Photography equipment in the parks.

[WDW_Converter]

I will be at the parks in October and am looking to take a ton of pictures. I have a Fuji Digital camera, 5 CF cards (512MB, 4 128MB) and an 80GB Flashtrax for additional storage. That should be enough for even me! My question is can you bring a tripod into the parks? I would be using it for night shots and the Fireworks. How has it turned out for anyone else?

 

[DizGeek]

I did some research on this as well. I guess bringing a tripod in is fine. I just bought a travel one and plan on brining it to Epcot and MK for the fireworks.

Good luck.

 

[WDW_Converter]

Thank you DizGeek. If you don't mind me asking,

What kind of travel tripod do you use? I was looking into getting something a bit smaller/lighter then my current tripod plus I'll be attaching it to my photography back back so I don't want anything that will be to bulky.

 

[DizGeek]

I bought the Velbon Maxi 347...I did quite a bit of research and decided on this one. Nice little tripod...around $95.

 

[Minderbinder5]

I am planning my 1st trip to WDW, but my BF and I go to Disneyland at least once a year. My BF is a photographer, and he loves to spend a whole day just taking photos at there. We always use a tripod, day and night, and have never had a problem. Sometimes other guests give us dirty looks like we're clogging up their day for 3 seconds, but the CM never have a problem with it.

 

[WDSearcher]

You can bring tripods, but you obviously have to be aware of the amount of space you're taking up when you set it up to catch your photos. During fireworks and parades, you'll be taking up more than just normal "personal space," so don't be surprised if you get a few dirty looks from people who are trying to find space to watch from. You also generally won't be allowed to set up your tripod inside any attraction. Some will allow it, but always ask the CM first. Not only are tripods a trip hazard for someone who may not be watching where they're going, they also take up more than one seat in a theatre. If the show or attraction is crowded, you won't be able to set up, as they'll want to make as many seats as possible available to guests.

And, obviously, be sensitive to other guests if you're using flash.

 

[DizGeek]

Originally posted by WDSearcher
You can bring tripods, but you obviously have to be aware of the amount of space you're taking up when you set it up to catch your photos. During fireworks and parades, you'll be taking up more than just normal "personal space," so don't be surprised if you get a few dirty looks from people who are trying to find space to watch from. You also generally won't be allowed to set up your tripod inside any attraction. Some will allow it, but always ask the CM first. Not only are tripods a trip hazard for someone who may not be watching where they're going, they also take up more than one seat in a theatre. If the show or attraction is crowded, you won't be able to set up, as they'll want to make as many seats as possible available to guests.

And, obviously, be sensitive to other guests if you're using flash.

How often do you see guests setting up tripods in an attraction? They deserve to get "dirty looks".....Although I always did want to get some nice shots while riding RnRC!

 

[WDSearcher]

I've seen guests trying to set up tripods at Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Tiki Birds, Country Bear Jamboree, Playhouse Disney, American Adventure, and in the car of the Great Movie Ride, among others.

 

[JudithM]

Originally posted by WDSearcher
I've seen guests trying to set up tripods at Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Tiki Birds, Country Bear Jamboree, Playhouse Disney, American Adventure, and in the car of the Great Movie Ride, among others.

Now you've done it - give my husband more ideas !

We have brought tripods into the parks. The results are very good photos! If you are willing to carry the tripod & other equipment, then go for it (with respect to other guests).

 

[Ronda93]

I've had fantastic luck with my Slik Sprint Mini
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...ail&Q=&sku=287754&is=REG&si=acc#goto_itemInfo

It's too short to take fireworks pix from the middle of main street, but I usually like to grab a spot by the railing in fron of Casey's. If you get tired of hauling it, get a locker.

 

[lulu71]

Originally posted by DizGeek
I bought the Velbon Maxi 347...I did quite a bit of research and decided on this one. Nice little tripod...around $95.

I did a bunch of research too and this one was the best, IMO. It folds down to under 17 inches, extends to almost 62 inches and weighs 2.3 lbs. Its predecessor, the 343 is pretty good too and can be bought for $65 at buy.com, free shipping.

 

[DizGeek]

Originally posted by lulu71
I did a bunch of research too and this one was the best, IMO. It folds down to under 17 inches, extends to almost 62 inches and weighs 2.3 lbs. Its predecessor, the 343 is pretty good too and can be bought for $65 at buy.com, free shipping.

I actually havent had a chance to use it that much....waiting until next week at Disney....have you brought it to disney or any other kind of travel?

 

[lulu71]

Originally posted by DizGeek
I actually havent had a chance to use it that much....waiting until next week at Disney....have you brought it to disney or any other kind of travel?

Actually, I haven't bought it yet, but that is the one I'm going with.

 

[DizGeek]

Originally posted by lulu71
Actually, I haven't bought it yet, but that is the one I'm going with.

I'll be ending my vacation when you start yours....if you see a guy with a Canon 10D and a Velbon 347...it may be me.

 

[DisneyDiver]

Here's an idea - don't use a tripod, use a monopod.

You still get a lot more stability than freeholding it, but don't have all the hassle of setting up level, extending and adjusting legs etc, and also, it has a much smaller "footprint" than a tripod - key when you're jostling for position at a parade.

And it weighs less, which is pretty key when you're hulking kit around. Just my 2 cents.