What to bring with me on my trip?

[BattyMcDoon]

I've been looking around this board, google and at other peoples photography trying to figure out what I want to bring on our possible upcoming trip to Disney World. I havn't been in 8 years and I know alot has changed since we were last there. Also the last time we went was before I got my degree and I wasnt as into it or as knowledgeable as I am now, so this will be my first time in WDW as a photographer!

My two main concerns are bringing so much stuff that I get bogged down and end up ruining my own time as well as my families or not bringing enough and kicking myself for it later.

I am definitely bringing my Canon 60D, MacBook Pro to transfer pictures to each night, Canon PowerShot SD950 IS for my Mom to use, both battery chargers, usb cord, lens cloth and my Canon 70-300mm Ultrasonic lens. What I cant decide is if I should bring my Canon 28-90mm lens or Canon 18-55mm lens and a polarizer filter? Does this sound like too much stuff to carry around with me (wont be bring the cords, chargers or laptop to the park, of course)?

I've decided to forgo my tripod because it is bulky and just a giant pain to lug around. I plan on steadying myself on what ever I can to try and get good night and long exposure, possibly HDR photos.

Do they let you bring cameras/bags (I will have a purse and my camera bag) on the rides? If not, is it safe to leave the bag? Does anyone have experience taking their laptop with them? I assume there are safes in the hotel rooms. Anyone have any other tips or suggestions? Anything I should read or take a look at before I head down to the World?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[fabulousfive]

I've been looking around this board, google and at other peoples photography trying to figure out what I want to bring on our possible upcoming trip to Disney World. I havn't been in 8 years and I know alot has changed since we were last there. Also the last time we went was before I got my degree and I wasnt as into it or as knowledgeable as I am now, so this will be my first time in WDW as a photographer!

My two main concerns are bringing so much stuff that I get bogged down and end up ruining my own time as well as my families or not bringing enough and kicking myself for it later.

I am definitely bringing my Canon 60D, MacBook Pro to transfer pictures to each night, Canon PowerShot SD950 IS for my Mom to use, both battery chargers, usb cord, lens cloth and my Canon 70-300mm Ultrasonic lens. What I cant decide is if I should bring my Canon 28-90mm lens or Canon 18-55mm lens and a polarizer filter? Does this sound like too much stuff to carry around with me (wont be bring the cords, chargers or laptop to the park, of course)?

I've decided to forgo my tripod because it is bulky and just a giant pain to lug around. I plan on steadying myself on what ever I can to try and get good night and long exposure, possibly HDR photos.

Do they let you bring cameras/bags (I will have a purse and my camera bag) on the rides? If not, is it safe to leave the bag? Does anyone have experience taking their laptop with them? I assume there are safes in the hotel rooms. Anyone have any other tips or suggestions? Anything I should read or take a look at before I head down to the World?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

You will love photographing your experience at WDW! I think if you are to bring your 70-300 then you should pair it with the 28-90 too. Between those two lenses you should be set! I find that I need my wider lenses in the park (around 28-50mm) as its crowded and you need the space. But then the zoom could be nice for parades etc. I brought two cameras just for safety sake and kept one in my hotel safe at all times. This is also where my spare lens would go too. Your laptop I don't think would fit into a safe. It's square and not that big. You should also check your resort as I don't think all resorts have safes. I just brought enough CF cards and downloaded when I got home. I remember looking into portable backup devices for a safety measure which I may do this time as well. I LOVED my bag I got just for Disney! I will find the bag or the link and post it here later. It was perfect!!! I too am a photographer and so many of my photographer friends told me how their trips were made not as much fun because of their big, bulky camera gear. I traveled light each day to the parks with this sling messenger bag which didn't hold much, but was perfect!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

The 28-90 would be my walkaround and the 70-300 my long zoom for the safari, etc. I am not totally familiar with the Canon line of lenses, but if I'm correct, those lenses are variable aperture. You may struggle in the lowlight conditions and those will really struggle if you try the dark rides. If its in the budget, I would recommend purchasing a travel tripod. It will make your life a whole lot easier! I always bring my laptop, a portable hard drive and extra SDHC cards. I bring and carry a lot of gear, because I never want to miss the shot of a lifetime because of a lack of equipment!

 

[photo_chick]

Leave the Canon 28-90 f/4-5.6 at home and never touch it again. Seriously, the 18-55 kit is a much better lens optically. So much so that I'd take that 28-90 and repurpose it.... like maybe as a toothbrush holder. (you guys think I'm joking, but it's worse than the Canon 75-300 elephant) And I'd take the 70-300 along to have handy when you want it, especially at Animal Kingdom.

oh, and laptops... I lock my laptop to the furniture in the room with a Kensington lock.

 

[fabulousfive]

The bag I used is a Lowepro Sling I got at B&H for about $60. Loved it!

 

[BattyMcDoon]

Thanks so much everyone for the input! I really appreciate it.

The bag I used is a Lowepro Sling I got at B&H for about $60. Loved it!

That actually really does look like a comfortable bag, I will have to look into it thank you.

Leave the Canon 28-90 f/4-5.6 at home and never touch it again. Seriously, the 18-55 kit is a much better lens optically. So much so that I'd take that 28-90 and repurpose it.... like maybe as a toothbrush holder. (you guys think I'm joking, but it's worse than the Canon 75-300 elephant) And I'd take the 70-300 along to have handy when you want it, especially at Animal Kingdom.

oh, and laptops... I lock my laptop to the furniture in the room with a Kensington lock.

It's funny you say that about the 28-90mm. It was my very first kit lens with my film Canon and I actually havnt used it in years but I figured I would mention it because of the size difference. You think I should bring the 18-55mm then?

 

[fabulousfive]

Thanks so much everyone for the input! I really appreciate it.

That actually really does look like a comfortable bag, I will have to look into it thank you.

?

Oh I'm so glad you found it! Keep in mind it holds a camera with regular-sized lens attached in one half and then other stuff in the other half that's not padded. So if you were to keep another lens or flash in the other compartment, it would have to be in its own case. I also had room for a Lenspens for cleaning, my autograph books & pens, my phone, lipstick, extra cards & batteries I love that it distributes weight by going across your body. I switched shoulders it rested on -- it truly is so comfortable!

 

[photo_chick]

It's funny you say that about the 28-90mm. It was my very first kit lens with my film Canon and I actually havnt used it in years but I figured I would mention it because of the size difference. You think I should bring the 18-55mm then?

Yes. I'd take the 18-55. I got my Canon 28-90 with a Rebel G (paired with the 75-300) and it wasn't a horrid lens for film but it's low quality really shows these days.