Longer lenses at Disney ? 135L 70-300L?

On my second trip to Disneyworld, I went all in: 17-55/2.8, 10-22, 70-200/2.8L IS, 100-400L, 50/1.8, and my S100.

I was very thankful that all of the parks had large pay lockers and that I brought a smaller camera bag to bring a subset of my gear.

The S100 got a lot of use.

The 70-200L was used at a handful of parades to get close ups of performer's faces. The 100-400 was only used at a couple of shows. The thing about shows is that using long glass in the seating section can be very distracting to those around you. So I tended to shoot from the edges or rear of the stands.

If I decided to bring long glass again, I'd be sure to bring a second body with a more standard focal range. In my case, the 2nd body would be my X100S.

My other option is to bring my mirrorless setup instead.

Lastly, lugging heavy camera bags all day for seven to ten days in a row is very taxing. I've done it three times at Disneyworld as a challenge to myself. These days, I really value the option of leaving the heavy gear in a locker or hotel room and just bring a lighter kit.

So if you decide to bring the DSLR and heavy glass, don't forget the P&S and a smaller bag so that you can change your options at the least minute. Also don't forget that large bags don't fit very well in a lot of the rides.

Got me thinking the 70-300 may be worth just taking along. I can always leave it in the room.

As I said I won't even go out with a bag, If anything I will take a holster.

Bring the big boy, just tag along a stroller. It is great for walking and waiting in line. I've done a few times at Sea World and the Zoo.

Tommydigi wrote in post #16467106
Got me thinking the 70-300 may be worth just taking along. I can always leave it in the room.

As I said I won't even go out with a bag, If anything I will take a holster.

On a multi-day trip, it makes a lot of sense to lug it along. Some of my favorite, more interesting shots were isolation shots of people with blurred backgrounds mixed in with the usual shots. It is very crowded at the theme parks. The thing about parades and shows are that they have a schedule and so you have a feel for when you can leave your heavy gear in the hotel room or have to pre-stage it in the park ahead of time because there's not enough time to go back for it later. On long trips you might have the option of seeing the same show at multiple times and from different perspectives.

While you are at it, reflect on whether or not it is worth bringing a tripod or monopod too.

I have one of those Benro Mefoto tripods that I will just keep in the stroller. I only plan to take a few shots with a tripod. If any.

I took all my gear to Disney without problem. Compared to most theme and amusement parks I frequent, Disney is the most "camera friendly" in terms of bringing all your stuff along with you on most rides. I took my camera on almost every single ride with me (and my bag). 90% of the rides are so kid-friendly and non-aggressive, they let you take everything with you.

I used my 70-200 II and 35 1.4 most at the Disney parks.


At other parks that require you to get lockers for everything, I will leave my gear in the car for part of the day or get lockers. I have all my stuff insured, so if somebody decides to steal it somehow, I am covered.

No issues yet!

Tommydigi,

I remember reading alot of your disney stuff back last thanksgiving in 2012 when I went for 8 days. Luckily I had my S100 as I used that for the entire trip except for 3 days I took my 7D/24-105/12-24 and let me tell you the weight killed me especially getting there at 9am and leaving at 10pm. that is a loooong time to carry the gear.

Now I have the EOS-M for the wife and will ONLY take that w/ the 22mm next time. End of story. I will enjoy my trip better.

Tally. I may still end up just using the g. At least at times I willl but I do want the option of taking a Dslr. I am on the fence with the 70-300. I am going mainly to have fun but shooting is also fun so I want a nice balance.

I think the 50 will work well as will my 17-40/24-105. All 3 are very manageable. The 70-300 is not to heavy but I don't think I really need it. I may just take it and decide there.

I use a BlackRapid Sport strap and can hang out all day at Disney with my 50D/24-105 or 18-200 with no weight issues - almost absent.

With a standard over the neck strap my neck hurts for the next few days but not with the side slinging BlackRapid.

Go light and enjoy the park.

I know you said the 50 is good for nighttime, but you might also want to keep it handy during the day if you plan on getting some shots on dark rides.

I had a DSLR on me the whole time I was at DW last year, my only regret was leaving more lens behind and not taking them with me. Having the camera really wasn't an issue most of the time (Gripped 7D, 16-35, optech utility strap), only one ride was it a no-go and that was a roller coaster and there was a member of my group that is not a fan so that worked out. If I had brought my 50 with me as well I think that I would have come away with more of the shots I had in my mind.

But you do keep moving, so I'd say regardless keep it to one or two lens and maybe a small pouch/bag so that you don't tire from the weight. Unless of course you've got a stroller aged kid, then bring as much as you've got insured in a camera bag and secure it under the seat.

You've been before so you have an idea of what to expect subject wise, and the conventional wisdom does seem to be go wide and then wider, but there are a TON of details and subtle nuances in the parks a day with the 50 and the 135 could bring back some really different looks and play to your advantage when it comes to dark rides and parades, not to mention isolating various supporting elements; while still being what my day to day would consider light.

Everyone has already said it...24-105 and that's it. It's wide enough to be 'wide', and long enough to be 'long'.

I did Disneyland in Anaheim 35 years ago with nothing but my Canon EF body and FD 35-70 f2.8-3.5 and ASA 100 slide film. Except for inside of Space Mountain and It's a Small World, all the shots came out great...even the Magic Kingdom Castle just after sunset with my camera on a garbage can for a 10 second exposure (heavily bracketted, too).

When I do my occassional 'walkabouts' in large city downtown areas, my 24-105 is attached to my 5D3 most of the time. I decided to mix it up a bit a couple of months ago while in Chicago and took a number of shots with the 135 f2L, the only other lens I carried in a Lowepro case on my belt. Unfortunately for me, these old legs can't do a 12-hour stretch walking/standing/waiti​ng in line like I did at age 30.

With the capabilities of the G15 (I had a G-3 and G-5), I'd give strong consideration to making that the ONLY camera to enjoy the day with and not have to go to 'great lengths' to keep a bunch of gear safe and in one place on some of the rides. I'm even considering getting a G15 as a 2nd camera to my 5D3...just because it can do just about everything surprisingly well!

Remember you're there to have fun with your family...not play 'professional photographer' trying to get every possible pose and shot. Enjoy the day!

javig999 wrote in post #16465681
I do not want to dissuade you, but taking a DSLR to DL can be tough:

• Where to put it when you are getting on a ride?
  
• Going through large crowds with a rig like that is not fun
  
• The weight after a long day of walking and waiting in lines - its literally a pain in the neck
  
• Not to mention multiple lenses

Unless I had an SL1 and pancake, or wide (but compact) prime, I would not consider taking a "big" camera again...point n shoot FTW at DL.

If it has to happen, the wider the better, although the IS on the 24-105 would be helpful as it gets darker, and you will have some reach, which seems to be a concern.

Have a great time!

Couldn't agree more with this post. Been there done that and it sucked.

Been there and done that. I visited the park packing only a P&S, and have packed long heavy lenses on another visit, just to capture the kids on faster rides. Now, if I were to visit again, I would take a P&S only, since it will get me 90% of the shots. Carrying all the big gear just takes the enjoyment of the day away.