100. When you compare the sharpness and low light capability to your kit lens you will see why it's a must have for nikon shooters. The focus is also much faster than the kit lens.

 

[krb2g]

I have the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 and am a big fan. I haven't used it at Disney yet (will in Dec), but am generally pleased with what it can do. I have heard positive reviews of the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 as well, but if you rent it and like/love it, it's more expensive to buy...

 

[GrumpyGoat]

Based on my experience 35mm is going to be too wide for most dark rides. I shoot with a 28-75mm f2.8 and sometimes it's not long enough...

 

[NLD]

Agree with the Nikon 35 1.8.

I did not find it too wide at all on a crop sensor.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

If you read WDWfigment's (Tom Bricker) review for this type of lens, you will see he highly recommends the Sigma 30 f1.4. I own the lens and heartily concur with Tom's assessment. IMHO it is the definitive dark ride lens.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2756829

 

[photo_chick]

I agree with the suggestion of the Sigma 30mm f/1.4. But if you can't swing it, a 50mm f/1.8 or 35mm will do the job pretty darn well for you.

I've only shot dark rides with my 50mm f/1.8 and it is wide enough for most things but there are occasionally times when it just isn't wide enough. I never felt like it was too wide. I did wish it was just a hair faster at times. After getting my hands on a Sigma 30mm not too long ago I knew I had to add the lens to my bag soon. It's just a little faster, a little wider and really a little better than the 50mm and wider entry level primes from Canon and Nikon.

But we're all different, so what works for me may not work for you.

 

[WDWFigment]

Based on my experience 35mm is going to be too wide for most dark rides. I shoot with a 28-75mm f2.8 and sometimes it's not long enough...

I wholly disagree with this assessment (maybe if all you're doing is close-ups on AA faces). If you're shooting entire scenes, even 30mm will not always be wide enough.

I'd get the Sigma 30, but would also consider the Nikon 35 1.8 if money is an issue. These lenses are cheap enough that renting is not cost-effective. I'd just buy one of them.

 

[zackiedawg]

Sigma 30mm F1.4's been my go-to as well, ever since I got it. I started with a 50mm F1.7, but found quite the opposite that the 30mm was a much better focal for dark rides than the 50mm, which often was too long. The 30mm gives you a chance to pull in wider scenes, and as you draw closer, still be able to get individual and closeup shots.

 

[GrumpyGoat]

Agree with the Nikon 35 1.8.

I did not find it too wide at all on a crop sensor.

It's equivalent to a 50mm on full frame, and to my way of looking at it, that's too wide.

I agree with the suggestion of the Sigma 30mm f/1.4. But if you can't swing it, a 50mm f/1.8 or 35mm will do the job pretty darn well for you.

I've only shot dark rides with my 50mm f/1.8 and it is wide enough for most things but there are occasionally times when it just isn't wide enough. I never felt like it was too wide. I did wish it was just a hair faster at times. After getting my hands on a Sigma 30mm not too long ago I knew I had to add the lens to my bag soon. It's just a little faster, a little wider and really a little better than the 50mm and wider entry level primes from Canon and Nikon.

But we're all different, so what works for me may not work for you.

I tend to concentrate more on the detail in a scene, rather than the entire view. I've never shot at the parks with my 50mm f1.8, so I may have to try that sometime. I just don't like the limited DOF f1.8 gives.

As it is, I rarely take a camera to Disneyland anymore, and when I do, it's usually a point and shoot. Maybe after all the construction at DCA is finished, I'll take my DSLR again...

 

[ssanders79]

I've shot with both a 50mm f/1.8 and a 35mm f/1.8. Both are excellent for dark rides. With the 35mm you have more wiggle room to crop in post considering most dark rides are always moving.

 

[traylorc]

I just returned from a nine day trip to the World. I had my Sigma 50mm f/1/4, and overall it was fine. But there were instances where I wished I had something a little wider.

 

[GvilleDisneyDad]

The Nikon 35mm f/1.8 is an excellent and inexpensive option.

 

[rmattman]

Thanks for all the advice and recommendations. I'll be taking the Sigma 30mm f1.4 lens to WDW in October. Hopefully I can post some pics when we return home.