What lens to take?

[jennyleettu]

I have a Nikon D60, and have a 55-200 lens, I had the 18-55 "kit" lens but it seems to have disappeared! So I was looking at renting a lens for our trip to Disney in December.

My question is do you think I need to rent a lens or will I be okay with just taking the 55-200? If I need to rent one what is your recomendation?

This is our first trip and I have a 3 year old and 6 year old going with me along with DH. We are doing several character meals as well as visiting the parks.

Thanks in advance for the help!!!

 

[C&B Young]

I think you'll want something wider. 55mm might be a little tight for character meal pictures (unless you back up a lot, which isn't always practical at restaurants). 55 is sometimes a little tight in the parks too, depending on what you're shooting. Although I'm a Canon shooter, I'm sure some of the other Nikon users on here will have good suggestions for lenses for you.

 

[KarenAylwood]

I definitely think you'll want something wider for character meals and just pictures of your kids in general.

If you know you don't have the 18-55 anymore, I'd either buy another one or buy/rent something like an 18-200 or ~18-? I'm a Canon user as well so I can't recommend any specific Nikon's.

I'd say that if you're renting though, make it something worth it (like over $1K lens). Otherwise I'd just buy a lens.

 

[jennyleettu]

I had thought about renting the 18-200....hmmm....any suggestions Nikon users???

 

[disneyboy2003]

I had thought about renting the 18-200....hmmm....any suggestions Nikon users???

I'm a Canon user, and I don't have the 18-200mm lens. However, I've heard a lot of great things about the Nikon 18-200mm lens. It's very versatile, and it's a perfect lens for travel.

The only thing that might be tough is low-light photography because of the smaller apertures. For character meals, you can use flash to help with this.

It might also be worthwhile looking into buying the lens, instead of renting it.

 

[NLD]

Yup, something wider.

And if you can swing it, a faster lens, too, for low-light and indoors (f/1.8 or wider). Plus a tripod and remote shutter release for nighttime pics of castle and fireworks.

 

[mrsbug]

I've got the Nikon 18-200 lens and it is great, although a bit bulky. It was the only lens I used with my D60 for the last couple years and is a great walk around lens! However, I just got a D5000 (wanted the extra focus points) and the 35mm 1.8 prime and OMG I love that lens! It hasn't left my camera since I got it. That might be a good compliment to your 55-200 at Disney. It will do great low-light pictures, which I think might be more important for Disney than the 18-55 range. 35 mm is pretty much a normal view lens, so if you see it with your eye, it's about the size it will be in your lens, if that makes sense. And with the low-light capabilities, you'll be able to get great shots for those rides and character breakfasts. If it were me, I'd either buy the 35 mm (it's only $190 on Amazon) or rent it depending on your budget. I love love love this lens! Heading to Vegas next week and I think I'm only going to take the 35 mm so I don't have to lug the 18-200 around with me.

 

[pjacobi]

With a 3 and a 6-year-old to look after, I doubt you will have much time to spend swapping lenses and ponding f/stops and shutter speeds.

I suggest you take a good quality P/S camera and go have fun with the family. Don't miss out on the fun because you were fumbling with a camera.

Take your dSLR, too. But save it for when you have time to devote to photography, perhaps while your spouse looks after the kids.


-Paul

 

[jennyleettu]

I was just coming on to ask about the 35mm...I think I'll end up getting that one and we'll see how it goes.

I was also going to take my Coolpix (P&S) with me too so I'm not too worried about the switching lenses if it becomes a hassle then I'll use my P&S.

Thanks for all the suggestions!!! I'm really excited. I can't believe it's almost here!!