Which lens(es) to take?

[icunurss]

I don't want to overdo it, but it is the first trip for the kids and, while I hope to go back again in a year or two, we all know how life throws us curveballs. Anyway, I have a Canon T2i and two IS lenses - 18-55 and 55-250. I am hoping to capture the excitement of my children and the beauty of Disney, but it is a family trip, not a photo op. I am concerned that my 18-55 won't be enough, while the 55-250 will not be used enough. I don't want to lug around more than necessary, but I want to be prepared. So, should I take both? Thanks!

 

[photo_chick]

I don't want to overdo it, but it is the first trip for the kids and, while I hope to go back again in a year or two, we all know how life throws us curveballs. Anyway, I have a Canon T2i and two IS lenses - 18-55 and 55-250. I am hoping to capture the excitement of my children and the beauty of Disney, but it is a family trip, not a photo op. I am concerned that my 18-55 won't be enough, while the 55-250 will not be used enough. I don't want to lug around more than necessary, but I want to be prepared. So, should I take both? Thanks!

It's really a matter of how you shoot.

Are you carrying a backpack or other bag? Stash the extra lens in there. If you don't have a lens pouch just wrap it up in a hand towel, tea towel or large washcloth (you get the idea) with a rubber band around it to keep it wrapped up (I use a ponytail holder). That should cushion it pretty good.

 

[cpbjgc]

I am the wrong person to ask, as I usually travel with 3 lenses at Disney. I say take both - they are not very hevy lenses, and I would rather carry an extra lens than miss a shot. I like a lens longer than 55mm for the times I want to take a picture without being on a ride (such as Dumbo, the Magic Carpets etc.)

 

[mom2rtk]

If you have to choose one, then it's the 18-55 hands down. The long lens would frustrate you trying to take photos of your little ones. But honestly, take them both. Then decide each day whether you want to take the longer lens or not. You'll probably only need it at DHS for the shows and AK.

On our trip in Sept 09 when it was brutal hot I was dumping everything out as best I could and went with just my 18-55 a few days and did fine.

If you feel strongly about carrying only 1 lens, down the road you might want to consider an all in one, like the Tamron 18-270.

Enjoy your trip and your camera. I have the T2i and love it!

 

[traylorc]

I will be bringing my 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.4, 16-2mm8 f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, and my 70-200mm f/2.8. Now will I carry all of them at the same time?

Nope!

I will carry maybe 2-3 at any given time. I will break out the telephoto & teleconverter when I go to Animal Kingdom because I want the extra reach. If I am trying to get some pics on dark rides or shots of the night time parades/activities I will use my fast primes. My 24-70mm will likely be my primary walk around lens, although I could see heavily using my primes.

Bottom line, the number of lens you bring simply depends on how you shoot and what you plan to shoot. But for me, I am one of those folks who doesn't want to regret not bringing a certain lens.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I have seven auto-focus lenses (I also have several older manual focus only lenses) and because I am equipping two bodies, I bring six to WDW. The only lens I don't bring is the 100-300 f4. I found, for my style, I didn't use it. If I was bringing one body my lens selection would be, 18-55 (kit-wide), 28-70 f2.8 (walkaround), 70-200 f2.8 (AK and shows) and 30mm f1.4 (low light and dark rides). This gives me complete coverage for everything I shoot. I would recommend you bring both of your lenses because I see a need for both. There is an old axiom, the one lens that you need is the one you left behind!

 

[traylorc]

I would recommend you bring both of your lenses because I see a need for both. There is an old axiom, the one lens that you need is the one you left behind!