nighttime photos

[baf65]

ive just purchased a Canon 650d (t4i) along with the 18-135mm STM lens, lens will do me fine for during the day (i only want to carry one lens with me and am only a beginner!) however i realise that this might not be a good lens to use once the sun goes down (we are going in November so will be darker earlier), what lens would be a good purchase to take WDW photos at nighttime including the fireworks?

 

[hakepb]

Fireworks just needs a tripod because you should be using a 2-6 second exposure.

Other types of dark photography might work better with a faster lens, though.

 

[NLD]

Fireworks and pics of objects that don't move (castle, Spaceship Earth, Main Street buildings, etc) are best with a tripod and long shutter speeds. So your current lens is fine--just get the tripod and a remote shutter release, if you want those pics.

Low-light pictures of people, dark rides, nighttime parades... those are where you want a fast lens. Something with an aperture that's at least f/1.8. 30-35mm is a good focal length for a crop camera.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

A specific lens depends on your budget. The Canon lenses are going to be more expensive than the third party lenses (Sigma, Tamron, etc.). Because so much of what Disney does, is with light, indoor shows, nighttime parades, dark rides, etc, if your budget allows, I would recommend something with a constant f2.8 for everything except dark rides. If the dark rides are a "must" then I would recommend the Sigma 30mm f1.4. Personally, and I don't recommend what I'm about to write because it can become expensive, I use a 28-70 f2.8 for walkaround, 70-200 f2.8 for reach and the Sigma for dark rides and sometimes for nighttime parades. The downside to the 2.8 lenses is expense and weight. Otherwise, you can use your 18-135 for a walkaround and I think Canon makes an inexpensive 50mm f1.8. That is not the best option, but it is one that can be made to work for most situations. You will have to choose what it is you are going to shoot then make a decision. Remember cameras and lenses are like tools. If you need a screwdriver your not going to select a hammer to do the job!

Like the others, I would recommend a tripod. That is another whole controversial subject. If you are flying then I would recommend a travel tripod. A travel tripod is lightweight and compactly folds, but yet sturdy enough to hold your gear. I hang my bag on my travel tripod to make it more steady.

Good luck with your choices.

 

[baf65]

thanks for advice
tripod is probably not an option so might have to forgo the fireworks
so just sticking to parades and taking shots at night more likely
i can get Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II Lens f/1.8 for just under $100AUD, would this suit nighttime shots?
am a complete novice when it comes to DSLR and am trying to just be able to get the basic workings of the camera sussed out over the next few weeks!

 

[mom2rtk]

The Canon 50mm f/1.8 is a great lens for low light photography, and often is the first extra lens purchased.

Before you buy it though, I urge you to set your current lens to 50mm and use it for a day to be sure you like that focal length. It's a matter of personal preference, but I've just never been a fan of that focal length. It just strikes me as too long for wide angle and too wide for zoom, sort of right in the middle. So the one I bought just sits in a drawer.

My problem at Disney is that by the time I would back up far enough to use a 50mm lens, a bunch of people would fill the space between me and whatever I wanted to shoot.

Others have used the 50mm lens and been happy as a clam.

 

[handicap18]

You can bring a tripod and store it in one of the lockers that all the Disney Parks have. You don't need a big tripod. I have 3 tripods, a small travel tripod which I've used at Disney, a basic entry level tripod which I've also used at Disney though the travel one was much easier to lug around and will fit in my carryon and a high end expensive tripod which I use the most but haven't used at Disney.

The trash cans at Disney all have flat tops and there are a bunch on Main Street that have good views of the fireworks. I've used the trash can outside Casey's Corner a few times with my small travel tripod with great success.

The 50mm f/1.8 is a very small lens and fits in my pocket very easily (I have the Nikon version which is very similar).

I've take a number of night shots of the buildings with my 30mm f/1.4 Sigma lens. While it does take very nice shots you need to have a VERY high ISO and that brings with it a lot more noise. Shots of the same buildings with a tripod come out SOOO much better.


This shot was taken with my travel tripod on top of a trash can:

This show was taken hand held with my18-70mm lens. settings: ISO1600, f/4, 1/30th

Taken with my 30mm f/1.4. Setting: ISO 1600, f/1.8, 1/40th

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

I just returned and can say that my 55mm stayed mounted on my K5 the whole trip. However I did havea 17-50 and 50-135 f2.8's on my Kr, but very rarely did I use them. Going through my pics lastnight I am pleased with the images I captured. But the best advise is what someone said earlier walk around set at 50 mm for a few days. But at $100 AUD it seems very reasonably priced

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

thanks for advice
tripod is probably not an option so might have to forgo the fireworks
so just sticking to parades and taking shots at night more likely
i can get Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II Lens f/1.8 for just under $100AUD, would this suit nighttime shots?
am a complete novice when it comes to DSLR and am trying to just be able to get the basic workings of the camera sussed out over the next few weeks!

The 50mm f/1.8 is pretty good. It's sharp. It's cheaply built but that's why it's so cheap.

It does hunt (for focus) a LOT. Which can be frustrating. And as mentioned, it's kinda wide (i.e. you may be lening back a lot and backing up to get things in the frame)

If you can afford it, stepping up to a fast 30mm (or something close, Canon has a few in the range, Sigma makes a 30mm that some love) might make you happier. Costs couple hundred more though.

But think carefully...I am in a situation where I will likely replace my 50mm with a fast 30mm so even though it was only $125 USD I could have just put that towards the 30mm from the getgo and saved the $125.....

 

[mom2rtk]

But think carefully...I am in a situation where I will likely replace my 50mm with a fast 30mm so even though it was only $125 USD I could have just put that towards the 30mm from the getgo and saved the $125.....

Bingo. Which is why I always say the most expensive lens is the one you have to buy twice.

My 50mm lens was only $100. But since it sits in a drawer, I don't consider it a good buy at all. My personal style is more to shoot wider. I wish I had known this about myself at the time.

 

[baf65]

great advice thanks guys..i will try that tip about setting on 50mm for sure
i love those pics of the castle
omg i cannot wait to get there!! just such a lonnnnnnngggggg flight from perth!!

 

[HPS3]

I agree with everyone else! For me, a tripod is a must for night photography. I also think that the 50 on a crop sensor is too narrow. When I shot Nikon, I had a 50 and a 35 both f1.8's. The 50 sat on the shelf and the 35 became my favorite. I would say look into the Sigma 30 f1.4 like others said or see if Canon has an equivalent. The Sigma 17-50 f2.8 is also a fantastic sharp lens, I shot with one on my Nex 7 but got tired of the weight.

 

[havoc315]

Another vote for a tripod. Last trip, I used a gorilla pod. Cheap and It fits inside your camera bag easily.

 

[photo_chick]

I'm one who skips shooting the fireworks most of the time because I just don't want to lug the tripod. There is nothing wrong with doing that. What you can do with a fast lens though is get shots of your family enjoying the fireworks.

I am a fan of the 50mm f/1.8. I know it's not everyone's thing, and it is long on a crop body, but it's still a lens I use often.