Tripod in the parks and other assorted questions?

[Morganw42]

Hi everyone,
I've just stepped up to my first dslr and am looking at equipment for our October trip. Does anybody carry a tripod in the parks, and if so, is there a model you recommend? My old tripod for my 35mm slr is way too bulky to consider bringing. The ability to go on rides with my wife supersedes the desire to carry the tripod so if it can't be done let me know.

I'm also looking for suggestions for a camera bag. I've got a Nikon D80 and plan on carrying the 18-55 and a 55-200.

I haven't gotten an external flash yet. Do any D80 users think that I'll need one for most applications in WDW or can I get away with the built in flash for this trip?

Thanks for any input.
Morgan

 

[RBennett]

I can't answer most of your questions, but I will answer the one about tripods: YES!!!! If you desire to take any shots when there will be less light (night/fireworks/etc) then I would definitely bring it. What DW and I did last October was we brought it into the park that we knew we would be shooting that night, and dropped it off at the lockers. I don't think they had a locker big enough for my tripod, but they did put it behind the counter with them and gave me a claim ticket for it.

 

[annnewjerz]

I agree---a tripod seems to be a must for anyone that is looking to take night shots at WDW. While there are plenty of things to rest your camera on, not all of them will always be in a location that is good for getting the show you want. For fireworks, some sort of tripod/gorillapod or beanbag on top of a garbage can is necessary because of the long exposures you will be using.

I bought an aluminum tripod on e-bay that came with a ballhead made by Benro. It was only like $120 for the tripod and head. It's 3-section legs with twist locks. It's a little on the short side (I'm 5'7 and with the legs fully extended it the viewfinder on my D90 is about chin level)---but since it was my first tripod and I really just wanted to see if a tripod was something I'd get a lot of use out of before buying a really nice and light one, this does the trick.

I'll be bringing it to WDW with us in December and plan to have DH carry it around. It came with a nice bag with a long strap so it could be worn across the body, it's not TOO heavy (although it's definitely not a CF 1.5 pounder) and is compact enough when put into the case that it should easily go on rides with us (maybe 2 feet long).

Just to be on the safe side, I'm also going to bring my gorillapod in case for SOME reason I don't feel like having DH carry the tripod when we go to Epcot and MK for fireworks.

As far as the flash goes, your built-in flash really won't be of that much help. I've seen a lot of suggestions to only use the built-in flash for fill flash during the day.

Most dark rides and shows in WDW don't allow flash photography, so you may want to invest in the 50mm f/1.8 or the 35mm f/1.8 that's being released the end of this month. Those lenses will allow you to take better shots in dark situations without flash when you open them up and boost your ISO.

 

[zackiedawg]

I picked up a Slik Sprint Pro EZ in December...great tripod for under $100. It compacts to 18" and weighs 2 1/2Lbs, but extends up to 65" with 4-segment, independently adjustable legs. Great milled billet pan/tilt head is super solid with nice smooth action, quick remove plate with built in levels, removable/reversible center post for macro and lower work, small enough to fit in Disney lockers, light enough to carry around all day, and fits on the tripod holder on my Kata R102 camera backpack.

As for flash, I really couldn't see how an external would serve too much purpose at Disney unless you were really intending to take tons of portrait shots of family everywhere. Otherwise the built-in flash might come in handy for emergencies, and otherwise Ann's advice above to get a nice low light lens would probably pay off much more than a flash at Disney.

 

[boBQuincy]

I'll be bringing it to WDW with us in December and plan to have DH carry it around.

A brilliant plan, unless (as I am) *you are* DH!!!
I only buy DW the lightest of equipment because it will end up in my pack!

 

[annnewjerz]

A brilliant plan, unless (as I am) *you are* DH!!!
I only buy DW the lightest of equipment because it will end up in my pack!

Luckily for me, DH is a 26 year old, 6 foot 215 pound ex US Navy submariner. If he can't manage a 4 pound tripod for the day, I may have to reconsider being married to him. I will definitely try to make it as easy on him as possible (only bringing the tripod at night when necessary and checking it in a locker/counter the rest of the time) and it's even got a case with a nice long strap on it so he doesn't have to carry it in his hand all day---c'mon, how bad could it really be??

 

[boBQuincy]

Not that bad! DW and I have the same model camera so we can share lenses and tripod.

Since you asked about models of tripods, Velbon's Maxi 347 is a decent, light , inexpensive one (3lb, $110). The pan head is ok but clunky and should be replaced with a ballhead. The clamp is ok for landscape mode, about worthless for portrait mode. With a RRS clamp it is pretty good.

Velbon's 640 EL-carbon is a much nicer tripod and not even a pound heavier, but about $200 more just for the legs. The reason I bought this one is it has the largest diameter legs of any in it's class, it is good for loooong exposures. I still recommend a RRS ballhead, their smallest is ok for most lenses that I would actually carry for any distance. Unless it's all about the lightest weight possible this is the one I usually carry (as on my February 2009 trip)

Less than 10 months until we can photograph Main Street all lit up for the holidays!

 

[annnewjerz]

Less than 10 months until we can photograph Main Street all lit up for the holidays!

 

[Groucho]

I haven't gotten an external flash yet. Do any D80 users think that I'll need one for most applications in WDW or can I get away with the built in flash for this trip?

After my last trip, I was talking to someone here in PMs (names hidden to protect the innocent!) and gave them my camera-brand run-down from my last trip. In other words, what I noticed most about users of specific brands.

Nikon users were most notable for running about with external flash units all the time on their DSLRs. (And I'm not talking about just the Photopass photographers, who use D80s with external flashes.)

I don't know what it means, but that was my observation.

 

[Golf4food]

My Quantaray QSX 6601 tri/monopod (which is not small by any means) will fit into the largest sized WDW locker - so I just pop it in there in the am and pull it out at dusk - unless we got a great parking spot in which case I leave it in the trunk.

 

[rossb]

I'm also looking for suggestions for a camera bag. I've got a Nikon D80 and plan on carrying the 18-55 and a 55-200.

It's not going to be much fun carrying around multiple lenses. I once did a 4-day trip with a Nikkor 18-55 and a year later I did a 4-day trip with a Nikkor 18-200VR. The 18-200 is heavier than the 18-55, but it is more versatile. You probably will only need the 55-200 in the AK. I would not carry it around in the MK, Epcot, or MGM.

You can definitely get away with the built-in flash.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I bought an aluminum tripod on e-bay that came with a ballhead made by Benro. It was only like $120 for the tripod and head. It's 3-section legs with twist locks.<sinp> It came with a nice bag with a long strap so it could be worn across the body, it's not TOO heavy (although it's definitely not a CF 1.5 pounder) and is compact enough when put into the case that it should easily go on rides with us (maybe 2 feet long).

LOL, I have 2 CF tripods and neither of them are 1.5 pounds! The lightest is 3.3 pounds which is still heavy when walking around DLR 12 hours a day.

I picked up a Slik Sprint Pro EZ in December...great tripod for under $100. It compacts to 18" and weighs 2 1/2Lbs, but extends up to 65" with 4-segment, independently adjustable legs.

Which Sprint Pro Ez did you get? I saw the 330 and the 340 on Amazon. Didn't really check around anywhere else. Amazon description said they both weigh 4.4 pounds. I'm just curious because I'm still trying to find one that weighs about a pound to 2 pounds and is stable enough for my DSLR.

A brilliant plan, unless (as I am) *you are* DH!!!
I only buy DW the lightest of equipment because it will end up in my pack!

Bob you are a good husband to carry your wife's stuff!

Since you asked about models of tripods, Velbon's Maxi 347 is a decent, light , inexpensive one (3lb, $110). The pan head is ok but clunky and should be replaced with a ballhead. The clamp is ok for landscape mode, about worthless for portrait mode. With a RRS clamp it is pretty good.

Velbon's 640 EL-carbon is a much nicer tripod and not even a pound heavier, but about $200 more just for the legs. The reason I bought this one is it has the largest diameter legs of any in it's class, it is good for loooong exposures. I still recommend a RRS ballhead, their smallest is ok for most lenses that I would actually carry for any distance. Unless it's all about the lightest weight possible this is the one I usually carry (as on my February 2009 trip)

I bought the Velbon 530 Carmagne. It's a CF tripod w/ pan head and weighs 3.3 pounds. I took off the pan head and use a Manfrotto Midi Ball head. That sucker makes the tripod weigh more! But it's very stable for photography.

To the OP, believe it or not every time I bring my CF tripod to the parks, no one wants to help me carry it. On my last trip, I brought my old el cheapo aluminum tripod that cost about $20 back in 1990 dollars and my DH and DS didn't mind helping to carry that one around. (probably weighed all of 1.5 pounds at the most.) So I (as my DS put it) was the 'freak with the camera equipment' and either of them carried the tripod. We were able to go on all rides. One of them would take the tripod and put it in their ride pouch and I would put my camera bag in the pouch in front of me.
There were some photos that were blurred because I kept forgetting and touching or moving the tripod (that wouldn't happen w/ my CF tripod) but overall, the majority came out fine. (And it's digital, so I would just retake the shot.) I just made sure to keep a close watch on the set up so a strong gust wouldn't blow it over, and made sure to keep my camera strapped around my neck even when it was on the tripod. My tripod folded down to about 18 inches and fit in the DLR large sized lockers. Not sure if the WDW lockers are larger or smaller. Seriously, this cheapy tripod has given me some good mileage, especially for the price. If you go the cheapy route just make sure to leave your camera strap around your neck in case of wind gusts, and realize that it's a compromise weight/convenience over the risk of having a few blurry pics in case of movement/vibration, etc. If it's too heavy that you don't want to carry it, chances are you won't use it. I know this is probably an unpopular position on this or any photo board, but I speak from experience. I go every year, and every year I bring my CF tripods and it sits in the locker all day/night or I don't even bring it. Maybe I'll use it once for fireworks. This year I was able to use it for all kinds of long exposure night shots, and most of them came out great. Then I went to Vegas and walked around with it every day/night for photos. It was so light that it wasn't a drag to carry around.
Good luck.

ETA: You will not need a flash. I had a D80, brought the flash and never used it. It's too much stuff to carry around and will weigh you down. (Unless you plan on renting a locker and running back & forth to get the flash unit if needed.) If I felt I needed it, I would resort to using the on camera flash in the parks rather than carrying around the weight of the flash on the off chance I might need it.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

It's not going to be much fun carrying around multiple lenses. I once did a 4-day trip with a Nikkor 18-55 and a year later I did a 4-day trip with a Nikkor 18-200VR. The 18-200 is heavier than the 18-55, but it is more versatile. You probably will only need the 55-200 in the AK. I would not carry it around in the MK, Epcot, or MGM.

You can definitely get away with the built-in flash.

I agree with this wholeheartedly. I also used the 18-200VR on my last trip and was so happy that I didn't have to swap lenses unless I wanted to use a specific different type of lens for a specific situation. (wide angle 10-20mm, 30mm or 18-50 2.8) I also don't think the OP will need the external flash.

 

[wenrob]

Which Sprint Pro Ez did you get? I saw the 330 and the 340 on Amazon. Didn't really check around anywhere else. Amazon description said they both weigh 4.4 pounds. I'm just curious because I'm still trying to find one that weighs about a pound to 2 pounds and is stable enough for my DSLR.

You are looking at the Slik Pro EZ. The Slik Sprint Pro EZ are the ones that are lighter and smaller. I know cause I went looking at them myself last night, lol. They sure sound nice but several people say a strong breeze could knock them over. Makes me nervous. However they are rated for 4.5 pounds I think it said and the D90 and Tamron 28-75mm or Nikon 18-105mm weigh just over two lbs. I'm thinking if I didn't fully extend it (I'm short anyway, lol) and had DH put a hook in the center for me it might be doable. Like you mentioned a lighter tripod that will get used or a heavy one that will sit in the trunk of the car most of the time? I keep going back and forth!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

You are looking at the Slik Pro EZ. The Slik Sprint Pro EZ are the ones that are lighter and smaller. I know cause I went looking at them myself last night, lol. They sure sound nice but several people say a strong breeze could knock them over. Makes me nervous. However they are rated for 4.5 pounds I think it said and the D90 and Tamron 28-75mm or Nikon 18-105mm weigh just over two lbs. I'm thinking if I didn't fully extend it (I'm short anyway, lol) and had DH put a hook in the center for me it might be doable. Like you mentioned a lighter tripod that will get used or a heavy one that will sit in the trunk of the car most of the time? I keep going back and forth!

Wenrob, do you know if it's a CF tripod or aluminum? This one you were looking at weighs in about 1/3 a pound less than my lightest CF tripod. Do you know if the pan head is removable and if it can go completely vertical? Not that I need yet another tripod! Seriously, I have a typical short travel tripod that never gets used because I have to stoop over to use it. (I'm 5'1".) And I have the aforementioned 2 CF tripods and my el cheapo tripod I bought for videotaping back in the '90s for $20. I used that the most. I say go for the lighter one (maybe not necessarily an el cheapo one like mine, but the one you are looking at) and keep your neck strap on just in case of a gust of wind or an ignoramous that trips/bumps your tripod. I was in DLR right after New Years when it was pretty busy, and with all the people around me, I had no issues with people bumping the tripod or anything like that. Most of my issues came from me bumping the tripod because I wanted to keep the neck strap on just in case to avert any disasters. Hmmm...I wonder if DH would freak if I bought yet another freaking tripod? Probably...I better go start lifting weights for mynext trip. I think I've just about milked the life out of the el cheapo tripod.

 

[handicap18]

Most tripods when folded up for travel will fit in the lockers at the parks enterance.

I mostly used a small travel tripod that fits in my regular backpack. Got it at amazon for $20. Works nice when traveling. Its also juuust big enough to see over the fences around Disney (ie: AK and EPCOT).

Unless you plan on doing a bunch of character meals you can get away with just the popup flash. The only time I've used my flash on the last 2 trips was at the character meals or other indoor/night time character meet and greets.

If your only going to carry around that body and those 2 lenses you can easily get away with a small back like the Lowpro Slingshot 100 or even just 1 lens pouch that attaches to your belt. I hardly ever put my camera away while in Disney. I usually bring 2 lens pouches and can fit another small lens (like the 50mm f/1.8 or 30mm f/1.4) in my pocket (I like big pockets).

 

[Morganw42]

Thanks to all for the input. I was at my local camera shop testing bags and liked the Crumpler $6m home but I'm concerned that it is too big to fit in the the net compartments on various rides.

Anyone use a $6m home in the parks? If so can you take it on rides?

 

[DizzyV6P]

On most of the rides, my fastpack 350 fits between my feet. It's a big backpack, so anything smaller will do.

As far as flash goes, I take a lot of portrait shots of my daughter, so the flash is a necessity. if you aren't taking to many portrait shots, then you probably won't need the big flash.