For photography lovers--what lens do I NEED at Disney?

[TandLMommy28]

I'm looking into renting a lens for the trip or buying if it's in my price range. Right now I only have the 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 that my camera came with. It's a Canon Rebel XTi.

What lens can't you live without in Disney?

 

[tmoret]

interesting question. I would love to know what everyone uses.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Photography Board.

 

[d_lairson]

My personal fav is the Canon 28-135. It is a quality, fast lens that can cover almost all situations.

 

[Master Mason]

My personal fav is the Canon 28-135. It is a quality, fast lens that can cover almost all situations.

the 28-135 is fast??? its a variable lens from f/3.5 to 5.6. I know of no standard that would concider that a fast lens. I have one, and it's nice, but it's certainly not fast.

To the OP,

it depends on what type of pictures you're looking to get as to what lens(es) you might need.

Lots of folks will suggest the 50mm f/1.8 which would be concidered a fast lens for attempting to shoot parades and dark rides.

 

[handicap18]

The kit lens will do well for you for the majority of your photo needs. If you want to get more into the photography aspect instead of just taking snapshots, then the other lens or lenses that you'll need/want will depend on your shooting style.

Some people can go with just one lens and be happy. Many will take 2 or 3 lenses such as the basic kit lens like you have along with a telephoto lens (50-200 or 70-300) and also a very fast lens like the 50mm f/1.8 or 30mm f/1.4 for the indoor rides.

A small group (such as the regulars here on this photo board) will go with as many as 5 or 6 lenses. In addition to the lenses that have been mentioned they may take an Ultra Wide Angle like a 10-20mm or 11-18mm (or something similar to that range) or maybe a Macro lens.

I typically bring with me 4 lenses and use them for the type of picture I'm looking for at a given park. I mostly use my telephoto lens (a 70-300mm) at Animal Kingdom. I'll use my 30mm f/1.4 at MK and DHS for the indoor rides (occasionally at EPCOT too). I like the UWA lens (I use a Sigma 10-20mm) at all the parks for a different perspective and my standard walk-around lens goes with me to all the parks (I've used an 18-70mm, 18-135mm and am currently using a 17-50mm f/2.8, but would also use a 24-70mm f/2.8).

So basically, it depends on the shooter.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I have the 18-55, 55-200 and 35mm 1.8 and used the all in January. My next trip is in November and I really hope to have a wider lens by then. 18mm was just too tight for me when I wanted to get the expression from my son sitting next to me on different rides.

 

[Herkemer]

Just to add on with what recently worked well for me on Southern California trip (Sea World, Disneyland, San Diego Zoo).

My primary walking around lens was a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L, I probably took 99% of the pictures with this lens. To complement that I also had a Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS when the 105mm just wouldn't get me close enough for the right shot and a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 for taking pictures on various rides.

In hindsight I would have been perfectly happy with only the 24-105mm lens, I barely used the 55-250mm and what shots I did take with the 50mm were decent enough but I suspect could have been better with a little more planning and thought. This is ok though, that's exactly why I got the 24-105mm, so I would have a general walking around lens and not have to be changing things out all the time.

Next trip I'll probably seriously consider just that lens and it will allow me to drop the backpack with the other equipment in favor of a smaller sling bag that isn't nearly as bulky.

 

[ratlenhum]

I just bought an 18-200mm lens because last year I couldn't stand stopping to have to switch lenses.

 

[TinkerKell-ey]

I'm with ratlehum . . . I bought the Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 with optical stabilizer for my Nikon D80 and am very happy with it (there is a version for Canon too). I have 2 kids and a DH that would not be happy with me stopping to change my lens, so this is the next best thing. It's at least "good enough" until I take that dream trip to WDW, alone (or with my best photography buddy), and I can drag along all the equipment I want and take my time!!

 

[WillowBelle]

I've taken my fisheye on the last few trips and am in HEAVEN with the style of pictures that it has resulted in. Get to go wider + closer to the subject = less crowd people in the photo.

 

[mrcricket]

My answer is a bit more philosophical. Take the lens(es) you are the most comfortable with and trust the most. I know GREAT photographers who can go with just 1 or 2 lenses and get amazing shots. The equipment isn't as important as your skill level with that equipment.

Personlly I take an 18 - 105 and a 35m f 1.8 on most trips. I tend to use these the most during my everyday shooting so they are what go with me on trips. I will say I've considered the 18 -200 for sometime. If I get it I will still take the 35m f 1.8, because I always need a fast lens for dark rides and low light shots.

Good luck on your next trip.