I'm going to Disney Florida in a few weeks with my family courtesy of my youngest son who is going there for his wish from "Make a Wish" foundation.
I had to sell all my camera kit a few years ago due to financial issues but have managed to save up and got a D90 with the 18-55 kit lens a few months ago.
Because this is an important holiday for us all id like something a tad better that the kit lens to take pics with. As for costs.....I will be selling the lens when i get back anyway so hopefully ill get back most of what i spend (on the card of course!!)
What would you guys suggest as a lens to take? I was looking at the 18-200 or possibly the 55-300. Id love the 24-70 (which i used to have) but dont want to be too restricted with reach.
Living in Orlando, FL and having been to WDW a few times, I vote for the Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 VR. The D90 is certainly fast enough with ISO IQ to use the 16-85mm and that lens is sharp. It will be wide enough at 16mm and long enough at 85mm for WDW sights. Besides, it is cheaper to buy or rent than the terrific 24-120mm f/4, which I have and am impressed with the sharpness also.
heyy i went with my sis and family through Make a Wish. They put us in the Polynesian Hotel for like 4 days, all access passes to WDW and Universal Studios. Definately a much needed trip and one that we still remember.
As far as lens advice, im a Canon guy, but the wider the better seems fitting.
I too have been there a number of times with family. Some thoughts. First, as a dad of two kids myself, be careful that you don't end up making photography the center of attention rather than the family. You don't want to have your kid end up feeling that the camera is more important than he is. Seriously, don't go overboard here. As for camera gear, I think the perfect choice is something like the Canon G12. You want something compact so it doesn't get in the way. Of the lenses mentioned, I'd go for the 16-85mm VR, only because it's the widest. My last trip there I took a D80 and 18-55mm VR, and a flash. I used the flash a lot, but I'm a flash guy. If I go again, I'll take a point & shoot. There is no way I'd take something like a Nikon 24-70mm. Anyway, bottom line is I suggest being a dad first.
I have a season pass to WDW and I take three lens in a small bag. A 24mm 2.8, 50mm 1.4 and a 35-135 3.5. All of these are manual focus because with so many people walking around your AF is fooled more often that not. Total investment in these three lenses was $250. The suggestions are correct, wider is better but on my d7000 I haven't needed wider than my 24mm.
With shots like these we could have a few more converts. Great work and fine insight about the usefulness of MF in busy settings that might confuse the camera's focusing system. With MF the only confusion is between our ears...
From what I've read so far, the 16-85 and a flash sound like your D90's two new best friends if it's possible to swing that kit. But then, once you're talking about spending $600, you might as well keep your 18-55 and add a Tamron 70-200 to your kit, which will add reach and a fast f/2.8 aperture for the same amount of money.
I could have sworn that Tokina had a 50-150 or 50-135 f/2.8 lens which I think would be even better (because I seem to remember it was cheaper), but for some reason I can't find it to provide a link with details.
Every time I hear about the 16-85, I think of the f5.6 at the long end. That turns me off totally.
Tamron 17-50 is better at f2.8, a Nikon 18-70 isn't as fast, but gives great IQ. Nikon's 18-55 is pretty good, especially since you already have it and don't have to make excuses. Rent a 55-200 VR and you are good for anything. The 55-200 is also feather light, so it's easy to carry.
Enjoy the time with your son and the rest of the family. That is the most important thing. Pack the battery charger and get an adapter for US outlets. Post some pictures for us when you get a chance.
I was there last month and used the 18-200, however, your 18-55 would have been ok for most of the pictures. Had some of my "fancy" lenses with me but decided to keep it simple (used the fisheye at Kennedy space center for the Saturn V). You will definitely want something that goes wide. I have never been happy with lenses that only go to 24 or 28 on a 1.5 crop camera so would avoid them, particularly since if you replace the 18-55, it seems you will have only one lens for a while.
My suggestion for best quality is the time spent with your familly, here is a link that we used when our familly first went to Disney: http://allears.net
Disney is a magical place, I wish you and your familly all the best.
If I was in Florida I would gladley lend you my gear.
Thanks for all yoiur replies and so much to think about!!!
The sole reason I was considering getting a better lens etc was becaue this will be his only holiday as because of the very nature of "Make a Wish" and "Give kids the World" its a once in a lifetime deal. I also want memories of him after he has passed on which was why I asked about lenses etc.
Im coming to the conclusion that I can probably make do with what i have (d90 & 18-55) as opposed to say a d700 & 24-70 which i know are awesome because i had that before. I was even considering pulling the trigger on a Canon 5dii and 24-105 f4 as they are on offer at the moment! (with the idea of selling it on my return home!)
im just wondering how much of a difference ill notice between the d90 & kit lens or say the d700 &24-70 or the 5dii &24-105 if at all
What I dont want to happen is to come home with ok shots when i know i could get better ones! but bearing in mind im leaving on tuesday my options are vanishing fast!!!
