Renting a lens for dark ride photography

[mouselovenfamily]

I'm heading down in a few weeks and wanting to rent a lens for dark rides. I have a Nikon D90 and last trip I took a 50mm. I couldn't get everything I wanted in the shot and not fast enough so I want to rent a lens to get some of those great shots I missed before.

I'm thinking the Sigma 30mm 1.4 would be nice. Any other suggestions before I place my order?

TIA

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Sigma 18-35 f1.8. Its the fastest zoom lens on the market. And gives you the option of a zoom vs a prime (this coming from an owner of the Sigma 30 used on the dark rides).

 

[firemanchip]

Sigma 18-35 f1.8. Its the fastest zoom lens on the market. And gives you the option of a zoom vs a prime (this coming from an owner of the Sigma 30 used on the dark rides).

Have you actually used the 18-35? I`m going to buy one or the other before my next trip. Although renting may be an option as well.

 

[mouselovenfamily]

Have you actually used the 18-35? I`m going to buy one or the other before my next trip. Although renting may be an option as well.

I am renting since its pretty inexpensive and I wouldn't really use the lens except down at Disney. For me it's a good option. Looks like a good lens.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Have you actually used the 18-35? I`m going to buy one or the other before my next trip. Although renting may be an option as well.

No, I haven't used it because, the last I checked, it is only on pre-order for my camera. I have communicated with those that have and it is supposed to be a very good/great lens. The reviews have been outstanding. Right now I don't need that focal length so its only on my radar screen for my next WDW trip, which at this time is unknown. I do have the Sigma 30 and used it with success on my last trip. Right now, I have more need for an ultra wide angle lens.

 

[Animagic!]

Sigma 18-35 f1.8. Its the fastest zoom lens on the market. And gives you the option of a zoom vs a prime (this coming from an owner of the Sigma 30 used on the dark rides).

This.

I would definitely rent the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 over the 30mm f/1.4.


Does the Nikon D90 have a Micro Adjustment feature? If it doesn't then I would strongly advise against the Sigma 30mm f/1.4. That particular lens is notorious for having back/front focus issues. Without Micro Adjustment you'll have a very hard time getting ANY usable darkride photos, especially at anything between f/1.4-2.8. You could always try shooting with manual focus. If it's back focusing you'll probably have better success using manual focus than using the auto focus.

 

[photo_chick]

This.

I would definitely rent the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 over the 30mm f/1.4.


Does the Nikon D90 have a Micro Adjustment feature? If it doesn't then I would strongly advise against the Sigma 30mm f/1.4. That particular lens is notorious for having back/front focus issues. Without Micro Adjustment you'll have a very hard time getting ANY usable darkride photos, especially at anything between f/1.4-2.8. You could always try shooting with manual focus. If it's back focusing you'll probably have better success using manual focus than using the auto focus.

The newer version of the Sigma 30mm can plug into a USB dock that lets you make focus adjustments on the lens side of things as well as update firmware.

 

[WDWFigment]

Either the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 or the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 are great options. The former is pretty versatile for Disney shooting, generally, whereas the latter has slightly better IQ and better bokeh.

 

[Silock]

I would go with the 1.4. 1.8 is fast, but it's still not fast enough, IMO. It's still super hard to get a good pic with it. (I just got back from a trip using the Nikon 35mm 1.8.)

 

[mom2rtk]

With the 30 mm lens, you will be wishing you had the 18mm available. You will also be wishing you had the 1.4.

With the 18-35 you would wish you were carrying the smaller and lighter 30 mm lens (1.78 pounds vs. 15 oz.).

Either way, I bet you'll enjoy having a new lens to play with on your trip!

 

[firemanchip]

Where would be a good place to rent a lens near WDW?

 

[mouselovenfamily]

I would go with the 1.4. 1.8 is fast, but it's still not fast enough, IMO. It's still super hard to get a good pic with it. (I just got back from a trip using the Nikon 35mm 1.8.)

Did you like the prime vs zoom?
Another KC person!!!!

With the 30 mm lens, you will be wishing you had the 18mm available. You will also be wishing you had the 1.4.

With the 18-35 you would wish you were carrying the smaller and lighter 30 mm lens (1.78 pounds vs. 15 oz.).

Either way, I bet you'll enjoy having a new lens to play with on your trip!

I do have mt DH to carry for me..hehe Just can't decide. I thought I wanted the 1.4 but bow I just don't know.

Either the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 or the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 are great options. The former is pretty versatile for Disney shooting, generally, whereas the latter has slightly better IQ and better bokeh.

I know your a fan o f the 1,4 from your blog. have you had a chance to use the 1.8 yet?

 

[mouselovenfamily]

Where would be a good place to rent a lens near WDW?

Since I'm in the Midwest I will have to order mine and take it with me, we really don't have rental options that I know of in KC...is there any of them around that you KC people know of???

 

[OKW Lover]

I would go with the 1.4. 1.8 is fast, but it's still not fast enough, IMO. It's still super hard to get a good pic with it. (I just got back from a trip using the Nikon 35mm 1.8.)

I've also got the Nikon 35mm 1.8 and found that for most dark rides, it just wasn't "wide" enough.

 

[WDWFigment]

I know your a fan o f the 1,4 from your blog. have you had a chance to use the 1.8 yet?

Yes, I've reviewed both lenses. The powers that be here don't allow me to post links to my blog for some reason, but you should be able to find it fairly easily via Google.

 

[mouselovenfamily]

Where would be a good place to rent a lens near WDW?

Yes, I've reviewed both lenses. The powers that be here don't allow me to post links to my blog for some reason, but you should be able to find it fairly easily via Google.

I'll check it out!!! Thanks! Wanting some of those great HM, POtC, etc shots!

 

[havoc315]

Where would be a good place to rent a lens near WDW?

I've used borrow lenses.com

There is also lens rentals.com

In terms of renting at Disney World without dealing with shipping, there is Kingdom Rentals, but don't know about their lens selections.

 

[photo_chick]

Since I'm in the Midwest I will have to order mine and take it with me, we really don't have rental options that I know of in KC...is there any of them around that you KC people know of???

Borrowlenses.com is my favorite. Since they're online they're everywhere. They're fast, efficient and have fair prices. It's also very easy to extend your rental with them should you need to. I've found other rental places aren't quite as generous in that respect.

 

[mouselovenfamily]

Kingdom has a Nikon 35mm 1.4 for a 6 day rental..they will deliver to me but do I want the fixed?????

 

[mom2rtk]

For future reference, there is a rental place in KC. It's Rentglass.com. I did look at the Nikon options though and don't see the 35 mm f/1.4. They just appear to stock the 1.8. And I don't think they have Sigma lenses. But if you're ever in the market for something else, it's handy to be able to pick up locally and save the shipping charges.

I rented a 2.8 zoom from there when each of the boys graduated.