Roberto wrote: Several of us "young kids" (youngest 55 yrs) are going to Disney World in April. My question is, what equipment to take, I have: Cameras: Nikon F5 and Fm2N Zoom Lens: Nikon 20-35/2.8D, 35-70/2.8D and 80-200/2.8D Prime lens: Nikon 20/2.8D, 35/2.0 and 85/1.8 Flash: Nikon SB-28 and SB-22S What should I take, also taking into consideration the versatility, compactness and speed in use. I plan on buying a very compact and light tripod in Miami, WHICH ONE? Thanks you. Roberto A. Moreno T. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Panama Roberto, As someone who has spent too much time at Disney (I live less than two hours away), I have a couple of hints that might prove useful. First, get the "Official Guide to Disney World". It is not published by Disney, but is authorized by them, and it contains a WEALTH of useful information. Invaluable, but has no negatives about the place. You should also pick up a non official guide, as they contain real world opinions, etc. Second, Get to the parks EARLY!!! I cannot emphasize this enough. You can get more done between 9:00 AM (generally the park opening time) and 11:00 AM than you can between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Smaller crowds, better light for photography. In fact, try to get to the parks 30-45 minutes before they 'officially' open, as the often open parts of the parks early (especially in busy seasons) For photography, I would carry all three zooms, and leave the primes at home. I would bring the FM2n as a backup, but you could leave it in the hotel safe. You may find that you can leave the 35-70 on the FM2n in the safe. One thing I find useful is a close-up lens of some sort (even a extension ring or close up diopoter for the front of a lens). Disney is noted for it's great flowers, and a close-up lens is perfect for this, and not too expensive. Flash is not too useful at Disney, as they prohibit flash inside the rides (spoils the effects), except for fill flash work. A tripod is nice to have, for the night parades and firework shows. After entering the park, proceed to the stroller rental and rent a stroller. Place your camera bag in the stroller, and walk through the park. When you get to a ride you wish to take, park the stroller at the designated parking spot, and take your cameras with you in the ride. This system greatly relieves the strain on your shoulder for only a couple of bucks rental fee. As to brands of tripods, Manfrotto (Bogen) and Gitzo are generally considered the best. I use to work in a camera store that sold both. The differences (IMHO): Gitzo tripods are great and unbreakable, easy to clean and relube (Vaseline) in the field if they get dirty. No tools needed. They are sometimes a little heavier and more expensive then Manfrotto. Their standard for most 35mm users is their series 2, also known as the Reporter line. Manfrotto are faster to setup, and generally less expensive, but the little levers that lock the legs have been known to break. Hard to disassemble in the field (tools required). For field use, get a sliding column, not a geared column. Geared columns are great in a studio, but a pain in the field, and vice versa. Personally, I have two Gitzo tripods and a Manfrotto monopod. Colin PS Kodak estimates that 5% of the print film they make is used in a Disney park!
