Traveling to Disney with a Digital SLR camera

[BraddyB]

Hey there, I have some questions for you Disney DSLR's.

I am headed back to the world in 2012 and trying to get a list together of what I will need to take with me. I know its far off but with Christmas and a birthday inbetween here and there, its not a bad time to compile a list of what I will need.

I have a Nikon 3100, 18-55 lens, 55-200 lens, and a 35mm lens. I have a sling back case that can also hold my tripod. I am looking to get a BlackRapid Strap for my camera. I also have been looking at the 18-200 lens to take with me.

Is the 18 - 200 lens worth it? Would I be better off traveling with the 55-200mm and my 35mm?
Should I leave my tripod at home and pick up a mini tripod for the trip?

Also, what lens do you usually use while there, any extra tips, suggestions, comments would be aprreciated.

[Altair]

I use an 18-55mm about 95% of the time. I use my longer lens for shows and animal shots. The 18-200mm could cover both your other lenses. It may mostly depend on the cost.

[Dsnygirl]

Subscribing to this thread to see what the answers are, as my husband is planning on buying the now-being-phased-out Nikon D90 in the next month, and is debating lenses and what he wants to use & how for our August trip. Perfect timing!!

[Strmchsr]

I use an 18-55mm about 95% of the time. I use my longer lens for shows and animal shots. The 18-200mm could cover both your other lenses. It may mostly depend on the cost.

I would definitely agree here. I need the 18-55 almost constantly but on safari and with the various shows I use the longer lens. I've gotten some great shots using the 200mm at the shows! I would not recommend the minitripod unless you know beyond all doubt that it will support your camera. Most won't. I brought a mini one year and found it useless. However, the only time I use my tripod is for fireworks. I bring it on the nights we're doing Wishes or Illuminations, but other than that I've never needed it. Even doing night shots with long exposure I can find a wall to set it on or to brace myself against to get the steady shot I need. I would agree that the 18-200 would be best if you can get that. Then you wouldn't have to worry about lugging around a backpack with lenses.

I would say filters are my most important asset at Disney. There are so many different shots and times of day and sun angles that having a variety of filters has helped me get some really neat shots.

[Zawadi]

I've got a Canon EOS 400D and take both a 24-70mm and a 75-300mm. The larger lens is only taken out for the sarafi, walking treks and when not doing many rides. For late evening/night shots I'll try to reduce the exposure time by setting ISO800 (any higher and the graining is noticable)

[beksy]

Don't mind me...I'm just posting to get the updates on this issue since I am thinking about upgrading my camera!

[BraddyB]

What filters would you recommend? Right now I have a polarized filter on it, and a star filter I can borrow for the trip.

Sounds like I can make do with what I have then. Alternate between using the 35mm and 18-55 on parks I visit more than once and carrying the 55-200 on me so I have it when I need it.

Since I am looking at staying at the WL again, I can always hop the boat over and grab my tripod for Wishes. Scope out a railing or something for Illuminations. Is there a better side to shot from for Illuminations since I know I can get smokey.

[Altair]

There's the age old debate on wether to use a UV filter are not.

[MarkC]

Good advice from the prior posters. I would also add that some of my favorite shots I used a 14-18mm fish eye lens. I got some great fireworks shots in front of the Cinderella's Castle that still spanned the entire area, and someone unique perspectives on the World Showcase buildings, etc. You might check one of those out if possible.

[22ridesandtheTOL]

Hi There,

I use a Canon 7D and in the past have used a 17-85 as well as a 70-300. This past year I switched to a 28-300 and loved it. Haven't changed lenses on the camera body since then which has made me less nervous about dust on the sensor etc..

I did have a near disaster with the BlackRapid Strap coming loose and have since switched to using a Kata bag strap as a camera strap. It's heavy duty, fits into my backpack and can be used cross body which is also a help.

I use the lens hood that came with the 28-300, and always have a UV filter on just in case I drop the whole thing. That happend in an airport last summer and the UV filter gave its all in protecting the lens. Although it took me a good ninety minutes to stop hyperventilating.

I'm planning on using a small Kata camera backpack this coming Fall as the general weight of the camera and lens didn't go well with the shoulder bag, although someone else might not find that an issue.

I will admit to being in love with the manfrotto monopod which I use with an adorama flashpoint head. It's so easy to carry and I find it can really make the difference between getting the shot or not, especially at the Animal Kingdom.

Anyway, sorry to natter on....it's so much fun to consider taking photos at Disneyworld, I wish I could teleport there right now!

[peemagg]

I found something that I really like for my camera is not a traditional camera strap, but a binocular harness. I can put the straps on over my head and my arms threw and my camera is safely held to my chest without tying up my hands, and is still very easily brought up to make a shot. I don't think I will ever go back to a regular strap again. It is a great sense of security that my camera is not going to fall off of my shoulder.

I personally take and use only one lens. I have a 28-300mm lens and it a good all around lens. It is the only lens I ever use no matter where I go. The less you have to carry, the less weight to lug around.

[natedog24]

I'm thinking you'll use the 18-55 the vast majority of the time. When I'm shooting in the parks, I leave the 55-200mm at the resort, unless I'm going to Animal Kingdom... You can get great shots on the safari and walking treks. Depending on what you'll be taking pictures of and what you're looking for, you might want to leave the 35mm at home (I'm assuming is the f:1.8?). That lens is great for taking portraits, especially in low light/night time and will give you nice bokeh, but you might not use it that often - again depending on who/what you're taking shots of and what you're looking for.

You might want to think about getting a Gorillapod - make sure it's one that's meant for an SLR, otherwise you're camera will be too heavy. But that tripod travels well. I have a legit tripod, but I use the gorillapod most of the time and never bring my tripod on vacation with me.

Good luck!