New Lens

[1Grumpy9]

I ordered a new lens for my upcoming trip to the World. I have a Sony A300 and I didn't want to take my 75-300mm lens (just too big). I ordered a 50-200 Sigma lens and I am excited to receive it today so I can use it this weekend before we leave on Monday.

The lens is smaller in size compared to my big lens (that is about 6 inches in length) and this one is 4 inches. I am going to a couple of hockey games this weekend so I can really use it this weekend.

I should have it by the end of the day today. I ordered it from B&H Photo out of NY. So far I have been very impressed with their service...It was ordered on Sunday afternoon and I will have it in hand within 2 days (and that was with free shipping).

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Congratulation on the new lens. I would recommend you practice with it and try to simulate the conditions you think you will shoot in. I have found that is a good way to determine the lens sweet spot and its capabilities. Have fun!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Congrats on your purchase! B&H is great. Their service is what makes them a first stop for me when looking for things. There was one time that two items when astray, although not due to them - FedEx seemed to have a very bad day and sent items that had arrived on the west coast back to the midwest so they arrived later than guaranteed. One email to B&H and they took care of getting the shipping refund.

 

[1Grumpy9]

I originally wasn't going to take my larger camera to WDW, but I don't think I would get the quality with my smaller camera. I am going to take my other camera because it has the HD video. That one is going to be my video camera.

My only question in the air is do it keep my battery grip on or leave it at home to keep the weight of my camera down. I guess we will have to see what the weight of the new lens does.

 

[thomas998]

I originally wasn't going to take my larger camera to WDW, but I don't think I would get the quality with my smaller camera. I am going to take my other camera because it has the HD video. That one is going to be my video camera.

My only question in the air is do it keep my battery grip on or leave it at home to keep the weight of my camera down. I guess we will have to see what the weight of the new lens does.

Really depends on how many photos you tend to take per day. Also don't forget to take a smaller wider angle lens. You might be surprised at how often a wider angle is used compared to the zoom.... unless your at animal kingdom.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Really depends on how many photos you tend to take per day. Also don't forget to take a smaller wider angle lens. You might be surprised at how often a wider angle is used compared to the zoom.... unless your at animal kingdom.

My battery grip is almost always attached. On our last trip (Jun, 2010), I did remove it on the last park day visit and regretted it. I was trying to lighten up because it had been an overly hot week in Florida and I went with my consumer lens (AKA 'light') and no battery grip. It felt so awkward and I was uncomfortable because the feel was so different. What I should have done was carry my camera in my smaller of the our two bags and attempted to shoot with the DW's camera (same camera, no grip, consumer lens). That way I could easily switch back to mine. Lesson learned. This year we will be bring 3 dslr's, the DW's, my new one and the old back up. Can't be too safe!! Most, if not all, things at WDW, can be shot with focal lengths 18-200. I'm only talking focal lengths not low light (dark rides), etc. I shot an entire 7 day vacation with my 18-55 and 50-200 consumer lenses. I was not disappointed. Did it whet my appetite for some specialty equipment (AKA low light, faster lens and new camera body), a resounding yes. But that's another story.

 

[1Grumpy9]

I am definitely taking my 18-55mm lens with me and taking my other digital camera (using that mostly for video). I have been using my camera the last three weekends without my battery grip (just because the camera restrictions at the arena I use it at I don't want to push the issue) and while it has been akward, but I am getting used to it again. I have the extra battery that will stay charged and we are taking a power strip with us so we can charge multiple things in one time.

I am going to use my new lens this weekend (tonight and sunday) at hockey games, but I will also work with it some on Saturday with the snow that we are to get (URGH!).