Recommendations for vacation lenses and gear

[IIIHobbs]

To be honest, this isn't about gear choice... it's about philosophy.  You and your wife need to sit down and discuss 1) what you want to achieve with the pictures from this trip; 2), what quality if images will be 'good enough' for the intended use; and 3) what her tolerance will be for you lugging the gear, changing lenses, and having the camera in front of your face for much of the time.
Once you've made those decisions, then picking gear becomes straightforward, the gear determines the bag, etc.

This is good advice.
Depending on how much time and attention you give your gear, you may miss certain experiences altogether.
I too was excited to capture as many shots as I could when we visited Disney last spring; however only 250 photos made it to our coffee table book, from approx. 750 keepers from well over 1250 frames.
I had one lens on my SLR and a Powershot.
I spent less time messing with my camera and a lot more time with the kids.

[kdsand]

I like the point about taking plenty of memory cards.
Its one thing to be taking pictures & a whole other can of worms if your having to back them up or heaven forbid doing any post work while on vacation.

With plenty of memory shoot allot of frames really fast and then give her your full attention again knowing you likely got keepers without even having to chimp.

[KKCFamilyman]

To be honest, this isn't about gear choice... it's about philosophy.  You and your wife need to sit down and discuss 1) what you want to achieve with the pictures from this trip; 2), what quality if images will be 'good enough' for the intended use; and 3) what her tolerance will be for you lugging the gear, changing lenses, and having the camera in front of your face for much of the time.
Once you've made those decisions, then picking gear becomes straightforward, the gear determines the bag, etc.

This is good advice.
Depending on how much time and attention you give your gear, you may miss certain experiences altogether.
I too was excited to capture as many shots as I could when we visited Disney last spring; however only 250 photos made it to our coffee table book, from approx. 750 keepers from well over 1250 frames.
I had one lens on my SLR and a Powershot.
I spent less time messing with my camera and a lot more time with the kids.

Was this a trip to Disneyland? Did you go to the zoo or seaworld? Also what lens and powershot worked for you. For me my current kit works fine but there are many times even at home I want more reach so I figured the 70-200 F4 IS will do just that but having a hard time justifying the money now which is why I am asking also I want would have to lug all that on and off of a plane. I would of course only bring the 70 to the needed attractions.

[IIIHobbs]

Was this a trip to Disneyland?

Disney World.

Did you go to the zoo or seaworld?

No, we did not.

Also what lens and powershot worked for you.

Canon 40D 16-35 f2.8


Powershot SD1200IS

[Rocky]

This is a "BLUNT" suggestion.  Keep peace with the wife and enjoy the kids. Just bring the two lenses and the flash you have. Forget about the exotic animals. The kids expression when they see the exotic animal is more important than the portrait of the animals. You have already got the 430EX. Why do you need a 270EX???  Your wife's P&S will serve as a backup. Or you can get a S100 That is truly pocketable. Ask yourself a simple question. How many time that you have look at your vacation pictures that do not have a family member in the past couple years?? After you have answer this question, you will know exactly what to bring.

[RC]

• Use a Blackrapid strap - having your hands free and the camera at you side/lower back makes it less obtrusive, but still very quickly accessible

Keep in mind for Disneyland, the parks can get very congested and you might not want your gear on your side.  Been to lots of Disney on both coasts and Disneyland has always been the most crowded--often difficult to walk.

Focus on efficiently, minimum gear, and being streamlined.   [/list]

[KKCFamilyman]

• Use a Blackrapid strap - having your hands free and the camera at you side/lower back makes it less obtrusive, but still very quickly accessible

Keep in mind for Disneyland, the parks can get very congested and you might not want your gear on your side.  Been to lots of Disney on both coasts and Disneyland has always been the most crowded--often difficult to walk.

Focus on efficiently, minimum gear, and being streamlined.   [/list]

Yeah great advice. I am looking at my 24-105 and my 50mm for low light. Now to find a good bag. Just got it back from Canon yesterday for the light leak tape job and my 50mm had front focus issues they had to fix.

I think I may get the g1x to carry at my side or preorder the Sony rx100. Leaning towards the Sony since it is pocketable. That's it. I do hope to enjoy the trip.

[dlleno]

24-105 is probably the only lens you'll use in Disney.  And I second all the advice here to concentrate on preserving the photograhic moments of your family as upposed to the scenery.  For example, when my wife and I go to the zoo with our kids and grandkids, I'm usually the one a few steps away, or ahead,  capturing the kiddos.  I sneek in an occasional animal portrait but the memories I take away will be of the little ones.   the 50mm will be perfect for those indoor shots of kids looking through windows. 

The last time we all were at a zoo, we saw a group of togs (no kids) carrying around huge amounts of 1 series bodies, L lenses, and Gitzos. It was more than enough to generate serious tog envy and  I'm sure they got some cool animial portraits -- but not of any little girls or boys looking at them

At disney, take the time to wait for the characters and get the kiddos obtaining signatures (by all means get them autograph books).   Go to goofys kitchen at least once.  spend the time at poohs corner and capture kids with Eyeore, etc.  let them play on the fire engine....   the 24-105 will be perfect.

[KKCFamilyman]

Yeah I think I am ready
I have 3 x 16gb sandisk extreme iii sd cards and 3 x 16gb CF Sandisk Extreme iii cards
2 batteries total
body, 24-105, 50mm, 270 ex ii (smaller and lighter for fill flash) don't see a need for the 430.
Still need to find a comfortable bag for all that and I am anal about making sure it's safe.
Also little stuff like hoods and UV filters
Finally bringing a Crumpler strap for comfort. Can't wait to try that out.

Finally was going to preorder the Sony RX100 to attach to my belt for candids to take quick like rides or days I want to leave the dslr home. I agree the pics of the kids are more important. Thanks. I will dump those pics daily to my laptop and back that up to an external nightly. I do IT so that's hardly trouble. I am pretty sure 96gb a day of storage should cover it. I do want to get the 70-200f4is for home when the kids are running around and was tempted to get it for the trip but everyone here is right it's too much to carry. I wish I knew that the upcoming mirrorless would release in time because I would have brought just that. Again any times on a bag that would have easy side quick access would be appreciated.

[KKCFamilyman]

I probably would just go with the new 24-70 if it was out but not sure if that would cut it but then I truly would not need any lens. It would be a decent low light lens 2.8 with the iso capability of that camera would be nice.

[gary samples]

canon 70-200mm great len  you will love it

[KKCFamilyman]

canon 70-200mm great len  you will love it

Which version?

[bdunbar79]

canon 70-200mm great len  you will love it

Which version?

EITHER the 70-200 f/2.8L II IS (best) or the 70-200 f/4L IS (excellent)

I don't know your bugdet, but just from an objective standpoint, both of those lenses are truly excellent.  The 2.8 is much more expensive than the 4.

[KKCFamilyman]

Thanks but the only zoom lenses available to me are the 70-300 l or 70-200 2.8 is ii. The latter just seems to heavy for vacation and the first seems to slow. Any suggestions?

[dickgrafixstop]

Take what you have and use it.  IF you need to go long, buy the cheap 70-300 without IS (about $100) for the trip.  It has the range for
the wild animal park from the tram and you'll be surprised how decent it is on a price/performance basis.  Make sure you have plenty of
SD cards - take nearly double what you expect you'll need because all of these stops are "photo rich".  Any decent sling bag should work,
and since they all look like camera bags, the insurance recommendation is spot on.  Southern California is usually bright, so don't forget
a polarizer and some neutral density filters (extra batteries and a charger).  Take the money you save and go all out on a family vacation -
a good dinner without the kids will do wonders for your wife's ability to tolerate your "camera time."