wide angle lenses

[tinksdad]

Kevin,,

What is the f range on the 18-200?

Varies between f/3.5 and f/5.6

Not as good as a constant F/2.8, but it's a good general lens. About 1/2 the length and weight as my 70mm-200mm f/2.8

 

[garris3404]

What is the f range on the 18-200?

For the Nikon 18-200 VR, it's 3.5-5.6.

 

[handicap18]

In general the 18-55mm would serve you well just about anyplace you'd go. Though personally I prefer a long reach at the long end, thus I went with the 18-135mm for my Nikon.

For Disney, a lens in the range you have, maybe with a bit of an extra reach, is pretty good. There are times when a longer reach is needed outside AK such as Lights Motor Action and Indiana Jones at MGM or if you wanted to get some detail shots of the Castle at MK or wanting to get some more upclose shots at World Showcase from across one side of the pond to the other.

I like having my 70-300mm lens, but I don't use it quite as often as I'd like. It also depends on your own personal shooting habits and what you like to photograph in general. Some would go more for quality and a fast aperture (f/2.8 or slower) other like the real long reach of the big zooms for zoo trips, safari type trips and bird watching.

Figure out your style and go from there.

 

[deletedpenguin]

For the record, I was at Disneyland this past weekend and not once did I pull out my 70-200/f2.8L. I used my 24-70/f2.8 EX the entire time.

 

[Groucho]

I think that most of the time at WDW, you'll rarely go much past 50mm or so. You'll definitely spend more time closer to 20mm than 200mm!

The telephoto lenses are nice at AK because you can get closer to the animals... that's why it's different than the others.

I'm a big believer in multiple lenses, I think you give up much of the quality of a DSLR if you stick on a single "walk-around" lens. Even two lenses should make a difference, and the spare lens you can keep in a belt pouch, or even a purse (as long as you're not banging it against a wall or anything.)

Ideally, I think you want a minimum of three lenses... a short zoom (the usual kit 18-55mm or so), a long zoom (starting at 50-70mm and going to 200-300mm), and a fast lens - probably a 50mm. If I could only have two of those for WDW, I'd drop the long zoom and go with the kit plus a fast prime.

 

[handicap18]

Excellent points Groucho and for the Subject at hand I couldn't agree more. If I could only take 2 it would my walk around lens of 18-135 and the 50mm 1.8 prime.

I did very well with my 18-70mm while at WDW last June, I did push the 70mm end quite a bit, though not near as much as the 18mm end (used about 35% of the time vs the 70mm used the 2nd most amount of time at around 14%). I didn't use the 50mm 1.8 as much as I should have, but I know better now and will be ready in November.

 

[Racey]

so GROUCHO - if you were my personal shopper, which would you put in my basket (I definitely want a lens for animals at AK) (i will probably print off what your going to advise me to so can you let me know what you mean about "fast lens" too)

I;ve heard that sigma lens' are just as good as canon but at a smaller price

I already have the short lens 18-55mm.

 

[Groucho]

Hi Racey... I'm not a Canon user so I can't give specific recommendations, there are others that could do a better job. I do know that their 50mm F1.8 is a real bargain, that can take care of your "fast lens" needs on the cheap - you'll have to spend probably a good bit more for most other fast lenses.

As for Sigma vs Canon, I'm sure that it depends on the specific lens. Some of Canon's cheaper lenses (especially the kit lens) don't have a great reputation, but obviously their "L" lenses are generally pretty highly regarded. You really have to compare similar lenses on a case-by-case basis.

Generally speaking, you'll find that prime lenses (just one focal length, like the 50mm) have the best optical quality, and the optics tend to deteriorate the more range the lens has. Ie, a 50-200 lens will generally have better optics than an 18-200mm lens or a 75-300mm lens.

 

[jockey]

Has anyone used the Sigma 10-20mm with a nikon d50? How well does it work. I know the D50 does not have a full frame sensor, how will this affext my results?


Also, any ideas what lenses the Disney photopass photographers use? I really like the shots they take on Main Street USA where the castle seems really up close!

 

[Gdad]

I had a Sigma 10-20mm for a while but I sold it right after I got my D50. I have lots of pictures with it on my D70s that has the same size sensor. Here is one I did have with the D50/10-20 combo though. Not the best picture but you get the idea of how the lens performs. Click for full size file.



Here are a few others shot with the D70s...

 

[kmadams]

I had a Sigma 10-20mm for a while but I sold it right after I got my D50. I have lots of pictures with it on my D70s that has the same size sensor. Here is one I did have with the D50/10-20 combo though. Not the best picture but you get the idea of how the lens performs. Click for full size file.



Here are a few others shot with the D70s...

Wow, your pictures are great, I really like the one on top of Everest. How come you sold the lens? Did you replace it with something else? Was there anything you didn't like about it?

 

[Gdad]

Thanks- I sold it because I really wanted a fish-eye type lens instead- although I have not picked one up yet.

Wow, your pictures are great, I really like the one on top of Everest. How come you sold the lens? Did you replace it with something else? Was there anything you didn't like about it?

 

[mabas9395]

Don't have the Sigma, but I hear it is a great quality lens.

I have a Canon 10-22 for my XT and it is the funnest lens I own. I think everyone should have one. You can go super wide and get some fun distortion or you can go regular wide and get super nice wide shots.

 

[El Nebuloso]

I have the Tokina 12-24 on my D50 while my brother and his friend both have the Sigma 10-20 on their D200's (same sensor size), and all of us have been very happy with the results. Sorry, but since I just created this new DIS account (DW hijacked the old one ) I can't post any of my pics yet. I chose the Tokina because of the constant maximum aperture (F4), but I don't think this has been a limitation for my brother or his friend with the Sigma.

Chris

 

[El Nebuloso]

Oh, as for what lens the Photopass CM's use, I don't know, but if you want to get that large castle effect, just step back a bit from your foreground subjects and increase your focal length and you'll be fine (I use my 18-200 for that shot).

 

[Gdad]

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but I think the Photopass Photographers use a D70 Kit- which is an 18-70mm lens.

 

[YEKCIM]

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but I think the Photopass Photographers use a D70 Kit- which is an 18-70mm lens.

Jeff,

As you know, we were there earlier this week. All the WDW PP photog's used D70s bodies, and most used the 18-70 "kit" lens but there was at least one who uses a different lens. One guy at MGM had a 28-200, which is the lens Mrs. YEKCIM used all week long, there. Can't vouch for any others, but doubt any are using pro-grade glass.

To the OP: I also have the Sigma and it is a good quality lens. I have this lens due to a periodic need for a wider angle coverage than 18mm. I find that the wide end of my 18-135 is wide enough for the vast majority of my needs and, were it not for the need mentioned above (large group shots in a confined, indoor setting) I would probably eBay mine, as well.

~Ed

 

[Furgus]

I have the Sigma 10-20. I got it mainly because I like landscapes, and this lens is very wide and very sharp. This lens is def not for everyone, but I love it.

 

[jockey]

I had a Sigma 10-20mm for a while but I sold it right after I got my D50. I have lots of pictures with it on my D70s that has the same size sensor. Here is one I did have with the D50/10-20 combo though. Not the best picture but you get the idea of how the lens performs. Click for full size file.



Here are a few others shot with the D70s...

Wow, great pictures thanks for sharing!


Thanks fo all the replies, think I will go ahead and get one of these lenses.


Thanks for all the info on the photopass also!

 

[Groucho]

Here are a few others shot with the D70s...

This is how the castle looks after you've been stomping around WDW for a week or so and your legs are exhausted... it seems miles away!