If you only had one lens

[BostonJP]

If only one lens, it would be the Canon 24-70mm 2.8. I am using it on a full frame camera and miss the extra reach from the 24-105 kit lens however it really takes much nicer looking photos.

 

[jec6613]

If only one lens, it would be the Canon 24-70mm 2.8. I am using it on a full frame camera and miss the extra reach from the 24-105 kit lens however it really takes much nicer looking photos.

Do you have the I or the II?

 

[mom2rtk]

If only one lens, it would be the Canon 24-70mm 2.8. I am using it on a full frame camera and miss the extra reach from the 24-105 kit lens however it really takes much nicer looking photos.

I have the Tamron version of this (because I need image stabilization). I feel the same way about it. I hate to give up the extra reach, but love the 2.8 for a variety of low light photo opportunities in the parks. It really rocked for shots of the Christmas parade at night (where an number of elements don't have outside lighting).

 

[BostonJP]

Do you have the I or the II?

I bought the I just after the II came out. As wonderful as the II is, it's as much as I paid for the camera body!!!

I have the Tamron version of this (because I need image stabilization). I feel the same way about it. I hate to give up the extra reach, but love the 2.8 for a variety of low light photo opportunities in the parks. It really rocked for shots of the Christmas parade at night (where an number of elements don't have outside lighting).

I shoot video for a professional photography company, and the photographers all use that same lens. The Tamrons are incredibly sharp and literally half the price. If I needed the IS I would probably have gone that route too.

 

[jec6613]

I bought the I just after the II came out. As wonderful as the II is, it's as much as I paid for the camera body!!!

I routinely strap $2500 of lens and $500 in plates and brackets onto a $1100 body, so I feel the pain.

 

[fairy oma]

DH has a Canon T4i and for our last trip to WDW I bought him a Canon 18-135mm lens as his walkaround. He got great shots and even liked it for the animal shots at AK. He really liked the fact he was not changing out the lens all of the time.

 

[kidneymomma]

So I'm thinking my best bet for low light conditions is going to be a Tamron or Sigma 17-50 2.8; and then I already own the 18-200 so that will be the lens I put on for the AK day. I only used the 18-200 at Disneyland and was able to get some okay pictures with it. Like this one; but it took multiple shots and changing settings to get one I was happy with.

 

[havoc315]

What would be the best all around lens for disney? One that will last from morning until the fireworks? The darker rides & character meet and greets?

Problem is, there really is no such lens. If there was, then we wouldn't need interchangeable lenses, everyone would just get that 1 magic lens.

Fireworks -- you can shoot with any lens, but the focal length will determine your composition. Want super wide angle landscapes, or more tightly cropped?
Dark rides -- require a fast aperture. Generally speaking, a prime lens, like a 35/1.8.
Most "all in one" lenses are the superzooms, like your 18-200. But you suggested it is too heavy.
A regular kit lens, 18-55, will cover most of your needs. Something like the Tamron 17-50/2.8 would cover the same range, give you a little more dark ride capability, and generally provide slightly sharper shots. But with either lens, you will miss telephoto opportunities. Though at Disney, I generally pass on telephoto except at Animal Kingdom.

If you want to stick to just 1 lens, then go in with an understanding that there will be some types of shots you won't be able to take. Or, make a plan of carrying 2-3 lenses as needed, to cover all the shots that you want to take.

 

[mom2rtk]

Problem is, there really is no such lens. If there was, then we wouldn't need interchangeable lenses, everyone would just get that 1 magic lens.

Fireworks -- you can shoot with any lens, but the focal length will determine your composition. Want super wide angle landscapes, or more tightly cropped?
Dark rides -- require a fast aperture. Generally speaking, a prime lens, like a 35/1.8.
Most "all in one" lenses are the superzooms, like your 18-200. But you suggested it is too heavy.
A regular kit lens, 18-55, will cover most of your needs. Something like the Tamron 17-50/2.8 would cover the same range, give you a little more dark ride capability, and generally provide slightly sharper shots. But with either lens, you will miss telephoto opportunities. Though at Disney, I generally pass on telephoto except at Animal Kingdom.

If you want to stick to just 1 lens, then go in with an understanding that there will be some types of shots you won't be able to take. Or, make a plan of carrying 2-3 lenses as needed, to cover all the shots that you want to take.

Exactly. People carry different lenses to have the best lens for the task at hand, not because they need more weight bearing exercise.

 

[simplyton]

Reading this thread got me re-thinking about a cross body strap.

Bought a cheap version off ebay - will try it and see if its worth spending on Black Rapid-like for our January trip

Thanks folks