only one lens - 50mm 1.8?

[Goofdad]

trying to go to WDW as light as possible and considering bringing just the
50mm 1.8 lens (leaving the 18-55 at home along with all other gear - filters, hoods, intervalometer, etc).
I was originally on the fence about bringing the DSLR, was going to just use the point&shoot (Canon S90).

I'd love to bring it all and do more with my camera but first priority is the little kids - and I was on the fence about even bringing the DSLR.

Seems like I have the dilemma many DSLR hobbyist have - to lug or not to lug.

any thoughts/advice?

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Last time I was at WDW I had a 50mm 1.4 on my camera and it was the only lens I had on it for a day. It was tricky, but you can do it. You just have to use your feet to zoom around.

 

[SrisonS]

Personally, I'd at least just stick with the 18-55. It's still quite small, and at least has some versatilitly. Can't always zoom with your feet.

 

[mom2rtk]

Only you can decide if the payoff of better images is worth the effort to carry extra gear. The 18-55 isn't that big, so I'd probably bring both so you can switch off on different days, still only bringing one each day.

My personal feeling is that 50mm is too long for most of what I want to shoot at Disney. By the time you back up to get everything in your shot, people move in front of you. But I'm biased toward the wide end of the spectrum.

That said, many here have challenged themselves to do Disney with just a prime and been very happy. It's just a matter if you're more interested in capturing a wide range of images or challenging yourself.

It also depends on how old your kids are and how much you anticipate taking family shots.

 

[Goofdad]

thanks for the replies.

the kids are young (6 and 2) so that's a big part of keeping myself light - my hands are already tied up with the little ones (and that's Okay, that's why we're here to begin with).

but maybe I'll just throw in the 18-55... I agree that the 55 can be too long... having that 18 - 55 will also help with better scenic/park shots.

 

[photo_chick]

When I travel light I keep my walkaround on the camera (in your case I'd use the 18-55 there) and put the 50 in a pocket or my hip pack or something. it's so small and light, it fits anywhere really easy. You can totally do the whole trip with a 50 though if you want to. I'm just far too lazy to move around that much anymore, and also my kids (8 and 11 now) aren't patient enough to wait for me to back up to get a shot sometimes so having the zoom helps there as well.

 

[wbeem]

If your first priority are your kids, I can understand your hesitance to lug along DSLR. You can have a lot of fun with the 50mm during the day. However, it sounds like photography isn't your main objective here.

There's nothing wrong with concentrating on your family and maybe using a P&S for some snapshots. It's all about your priorities.

That said, there are plenty of times that I visit with only one lens. It forces me to adapt to my subjects in the park and see them within the constraints of that lens. On Sunday, it was the 14-24mm lens. Last night, it was the 24-70. The previous weekend, I lugged along the 70-200mm. Lots of different ranges there (and weight). Going with a prime lens, like the 50mm, probably forces you to zoom with your feet a bit more - when possible.

The majority of people I see in the park are using a smart phone or a point & shoot camera. They're small, light, and you can still get some excellent quality pics in good light. If it's a family trip, it may be the right choice.

 

[Goofdad]

it's the video capability too that I'm looking for out of the T3i - the iPhone, point&shoots, etc - they just don't compare.

I think I'll bring both lenses (just in case - you've all convinced me) but i'm gonna' try to keep that 50mm on there for as long as possible.

I kinda' like the idea of forcing myself to use that one lens to get the most out of it.

 

[Pooh2]

On our 10 day trip, the only lens I used was the kit 18-55mm. Worked very nicely except for Animal Kingdom and is very light weight.

When I used a film camera, for about 20 years I only owned a 50mm 1.8.
I zoomed with my feet. The zoom lens definitely make me lazier!

 

[wbeem]

it's the video capability too that I'm looking for out of the T3i - the iPhone, point&shoots, etc - they just don't compare.

I think I'll bring both lenses (just in case - you've all convinced me) but i'm gonna' try to keep that 50mm on there for as long as possible.

I kinda' like the idea of forcing myself to use that one lens to get the most out of it.

Very cool. Once you get done, I'd love to hear what you thought about going with one lens for a while. Enjoy the trip.