MEDISN
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Senior Member
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Posts: 2,116
Disney Lens Advice w/Examples
17
We are Disneyland Annual Pass holders (Passholes ) so I am happy to chime in here. We go 2-3 times a month. Although we live next to Disneyland we have done several trips to Disneyworld so my advice applies to both parks.
1. Keep it simple! There is a lot going on and you are there to have fun with the fam so don't let the camera get in the way of that.
2. I carry a smallish prime in the park. I have done zooms like the 12-45/4 but some of the waiting lines are in darker areas so F4 will have a hard time focusing. I would keep the zoom in the hotel for shots around the pool or other excursions while you are in Orlando. If you have kids in stroller, tuck the zoom in a diaper bag in case you want to switch lenses but my recommendation is to stick to a smallish prime.
3. I have photos going back many years in Lightroom and my most used focal lengths are 14-20mm in MFT. So from your list the 17/1.8 or 25/1.8 would be my first choice. I have taken the 45/1.8 and I love it, but it is a difficult working distance for full body shots. You have to stand pretty far back and people will just walk right in front of you while you are shooting
4. Find a comfortable longish strap to carry the camera. I wear it across my chest from my left shoulder such that the camera tucks up under my right elbow about kidney level. That keeps the camera from bouncing around as you walk or ride the rides and puts it in easy reach of your right hand.
5. Use your camera phone! Especially for video but even "portrait mode" and the like can give you some nice ways to complement your actual camera. Plus it is the fastest way to share photos/videos with family members. If you phone is capable, consider shooting RAW if you desire to edit later.
Below are some focal length examples to give you an idea of what kind of distance and background look you might expect.
I will say up front that the OM 20/1.4 is my current favorite when I carry m43 and the Q3 (28mm) is my other favorite with the ability to comfortably crop to ~50mm or so.
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15mm (30mm equiv)
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17mm (34mm equiv)
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20mm (40mm equiv)
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25mm (50mm equiv)
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45mm (90mm equiv)
These last two shots from the 45 illustrate how "tight" the framing can get in close proximity. I love the lens but find it awkward to use at Disney. I prefer more context in the scene and the 45 makes that tough without standing way back (just isn't possible much of the time).
Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!
