Looking for a dark ride lens

[1Grumpy9]

I am going to WDW in Dec and to DLR next year and I am looking for a lens that I could use for dark rides. My camera is a Sony A57 that I absolutely LOVE.

I was looking into using Borrow Lenses for renting a lens for the week to see if I like them, but I was just looking on B&H and there are some lenses on sale at a good price.

Any advise would be appreciated...

 

[Visitante]

You could try the Sigma 30mm 1.4. It´s a great lens and perfect for dark rides.

30mm is great on cropped sensors. I had one for canon that i loved.

I looked for it on bhphoto and they say its discontinued now that there is a newer version.

I say "Stick whth the old one" is good and cheaper.

http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-30mm-Minolta-Digital-Cameras/dp/B000FG6CM4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1371819646&sr=8-3&keywords=sigma+30mm+1%2F4+sony

 

[mom2rtk]

You could try the Sigma 30mm 1.4. It´s a great lens and perfect for dark rides.

30mm is great on cropped sensors. I had one for canon that i loved.

I looked for it on bhphoto and they say its discontinued now that there is a newer version.

I say "Stick whth the old one" is good and cheaper.

http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-30mm-Minolta-Digital-Cameras/dp/B000FG6CM4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1371819646&sr=8-3&keywords=sigma+30mm+1%2F4+sony

Grab that one QUICK. It's a great lens even if it's not the newest one. And a lot of bang for the buck.

 

[havoc315]

I'm sure the Sigma is an excellent choice, and really not overly expensive.

But I can also vouch for the even cheaper Sony 35mm/1.8. It has absolutely top quality optics, but it is made affordable by a "cheap" body. It's under $200. It's just slightly slower than the Sigma, slightly less wide. It doesn't have the ultra-silent motor. (though it's not particularly loud either).
So the Sigma is a bit wider, slightly faster, and silent motor.
The Sony is cheaper, lighter (half the weight of the Sigma lens), but also has the advantage of being able to take advantage of in-camera lens profiles, since it is Sony branded.

I don't think you can go wrong with either lens. I'd compare both at Dyxum -- they get similar ratings/reviews, with the build quality of the Sigma rated higher. But similar image quality.

The links to the photo samples from each lens on Dyxum:

The Sigma:
http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/topic12311.html

The Sony 35/1.8:

http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/topic69667.html

Personally, I'd go with the Sigma if I wanted video (due to the silent motor).. but if I was mostly concerned with stills, I'd say my money and go with the Sony.

 

[havoc315]

Forgot to mention... One brand new lens which is potentially the greatest lens ever for Disney dark rides on a crop body camera...

The brand new Sigma 18-35/1.8 ---- The first dSLR zoom 1.8 lens. So get your 1.8 aperture, and get to be able to change the zoom while on dark rides....
Amazing.

At $799 it isn't even an *absurd* price. After all, with it's range, you *can* use it as a walk-around lens, and it also can replace a couple of primes.

 

[mom2rtk]

Forgot to mention... One brand new lens which is potentially the greatest lens ever for Disney dark rides on a crop body camera...

The brand new Sigma 18-35/1.8 ---- The first dSLR zoom 1.8 lens. So get your 1.8 aperture, and get to be able to change the zoom while on dark rides....
Amazing.

At $799 it isn't even an *absurd* price. After all, with it's range, you *can* use it as a walk-around lens, and it also can replace a couple of primes.

You know, I hadn't seen the price on that one yet. I was all excited about the possibilities....... until I saw the weight. Maybe I just care too much about these things..... but at 3 pounds, I just don't see adding that to my kit any time soon. My Canon 17-55 f/2.8 is very "solid" at 1.5 pounds. I'm not sure I see myself wanting to double that.

Maybe some of the rental places will add that to their lineup so I can take it for a test drive sometime.

 

[havoc315]

You know, I hadn't seen the price on that one yet. I was all excited about the possibilities....... until I saw the weight. Maybe I just care too much about these things..... but at 3 pounds, I just don't see adding that to my kit any time soon. My Canon 17-55 f/2.8 is very "solid" at 1.5 pounds. I'm not sure I see myself wanting to double that.

Maybe some of the rental places will add that to their lineup so I can take it for a test drive sometime.

I'm a value-hunter for lenses-- lenses that outperform their price tags. So I don't see this lens going in my bag, especially since I have the range pretty well covered. (Tamron 17-50 2.8, Sony 35 1.8, Minolta 50mm 1.7).
It's weight is to be expected (much like a 70-200 2.8 lens).

But yes, due to the fairly high cost, the heavy weight, and the still somewhat limited zoom range, this probably wouldn't be my cup of tea.

Though in terms of a perfect dark ride lens -- This may be it. If I was focusing a high priority on dark ride pics, and could pick any one lens to use --- this would probably be the one lens.

 

[wiigirl]

Grab that one QUICK. It's a great lens even if it's not the newest one. And a lot of bang for the buck.

x2 ....love this lens!

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm a value-hunter for lenses-- lenses that outperform their price tags. So I don't see this lens going in my bag, especially since I have the range pretty well covered. (Tamron 17-50 2.8, Sony 35 1.8, Minolta 50mm 1.7).
It's weight is to be expected (much like a 70-200 2.8 lens).

But yes, due to the fairly high cost, the heavy weight, and the still somewhat limited zoom range, this probably wouldn't be my cup of tea.

Though in terms of a perfect dark ride lens -- This may be it. If I was focusing a high priority on dark ride pics, and could pick any one lens to use --- this would probably be the one lens.

Yeah, I'd sure love to have someone put it in my hands on the way into a dark ride at Disney. I just don't want to carry it there myself.

 

[1Grumpy9]

What are your thoughts about the Sony 50mm/f1.8 lens?? B&H has it at a great price. I don't know too much about prime lenses that is why I am asking.

I just know I need something for dark rides (PoTC, HM, PP, SE) that won't break the bank.

 

[mom2rtk]

I don't have a Sony so I'm sure you're not asking me. But I will comment on the 50mm focal length. On a crop sensor I personally find that to be just a little too tight. It just always seems too long to be a short lens, and too short to be along lens. And on a dark ride, it just never fits the bill (for me anyway). And it's not like you can back up to fit more into your frame.

 

[havoc315]

What are your thoughts about the Sony 50mm/f1.8 lens?? B&H has it at a great price. I don't know too much about prime lenses that is why I am asking.

I just know I need something for dark rides (PoTC, HM, PP, SE) that won't break the bank.

It's a good lens... You can go really cheap and get the Minolta 50mm 1.7 alternatively. About $60-$70 for a top quality copy on ebay.

But as stated, 50mm can be a bit long for dark rides. You can't exactly back up, and you will find it is sometimes too zoomed in.

 

[Cafeen]

Much like the above, I actually went from the 50mm f/1.8 to a 30mm f/1.4 for my fast prime (Canon to Sigma). And, much like the above, I found the 50mm just a bit too tight for most of the dark rides. It was certainly usable in most situations, but having that extra width really helped a ton last year (the wider aperture didn't hurt either).

 

[mom2rtk]

Much like the above, I actually went from the 50mm f/1.8 to a 30mm f/1.4 for my fast prime (Canon to Sigma). And, much like the above, I found the 50mm just a bit too tight for most of the dark rides. It was certainly usable in most situations, but having that extra width really helped a ton last year (the wider aperture didn't hurt either).

Yep. All the 50mm Canon lens purchase did for me was add $100 to the total price of having a dark ride lens. It now sits in a drawer and only comes out when I need to sneak my DSLR past security at our local arena.

 

[WDWFigment]

At $799 for a first-of-its-kind technical innovation, I consider the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 to be a steal. I suspect it will be a tough lens to find when it does come out given that relatively low price.

 

[mom2rtk]

At $799 for a first-of-its-kind technical innovation, I consider the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 to be a steal. I suspect it will be a tough lens to find when it does come out given that relatively low price.

I'm surprised by the price too. I was expecting it to be much higher. But that doesn't change that I still don't want to carry it with me in the parks, which is what I'd mostly be buying it for.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

At $799 for a first-of-its-kind technical innovation, I consider the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 to be a steal. I suspect it will be a tough lens to find when it does come out given that relatively low price.

I hope not to step on anyone's toes, but I spent well over $1,000 to get dark ride images. Because it became an obsession, I analyzed all the options and here are my observations: The first requirement is a camera that is capable of usable high ISO (6400-12800). You may use less, but in some cases, this is what it will take. Second, you need a lens (on a crop sensor) in the range of 30-35 mm f1.8 or less. The current "gold" standard in this range is the Sigma 30mm f1.4. In the past year, Sigma has released a new model at an increased price, however if you can find the older model, I would jump on it in a heartbeat (I already own it). As far as the new Sigma 18-35 f1.8, this appears to be an answer to a prayer. This could be the ultimate dark ride lens. The announced price of $799 is way below the $1,000+ price that many thought it would be. I suspect that by the time your trip comes along, depending on demand, the price could drop as most do after a period of time. My opinion only, is that the eventual price will be in the $500-600 bracket. There has been some discussions about the lens weight. If you are intent on getting the best quality dark ride images, weight should be the last thing you consider. Better and faster glass weighs more, PERIOD. That comes with the territory. If your desire is to get better images than can be had from consumer (kit) lenses then weight doesn't matter, only the quality of the finished product.

Again, I don't wish to rain on anyone's parade, but better glass costs more and is heavier, Fact of life!

 

[mom2rtk]

I hope not to step on anyone's toes, but I spent well over $1,000 to get dark ride images. Because it became an obsession, I analyzed all the options and here are my observations: The first requirement is a camera that is capable of usable high ISO (6400-12800). You may use less, but in some cases, this is what it will take. Second, you need a lens (on a crop sensor) in the range of 30-35 mm f1.8 or less. The current "gold" standard in this range is the Sigma 30mm f1.4. In the past year, Sigma has released a new model at an increased price, however if you can find the older model, I would jump on it in a heartbeat (I already own it). As far as the new Sigma 18-35 f1.8, this appears to be an answer to a prayer. This could be the ultimate dark ride lens. The announced price of $799 is way below the $1,000+ price that many thought it would be. I suspect that by the time your trip comes along, depending on demand, the price could drop as most do after a period of time. My opinion only, is that the eventual price will be in the $500-600 bracket. There has been some discussions about the lens weight. If you are intent on getting the best quality dark ride images, weight should be the last thing you consider. Better and faster glass weighs more, PERIOD. That comes with the territory. If your desire is to get better images than can be had from consumer (kit) lenses then weight doesn't matter, only the quality of the finished product.

Again, I don't wish to rain on anyone's parade, but better glass costs more and is heavier, Fact of life!

I totally get what you're saying. But the fact of life is that if my choice is an awesome 3 pound lens and a very good 1 pound lens, I'm going with the slightly less stellar 1 pound lens. At least until Disney allows us to start bring in bags on wheels.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I totally get what you're saying. But the fact of life is that if my choice is an awesome 3 pound lens and a very good 1 pound lens, I'm going with the slightly less stellar 1 pound lens. At least until Disney allows us to start bring in bags on wheels.

I totally get it! Sometimes its expense. I can't always afford to purchase what I want and sometimes get just what I need! For me, because of the type of photography I normally do, weight cannot be an issue. I carry two to three cameras with vertical battery grips (and flashes), two on a BR setup and one around my neck. All with heavy glass. To shoot action sports that's required. When I only carry one camera, it's a treat!!

 

[WDWFigment]

I suspect that by the time your trip comes along, depending on demand, the price could drop as most do after a period of time. My opinion only, is that the eventual price will be in the $500-600 bracket.

If reviews for this lens are mostly positive and if no other manufacturer can make a comparable lens, I wouldn't be surprised if the lens sells for about $900 on the secondary market for a year or so after it's released and doesn't drop below $800 for a few years.

For a while after it was released, the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 sold for more than MSRP in a lot of places. Tokina simply couldn't keep up with demand.

That wasn't even a revolutionary lens. This is.