help with ??'s for a Canon Rebel SLR owner

[Dee77]

Let me start off by saying, forgive me if I don't have the right lingo here, kinda new to having a more enhanced camera. I always had a point and shoot in the past and absolutely love my new Canon Rebel. We leave in 28 days and I am back on track to get the right gear for our upcoming trip to the world!

My first question is- I only have the standard lens (I think it is 18-55) should I get another one, if so which one? Also if I do get another one, should I bring both or would the new one be suffice?

Next question- what carrying case do you all recommend? We will have a backpack for DD's pull ups and wipes etc, would there be something that can easily be kept in there or is there a bag to get to carry separately?

Thanks for all your help!!

Dee

 

[tiggr33]

Hi Dee,
I am one of a number of Canon users you'll find here. What lens/lenses to bring depends on a number of things. The type of shooting you typically shoot. What you want to shoot/accomplish. Your budget for gear is a factor. Will you be doing night shooting? Shooting in shows/attractions? Can you easily hand hold a larger lens. Will you be bringing a tripod?

When I go to Disney I typically bring two bodies (xt and Xti) my 70-200 (4.0 non IS), 28-135, 100mm Macro, and a nifty fifty, a 430ex ii flash, extra cards and batteries. Do I carry all of them all the time, not always. Sometimes I will limit myself to one body one lens and force myself to shoot within those limitations. Currently, I have a Kata 3n1-30 bag, which I love. But I haven't tried it at WDW yet. If I am carrying one body/one short lens, I will use a case logic holster that can be carried in any backpack. There really is no magic bag. It is what works for you. Whatever bag you do decide to take, may I recommend a rain cover for it.

 

[mom2rtk]

What do you want to shoot at Disney? What do you mainly use your camera for at home?

I think you'll find a lot of great help here. I wanted to shoot more low light shows and parades, and got a lot of help here finding the right lenses!

 

[Dee77]

Well I am partly feeling like I do not have an adequate lens because this past Friday I went with DD to the Bronx Zoo and to tell you the truth, my pictures were very limited with distance. Not sure how this equates to Disney but if I need an additional lens then.... I guess I will be shopping for one. I plan to go to several nightime shows and will likely take pictures. Fantasmic, the parades etc. I will mostly take shots of our family though so...

I did look at the case and think that will be perfect for us for traveling with a backpack. Thanks for that. Any more advice about the lens issue?

 

[disneyboy2003]

Welcome to the Canon family!

I think your kit lens is a very good general purpose lens, especially for Disney. Even if you do buy another lens for this trip, I think that a great majority of your pictures will come from your current kit lens.

The only other lenses you might consider are a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens (about $400) or a Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens (about $100). Either of these lenses would help you with "low light" photography without flash, like on some of the darker rides. The Sigma 30mm lens comes very highly recommended on this board (it's on my wish list, too). Also, be sure to use "Manual" settings to take full advantage of either of these lenses. (I'm not sure how much the "auto" camera settings help with low-light situations)

Another lens you might consider is a telephoto lens, such as a Canon 75-300mm lens. However, I think most general Disney photos are best with your wider kit lens.

I don't think you'll miss out on too much with just your kit lens.

 

[WillowBelle]

I agree with Disneyboy. Another Canon user here. I typically only use my 100-300 lens when we're on the safari @ AK.

When we were there in June, I rented a fisheye for 2 reasons. (1) because I wanted the wide angle (i.e., able to be closer to the castle/SE, etc. and fit the whole thing in the photo which also allowed me to cut a lot of wandering crowds out) and (2) because I wanted the bend that the fisheye creates.

There is a thread here in the photography section that talks about the UWA lens use at the parks.

I took my 50mm f1.8 and found it invaluable for darker rides where a flash is not permitted. You need the lower f-stop as a faster lens to bring in enough light to get a good picture .

I also brought a TON of equipment with me, but not DH. As a result, it didn't all come into the parks with me every day because I was struggling to carry it AND all of the trappings that an 8 yo and a 10 yo collect throughout the day .

 

[Frantasmic]

You couldn't go wrong with the 50mm f1.8 AND either of these two zoom lenses:

55-250mm

18-200mm

Your kit lens, a decent low-light like the 50mm and a zoom would cover almost all your picture taking needs for a first time DSLR user in the parks.

You should be able to get the 50mm and the 55-250 for around $350 and maybe a bit more if you get the 18-200.

 

[Dee77]

Where do you rent lenses from?

Also- given your advice about my kit lens being good, I may just want to try renting a lens to see how well it works and how well I can manage with it before investing several hundred dollars which will make DH happy.

Let me say again- thank you all for your expertise and advice!

 

[WillowBelle]

You can rent from lensrentals.com or borrowlenses.com. I've used both and never been disappointed with either company. I personally have rented a fisheye 2x's and a UWA 1x. Hopefully Dh will get the hint and go ahead and purchase the fisheye for me for Christmas. At the rate I'm going, a few more rentals and I will have bought the lens without having it in my bag permanently.

 

[mom2rtk]

As for the bag, I usually have mine around my neck ALL the time, so I don't worry much about the bag. I always carry a large zip loc bag I can put it in if I'm worried about rain. And I keep something soft in my backpack to wrap it in if I decide to put it away (unlikely....)

While you are highly likely to want a long telephoto at the zoo, this might not be the case at Disney. So you need to decide if you want the best overall lens for your life in general, or if you want the best lens for Disney.

For best overalll, I like the long range zooms from 18-200 or all the way up to 270. If your hands are unsteady at all, it's worth getting one with image stabilization.

For the best for Disney, you might want something for low light. The nifty fifty (50mm f1.8) is a great bargain at around $100. But I found that I hated the 50mm focal length. When standing next to the curb, it puts you too close to the floats to get a complete shot. But it's great for close-ups of the parade. The 30mm f1.4 is quite a bit more at around $400, but I like that focal length a lot more. I think there might also be a 30mm f1.8 ??? that's not as expensive. But bottom line is that a low light lens is a lot of fun at Disney.

I would recommend buying what you need overall, not just for Disney, but keeping yourself open to buying more lenses later.

You also might want to check into renting a lens for this trip, so you can test drive it and see what you think. There are entire threads around here with recommendations.

Have fun and good luck!

 

[KarenAylwood]

I have the Canon XSi and at Disney I carried around my Canon 18-200mm (has IS) and my Sigma 30mm f/1.4. These two paired perfectly together. Last year I went with only my kit lens and felt very limited. The 18-200 was perfect for AK and there weren't all that many times I wish I had more length. I switch between telephoto and wide angle all the time so the 18-200mm just fits for me. Eventually I'll be getting the 24-105 f/4L.

I also brought my kit lens as a backup and my 100mm macro incase I wanted it but I didn't end up using either.

For the bag I took my Crumpler 5MDH. Had some extra batteries, memory cards, lens cloth, etc and room for my phone and such. Loved the bag- I carried it for all 9 days of our trip in 90+ degree weather. A few times I attached my gorillapod through the loop.

Check out my trip report in my signature for some taken with these lenses.

 

[tiggr33]

Dee,
A couple other things. Your not that far from Bergen County, NJ. I'd recommend taking a ride to Bergen County Camera in Westwood. They will let you play with lenses attached to a body. You can also go into the City to either B&H, or Adorama. Both rent lenses, B&H is expensive, Adorama just changed their pricing, but I haven't check the $$. Just watch your time in the city both close on Saturdays. For a lens like the 70-200, I wouldn't waste money on renting it. (I hear gasps, but wait) That is one lens that you will buy after just one use. I just bought mine used from B&H. The 70-200 will give you great range. I went with the 4.0 for weight, and non IS to save money. I don't regret either factor.

 

[Dee77]

Thanks again everyone! I showed DH this thread and I think I may be getting my Christmas present early- we will take a spin to the camera shops mentioned and will check them out in person. As for renting, down the line I think that will be a good idea for some of the really costly lenses that may be too much lens for my very limited photography experience. Stay well and I will be following this thread with eagerness to learn!

 

[disneyboy2003]

Can I take this opportunity to change my previous answer?

Nix the 75-300mm lens idea. I totally forgot about that Canon 18-200mm lens until several people mentioned it earlier. Although I don't have this lens either, I've heard good things about it. It's a great travel lens because it's so versatile (11x zoom!). You won't have to worry about changing lenses at all during your trip. 18mm is wide enough for general use. 200mm is "long" enough for general use, too, and it'll come in very handy during the Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom. As a beginning DSLR user, you can probably get away with using this 1 lens during your entire trip.

If you're still looking to buy / bring a 2nd lens, I'd recommend either of the low-light lenses I mentioned above (Sigma 30mm f/1.4 or Canon 50mm f/1.8).

 

[mom2rtk]

Can I take this opportunity to change my previous answer?

Nix the 75-300mm lens idea. I totally forgot about that Canon 18-200mm lens until several people mentioned it earlier. Although I don't have this lens either, I've heard good things about it. It's a great travel lens because it's so versatile (11x zoom!). You won't have to worry about changing lenses at all during your trip. 18mm is wide enough for general use. 200mm is "long" enough for general use, too, and it'll come in very handy during the Kilimanjaro Safaris at Animal Kingdom. As a beginning DSLR user, you can probably get away with using this 1 lens during your entire trip.

If you're still looking to buy / bring a 2nd lens, I'd recommend either of the low-light lenses I mentioned above (Sigma 30mm f/1.4 or Canon 50mm f/1.8).

I second this. I LOVE having the full range of focal lengths at my fingertips, especailly at Disney where you don't know what your next shot would be. Since I have kids and travel with a bunch of extra "stuff", I like not having to dig for the right lens to change to all the time!

 

[KCmike]

55-250 IS (nifty two fifty because it is generally $250) and the nifty fifty (again because you can get it for cheap...around $100) are two very popular lenses. I have both because they came highly recommended for a beginner. I love the 55-250. It is my favorite lens. Both take crisp shots. The 55-250 compliments your kit lens perfectly in my opinion.

Here is another website I generally like:
http://www.photoaficionado.com/lenstalk/5mostwanted.html

Another great website that is ran much like the Disboards but just for Cannon users:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php

Be forwarned you will be hooked. You can go into just the lens area and see what others have done with certain pieces of glass.

Keep us updated on what you decide.

 

[Captjacksfamily]

I guess I am going to go against the grain a little bit. It really depends on your vacation mode. If you are in Park Commando mode where you try and fit in as many attractions and you can and typically shoot your DSLR using the auto setting (green box on Canons) you may want to consider buying a decent P&S instead of investing in a new lens. They are small enough to put in a backpack purse or pocket and you'll bring home good pictures and great memories!

If you are at the point to slow down and play with the creative modes of the camera then the DSLR is worth it. I use a 24-70 2.8L as my "walk around" lens which works pretty well. I will also take my 18-24 2.8L in when I am looking to take shots of buildings or larger groups. My favorite lens to play with is a 70-200 2.8L IS which is a lot of fun for portraits or subject specific picts. I like the 2.8f lenses becasue they are fast enough to shoot in lower light situations and give great Bokeh(sp?) where you blur the background to make the subject really pop. The 1.8f lenses are great lenses but you do have to be sure your focus point is spot on because the depth of field is so short. If you are going to rent a lens I would make sure it is L" quality and at least a 2.8f

 

[bob100]

Let me start off by saying, forgive me if I don't have the right lingo here, kinda new to having a more enhanced camera. I always had a point and shoot in the past and absolutely love my new Canon Rebel. We leave in 28 days and I am back on track to get the right gear for our upcoming trip to the world!

My first question is- I only have the standard lens (I think it is 18-55) should I get another one, if so which one? Also if I do get another one, should I bring both or would the new one be suffice?

Next question- what carrying case do you all recommend? We will have a backpack for DD's pull ups and wipes etc, would there be something that can easily be kept in there or is there a bag to get to carry separately?

Thanks for all your help!!

Dee

I don't know if you have time to get a new lens and practice but you will find the kit lens is pretty good for a wide range of situations. The "nifty fifty" 50mm 1.8 is cheap ($100) and can take good indoor pics with it's larger aperture. The Canon 55-250 is a great telezoom. Depending on your model you can get cheap (off brand) spare batteries at
www.dealextreme.com

Have fun!

 

[GrillMouster]

I say give yourself time to learn your current equipment inside and out before buying anythingg more.

 

[boBQuincy]

I say give yourself time to learn your current equipment inside and out before buying anythingg more.

I can agree with this idea, until we know what it is about our equipment that is holding us back we really don't know what we need to go further. However, the 55-250 is a good complement to the 18-55 and if you need a longer lens it would be hard to go wrong with that one.
Just don't be surprised to find that what you thought you needed sometimes gets rarely used.