Disney World Kit Bag

elvindeath wrote in post #5737623
I'm in the process of packing my camera bag for a 2 week Disney trip which starts next week. I've never dragged an SLR down there before, but here's what I'm taking:

Canon 5D
Speedlight 580EX
24-105 L
50 f/1.4 (for rides and restaurants)
Battery Grip
CF Cards (1x8GB, 2x4GB)
Velbon Ultra Luxi SF tripod (not sure I'll use)

I plan on shooting RAW, but I've got a laptop with plenty of space to clean off the cards periodically.

I'm planning on leaving the 17-40L and 70-200 f/4 L at home this trip. I may bring them back in October, when just the wife and I visit. Too much with the kids. I'm also leaving the Circ Poly filter at home.

It'll be hell to haul all that gear around in the hot June sun, but I can't pair the kit down any more and expect to get the shots I want.

Elvin Died? Man, I didn't know.

Things I would suggest....

Ditch the grip. 5D has great battery life, and in my opinion, balances well with the lens you are bringing. Toss the extra battery in your pocket.

Lens choice is spot on.

Bring the CP filter. It makes a TON of difference, if its a good one. I don't take mine off down there. I even use it indoors -- everything is so colorful and shiny, the CP just brings so much of it out.

Which means I pretty much walk around with my 580EX mounted on my camera. Indoors, even a fast lens can't control the light, and you don't get a lot of flexibility when posing with the characters (and I am pushing through the CP). Outdoors, I love the catchlights.

But thats just me. Have fun!

^ Sounds good, elvindeath. I'm sure that kit will take care of most all of your needs, IMO. A good bag is important, so make sure you're comfortable with it. Sounds like something like a 5MDH or 6MDH would be ideal. You can easily hit all the rides with a combo like that, even Space Mountain (which can be a tough one in those cramped cars).

You can save space without the grip, that's up to you (I prefer grips) - but I'd take the CPL. It doesn't take up any room and weighs nothing. You might be glad you have it with you, especially with all the colors and landscapes in the 'World.

I know carrying several bags at Disney sucked. Now that we have a baby boy there is now diapers, food, wipes, blanket, and a few toys. Mostly that goes in the wifes purse and I carry my camera bag.

So I like to go light. I would bring my 17-55 IS, and the 70-200 4L for the fireworks at night along with a small portable tripod to get crisp firework photos.

I think they have lockers you can rent to store stuff or can leave stuff in the car. The car in the parking lot is so far away I rather have everything on us. The good thing is that with my son comes a stroller so that helps carry some of the load.