Help Me With a Lens Selection and setup

[FeedMeLeCellier]

Just wanted to say Hi to people in DISboards

I am going to WDW with my DG and her dad and his g/f on September 15 – 22, 2014.
Last year I took my P/S Sony Cyber-shot DSC-w570 and GoPro Hero 3 Black.

The video came out very well on the go pro as long as it did not over heat due to the weather at WDW.
While it was working, it took great video of the park during day time. Night time with Go Pro is something
I wouldn’t recommend unless you can filter it out in post due to noise level. This year I have decided to go
up a notch and get a DLSR for the trip. I have decided to get Nikon vs other DSLR out there. I have played
with my friend Canon 70D and really like it but I can’t afford the price tag of 1k for just the body. I have
spent roughly 20 hours on reviews, articles, & blogs to figure out what I want. Tell me what you guys
think about my set up and which one might work better.

CAMERA: Nikon D5300

AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED
or
18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX

PRIME: Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8
Tripod: Dolica Reversible Traveler 57”

Bag: Need help on this one

Battery: Do I need a spare for WDW?

Please let me know, if I missed something or need to change something.

 

[jrdgtr]

Not sure what your experience is with photography but with that being said all of those lenses will do different things. I have to there out out there that I shoot canon and aren't sure the quality of the lenses you are talking about but I can speak on the focal lengths and what you are looking to do. The 18-55 with the 55-300 will cover more focal lengths than the 18-140. The apertures are virtually the same and won't make much if difference between the lenses. But the 18-140 is a better all around lens. While you won't get the focal length of the 55-300 it is almost never needed at disney world. The only time I ever used a focal length longer than 135mm was on safari at AK and even then you can get away with the 18-140. The prime lens will be good for nighttime, photographing dark rides, character portraits, etc. The large aperture of 1.8 is great for blurring backgrounds and shooting in really low light. If you have to choose only one lens I would go with the 18-140.

As far as the tripod goes, please think twice before you purchase an inexpensive tripod. Think about the weight of it and if you want to be carrying that added weight around. I would go with the monfrotto travel tripod. It is pricey but it is light weight and fits in a bookbag but extends to over 5 ft.

as far as the bag goes, I use the neoprene sleeve for my camera and lens cases for my lenses and put them in a bookbag while I'm at disney. I have tons of camera specific bags that each serve their own purpose. But at disney I stick with sleeves and a bookbag.

As far as the extra battery goes, I'm not sure how the battery life is on the camera but I have never run out of battery on my camera once. And I'm out all day shooting.

Any more questions just ask.

 

[jrdgtr]

Not sure what your experience is with photography but with that being said all of those lenses will do different things. I have to there out out there that I shoot canon and aren't sure the quality of the lenses you are talking about but I can speak on the focal lengths and what you are looking to do. The 18-55 with the 55-300 will cover more focal lengths than the 18-140. The apertures are virtually the same and won't make much if difference between the lenses. But the 18-140 is a better all around lens. While you won't get the focal length of the 55-300 it is almost never needed at disney world. The only time I ever used a focal length longer than 135mm was on safari at AK and even then you can get away with the 18-140. The prime lens will be good for nighttime, photographing dark rides, character portraits, etc. The large aperture of 1.8 is great for blurring backgrounds and shooting in really low light. If you have to choose only one lens I would go with the 18-140.

As far as the tripod goes, please think twice before you purchase an inexpensive tripod. Think about the weight of it and if you want to be carrying that added weight around. I would go with the monfrotto travel tripod. It is pricey but it is light weight and fits in a bookbag but extends to over 5 ft.

as far as the bag goes, I use the neoprene sleeve for my camera and lens cases for my lenses and put them in a bookbag while I'm at disney. I have tons of camera specific bags that each serve their own purpose. But at disney I stick with sleeves and a bookbag.

 

[handicap18]

I was in WDW last week. I brought 4 lenses and only used 3, 1 of which I think I only took 10 pictures with. I used my 24-70mm f/2.8 for the vast majority of my pictures. I used my 70-200mm f/2.8 with a 1.4x TC on it at Animal Kingdom. I also used it for a few pictures at Magic Kingdom on our first day. I didn't bring it to the parks on day 3 or 4. I used my 50mm f/1.8 to try to get some shots on Peter Pans Flight, but didn't do so well. The ride moves way to fast to try and take pic's and enjoy the ride.

In the end it depends on what kind of photos you want. Personally, with your set up I would us the 18-140mm and bring along the 35mm f/1.8. I wasn't into taking a lot of "artsy" pictures last week. That being said I do like to always have my 50mm f/1.8 with me. We did PotC twice and each time I only used my f/2.8 zoom. I really should have changed to the 50. When I ride HM, I always use the 50 f/1.8 (BTW, I shoot with a D600 which is a full frame so my 50 has about the same field of view as your 35).

For bags, I don't like to bring a bag with me, but I did have to carry around a backpack for some medical supplies so I just threw my other lenses and flash in there too. I was on a scooter so weight wasn't an issue for me.

Normally I just like to have my camera on my Black Rapids strap and a lens pouch on my belt. My 50mm f/1.8 can fit in my pocket.

I got 2 1/2 days out of my battery, but I didn't take a whole lot of pictures like I have on previous trips. I always make sure I have an extra battery when I know I'm out all day taking pictures. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Pixel Dust]

With those lenses, I would stick with the 18-140 mm and the 35 mm. You probably won't need the reach of 300 mm, unless you want to get super close at Animal Kingdom. I don't even use more than 120 mm, on a full-frame, at AK. The 35 mm f/1.8 will be great for dark rides, low-light situations and portraits.

If you want something ultra-wide, like your GoPro, go with the Tokina 11-16 mm f/2.8. It's inexpensive and very sharp. The f/2.8 will be a definite advantage in low-light too.

One battery will be ok if you take only photos. Your camera will eat up battery life if you take a lot of videos on it. It's mainly due to keeping the screen on and holding the mirror up constantly. Along the same vain, get two SD cards too. Just in case one fails, or if you need more space.

I'm not familiar with your tripod. But just make sure the folded length is less than 22 inches. That's about the maximum that will fit into a locker at Magic Kingdom. My tripod is 21.5 inches and has to fit diagonally in the locker.

Definitely get a BlackRapid strap, or any other cross-body type straps. The strap that comes with the camera and goes around your neck will put a lot of strain on your neck during a long day.

 

[FeedMeLeCellier]

Jrdgtr, handicap18, & Pixel Dust
I thank all of you for your advice you have given me.
As for the lens selection, they currently have 2 kits for sale that I am interested in.
One comes with 18-55 and 55-300MM and other one just has 18-140MM.

The reason why I asked about the two different lens kits was what will I use the most at WDW
and walk around camera at home.

It seems that 18-140MM will be best suited for me for WDW and at home.

As for tripod, I actually do want MeFoto A1350Q1R Road trip Travel Tripod red but my DG
can’t seem to understand, why I would want a good tripod. I usually bring up why she wants a
200$ Dooney & Bourke and she usually changes the subject real quick. 
What do you guys think about the Black Rapid RS-4 Classic Strap with FastenR-3?

 

[FeedMeLeCellier]

Jrdgtr, handicap18, & Pixel Dust
I thank all of you for your advice you have given me.
As for the lens selection, they currently have 2 kits for sale that I am interested in.
One comes with 18-55 and 55-300MM and other one just has 18-140MM.

The reason why I asked about the two different lens kits was what will I use the most at WDW
and walk around camera at home.

It seems that 18-140MM will be best suited for me for WDW and at home.

As for tripod, I actually do want MeFoto A1350Q1R Road trip Travel Tripod red but my DG
can’t seem to understand, why I would want a good tripod. I usually bring up why she wants a
200$ Dooney & Bourke and she usually changes the subject real quick.

What do you guys think about the Black Rapid RS-4 Classic Strap with FastenR-3?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Black Rapid makes all types of new straps. The RS-4 is one of the originals. I own two of them that I convert to a two camera rig when needed (which is often). The RS-4 is a good strap that works much better than the OEM neck straps. The Sport which includes the Brad strap and tends to keep the strap in place much better than the RS-4. Sometimes the RS-4 will slide around off my shoulder and I need to readjust it. If you are active then the Sport may be a better option understanding that you will have the extra strap under your arm. My DGD uses the Elle, which was developed for the ladies and loves it. I would also recommend the Lockstar accessory. That snaps on your connector and prevents it from unscrewing. If you are uncomfortable with your camera hanging upside down, they also make a tether system for added protection.

As far a your kit lens selection, just remember they are kit lenses with variable aperture. The more you zoom the less lowlight capability you have. My experience is that at WDW, they do a lot with lighting to create ambiance, therefore I want lowlight capable lenses. However that will increase the price of the lenses and the weight. Just be aware of the lens' capabilities. As far as zoom, I am a believer you need a lens that has the capability of 200mm. My two "go to" lenses for Disney are a 28-70 f2.8 and a 70-200 f2.8. In my pea brain, I need those lens' capabilities so I tolerate the weight. I also have 30mm f1.4 for the dark rides which your 35mm f1.8 should work well for.

 

[FeedMeLeCellier]

Gianna’sPapa
Thank you so much for the information regarding the strap and lockstar. I wish my old carabiner will fit
in the loop but I think it’s too thick. I will also invest in a lockstar

Thank you handicap18, I will also invest in 2nd battery because I like being safe side also.

As for adding more weight of carrying a tripod around, I don’t have a problem with that. I’m used to hiking around and also carrying things around at work. Carrying things around will remind me of work LOL

I will add to my list
Black Rapid RS-4 with lockstar
2nd battery
2nd memory card

 

[jrdgtr]

Another note in the memory card is that you should get at least a class 10 card, especially if you are planning on shooting video. Not sure if you live in a part of the country with the store Microcenter, but if you do you should buy their store brand memory cards to keep costs down. They are the only cards I use and have never had a problem. And if the card was to break you bring it to them and they replace it for free for life.

 

[SplashMo]

Wonderful camera. The 18-140 is a nice walk round lens.

The 35mm is a nice lens. Do they have a 28mm DX as well? You might like something wider for your prime. Or the tokina 11-16 UWA for your wide...