What would you rent?

[Twoboysnmygirl]

We are FINALLY getting back to WDW in Jan 2012, the only time I went with my D40 was in 2009 and I rented a Nikon 18-200 from lens rentals. I loved having a walk around lens but at the time didn't have my prime, so I was frustrated with low light shots. I'm wondering if I should rent the 18-200 again or if I should get a different lens? I was looking at the Nikon 24-70 f/2 but I'm concerned I won't get enough range with it and also it is heavier than the 18-200?

I even tossed around the idea of renting a D90 (which I have coveted for a long time) but thought that would just be torture as a new camera isn't going to happen until next summer and I know once I have one in my hands, I won't want to give it up!

Any suggestions? I have a couple kit lenses and my trusty prime 35mm which is on 90% of the time, but need more zoom/versatility at WDW (I have two teenagers who try to avoid the camera!)

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

IMHO there isn't one lens that fits all WDW situations. I used my 28-70 f2.8 as my walkaround and found it useful for the majority of shots. At AK and for shows in front of the castle it was a little short, but with the 2.8, lower light shots were made easier. The axiom that wider is better can apply to WDW, but I found with just a little foot zoom for the indoor character meals, I was able to make it work. For that trip and my upcoming trip the 28-70 will again be the walkaround, the 70-200 will be the zoom and the Sigma 30 will be the low light, dark ride lens.

 

[trickiwoo]

Sorry I don't have any advice for you about rentals... but if you want to get lots of sneaky candid shots of your camera shy teens, you may want to check this out! It's an attachment with mirrors that screws onto the end of your lens... The mirrors reflect out the side of your lens... so when it looks like you're shooting straight in front of you, you're actually shooting what is next to you! Very sneaky!

 

[CaptainCook]

Just back from a trip during which I rented the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 and I loved having that lens for the trip. My main goal was to use one lens for the whole trip - I did not want to be carrying all kinds of gear or mucking about with equipment changes. It was a great choice. Yes, there were times when I could have used more zoom or a lower f/ stop, but they were few and far between, and the focus on this trip was more on being with the family and having fun than taking photos (though I did still manage to sneak about 3,000 into 11 days - ahem.) I mostly use primes and found this lens to be very sharp (one of the key considerations I had) and having the small amount of zoom made it convenient. I will probably do it again for our next trip... if I don't outright buy the lens first!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Sorry I don't have any advice for you about rentals... but if you want to get lots of sneaky candid shots of your camera shy teens, you may want to check this out! It's an attachment with mirrors that screws onto the end of your lens... The mirrors reflect out the side of your lens... so when it looks like you're shooting straight in front of you, you're actually shooting what is next to you! Very sneaky!

CUTE! (and sneaky!) If my kids weren't so accustomed to my lenses already, this might work, but they are so used to my camera in their face, I'm thinking they would notice!

Just back from a trip during which I rented the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 and I loved having that lens for the trip. My main goal was to use one lens for the whole trip - I did not want to be carrying all kinds of gear or mucking about with equipment changes. It was a great choice. Yes, there were times when I could have used more zoom or a lower f/ stop, but they were few and far between, and the focus on this trip was more on being with the family and having fun than taking photos (though I did still manage to sneak about 3,000 into 11 days - ahem.) I mostly use primes and found this lens to be very sharp (one of the key considerations I had) and having the small amount of zoom made it convenient. I will probably do it again for our next trip... if I don't outright buy the lens first!

I took about 3500 pics in 9 days last time, so I'm guessing there will be more of the same this time! I have another trip in 2013 that is just a girls trip where I'll be focusing more on photography, but this upcoming trip I'm looking for something just like that, where I can walk around and enjoy my family but still get THE shots and capture the trip!

 

[krb2g]

The last time I went, I had my kit 18-55 and a 55-200, and honestly, the only times I used the 55-200 were on Kilimanjaro Safaris and from our hotel balcony. I definitely think you could get away with the 24-70 lens. I don't know about the weight question.