Photography/Camera gurus...HELP! Need lens recommendation!

[Mandy]

We are planning to go to WDW next Spring with my brother and SIL and I have to start figuring out the little stuff so that I can know how much I'm going to be spending on camera extras.
I know I need an extra battery, and like 3 more camera cards, but what is a good CHEAP (not dirt cheap but I dont want to spend $400 on a lens either) all purpose lens? I want something telephoto so that I can take close and far away shots.
Any suggestions?

[Shawna]

I have the Canon 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-28-105mm-3-5-4-5-Standard-Cameras/dp/B00004YZQ8) lens and like it, it works great for me for going to the zoo or to the park etc. But maybe you want something with even more zoom for Disney? I've heard good things about the Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000EXOXVA/ref=pd_luc_mri?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance) zoom lens and there's a similar Canon 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004THCZ/fremystra-20/ref=nosim) version too. My stepmom has the slightly cheaper version of the Canon 75-300mm (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-75-300mm-4-5-6-Telephoto-Cameras/dp/B00004THD0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1234281930&sr=1-1) without the USM that she used on their vacation to Alaska last summer and got some pretty good photos with it. There's also a Canon 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0011NVMO8/fremystra-20/ref=nosim) lens for around the same price.

[Nettio]

Have you considered renting a lens instead? You could get a much nicer lens for a lot less than it would cost you to buy it. I rented a telephoto lens through BorrowLenses (http://www.borrowlenses.com/) last summer when we went to Yellowstone since I really only needed it for that trip.

[ColleenSwerb]

Renting lenses is awesome! I rented 2 lenses for a friends wedding in september. I used lensprotogo.com and they were awesome.

I have no recommendations as I need this sort of lens as well, lol.

[juliemarie]

If you don't want to carry a 2nd lens or switch lenses, I'd recommend the 18-200, I have the nikon model (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/408518-USA/Nikon_2159_18_200mm_f_3_5_5_6G_ED_IF_AF_S.html), maybe look into renting it, I've also heard good things about lensprotogo, but I haven't used them.

[Julie Billingsley]

My suggestion- don't take the big camera to WDW. I'm not taking mine on vacation. Too scary for the rides. And way way way too heavy. Instead I'm doing the Disney Photopass (http://www.disneyphotopass.com/) and having their photographers take our pics. Plus that way I'll be IN the pics! :) I am taking my nice point and shoot though for those candid pics.

[Sari]

No recs on a new lens as I don't have a telephoto but I think the idea to rent one is great!

[Mandy]

Lynnette you are AWESOME!!!!