SLR - What lenses

[MarkBarbieri]

If you take an SLR to WDW, what lenses do you take and what focal lengths do you tend to shoot? I imagine that wide and standard (up to about 100mm) lenses would get the most use. I could definitely see using a longer lens at the AK, but I'm not sure that I'd want to lug it around at the other parks.

Are there any attractions that scream for a particular lens selection (like using a really fast lens for FotLK or Fantasmic)?

What else do you bring? Tripod? Polarizer?

I'll be there with DW and our two boys (4 & 7). I'm trying to decide the optimum tradeoff between too much equipment and having the right tools for the job.

 

[extreme8]

I bought a sigma 18-200 just before our trip and it was on my camera almost the whole time. I had my 28-300 and 50mm 1.4 but didn't really find a use for them.
I know there are some comprimises when using a "do it all lens" like this (a bit slow, not exceptionally sharp, some distortion at either end of the range, chromatic abberation, etc) but the convenience made it worth it.
After analyzing my exif data when I got home I found most of my shots were right around 135mm, but it's nice to have the extra reach when you want it.

I also carried a small table top tripod & remote shutter release in my bag. I brought my full sized tripod, but it always seemed to be in the room when I wanted it.

 

[mhutchinson]

I like the lenses with built in IS for Disney and will bring either my 28-135mm IS or my 24-105mm IS L, both have had enough range for what I need. If I bring the 28-135mm, then the trade off is wide and I will usually take along either a wide prime or zoom. With the 24-105mm I tend to be more content with the range and will take a fast 35mm for the fireworks shows. I have brought my tripod, but left it in the room on some occasions.

Both of these pictures were taken at the Fantasmic and are crops out of the originals using a Canon 20D.

Canon 28-135mm IS USM

Canon 24-105mm IS L

Mike

 

[handicap18]

I went with 3 lenses for my Nikon D50. 18-70mm, 70-300mm and a 50mm f/1.8. Mostly used the 18-70. Nikon is releasing an 18-135mm in a few months, I think that would be MUCH better (especially if you can't afford/find the Nikon 18-200 with VR {if you have a Nikon}) Sigma and Tamron each make an 18-200, but past 150 or so is not as good focusing and also have other smaller issues (not very technical in those things). Sigma also makes an 18-125 which has gotten good reviews and quite a few regulars here have it. You'll want a long reach for the safari at AK, upwards of 300mm. The best option would be one with VR or IS. I got a lot of blury pics on the safari due to camera shake. The VR (nikon) or IS (canon) would very much help that. Canon has a 70-300 with IS, Nikon's version will be available at the end of October (I've already pre-ordered mine!).

The 50mm 1.8 is great for lowlight no flash pics for things like Spectromagic and the indoor rides (though the 50mm is kind of long especially on a dSLR with the crop factor). Sigma has a 28mm f/1.8 that might be a better size, but I've never used it so I don't know how it functions (focus speed for example).

Thats my take. Others might have different experiences.

Edited to add:
Oh yeah, I also brought a small pocket table top tripod and a travel tripod that opened to about 42 inches (just long enough to see over the fences at AK and Epcot), but also folded small enought (13.5 inches) to fit in my backpack.

 

[boBQuincy]

24-105 f/4 and 70-200 f/4 cover pretty much everything I want to photograph. f/4 is fast enough for most stage shows at WDW. I *always* carry a very light monopod, it is essential with 200 mm at a slow shutter speed.

Occasionally I carry a 50 f/1.8 (for low light) or Zenitar 16 (for very wide angle).

I use a polarizer whenever there is enough light. I have a good, light tripod (Velbon Maxi) and only carry it when I am really serious, otherwise a light pole or trashcan is good enough.

 

[CA_Stitch]

Since I have a FF, I carry the Canon 24-70mm f2.8L USM lens. Gives me the wide angle and sufficient zoom for most things at WDW.

If I know that I want specific close-ups then I will occasionally take the 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM.

Combined with "foot zoom", it works...

 

[OCSurfCity]

Here's the lenses I would bring:

Canon EF100-400 IS w/2x converter
Canon 16-35/2.8L (for those wide angle shots)
Canon EF24-70/2.8L as the standard lens.

 

[JR6ooo4]

All three of mine.
Canon 28-135 IS
Canon 70-300 IS
Canon 50mm f1.8

Though I only used the 28-135 today. Kind of rainy in the afternoon. But it allowed me to get shots of WDW with no people in the way.
Mikeeee

 

[safetymom]

I use my 18-200 VR Nikon lens. It is great in the parks.

 

[carolina_yankee]

I have a RebelXT

I take to WDW because I wall want each item at some point:

Camera
28-75 f/2.8
70-300 Image Stabilizer
I will buy a wide angle before the next trip to cover somwhere 10-24

Tripod
Mini Tripod
Polarizer filter for each lens (Usually stays on lens)

What I carry into the park depnds on any given be. Camera will be around my neck. Partner carries bookbag which has tripod, telephot (and wide angle) plus whatever else. It's all actually pretty light. If I know I won't need those items, leave them in the room, or put in locker until wanted for special event (like Wishes or something).

Dirk

 

[Carolc]

I still consider myself to be a beginner to the DSLR world, and have entry level equipment (and expertise ). I only have two auto-focus lenses for my camera (and one heck of a heavy manual-focus lens and telecoverter). I only brought the two AF lenses (14-45mm and a 40-150mm) with me on my recent WDW trip. Because I didn't have another parent along to help me manage the three kids, I noticed I didn't have a whole lot of time to stop and change lenses. Therefore, I ended up leaving the 40-150mm on for about 99% of my shots. As a consequence, I was too close to get shots of entire buildings (unless they were some distance away). But for my situation, it was (mostly) okay... I realized that most of the things that I desired to capture were smaller items like lanterns or signs, or some small section of larger items. I guess it all depends on what you like to take pictures of? I wish I did have a small table top tripod... it would have allowed me to get better low-light shots (not that the kids would have put up with me dealing with that! ).

 

[Charade]

I carry just one lens. It's a bit large and heavy but well worth it. It's a 10-1000 F1 IS ED L AFP DX XYZ 123. I get a lot of odd looks from people but I don't care. Security has a heart attack whenever enter the parks with it. It's looks like a bazooka. Oh, and I got off of Ebay for $3 plus $400 shipping.

 

[carolina_yankee]

I still consider myself to be a beginner to the DSLR world, and have entry level equipment (and expertise ). I only have two auto-focus lenses for my camera (and one heck of a heavy manual-focus lens and telecoverter). I only brought the two AF lenses (14-45mm and a 40-150mm) with me on my recent WDW trip. Because I didn't have another parent along to help me manage the three kids, I noticed I didn't have a whole lot of time to stop and change lenses. Therefore, I ended up leaving the 40-150mm on for about 99% of my shots. As a consequence, I was too close to get shots of entire buildings (unless they were some distance away). But for my situation, it was (mostly) okay... I realized that most of the things that I desired to capture were smaller items like lanterns or signs, or some small section of larger items. I guess it all depends on what you like to take pictures of? I wish I did have a small table top tripod... it would have allowed me to get better low-light shots (not that the kids would have put up with me dealing with that! ).

At least in the Magic Kingdom, I've discovered I don't like wide angle lenses unless I'm there very early or very late. Otherwise, I get as much a shot of crowds as I do a building. I think, over my years of visits, I've done as much wide angle as I can (barring getting a super-wide like 10-22!), so it's time to focus on detail. I'm discovering that's where the true genius and beauty of Disney is anyway.

Having said that, 40 is a bit narrow for a dSLR, so I commend you for your perseverance (and I"ve enjoyed the shots you've posted elsehwere).

Dirk

 

[HTF]

I carry just one lens. It's a bit large and heavy but well worth it. It's a 10-1000 F1 IS ED L AFP DX XYZ 123. I get a lot of odd looks from people but I don't care. Security has a heart attack whenever enter the parks with it. It's looks like a bazooka. Oh, and I got off of Ebay for $3 plus $400 shipping.

Does it come with a forklift to carry it? On a more serious note I use Sigma 18-125 for walkaround lens.

 

[jann1033]

Oh, and I got off of Ebay for $3 plus $400 shipping.

evidently shipped from the no longer legitimately a planet Pluto for $400 but a steal none the less ( which does lead to a ? since Pluto is not a planet does that mean Mickey's Pluto is also no longer legitimately a dog?? )

 

[fitzperry]

evidently shipped from the no longer legitimately a planet Pluto for $400 but a steal none the less ( which does lead to a ? since Pluto is not a planet does that mean Mickey's Pluto is also no longer legitimately a dog?? )

There was a cartoon on the editorial page in our local paper the other day that showed Mickey, Minnie and Donald giving Pluto a pink slip and kicking him out of the Magic Kingdom. Poor Pluto.

 

[Charade]

There was a cartoon on the editorial page in our local paper the other day that showed Mickey, Minnie and Donald giving Pluto a pink slip and kicking him out of the Magic Kingdom. Poor Pluto.

 

[jann1033]

There was a cartoon on the editorial page in our local paper the other day that showed Mickey, Minnie and Donald giving Pluto a pink slip and kicking him out of the Magic Kingdom. Poor Pluto.

ot but more about Puto the ex planet saw this quote,,," and I would say things that verged on hate mail from second-graders -- very angry children who said, 'What have you done? This is the cutest, most Disney-esque of the planets. How could you possibly demote it?'" said Michael Shara, the museum's astrophysics curator."

& I start wondering what would hate mail from a 2nd grader look like(... " you have cooties if you don't like pluto?",... "do you like pluto? check yes or check no") just can't see them using the word "demote"
next they'll be saying the sun is a star

( just kidding i know that really, not that dum.. b

 

[carolina_yankee]

Not necessarily, but he's at least a "dog-like" object.

Dirk

 

[fitzperry]

Not necessarily, but he's at least a "dog-like" object.

Dirk

But what is Goofy?