Lens to bring to Brisbane

casualshooter · 08-28-2010, 09:01 PM

Hi

I am in a dilemma now. Will be going to Brisbane with my wife and 2year old daughter in mid Sep and wondering what lenses to bring along. We will be staying in Broadbeach for 7 days and in a farm nearby for 2days. Will be visiting Dreamworld and places as such.

My current lenses are
DA 12-24
DA40
FA 50
FA 77
Tamron SP 90
Sigma 17-70
Sigma 70-200
Flash - 360 FGZ (do I need to bring along?)

Would appreciate any advise given, particularly those who have been there.

hangu · 08-28-2010, 09:05 PM

Judging by your name, I'd just bring the DA40 OR Sigma 17-70 and call it a day.

hcc · 08-28-2010, 11:04 PM

For the theme park, a fast lens can be very useful. I went very recently to a fair with rides and I used exclusively my Tamron SP90mm and Nokton 58mm f1.4.

I would suggest to take your DA 40mm and Tamron SP90mm if you are happy with primes. You could consider the Sigma 17-70mm instead if you want a zoom. I would not bother with the flash and anything else: you want to travel light.

Happy shooting in Queensland ...

Boris · 08-28-2010, 11:20 PM

I'd take Sigma 17-70 for casual and FA 50 for low light. Alternatively, you might want to take FA 77 with you to take portraits for your wife and daughter throughout the trip. I'd leave everything else you listed behind unless I had special interest in shooting really wide (12-24) or macro (Tamron 90), etc.

xjjohnno · 08-28-2010, 11:54 PM

You'll want something long for the stay at the farm, expect some decent bird life there, something widish for Dreamworld and Brisbane.

dosdan · 08-29-2010, 05:30 AM

I went to Dreamworld last December with a 16-45/F4 & a 55-300/F4-F5.8. Here's a frequency distribution analysis of the FLs used:

FL	Count
16	31
18	4
19	9
21	2
23	5
24	5
26	5
28	6
29	4
34	2
36	2
38	6
40	1
45	36

FL	Count
55	4
70	1
77.5	9
87.5	1
170	1
260	1
300	3

16mm-45mm/F4	118
55mm-300mm/F4-F5.8	20

Points:
1. If I had a 17-70, it would have covered 123 of the 138 shots.
2. Notice how, with the 16-45, it was often fully WA or fully Tele.
3. The best photo opportunities, for me, came in the Thunder River Rapids Ride. 16mm was slightly too wide and I cropped a bit, so 17mm would be fine. I used pop-up flash. Don't bother taking an external flash. The ride is vigorous so the less equipment, the better. Family Rides - Dreamworld Theme Park - Gold Coast - Australia

Here are 133 of the shots

Dan.

casualshooter · 08-29-2010, 06:11 AM

Thank you all for the recommendations, especially Dosdan, with the detailed statistics and wonderful pics.
Looks like my trusty old 17-70 and FA 50 will be with me for the trip.

Derridale · 08-29-2010, 07:16 AM

I too live in Brisbane, and I'd agree with the 17-70, but would add the 70-200. You'd have it all covered with just those two. If you really want a prime for lower light situations, then add the FA50 or the DA40 if you like. But I'd just bring the two. And I'd agree also that I wouldn't bring an external flash - travel light.

I know you don't have one, but for tourist stuff and travelling light, I'll often just stick to my 18-250mm "Superzoom" and not change lenses at all. Mine is the Tamron/Pentax one, but I see Sigma now have one out with OS in it as well - although I've never really needed stabilisation that is better than I already have in my K20D.

steve1307 · 08-29-2010, 08:08 AM

Last time I went to Seaworld in April this year with my 3 y.o. I did use the a 55-300 quite a bit, great for the dolphin shows etc in the bright sunlight but a bit long for the family shots. The only other lens I had was DA15.

17-70 would be good for most of the family shots. I dont think I'd like to be carrying around 1.5kg of Sigma 70-200 especially since some time during the afternoon you'll end up carrying your little girl around when all the sugar wears off.

Another tip: A stroller (small pram) bring one with you or buy a cheap one here (<$50). You'll have to park it for going on rides obviously, safe enough but dont leave camera gear in it.
You can take her for a walk along the beachfront pathway in the morning/evening which is nice after all that theme park madness.

casualshooter · 08-30-2010, 12:20 AM

Hi Dosdan and Derridale

I will most likely rent a car in Brisbane, are there any National Parks or Animal Santuaries that are within driving distance say within 50km from Broadbeach?

Would longer lenses be needed in these parks or my 17-70 would be just fine?

BTW, I have shortlisted 3 lenses, my 17-70, FA 50 and FA 77.

Thanks in advance

Derridale · 08-30-2010, 01:37 AM

50Km?? That's just down the street...!

This is Australia you're talking about.

I think the sense of scale and distance is vastly different between Singapore and Australia. I drive 50Km just to go to the shops sometimes! Last weekend, I drove to Melbourne - just under 2000 Km.

Let me see:

There is the Currumbin Sanctuary a few Km south of Broadbeach, there are numerous National Parks in the Gold Coast hinterland, up through Beechmont, Canungra, Natural Arch - far too many to mention. Then there is the Scenic Rim/Border Ranges national Park.

And of course, if you really want to see a "good" sanctuary, Steve Irwin's "Australia Zoo" is about an hour's drive north of Brisbane - so about 2 hours or so from Broadbeach (maybe a little bit more depending on traffic). Australia Zoo is well worth a visit, apart from being associated with the Irwins - it is really well done.

I see you will only have 7 days here, but there is just SO much to see and do, you'll probably run out of time anyway.

Oh yes - the other thing you may want to bring with you is a polarising filter - the sun can be very bright, with a lot of glare, especially near the coast (eg Broadbeach).

Hope you have a great time

ueda_masaki · 08-30-2010, 01:57 AM

I guess it all depends on your shooting style, but I'd definitely take the wide 12-24. But that's just based on the way I shoot. I love using wide angles to make tall buildings and structures (such as roller coasters and other rides) look more dynamic. I think it would work great for dreamworld!

casualshooter · 08-30-2010, 04:17 AM

Hi Derridale

hahaha, 50km is the width of my country, so please pardon my ignorance.

Thanks for your recommendations on the locations. Will definitely venture to some of these places.

Yes, I will also bring along a polarising filter for my 17-70.

**Ash** · 08-30-2010, 04:43 AM

Enjoy your trip here.
I'd also second the recommendation to carry with you the 17-70 but also add the 70-200 if you're definitely needing telephoto reach - only you can decide that one. Normally the wide-normal focal lengths should do you for the theme parks and wildlife, but some zoo shots would need decent telephoto reach...

elpolodiablo · 08-30-2010, 05:05 AM

I agree with most people above, just take the 2 zooms and enjoy your trip!

I am off the Port Douglas this weekend for 4 days holiday on the Great Barrier Reef with family and I think I will only be taking my K-x with DA18-250 mounted and newly acquaired DA15 in the bag, together with my Remote Control F and lightweight tripod and 2 sets of eneloops with quick charger and a spare SD card, still undecided on whether or not I should bring my FA50 though...

guys, would a fast 50 really be necessary for a trip like this?

08-28-2010, 09:01 PM	#1
casualshooter Inactive Account Join Date: May 2009 Location: singapore Posts: 8	Lens to bring to Brisbane Hi I am in a dilemma now. Will be going to Brisbane with my wife and 2year old daughter in mid Sep and wondering what lenses to bring along. We will be staying in Broadbeach for 7 days and in a farm nearby for 2days. Will be visiting Dreamworld and places as such. My current lenses are DA 12-24 DA40 FA 50 FA 77 Tamron SP 90 Sigma 17-70 Sigma 70-200 Flash - 360 FGZ (do I need to bring along?) Would appreciate any advise given, particularly those who have been there.

08-30-2010, 12:20 AM	#10
casualshooter Inactive Account Join Date: May 2009 Location: singapore Posts: 8 Original Poster	Hi Dosdan and Derridale I will most likely rent a car in Brisbane, are there any National Parks or Animal Santuaries that are within driving distance say within 50km from Broadbeach? Would longer lenses be needed in these parks or my 17-70 would be just fine? BTW, I have shortlisted 3 lenses, my 17-70, FA 50 and FA 77. Thanks in advance Last edited by casualshooter; 08-30-2010 at 12:51 AM.

08-30-2010, 01:37 AM	#11
Derridale Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 412	50Km?? That's just down the street...! This is Australia you're talking about. I think the sense of scale and distance is vastly different between Singapore and Australia. I drive 50Km just to go to the shops sometimes! Last weekend, I drove to Melbourne - just under 2000 Km. Let me see: There is the Currumbin Sanctuary a few Km south of Broadbeach, there are numerous National Parks in the Gold Coast hinterland, up through Beechmont, Canungra, Natural Arch - far too many to mention. Then there is the Scenic Rim/Border Ranges national Park. And of course, if you really want to see a "good" sanctuary, Steve Irwin's "Australia Zoo" is about an hour's drive north of Brisbane - so about 2 hours or so from Broadbeach (maybe a little bit more depending on traffic). Australia Zoo is well worth a visit, apart from being associated with the Irwins - it is really well done. I see you will only have 7 days here, but there is just SO much to see and do, you'll probably run out of time anyway. Oh yes - the other thing you may want to bring with you is a polarising filter - the sun can be very bright, with a lot of glare, especially near the coast (eg Broadbeach). Hope you have a great time Last edited by Derridale; 08-30-2010 at 01:42 AM.

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08-28-2010, 09:05 PM	#2
hangu Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NYC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,071	Judging by your name, I'd just bring the DA40 OR Sigma 17-70 and call it a day.

08-28-2010, 11:04 PM	#3
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,001	For the theme park, a fast lens can be very useful. I went very recently to a fair with rides and I used exclusively my Tamron SP90mm and Nokton 58mm f1.4. I would suggest to take your DA 40mm and Tamron SP90mm if you are happy with primes. You could consider the Sigma 17-70mm instead if you want a zoom. I would not bother with the flash and anything else: you want to travel light. Happy shooting in Queensland ...

08-28-2010, 11:20 PM	#4
Boris Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Israel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 932	I'd take Sigma 17-70 for casual and FA 50 for low light. Alternatively, you might want to take FA 77 with you to take portraits for your wife and daughter throughout the trip. I'd leave everything else you listed behind unless I had special interest in shooting really wide (12-24) or macro (Tamron 90), etc.

08-28-2010, 11:54 PM	#5
xjjohnno Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Melbourne Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,115	You'll want something long for the stay at the farm, expect some decent bird life there, something widish for Dreamworld and Brisbane.

08-29-2010, 06:11 AM	#7
casualshooter Inactive Account Join Date: May 2009 Location: singapore Posts: 8 Original Poster	Thank you all for the recommendations, especially Dosdan, with the detailed statistics and wonderful pics. Looks like my trusty old 17-70 and FA 50 will be with me for the trip.

08-29-2010, 07:16 AM	#8
Derridale Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 412	I too live in Brisbane, and I'd agree with the 17-70, but would add the 70-200. You'd have it all covered with just those two. If you really want a prime for lower light situations, then add the FA50 or the DA40 if you like. But I'd just bring the two. And I'd agree also that I wouldn't bring an external flash - travel light. I know you don't have one, but for tourist stuff and travelling light, I'll often just stick to my 18-250mm "Superzoom" and not change lenses at all. Mine is the Tamron/Pentax one, but I see Sigma now have one out with OS in it as well - although I've never really needed stabilisation that is better than I already have in my K20D.

08-29-2010, 08:08 AM	#9
steve1307 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,130	Last time I went to Seaworld in April this year with my 3 y.o. I did use the a 55-300 quite a bit, great for the dolphin shows etc in the bright sunlight but a bit long for the family shots. The only other lens I had was DA15. 17-70 would be good for most of the family shots. I dont think I'd like to be carrying around 1.5kg of Sigma 70-200 especially since some time during the afternoon you'll end up carrying your little girl around when all the sugar wears off. Another tip: A stroller (small pram) bring one with you or buy a cheap one here (<$50). You'll have to park it for going on rides obviously, safe enough but dont leave camera gear in it. You can take her for a walk along the beachfront pathway in the morning/evening which is nice after all that theme park madness.

08-30-2010, 01:57 AM	#12
ueda_masaki Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 25	I guess it all depends on your shooting style, but I'd definitely take the wide 12-24. But that's just based on the way I shoot. I love using wide angles to make tall buildings and structures (such as roller coasters and other rides) look more dynamic. I think it would work great for dreamworld!

08-30-2010, 04:17 AM	#13
casualshooter Inactive Account Join Date: May 2009 Location: singapore Posts: 8 Original Poster	Hi Derridale hahaha, 50km is the width of my country, so please pardon my ignorance. Thanks for your recommendations on the locations. Will definitely venture to some of these places. Yes, I will also bring along a polarising filter for my 17-70.

08-30-2010, 04:43 AM	#14
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Enjoy your trip here. I'd also second the recommendation to carry with you the 17-70 but also add the 70-200 if you're definitely needing telephoto reach - only you can decide that one. Normally the wide-normal focal lengths should do you for the theme parks and wildlife, but some zoo shots would need decent telephoto reach...

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08-30-2010, 05:05 AM	#15
elpolodiablo Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,637	I agree with most people above, just take the 2 zooms and enjoy your trip! I am off the Port Douglas this weekend for 4 days holiday on the Great Barrier Reef with family and I think I will only be taking my K-x with DA18-250 mounted and newly acquaired DA15 in the bag, together with my Remote Control F and lightweight tripod and 2 sets of eneloops with quick charger and a spare SD card, still undecided on whether or not I should bring my FA50 though... guys, would a fast 50 really be necessary for a trip like this?