Trip to Disneyworld, lens/camera advice needed

daygo30

daygo30

Messages
1,027
Name
Daryl
Edit My Images
No
We (wife and two kids, 8 & 11) are travelling to Florida soon for two weeks at the parks (Disney/Universal etc) and then a third week in Clearwater to get over the first two weeks lol.

I have been reading many posts on this topic, half say take a DSLR and the other say a compact and not to lug around all your gear.

I have a D750, 14mm Samyang, 35mm ART and Nikon 24-85mm. I was going to take the 14mm and 24-85mm but think I may need something longer than 85mm, maybe a 70-300mm or 28-300mm?? Just guessing, really don't know what would be useful.

Any lens advice or should I just go for something like a Sony RX100 iii and leave the DSLR at home.

Any help appreciated, thanks in advance.
 
realspeed said:
Oh dear they have just had to close down Disney world in Florida due to a big health scare.

Apparently the health inspectors did a spot check and caught 2 x six foot mice trying to escape a food hall out the back door.
Click to expand...
Lol
 
Been there twice, try and take in the space centre while out there, well worth a visit.

little tip.
You might come across people selling very cheap theme park tickets, stay well clear, they are linked to time share property high pressure selling
 
Last edited:
realspeed said:
Been there twice, try and take in the space centre while out there, well worth a visit.

little tip.
You might come across people selling very cheap theme park tickets, stay well clear, they are linked to time share property high pressure selling
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip re the tickets.
We have booked for the space station already, hopefully will catch a launch in early August, that's one reason why I don't think the 85mm is enough.
Do you mind me asking what camera gear you took with you?
 
just take the 28-300 thats all i normally take to florida along with my d750 which i have just replaced with the d850
covers all the bases`
 
We went back in 2011 when I was shooting Pentax. I took a k7 with 16-45 and a 55-300.

Were hoping to go again soon and I won't hesitate to take a d500 with 17-55 and 70-300.
 
I would suggest the Nikon 24-85mm and the 70-300mm would cover about everything. at the space centre the actual launch site is a long way from the viewing platform. I would check if a launch is due while you are there as you may need tickets? i don't know. Oh and the ponds beside the roads may have crocodiles in so don't get out for a pee

It must be at least 10-15 years since i was there so things may have and will have changed
Do go see the manatees (sea cows) while at clearwater. There is/was a rescue centre for those injured by boats etc

https://www.google.co.uk/imgres?img...d=0ahUKEwix3feHgvzbAhXqCMAKHY90CqwQ_B0I9gEwHA
 
Last edited:
realspeed said:
I would suggest the Nikon 24-85mm and the 70-300mm would cover about everything. at the space centre the actual launch site is a long way from the viewing platform. I would check if a launch is due while you are there as you may need tickets? i don't know. Oh and the ponds beside the roads may have crocodiles in so don't get out for a pee

It must be at least 10-15 years since i was there so things may have and will have changed
Do go see the manatees (sea cows) while at clearwater. There is/was a rescue centre for those injured by boats etc

https://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/FL_fig04.jpg&imgrefurl=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manatee&h=413&w=557&tbnid=030tPj61B6jGXM:&q=manatee&tbnh=148&tbnw=200&usg=__CpiAohXuvNtwIP1w62paNxkx3gY=&vet=10ahUKEwix3feHgvzbAhXqCMAKHY90CqwQ_B0I9gEwHA..i&docid=oKAKIJ675GHRWM&itg=1&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwix3feHgvzbAhXqCMAKHY90CqwQ_B0I9gEwHA
Click to expand...
Cheers for the tip re the crocs lol.
Will definitely check out the manatees in Clearwater
 
Does anyone have any experience with the Tamron 28-300mm PZD, it is a lot cheaper used than the Nikon
 
We went last year and most of my shots were with a 16-35mm f4, I also had a 35mm Art but wished I’d had something wider with lowlight, the Samyang will be ideal. So based on your lenses the Samyang and 24-85 should be fine. I also had a 100-400 for Animal Kingdom
 
I went to Disneyland Paris 5 years ago and took both my D90 and P310 compact. I did use the D90 a little, but the vast majority were on my P310. Assuming you're doing more than one day in each park, take the compact and go back for the more specialist shots if you need to.
 
daygo30 said:
Thanks for that, do you mind me asking which 28-300mm you have?
Click to expand...
I used a Sigma 28-300 on a Canon 5D for several years and it was very effective. I've changed to a Tamron 16-300mm on a Sony A65 in the last few months and that's even better. Enjoy your holiday!
 
Me, the wife and the kids ( 9 and 11) are going in September and I will be taking either a Sony RX100 mk3 or a Panasonic LX100. The thought of lugging and worrying about a dslr and lenses just for the sake of a few shots the others cannot take put me off, at the end of the day its a holiday so enjoy it.
 
I have been a few times, I find dslr in the park can be a real pain if you want to do the rides. Fine for the smaller rides but the bigger stuff you have put bags in lockers. Also its very hot and you walk miles everyday lugging a big camera and lens is a pain. We are going next week and I will be taking a compact. Sure I will miss some pics would be nice for seaworld and animal kingdom, but I would rather have fun. A dslr and super zoom lens might be ok and a good compromise to keep things lighter I did this about 15 years ago. Or maybe just take the dslr on a couple of days and leave it in your room the rest if you have safe storage might be an idea.
 
I took my A6000 when we went the first time with the kids, along with a Samyang 12mm/2 for wide angle, 50mm/1.8 for general walkabout/lower light and the kit 16-50 as a lightweight walkabout and for video. The whole setup fit into a small satchel style bag, along with a couple of spare batteries and a Manfrotto Pixi tabletop tripod for low light shots. When we went last year I'd upgraded to a Sony A7 so I took that, along with an FE 50/1.8, the kit 28-70 and a manual OM Zuiko 24/2.8 again, in the same bag with batteries/tripod.

Apart from the safari in the Animal Kingdom, I didn't miss having a longer lens at all and much preferred carrying a light kit bag!

For your gear, I'd agree with your initial idea of taking the 14mm for wide angle work and the 24-85 for everything else. If you took a 70-300 I could see it being left behind in the room after the first couple of days and the superzoom may be a compromise in terms of final quality.

I'm not sure if you're getting the Photopass but it's an excellent deal whereby you get to take home all of your ride photos/videos as well as having as many photos as you want, taken by the Disney photographers around the parks. Both times we've used it we've come back with around 900 photos/videos. The best part is that I'm actually in the shots with my family instead of only taking them :0)
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the feedback, I am really torn to be honest. We have a safe at the hotel so I can leave stuff there if I am not going to use it.

Regarding the smaller cameras such as the RX100 iii and the LX100, how would they compare to something like a bridge like the Panasonic FZ1000?
 
Do you really need to take a camera? Would your phone suffice? Travel light. Enjoy the spontaneity. Engage with your kids instead of watching them through a viewfinder. Disney*d is a magical place, whatever your age. Enjoy the experience as a family, not as a third party. Those parks aren't just for kids. Let your hair down, forget about your responsibilities. Remember what used to make you smile. The memories you'll take back will be far superior.

Just my 2c.
 
stevelmx5 said:
I took my A6000 when we went the first time with the kids, along with a Samyang 12mm/2 for wide angle, 50mm/1.8 for general walkabout/lower light and the kit 16-50 as a lightweight walkabout and for video. The whole setup fit into a small satchel style bag, along with a couple of spare batteries and a Manfrotto Pixi tabletop tripod for low light shots. When we went last year I'd upgraded to a Sony A7 so I took that, along with an FE 50/1.8, the kit 28-70 and a manual OM Zuiko 24/2.8 again, in the same bag with batteries/tripod.

Apart from the safari in the Animal Kingdom, I didn't miss having a longer lens at all and much preferred carrying a light kit bag!

For your gear, I'd agree with your initial idea of taking the 14mm for wide angle work and the 24-85 for everything else. If you took a 70-300 I could see it being left behind in the room after the first couple of days and the superzoom may be a compromise in terms of final quality.

I'm not sure if you're getting the Photopass but it's an excellent deal whereby you get to take home all of your ride photos/videos as well as having as many photos as you want, taken by the Disney photographers around the parks. Both times we've used it we've come back with around 900 photos/videos. The best part is that I'm actually in the shots with my family instead of only taking them :0)
Click to expand...
Thanks Steve for the feedback. We have the photopass included for free (well I am sure we paid for it somewhere lol), I didn't realise you end up with so many pics, sounds great.
 
adrianday said:
Do you really need to take a camera? Would your phone suffice? Travel light. Enjoy the spontaneity. Engage with your kids instead of watching them through a viewfinder. Disney*d is a magical place, whatever your age. Enjoy the experience as a family, not as a third party. Those parks aren't just for kids. Let your hair down, forget about your responsibilities. Remember what used to make you smile. The memories you'll take back will be far superior.

Just my 2c.
Click to expand...

I do agree with enjoying the moment and not spending it feeling pressured to deliver ‘magical’ results but, as a photographer, I also enjoy the opportunity to photograph my family in such an amazing place so I think I’d personally be disappointed if my only camera were a phone. If that was something I’d consider, I’d rather just rely on the Disney photographers instead as they are all over the parks.
 
adrianday said:
Do you really need to take a camera? Would your phone suffice? Travel light. Enjoy the spontaneity. Engage with your kids instead of watching them through a viewfinder. Disney*d is a magical place, whatever your age. Enjoy the experience as a family, not as a third party. Those parks aren't just for kids. Let your hair down, forget about your responsibilities. Remember what used to make you smile. The memories you'll take back will be far superior.

Just my 2c.
Click to expand...
Well put Adrian, definitely gives me something to think about ;-)
 
stevelmx5 said:
I do agree with enjoying the moment and not spending it feeling pressured to deliver ‘magical’ results but, as a photographer, I also enjoy the opportunity to photograph my family in such an amazing place so I think I’d personally be disappointed if my only camera were a phone.
Click to expand...

i literally just said this to my wife whilst discussing this thread
 
Last edited:
A couple years ago we traveled to Perth WA for a few weeks and took all my gear and I didn't regret it, every day we look back at the pictures and I am so glad they were not just phone pictures.

The only difference with this particular trip that has got me thinking is the rides etc and if it will be hassle to have my 750 and a lens with me. We are going to Seaworld and also to see a launch at Kennedy Space centre and the closest launch platform is over 2 miles away, this is one reason I thought 85mm would not cut it.
 
daygo30 said:
The only difference with this particular trip that has got me thinking is the rides etc and if it will be hassle to have my 750 and a lens with me.
Click to expand...

as mentioned above (which i had forgotten about) was the lockers you can pop stuff in at the parks. I remember them being all over the place and not really any hassle to use. i also remember that there were big metal cages where you could put belongings whilst you were on a ride. these were located by where you got on and of the ride itself.
 
daygo30 said:
Thanks for the feedback, I am really torn to be honest. We have a safe at the hotel so I can leave stuff there if I am not going to use it.

Regarding the smaller cameras such as the RX100 iii and the LX100, how would they compare to something like a bridge like the Panasonic FZ1000?
Click to expand...

I have been taking numerous photo's with both of them and they perform brilliantly, that's why I cannot decide which one to take, might take both and let the wife use the Sony :D
 
Went back in 2008 and took a load of camera gear, mainly 5D / 24-70 and 70-200 + TC
  • Looking back at Lightroom, 2/3rds of the pics were with the 70-200, mainly safari parks / sea life etc plus the excellent Discovery Cove.
  • Also took in a launch from Kennedy, buy you are literally miles and miles away from the launch point, so at best you see a bright light and vapour trail - I don't think I'd take anything longer.
  • I remember being very hot and getting very fed up lugging the kit around.

Went back in 2010 and took a small Canon G10 and a waterproof tiny Pentax W90
  • The pictures are a lot more intimate and generally show the kids having fun (compared to those of giraffes and killer whales from 2008!). The waterproof camera was amazingly useful in the parks and pool, easily slipping into the smallest of pockets.

If I go back again - I'm just taking the waterproof phone!
 
daygo30 said:
A couple years ago we traveled to Perth WA for a few weeks and took all my gear and I didn't regret it, every day we look back at the pictures and I am so glad they were not just phone pictures.

The only difference with this particular trip that has got me thinking is the rides etc and if it will be hassle to have my 750 and a lens with me. We are going to Seaworld and also to see a launch at Kennedy Space centre and the closest launch platform is over 2 miles away, this is one reason I thought 85mm would not cut it.
Click to expand...

Here's an unedited shot at 70mm to give context.

DT_2008_00396.jpg
 
Last edited:
Went earlier in the year with the missus, I do agree with the school of thought that I couldn't bring myself not to take a camera but equally didn't want to take my D750 etc.

So we took a Nikon D3200 with the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and a Nikon 55-200 VRII which fitted nicely in the bottom of my normal rucksack and weighed 1kg in total. Still got some nice photos, but at the end of the day I was on a two week holiday and not expecting or wanting to take total masterpieces. Also had my RX100 mk3 which my missus used.

As other people have mentioned, it gets hot there (and this was in January!) and every day is a long day with lots of walking so got to ask yourself the question if you want to spend all that time lugging heavy kit around.

If I went again, I'd probably just have taken a cheap Tamron 18-200 VC and not even bothered with changing lenses. Still going to be better quality than a phone camera.
 
Last edited:
Did Florida in 2015 and 2017. First time took X100T (fixed 35mm) and my D750 with 16-35 & 50mm (cant remember if I took an 85mm) - I didn't take the 24-70 as wanted to be lighter and less bulky! Used the 16-35 a lot. Great for indoors, like character meals as well as in parks as you don't have the space to shoot with a longer lens! 50mm came in useful too but the Fuji was used a lot. In 2017 we had 9 days there then off to Sth Carolina. Decided after a lot of thought to just take the X100T. It was fine 90% of the time, IQ is good enough that you can crop quite a bit. I personally like primes and the X100 range so found it easy.

Weight wise, I have a nice lowepro backpack, not a huge one, but can fit in a D750 with a decent size lens (like a 24-70 or 70-200 plus a couple of primes, or in my case it was the D750 with 16-35, 50mm, go pro and camcorder. Go Pro is well worth it, great for rides! I did not find the weight to be a problem, but is nicer without as no sweaty back and you can avoid the bag checking lines.

Planning on going again next year and will probably just take the X100F this time, although may take the D750 with a set of primes, 20/50/85, not sure yet!

Most of the shots will be walkabout ones, something in the range of 20-85mm should be enough for 98% of the time. I don't recall regretting being restricted to 85mm or less first time.
 
A big thanks to everyone for their input and sharing their experiences whilst out there.
I purchased an RX100 iii to take with us, this way I can leave my DSLR gear in the hotel if I am getting fed up lugging it around with me.
I will post some feedback when I return :)
 
Enjoy your hoils I have a G7x mkii which I will be taking with me, I did have Rx100 mki which was nice, small and light but it got the battery drain issue that seam to affect the mki's. I might also pack 70d and 70-200 for seaworld and animal kingdom I was going leave them at home this time but you have got me thinking... We fly on Monday next week, fingers crossed the temps drop a little over there.
 
Ive been 3 times now, each time ive taken a DSLR, but never more than 1 or two lenses. The way i see it is im going to be walking around with a bag (first trip was also with a buggy) anyway, so might as well have something in it.
Saying that, i didnt find many situations where a good compact wouldnt have worked just as well. I would say the parades were one of the situations where i was glad i took a longer lens, and especially a camera with a flip out screen.Also shooting the family on the rides were helped with a sightly longer reach and fast shutter button.
On the flip side, although you can take camera bags on almost (maybe every) ride in Disney, you cant in Universal, and i found my camera bag would only just fit the lockers on some rides. Glad i didnt take my 5D4 and long zoom as it wouldn't have fitted the lockers in the Gringotts area.
Something like a 18-135 was just perfect.

Basically, any camera is going to get fantastic shots. Sure, you may wish you had brought this or that lens, but you make do. Im not sure id spend money on a camera just for a holiday though, id have to factor in what use it would get once back home, but if you can afford it why not.

Its an amazing place and so much to photograph. We found Universal suited us better last time, as it was a lot quieter than Disney, but thats in Feb. 10min queues were the norm. Cant imagine going at the height of the season. I dont handle queues well.

We also had some GoPro's with us and on the lst trip (Feb 2016) we used those a lot more than i had expected


 
Last edited:
dave_bass5 said:
Ive been 3 times now, each time ive taken a DSLR, but never more than 1 or two lenses. The way i see it is im going to be walking around with a bag (first trip was also with a buggy) anyway, so might as well have something in it.
Saying that, i didnt find many situations where a good compact wouldnt have worked just as well. I would say the parades were one of the situations where i was glad i took a longer lens, and especially a camera with a flip out screen.Also shooting the family on the rides were helped with a sightly longer reach and fast shutter button.
On the flip side, although you can take camera bags on almost (maybe every) ride in Disney, you cant in Universal, and i found my camera bag would only just fit the lockers on some rides. Glad i didnt take my 5D4 and long zoom as it wouldn't have fitted the lockers in the Gringotts area.
Something like a 18-135 was just perfect.

Basically, any camera is going to get fantastic shots. Sure, you may wish you had brought this or that lens, but you make do. Im not sure id spend money on a camera just for a holiday though, id have to factor in what use it would get once back home, but if you can afford it why not.

Its an amazing place and so much to photograph. We found Universal suited us better last time, as it was a lot quieter than Disney, but thats in Feb. 10min queues were the norm. Cant imagine going at the height of the season. I dont handle queues well.

We also had some GoPro's with us and on the lst trip (Feb 2016) we used those a lot more than i had expected


Click to expand...
Brilliant videos Dave and thanks for the detailed response. I have a GoPro so will definitely be taking that with me.

I returned the RX100 I purchased, could not get on with the focusing modes and was not convinced by a few things.

I will be taking my 24-85mm which is small and light and then a 70-200mm but will leave it in the hotel when I get fed up lugging it around lol.
 
No problem, and thanks. I dont normally do video but the GP is so easy that it seemed the best way of capturing the moment. I did also come home with around 900 photos lol. On the first day out they my eldest son brought the GP Karma Grip (it wasn't out over here at the time), and he used his Hero5 everyday. He soht the HP video, and i just had one of those very short GP sticks for the Test Track.

I think you made the right move with the RX100. its a great little camera, but the last thing you want to be doing is learning a new system while out there. Take what you are familiar with and you will spend less time fiddling about. The 24-85 will cover most of the non animal parks IME. First time i went i just took a 17-55 f/2.8 and 50mm f/1.8 on a crop camera. Hardly needed the 50mm. Second time it was a 24-105 f/4 and the 50mm. Again, the 50mm wasn't used much. Last year was the 18-135 and a 35mm f/2 IS. I did use the 35mm at night but as the 18-135 is stabilised i could hand hold down to about 1/5 so even that was used at night.

The light is fantastic out there, and there is so much of it you might not even see night time lol

Have fun, its exhausting but an amazing place (not just the parks).
 
dave_bass5 said:
No problem, and thanks. I dont normally do video but the GP is so easy that it seemed the best way of capturing the moment. I did also come home with around 900 photos lol. On the first day out they my eldest son brought the GP Karma Grip (it wasn't out over here at the time), and he used his Hero5 everyday. He soht the HP video, and i just had one of those very short GP sticks for the Test Track.

I think you made the right move with the RX100. its a great little camera, but the last thing you want to be doing is learning a new system while out there. Take what you are familiar with and you will spend less time fiddling about. The 24-85 will cover most of the non animal parks IME. First time i went i just took a 17-55 f/2.8 and 50mm f/1.8 on a crop camera. Hardly needed the 50mm. Second time it was a 24-105 f/4 and the 50mm. Again, the 50mm wasn't used much. Last year was the 18-135 and a 35mm f/2 IS. I did use the 35mm at night but as the 18-135 is stabilised i could hand hold down to about 1/5 so even that was used at night.

The light is fantastic out there, and there is so much of it you might not even see night time lol

Have fun, its exhausting but an amazing place (not just the parks).
Click to expand...
Thanks Dave :)

A big thanks to all in this thread, I do love this forum, a great bunch or what!
 
Been to Florida every year since 2002 and its a wonderful place for enjoying yourself and for taking photos.
Just be aware that when you say you have a safe in your room for your gear some of the safes are only small and you may only be able to put small items and documents in and not large lenses.
Some of the bigger rides are declared No Carry on items so everything has to go in a locker, you usually get 2 hours free on these. I always carry a backpack and many years ago got the lowepro AW200 day bag, this takes the camera with lens and space for another small lens, then in the top goes drinks ponchos etc. For most of the rides this is fine to take on with you.
I've always taken my DLSR and a couple of lenses but having been so many times I take only the D750 and the lens I want to take on that day.
As other people have said go there enjoy yourself with the family but definitely get the camera out the Disney parks in particular are very photogenic.
And take a small tripod the evenings give you great opportunities.
 
You will not be able to fit a 70-200 in a Disney room safe. Also, there will be very few times that you would regret not having a 70-200.
 
I returned from my trip last Thursday and wanted to provide some feedback.

Around a week before I left I was offered a 24-70 and 70-200 at a good price and traded in the 24-85mm in the deal.

So I ended up taking with me a D750, 14mm Samyang, Nikon 24-70mm & 70-200mm 2.8. All I can say is, big mistake lol and I should have listened to you guys!

With the heat, humidity and amount of walking on a daily basis, it was tough. I quickly realised that the 70-200mm was not needed much but kept it with me on most days.

If I was ever to do the same trip again (I don’t think my wallet will ever be able to lol) I would take my D750 and buy a 28-300mm. This would cover everything and would not hinder you at all. I will wait for one to pop up in the classifieds for future trips. I would not do such a big trip (for me once in a lifetime) and just use my phone, I am glad I took a DSLR, however should have re-thought the lens situation.

Here is a link to some of the photos from the trip if anyone is interested and a few are below: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmqZmauH













 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top