Universal Studios, Florida

I'm heading out there Thursday for a much needed vacation. I'm taking my P&S for general shots throughout the day, but wanted to know if I'm allowed to bring a DSLR in. I wanted to spend a couple of evenings (I'm going with my girlfriend for a 4 day pass, btw) walking around the parking getting good quality shots on my 50D w/ 17-50 Tamron and my 70-200 f/4 L and my Manfrotto setup (for night shots). I figure the parking lot is close enough I can go out there, grab my gear, and spend a 2-3 hours getting my shots.

Obvisouly, I need to balance this carefully, so I only wanted to spend 1-2 days doing this so I don't get the eye roll or strangled. I have a tendency to go overboard. Not to mention getting frustrated when I'm not getting the shot I want, especially during a hot day walking around all day.

What are some cool things to get a photo of? Obviously the Universal Globe and rides, but I'm hoping to find some one off stuff around the parks. What do you suggest as far as getting shots and enjoying the trip with my lady.

I went to Universal in Feburary. I had never been and was unsure what to expect so we only carried my wife's point and shoot. I did see many people carrying DSLR's so it won't be a problem to carry one around. The reason I didn't carry mine is I didn't know what I would do with it when we went on the rides/attractions. Turns out there are free lockers(up to a certain point, then you gotta pay) at every ride that are accessed via thumbprint. They aren't huge but you could easily stuff a DSLR in there. Wouldn't fit a tripod though.

Also, the parking lot is not close. At least I didn't think it was. lol

I have never had a problem getting a DSLR into Universal or Disney. The thing you have to consider is what you may be doing in the parks? Meaning will you be going on rides and participating in activities, thats where the weight and size of a DSLR kit may be an issue.

Me personally, I have always brought my stuff and put it in the lockers at the rides. Have fun!

Yes, I will be on rides. I'll be using the DSLR in the evenings just to walk around and see the sights. Sort of like a little break to go and take some clean shots in RAW. Then get back to the action. So, no I'm not going to lug the 50D around all day, but just for a couple hours out of the day.

leave the 70-200 in the bag.

Nothing there to use it for IMO

monopod-good
tripod-bad

I found that the people are like zombies not looking where they are walking and rightfully so it's full of distractions, this means lots of oops and sorry's as they bump and trip over your tripod.

I bring my SLR with me... I got to Uni/IOA every year and they have nice, free lockers available when you need to store your stuff to ride (fingerprint access). So store it in a locker when needed and enjoy! Same goes with Sea World, Busch Gardens, etc...

At that park though, leave the 70-200 at the hotel/home/bag... Bring wide to normal FL lenses and be set, and enjoy! Longer FL won't be used much like it would at some other parks.

When I was there I took the 17-40/4 and 24-105/4. Had the 24-105/4 as the walk around lens mounted on the camera 90% of the time. My wife keep the 17-40 in her bag and I only brought it out a few times. I could have lived with just the 24-105 though.

Mark

I'm in Atlanta now. All I needed was my Tamron 17-50. Done deal. Great pics, that I'll need to process once i get back to Houston.