Photography Reviews
Looking for the best camera (point and shoot or DSLR), lens, or other photography gear and equipment to buy? This photography buying guide offers helpful “real world” ratings and reviews on photography equipment from a professional photographer (me). Although my specialty is landscape and travel photography at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, the gear reviewed can be used in a whole range of photographic scenarios. (Note: this guide was most recently updated in April 2013 to cover new products.)
Before considering any camera and photography equipment upgrades, it is a great idea to learn a little about photography. Use online resources (Google can find a tutorial on anything!), but if you want to learn the basics or read something more thorough, we recommend a book (read our book reviews). The book we always recommend starting with is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. Seriously, get it. All of the expensive equipment in the world won’t help you if you haven’t learned the basics, and that book is the best way to learn the basics. A book is a lot cheaper than a new lens, and if you’re a beginner, that book will improve your photography more than a new lens.
No camera on earth “takes good pictures.” Some cameras can help an adept photographer more than others, but if the person taking the photos doesn’t do things right, photos taken with a $2,000 camera can look worse than photos taken with a camera phone. Likewise, many experienced photographers can take better photos with an iPhone than inexperienced photographers can with expensive DSLRs on Auto Mode.
The point being, it’s important to learn the fundamentals of photography in addition to buying shiny, new toys.
Here are our photography recommendations:
Books
Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson – (same one as above, just in case you missed it there, because it’s really that important) this book is where Tom learned photography. He would still be using automatic mode if it weren’t for someone recommending Mr. Peterson’s book. A wealth of information, from the basics to some more advanced techniques, this book is the perfect jumping off point.
The Photographer’s Eye - Great composition is paramount to a great photo, but unfortunately it’s one of those things that’s difficult to learn. This book helps any aspiring photographer really learn composition. This is a book to read over and over again. Definitely the second-most important book to own on photography and one that’s become a recent favorite of mine.
Scott Kelby’s Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1, 2, and 3 – A three part series of beginner and intermediate books with plenty of useful tips for veteran photographers, too. The information in these books really runs the gamut, and if ever there were to be a single (or 3 book) series for mastering the craft/business of all types of photography, this would be it.
Visit our full list of Photography book recommendations.
Nikon D7000 DSLR and Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 Lens
Now for the equipment recommendations:
Cameras
Over the last few years, we have had the chance to extensively use a number of cameras. Primarily, we use Nikon DSLRs, various point & shoots, and iPhones for photography. Since 2008, when Tom got his first DSLR, he has used a Canon XTi, Nikon D40, D90, D7000, D700 and Infrared D70. He presently uses the D600 (read the full review with samples), D7000, and Infrared D70. Sarah presently uses a Sony RX100 (point and shoot) and iPhone 5 for Disney iPhoneography.
While we are Nikon users, we aren’t crazy brand-loyalists. That’s just crazy. Both are making excellent cameras right now, as are the less-common brands (Sony, Pentax, and others), and we don’t think you can go wrong with either brand. The top Canon DSLR cameras
Let’s go through the different categories of cameras for reviews of some of our favorite cameras that we’ve used.
Point & Shoot Cameras
Up until 2012, I really didn’t use point & shoot cameras that often. This changed with the Sony RX100, which is my favorite by a long shot. It’s the first point and shoot I’ve personally used that offers near-DSLR quality in a pocket size.
Sony RX100 - This point and shoot has been described by just about everyone who has reviewed it as a game changer. I was skeptical at first, but I drank the Kool Aid, and am loving it. This point and shoot somehow combines a large sensor and a great f/1.8 lens into a compact package. The only downside is its price. It has replaced our Nikon D3100 DSLR as a backup camera–we carry this camera just about everywhere! (Read Our Full Review w/ Photo Samples) Score: 10/10
Canon PowerShot S95
To read the rest of our Point & Shoot Camera reviews, visit our Point & Shoot Camera Reviews.
Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 – Our Underwater Camera
DSLR Cameras
We’re Nikon users; here are the cameras we have used and recommend. What works for you might vary based upon your needs.
D7000 v. D600 v. D700
Nikon D3100 DSLR - Up until Summer 2012, Sarah used this DSLR, which offers great bang for your buck. It packs a lot of punch for its price. It has pretty solid image quality when compared to higher level cameras, and only lacks some of the features–definitely a great value. It’s definitely a good idea to use less of your budget for the camera body so you can put more towards additional lenses and necessary accessories! This camera has since been replaced by the Nikon D3200; we’ve heard great things but haven’t had a chance to test the newer model. Score: 8/10
Nikon D7100 DSLR Camera – If you’re upgrading or are more serious about photography, skip the D5100/D5200 and go straight to the D7100. The benefits of the D7100 over the lower-models are improved dynamic range, improved high ISO performance, better build quality, ability to meter with additional lenses, substantially better HD video capabilities, and dual memory card slots, among other things. Each of these improvements seems insubstantial on its own, but together they make for a pretty impressive camera that you can grow into as a photographer! A slightly cheaper option here is the Nikon D7000, which is a great camera, but is a bit older and doesn’t perform quite as well. (Read Our Full D7000 Review w/ Photo Samples) Score: 9/10
Nikon D600 DSLR Camera – I pre-ordered this within minutes after it was announced, and am so glad I did. It offers full frame quality, amazingly clean images at high ISO, incredible dynamic range, and a litany of features. It doesn’t have every little bell and whistles of the Nikon D700 (the camera I purchased in early 2012 when I made the leap to full frame), but its image quality is better, which is most important, and it’s a more compact package. I purchased this instead of the Nikon D800 because the D800 offered too many megapixels for my shooting style. In my opinion, the Nikon D600 is the perfect camera for the very serious Disney photographer. (Read Our Full Review w/ Photo Samples) Score: 10/10
Infrared Photography
CHEAP-O $25 Infrared Filter (72mm) or 77mm – This is what you want to buy if you want to give infrared photography a try. Before I got my infrared camera, I used one of those CHEAP-O filters, and it worked just fine for me…actually, it worked great considering the price! If you like this, consider a dedicated camera…
Nikon D70 Infrared DSLR Camera – I use the Nikon D70, but I don’t recommend it. Instead, I’d buy a new Nikon D5100 and have the conversion done for $250 via LifePixel. Infrared cameras are a niche camera that can only achieve a specific type of photo (see below). Infrared cameras capture light beyond the spectrum of light visible to the human eye. If you already have a camera and sell lens and want to try a new style, think about purchasing one. All others should avoid.
Read Our Full “Infrared Photography Guide & Tips” Post
Nikon D70 Infrared-Converted DSLR and Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 Lens
Waterproof Cameras: If you’re looking for an underwater option to use at the beach, Typhoon Lagoon, or Blizzard Beach, check out our Waterproof Point & Shoot Camera Reviews. That page is due for an update, which will occur in late Summer 2013.
In lieu of a dedicated waterproof camera, we recommend the DicaPac Waterproof Digital Camera Case
Nikon D3100 DSLR and Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 Lens
Lenses
We have used a lot of lenses over the past few years, and have generally found that third party lenses are the best way to go if you’re on a budget and first party lenses are the best way to go if money is no issue. This is primarily because you don’t pay for the first party brand name, so you get better value for your money. The third party lens reviews here apply equally for use on both Nikon and Canon bodies (as well as any other mount in which the lens is made). Here are our capsule reviews:
Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 Manual Focus, Fisheye Lens for Nikon - This lens goes by many different names (Rokinon, Bower, Pro-Optic, Samyang, etc.), but if you find a lens that is an 8mm f/3.5 fisheye, it’s this one. This is really an amazing lens for it’s target audience. It’s really wide, reasonably fast, and incredibly cheap. It is manual focus, but manual focus is no problem at all on a fisheye lens. Tom sets his to 3′ and typically never adjusts it during the trip since at 3′, everything in the shot is in focus (there is some scientific explanation to this, but we don’t know what that is!). (Read Our Full Review w/ Photo Samples) Score: 10/10
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 Zoom Lens - Essentially a replacement and upgrade for the kit lens that comes with most entry level DSLRs. It allows for more creativity, but also covers a very useful focal range, so it’s not a niche lens like an ultra-wide angle or a fisheye. It covers largely the same focal length (17-50mm v. 18-55mm) as a kit lens, but offers better image quality, better low-light performance, and allows for more shallow depth of field because of the constant f/2.8 aperture.(Read Our Full Review w/ Photo Samples) Score: 10/10
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 Ultra-wide Angle Lens for Nikon
Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR II Nikkor Telephoto Zoom Lens
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens – The nifty fifty as it’s known among its fans, this lens is highly overrated. While you can produce some great images with it, for Disney trips, it’s not that great of a lens on a crop sensor (DX) camera (if you don’t know what a crop sensor camera is–it’s most sub-$2,500 camera bodies). If you’re trying to take photos of dark rides or portraits, most of the time you’ll find that it’s simply too much “zoom.” For creative purposes while wandering the parks, it’s a gem and a great value (look at the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Lens for Nikon – The holy grail of portrait and dark ride lenses as far as we’re considered, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 is the perfect focal length for photographing dark rides, and it’s a more natural portrait lens for using in the parks. It produces buttery-smooth bokeh and the images really pop. Plus, with an aperture of f/1.4, it’s a bit faster than f/1.8 lenses. While Nikon offers a 35mm f/1.8 for a bit less, do not be convinced that this is a better option! Spend a little more and get the exceptional quality of the Sigma. You will not regret it. Score: 10/10 (Read Our Full Review w/ Photo Samples)
We have a lot more lens reviews on our Lens Reviews Page. Read them all to decide what’s right for you!
Nikon D90 and Sigma 30mm f/1.4
Accessories
A lot of beginners make the mistake of only budgeting for a camera and lens when they go to purchase a camera, only to find out that other smaller costs quickly add up and cost them far more than expected. Some of these additional expenses skew more towards necessary (memory cards and camera bags, and to a lesser extent a tripod and flash) whereas some are not necessary but nice to have (polarizing and neutral density filters). Here are our picks for the best accessories.
Remote - Get the Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control for the D3000, D40, D40x, D5000, D60, D7000, & D90. It’s inexpensive, and incredibly useful for fireworks shots (bulb mode), nighttime long exposures (so you don’t move the camera when pressing the shutter button), and for taking shots of yourself!
Tripods
There are a lot of differing opinions on this one, but for the purpose of vacationing to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, a lightweight travel tripod is best. We use the Velbon line of tripods, specifically the Velbon Luxi-L tripod (this package comes with some nice accessories, but frequently is out of stock; if no product shows, just search for “Velbon Luxi L” once on Amazon). This is a GREAT tripod: incredible value, height, and it collapses to a small size! The only downside is that it can be hard to find. It the link above stops working (as it does from time to time), please leave a comment below letting me know.
Since tripods are such an incredibly important (yet often overlooked) element of capturing great photos, I’ve put together a thorough guide for choosing the right one.
Visit our “Choosing the Best Travel Tripod” page for more information.
Flash
If you like taking photos of your people (and if you’re going to a Disney theme park, you should!), an external flash is a must. The little on camera flash just washes people out and doesn’t do nearly as good of a job as an external flash. External flashes are fairly cheap, too.
Nikon SB-400 flash – great entry level flash that’s small, cheap, and has an adjustable head for bouncing. This is the flash Sarah uses.
Nikon SB-700 flash – mid-range Nikon flash that has a lot more features than the SB-400, is larger, and a bit more expensive than the SB-400. Unless size is an issue, this is the flash you should target. Its features make it much more compelling than the SB-400. Tom uses the last generation (SB-600) of this flash.
Filters
Unlike in the days of film, most filters nowadays can be achieved via post processing. For that reason, we don’t recommend star filters or any color-shift filters. We also don’t recommend UV filters for protection (use a lens hood instead) as they slightly degrade image quality, especially if shooting into bright lights. However, this is a “controversial” area of photography, so you might want to read counter-points. Here are the filters we do recommend:
Tiffen 77mm Circular Polarizer
B+W 77mm Neutral Density 1.8-64x Filter #106
Visit our full list of Neutral Density Filter Reviews.
Nikon D7000 and Sigma 8-16mm Lens
Camera Bags
Obviously, you need a bag to carry your gear. We recommend that you learn from our mistake and purchase a bag you can “grow into” as you buy your gear. We’ve gone through far too many bags as our gear “collection” has grown.
Lowepro SlingShot 102 AW – This bag provides great bang for your buck, and can store your camera with a lens mounted, plus two additional lenses. Tom crams three additional lenses into his in a pinch by using the top pouch for the 50mm f/1.8. It’s much better than the 100AW that it replaced, because you can carry a tripod on the side of it! Despite all that room, it’s a fairly lightweight bag.
Lowepro Flipside 200 Backpack 
Ape Case Large SLR Holster Camera Bag ACPRO650
Software
A photo isn’t done the moment you click the shutter. Much like photographers of yore polished shots in the darkroom, it’s imperative that you have your own “digital darkroom.” Even if you only perform minor edits, a post-processing program is a must. Don’t mess with any software (sorry Aperture, Gimp, Paint Shop Pro, etc., users!) besides Adobe’s. They’re the market leader for a reason.
Adobe Photoshop CS6
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 - Perfect for quick edits or people who don’t want to fuss with photos as much. (There is also a Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 Student and Teacher Edition
SmugMug - not necessarily traditional “software,” but the best service out there for backing up and setting up a polished portfolio/store. You can fully customize SmugMug (as you can see from my gallery) and it has a lot of power. Well worth the price for serious photographers. Use this link when signing up for SmugMug to save $5!
Nikon D7000 and 8mm Fisheye Lens
Guide Conclusion
Obviously we have accrued all of these items over several years. It would be imprudent to buy them all at once, because you might find your interests in photography differ from ours. We would recommend starting out by buying an entry level DSLR body no matter what your budget and spending the rest on lenses and accessories. Lenses make much more of a difference than the body, so budget accordingly.
If you’re on a limited budget, start out with the camera body, and add the following as funds allow:
1) tripod & remote
2) Sigma 30mm f/1.4 or Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8
3) Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 or Rokinon 8mm fisheye
4) SB-700 external flash.
From there, buy whatever lenses and other accessories that might interest you. As you can see by my list, I don’t value a telephoto lens all that highly, but if you do, get one.
Nikon D90 and Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR Lens
New or Used? – Tough question. We’ve discovered that buying photo gear on eBay or Craigslist is a huge risk, but we still do it sometimes. You don’t know how the seller took care of their gear, or what problems may come up down the road. You also don’t save that much over buying new. Finally, you don’t get a warranty. Things do go wrong with cameras, seemingly inexplicably, and it would really stink for that $1,000 investment to break with no recourse for you.
Similarly, there are a lot of New York City based camera stores online with too-good-to-be-true prices. These sites are scams, DO NOT order from them! If the price looks to good to be true, it is.
We’re Amazon Prime members, so we almost always order from Amazon.com
, B&H Photo, or Abes of Maine, but I generally avoid all other online photo retailers (I STRONGLY recommend avoiding J&R Cameras).
If you are considering a purchase of any photography equipment, lenses, or anything else for that matter we would greatly appreciate it if you use the Amazon, Adorama, and B&H Photo links in this post to make your purchase. It benefits the site, doesn’t cost you a dime, and helps us to keep providing you with useful content! Every penny helps!
Your Thoughts…
We hope this guide helps you out and answers your questions. If you have other gear recommendations or tips on new products we might like, share them in the comments! If you have questions, please leave them in the comments below, too.
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A very timely blog Tom as I am looking at my options regarding a Fisheye lens and funnily enough the Rokinon lens or Samyang as I know it over here was the likely lens of choice. Now its the definite lens of choice.
The only other bit of kit I was/am missing is the external flash but I had earmarked one, Canon Speedlite 270EX and I will have amassed all the shiny gubbins needed by the time Aug 2012 rolls around.
As for my camera body its an old Canon EOS 300d body I have but I am so used to it and comfortable I cannot bear to part with it. It feels like an extension of my arm when I use it.
Anyway, cheers for another great blog
If you like the camera body, and it suits your needs, stick with it. Spend the money on other upgrades!
Hello Tom,
After i read your “Nikon d600 Review” i really like it, give me a lot of idea it helps me a lot but i still have question for you, please help me make decision. Before i waited for Nikon D600 because rumors said the price was &1500 but the real price is &2100 then i decided to get D7000 and Nikkor lens AF-S Dx Micro 40mm f/2.8 2 weeks ago and plant to buy Nikkor 85mm f1.8G lens, until now i am still thinking about D600 yet. Now i had 5 lenses together 3dx and 2ff (1:AF-S DX VR Zom 18-200 VR f/3.5-5.6; 2:DX 55-300mm; 3:Dx micro 40mm; 4:24mm f/2.8; 5: 50mm f1.8 all are nikkor lenses. I still have time to return or exchange for D600. What do you think or suggest? oh taking photo just my hobby. Sorry for my writing because i am not good English enough.
Thank you so much and thanks for your review.
Sam Nosavan.
Great information Tom and timely for me since I just purchased the D7000. I’m starting to build up my arsenal of lenses. I have made a couple purchases via Amazon and one via a flickr contact, but would like to purchase more. What would be your vendor of choice? B&H, Amazon, Ebay, et al.?
Sorry, asked and answered. I didn’t catch your last section while reading on my iPhone.
Thanks!
This was so helpful! Thank you!! My son is wanting to save his money that he’s earning this summer to buy a DSLR for a media arts program he’s starting in the fall and this guide will help a lot!
Another great blog, as all your blogs are!
Glad I could help! Like I said in the post, I would highly recommend starting small with the body. If he’s looking at it for artistic purposes, maybe start with the body only (no kit lens) and the Sigma 30mm lens. That will really help him learn composition!
Great post, Tom. I ended up getting the Sigma 30mm from your suggesting it over on WDW Photography, and I’ve been loving it. “Buttery smooth” does not even begin to describe how breathtaking the bokeh on this lens is. It is worth every last penny it costs. I highly, highly, highly recommend it!
I’m glad to hear that you like it. A lot of people overlook that lens in favor of the similar Nikon and Canon models, and that’s a huge mistake. The Sigma, surprisingly, is better by leaps and bounds!
Thanks for a great post Tom. I’m a big fan of your flickr photostream. I have the D7000, the 28-300 and 50 f/1.8. I was finally able to find the Tokina 11-16 in stock at amazon. This lens was really hard to come by. I can’t wait to try it out when we head out to AKL next month.
Thanks again and keep those great shots coming!
I have been so confused on what to do here recently. I want to upgrade my camera (currently have canon 40d) I’ve been torn, do I get the nikon d7000, or nikon d5100 and just change the lens? Perhaps to the 30mm you suggested. I mainly photograph my kids and for travel. I don’t want to change lenses all the time either. Any suggestions to help push me in the direction I’m looking for?
First, let me say that the Canon 40D, despite being a bit old in the tooth, is a great camera. The D7000 would be an upgrade from it, but the D5100 would only be an upgrade in technology (button and feature-wise, the 40D might best it).
If money is an issue, I would recommend going with the D5100 kit and getting the 30mm (if it’s no issue, get the D7000). If you’re disciplined with it, you can use just the 30mm for most subjects. It’s not good for sports or safaris (since it doesn’t zoom) so you might want to add something like a 55-200mm, too. Hope that helps!
Okay thank you…one last question. If I do decide to go with the d5100 I can only use AF lenses correct? I wouldn’t be able to turn off the auto to focus manualy (something I may want to consider in dark rides yes?) there is no option for this on the 5100. Yes?
Nevermind I just figured out that you can turn it off on the lens itsself…duh
What a helpful post–I have a D40 with the 18-55mm kit lens, a 55-200mm lens, and a 35mm f1.8 lens (which I got after reading about prime lens day on WDW photography). I have been looking to upgrade my tripod (which works great for family group shots, but which is a pain to carry anywhere farther than the car), and to get an external flash. This post has been great help with that. I was wondering if you could help with software. I have photoshop and play around with it a little (usually more to the line of effects like making a photo b&w, using the clone tool to heal things, or doing selective coloration, than actually adjusting levels). Is there any reason to get lightroom too?
If you have Photoshop, you have a program called Adobe Camera Raw. I recommend just using that instead of Lightroom. A lot of people swear by LR, but I think it’s sort of a waste of money if you have Camera Raw. Your mileage may vary.
what about your backpack???
Great question–I’ll add those shortly!
thanks TB!
What about editing software? Are you using Photoshop? I just download Gimp but haven’t really tried it out yet. Seems to be similar to Photoshop but its free : )
Added a section on software. Thanks!
I read you Club 33 review and found it very interesting and really loved your photo’s I truely believe in the Brian Peterson book on exposure. Many years ago I went to Brooks Institute and then cinematography school but found out I could not make a decent living being a photographer.
I still use a Hass 550c/m for those pictures I want to keep and had tried using a Nikon D5000 but really have not progressed very well. Very rarely have time in a day to PP, it actually takes more time for using PP software then to get a excellent photo from my Hass.
Thanks so much for sharing you excellent pictures. Would love to see some of your work enlarged.
Thanks again,
Blackjackdelta
Thanks! I’ve refined my post processing work-flow so most of the time it’s only 10-30 seconds or so per photo (or I can just batch process if I don’t feel like spending time on each).
Tom,
I’ve noticed on some of your pictures that you have a great collection of Mickey camera straps, do you mind if i ask where you are finding those?
Tom, have you ever played with a 35mm lens? As much as I would LOVE to purchase the sigma 30mm I can’t seem to stay under my budget so I looked into the 35mm lens. Will this lens fair in dark rides (low light) as weel as the 30mm?
When I search for opinions on the lenses, I mostly get 30mm and 50mm discussions coming up. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Check out my full lens review guide: http://www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-buying-guides/bricker-photo-gear-recommendations/camera-lens-buying-guide/
There’s nothing wrong with the 35, but the 30 is definitely better for dark rides because it’s wider and faster. Wider is more of a big deal, in my opinion, given the proximity of sets from the ride vehicles. Hope that helps!
Hey Tom. Love your posts. Any experience with the Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens with Built In Motor for Nikon Digital SLR . Looking for a new lens for our D40. Keep the great posts coming.
I’ve never personally touched that lens, but I’ve heard OKAY things about it. I personally wouldn’t buy it based on what I’ve read about it, but that’s just me. The 200-300mm range doesn’t do a whole lot for me, so I’d rather just get the Nikon 55-200mm VR if I were on a budget. The VR is more important than the 200-300mm in my opinion.
Hey Tom,
Love Love Love your posts and pictures. Am looking to get my first DSLR camera. I have read your reviews and know how much Sarah loves her Nikon D3100. I have thought about getting that, but I have also looked at Canon EOS Digital Rebel TS and a couple of Fuji’s and Panasonics. Do you still think that the Nikon D3100 is the best out of those brands for my first one? I am eager to make my purchase, because I have only been using a point and shoot on my Disney trips and it’s not cutting it anymore. I can hardly get any decent night time pictures with it. Especially of the castle. I always try to get all the different colors that it changes and they never come out, you can barely even see the castle. I know I won’t be able to get the quality of your pictures but I’m just looking to start getting better shots. I really value your opinion. Thanks!
Do you mean the Canon T1i, T2i, T3i line? I’ve never heard of Canon TS. I would stick with Canon or Nikon, they are the market leaders for a reason.
This blog is really great!
I have learned a lot by reading your contents and also with the others who posted their comments here. Let me also share you some good thoughts about my Nikkon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens.
Great review! Also, thanks for the Abes of Maine link. I used your link to buy a Canon 7D body and a Canon EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS lens and saved some pretty decent money. Now ia the hard part, waiting for it to arrive.
After reading your review of the Sigma 30, I’m excited to pick one of those up as well. I want to experiment with the 17-55 first.
Hope you enjoy the new camera and lens–the Sigma 30 is also awesome!
Well, I couldn’t wait to get the Sigma 30. After playing with this lens for only one day, I am stoked. What an incredible lens. Thanks for the recommendation!
It’s an awesome, awesome lens. I’m sure you’ll love it!
I am frequently to blogging and i genuinely appreciate your content. The article has truly peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your website and preserve checking for new info.
Just received my Bower 8mm f/3.5 Manual Focus Fisheye Lens I purchased after reading some of the post about it. Have to say it is one of the most fun lenses I have ever shot with. I’ve only had it a few days and I am so anxious to use it more, I hate even seeing it sit in the camera bag. Didn’t think a little $250 “creative” lens would push aside my go to Canon 24-70 2.8L, but it looks like it may be the case for a while. Thanks for the great tip. Now the real test will be during my December Christmas trip!
Tom,
I was wondering what made you decide to get rid of the Canon after only a week and switch to Nikon?
I’m looking at some cameras on the $550-650 range and Canon and Nikon are both in there. A friend has the Canon T1i which I am about to borrow for a night to test out if I like it, and I was just wondering what about the Canon XTi you didn’t like.
Hi Tom (and Sarah),
Love, really love, tour website! I just tool your survey (more hippos, just kidding).
I’m a Nikon shooter (D300) and have a handful of lenses that I’ve been packing around for years. More recently, I’ve been getting tired of packing the load around with me. Last week I had delivered a new Sony NEX-5n camera with a 16mm & an 18-55 lens. My theory is that i’ve still got the Nikon D300 sized APS-C sensor but in a tiny package to pack around with me.
My first results have pleased me – sharp, nice high resolution, excellent low light.
Any thoughts or experience?
John
I’ve heard great things about the NEX-5, but have never actually used one. Glad to hear you like it!
Can you please send me the code for this script or please inform me in detail concerning this script?
Hey there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
What about hybrid cameras like the SONY NEX C3? what do you think about those?
Hey Tom –
With your extensive camera strap collection, I’m guessing you change them out quite often. Is there a “clip” that can be purchased that makes changing straps a faster process? I have the black/white/gray film strip Mickey strap and, when it is threaded through my camera, it’s a bit short and time consuming to change. I’ve looked around and cannot seem to find anything – thought you might have a suggestion.
Thanks!
One of the straps I purchased had very thick metal clicks attached to it, and I use those. Prior to that, I tried to find clips (to avoid the exact problem you described) to no avail. Try looking for a random old camera strap on eBay with the metal clips I’m describing.
Great idea….I’ll check it out and see if I can find anything. You wouldn’t think it would be such a novel idea…apparently so!
Thanks Tom!
I have the newer Disney strap and I used the clips from my lanyard pouch worked great- the pouch only cost $5= so $10- and they are small enough to clip on the camera and the strap will feed though the bottom . Look up lanyard pouches on the Disney web site and you can see how useable it might be for you.
Tom,
When buying a new DSLR camera do you think it’s generally worth getting the most recent model of a camera eg. a D5100 over a D5000?
If money allows. I’d be more concerned with getting nicer lenses if at all possible, though.
I was wondering if you can give me some advice on what would be the best camera lens to bring to Magic Kingdom. I have a Canon Rebel EOS T3i with 18-55mm lens and 55-250mm lens. I love your pictures, especially the ones with the castle before the CP breakfast. What lens did you use? Should I invest in another lens. This is my son’s first vist to MK and I want to capture the moments the best way I can. Thank you.
Which do you use more, the 18-55 or the 55-250? If the 18-55 (which I assume is the case), you can’t go wrong upgrading to the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 lens reviewed here. It’s a gem of a lens! Make sure to read the full review I wrote on it (see the link here).
Thank you for your advice. Your pictures are absolutely amazing!!! Did you use a tripod and remote for the castle and statue picture prior to your CP breakfast? Again, thank you and please do not stop your site. You truly have helped me plan my son’s trip to make it the best ever!
I just bought a D3100 for my first DSLR and somehow missed the fact that there is no wireless remote for it. Apparently Nikon decided to downgrade to a wired one from the d3000. Any suggestions?
Hey,
I saw that you mentioned you didn’t like the Nikon D800…..why?
And is this what you do for a living?
Jack
I mentioned that the D800 is ‘disappointing for my shooting style,’ which is the case because the files are so large, and I shoot in high volume. Memory (CF, HD, or RAM) is not yet cheap enough for this to be a realistically viable camera for me. Otherwise, it looks absolutely amazing.
I am not a full-time photographer.
Tom, this is really a great article. I just bought a Canon EOS Rebel T3 yesterday that came with an 18-55mm IS Lens. I’ve been looking to get into the DSLR game for a while, and got a great deal on Woot.com for this one, so I jumped on it. And I have to say, your pictures are one of the main reasons I wanted to hop into the wonderful world of photography.
Thanks for all the resources you’ve posted here. I think I’m going to pick up a book or two you’ve recommended.
Thanks again!
Tom, great content and photos. I am a novice with a DSLR with a D5100 for approximately a year. Work and an infant have hindered my development. Santa delivered CS6 extended, with hopes that I will better capture our family memories and create family portraits. I have a handful of RAW files from a recent trip to WDW and Christmas that I am tinkering with. Do you suggest any books or online classes to help learn Photoshop? I have been using the adobe site and searching you tube for help so far. I did notice that you have an older Kelby book on your blog. Any help is greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work!
Cannot wait til the day when I need to actually use this guide for a fancy new camera! What a magnificent resource. Thanks for all you do. Really.
This great. Noticed that most of the wide angle or super wide angle lens are for APSC sensors. Can we get the similar ones for full frame 35mm.
The Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 is the king of FX wide angle lenses. No other lens comes close to it.
hi tom, i will be heading to WDW soon and wanna know if the new tokina 11-16 dx ii works fine with 5D iiii??! or sigma 12-24 a better choice on FF system? thx a lot!!
Tokina 11-16mm is a crop sensor lens, so by default, the Sigma 12-24 is a better option.
Hey Tom! I’ve read through your guides and subsequent other and had a few questions as I’ll be spending a good deal of the next several months at WDW: Would you recommend a point-and-shoot (S95 or G12) or a new lens?
I already have a Nikon D3100, and just looking for an addition to shoot dark rides, fireworks, and Architecture while visiting. I see the point-and-shoot as convenient. Just looking for the best option. Thank you Sir!
I’d go for the DSLR. It’s a personal thing, though.
Since the Velbon tripod you recommended is no longer available, is there another lightweight, study, & not $$$ tripod you’d recommend? I’m using a Nikon D5200 with the 16-85 lens, also have the 55-200 kit lens.
Thanks!
After reading WAY too many reviews…I ended up getting the new Benro MeFoto RoadTrip Travel Tripod… weighs 3.6 and supports up to 17.6lbs…folds up to 15.4″. I also got the Custom SLR M-Plate Pro to use with the BlackRapid Metro strap. I’m headed out to Arizona to do some hiking & nature pics…will report back when return.
http://www.amazon.com/MeFoto-A1350Q1A-Roadtrip-Travel-Tripod/dp/B009A17FN0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=32A2ZVKRJP7G2&coliid=I2FQS4GOTT0M9A
Thanks for all your help…appreciate all the info on the website & podcast!
Really looking forward to what you have to say about this tripod. I’ve added it to my list of ones to potentially purchase in the near future.
What is your opinion on whether lens hoods are a “necessary” accessory? Should it be something we all should buy? Only for certain lenses? “Brand” hoods or “cheap-o”?
Do you have any suggestions for external flashes for a Canon camera? I have the T3i. I loved this post and I love your photo a day app.
Thanks!
Hi, Tom,
I have a Canon Rebel T3, with the 18-55 and 75-300 mm kit lenses, as well as a 50mm f/1.4. We will be going with a large group to Disney this fall (first trip!) I’m wanting a good, multi-purpose lens…have been looking at Tamron 17-50 or the Sigma 30mm that you recommended. What would your opinion be? My 50mm is my favorite, but I know I won’t be able to use that for everything.
Thank you!
Hi Tom, Just FYI I came here just to see what tripod you recommend and the amazon link is broken!
Fixed!
I am surprised that you say to avoid J&R. I don’t remember buying anything from them, but I do know that I have considered them on purchases in the past as I thought that they were a reputable company.
Is there any particular reason they should be avoided?
We have had two negative experiences at J&R, the second of which sealed the deal. I was one of the first people to pre-order the D7000 (from them), and when other retailers started shipping their cameras, mine didn’t ship. So I waited, and waited, and finally called when Amazon had shipped its THIRD round of cameras. The person on the phone was incredibly rude, and wanted us to re-place the order through him over the phone (presumably for commission). Didn’t do that, but accepted his ultimate assurance that it would ship in the next couple of days.
The next week (it still hadn’t shipped), I read of other people having a similar issue on forums, and the rumor was that instead of filling pre-orders, they had been putting the cameras on the shelves of their NYC superstore. Regardless of whether that was true, I decided to cancel my order.
The very next day, B&H got inventory in, I placed an order, and had it 2 days later. I’m convinced that had I placed my order with B&H or Amazon to begin with, I would have had the camera on release day, and wouldn’t have dealt with J&R’s crap for over a month.
I’m sure other people have had fine experiences with them, but for that, I will never buy from them again, and recommend that others don’t, either.
Wow, that stinks. I wouldn’t return to them after that either. I guess the old adage is true: “Give somebody good service, they’ll tell one person. Give them bad service, they’ll tell ten.” Although, in this case is probably more like hundreds or thousands.
I, too, like B&H and use them for just about all my large purchases. Even though they close business often for religious observance, they’re very quick to ship and I’ll often have my item before the estimated delivery date.
On a related note, are there any places you use beside B&H and Amazon? I’ve been looking to get the Lowepro Flipside 400AW backpack and B&H had it for something like $115 around Christmas. Now it’s $200 and Amazon has always had it around $180 (although it’s now on sale for $160). However, I’m the kind of guy who’ll wait for the price to come back down knowing that they’ve offered it for such a low price before.
Most of the time, I use Amazon (we have Prime and there’s a shipment center near us, which means next-day delivery most of the time). B&H sometimes, and Adorama on rare occasions. I’ve used a couple others, like Beach Camera, here and there, but you have to be careful with camera gear, as there are so many shady stores.
For something like a camera bag, you’d probably be safe checking eBay. Not for a used one–they should have new ones.
Tom,
Love the site! I’m getting ready to head to Disney World for a five month stay (doing the Disney College Program) and I’m a huge photography junkie. At home, I usually only shoot concerts and sporting events, so this will be a different style of shooting for me.
Right now, I’m using a D3100 with 18-55 and 55-200 lenses. I’ve grown to shooting “light” since I’m constantly moving around (quickly) to new positions and can’t afford to be lugging stuff with me. Right now, my bag is a Lowepro Passport Sling (http://www.amazon.com/camera-photo/dp/B0039NLS3I), which holds my camera with either lens attached plus room for the other lens in storage but not much else (it also holds an extra battery and extra memory card, and can fit an external flash if I bought one, but thats it).
I know I’m going to buy a tripod and the TW-282 remote you recommend, but is there a good way to carry my tripod, short of buying a new bag? I had tried the AW202 before getting the Passport Sling, but it just didn’t feel right on my back, for lack of a better description. If I need to get a new bag, would you have any other suggestions besides the AW202?
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
-Jordan
P.S. There is a group of almost 100 of us doing the Disney College Program in the fall who made a Facebook group for us to talk photography, and a bunch of us really like your posts. If/when you’ll be there in the fall (the majority of us will be there starting in mid-August and leaving in January (but some are there now)) and would be willing to take some college students around the parks for an afternoon on a photography adventure, I know that we’d love it. Feel free to come check out our group and say hi! https://www.facebook.com/groups/DCPphotography/
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the best way to carry the tripod is going to be a new bag–or carrying it in its case in addition to your current bag. The latter option is far from ideal.
Thanks for the heads up about that group. I joined it and posted a message!