would you just take?

[mchhp]

Has anyone every just taken their dslr and 50mm lens to disney and been happy?

I was wondering this because i was thinking that taking one lens that would be compact (as a 50mm is) and have the capability of the wide open apeture would be good from some indoor (well lit) areas. But, wondering if the focal length will be limiting needing to keep backing up, or not having enough room to back up, if this makes any sense?

so, what is your experience, would you go this route?

 

[YesDear]

I have taken a trip where I used nothing but a 50mm and another when I used nothing but a 35mm. I grew up in photography before we used zooms so you were taught that you were the zoom. If you wanted closer you stepped forward. If not you stepped back.

and by the way the 50 was manual focus!!!!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

For me, that might last one day, but after that I would get extremely frustrated. I have found that the foot zoom isn't always possible at WDW. With some of the shows and crowds, a zoom is necessary and I'm not talking about AK. If I lived in the area of WDW, I would definitely take one lens from time to time just for fun. Since I only get there every year or year and half for 7-8 days, its all or nothing.

 

[SrisonS]

Unless you're local and just want a challenge; or it's an extended photography focused trip, I personally wouldn't do it. Heck, I'm local and tried just using my 30mm for a couple of hours. It didn't take too long to realize that I'd be frustrated with using just that lens for a day. As soon as you can't get a shot because you're too close, and backing up isn't an option, you might regret that decision. Plus, 50mm might be too long for some indoor shots; unless you focus on small details or something.

 

[photo_chick]

My first 35mm SLR only had a 55mm lens and I used it happily for years, so yeah, I could do it. But I'm spoiled by my zoom now and don't know that I'd want to.

It really depends on you and how you shoot.

 

[disneyboy2003]

Have you looked into the Sigma 30mm f/1.4? (link to B&H) It's wider than the 50mm lens and can be a good compromise as a walk-around prime lens. Its large aperture of f/1.4 should also be great for low-light and indoor photos, especially the rides.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I took the 50mm/f.18 to WDW for a 3 day trip in October. I even did a report on it on this subforum but I think it got consolidated in the great clean-up...somewhere.

It worked okay for me because I was learning how to shoot with the prime and I could go on the same rides multiple times (no queues) to re-take shots that I wanted to re-take.

But it was very limiting. I did have my 18 - 55 and 55 - 250 mm kit lenses with me. I spent a lot of time changing lenses.

The prime didn't give me enough 'width' and I wouldn't do it again. It was an interesting exercise for the 3 days, though.

 

[mom2rtk]

It's really a matter of personal preference. But at Disney especially, I have found that the 50mm length is to short to be long, too long to be short. On the dark rides, it wasn't wide enough to give me the entire scene, but not long enough to really capture the details. Outside, the biggest problem is that by the time you backed up enough to get the entire scene, too many people move into that space and get in the shot.

Do take a look at that 30mm f/1.4 if you can.

 

[Iwant2BAprincess]

I have found that the 50mm length is to short to be long, too long to be short.

Exactly. I have it and use it some but it just is never quite right. I would go nuts if that was all I brought

 

[mchhp]

thanks for all the replies. i was thinking the same thing as far as not being wide enough in tight spaces.

I will most likely be taking the tamron 28-75 f2.8. Its basically the only lens i have. I was thinking about purchasing the 50mm 1.4 before our trip if i thought it was doable. I have put to rest TWO 50mm 1.8 lens so far (don't ask) and I love that lens and was looking forward to an upgrade.

Thanks so much again

 

[SrisonS]

If you're traveling light, I'm assuming you don't want to take a backpack?!?!? But how about a small camera bag that would bascially fit your 50mm in case you wanted to use it. I did something similar the one time I didn't want to worry about my main bag, but still wanted my Sigma 30mm with me. It was perfect, because the lens had a comfortable fit, and I just used the other small pockets to fit an extra battery and memory card.