Thank you for the kind words. All I do is point a camera, the camera and moon are the stars!

I have a Nikon D7000 with a Nikkor AF-S 70-300 lens that I use.

Here is my starting point when shooting the moon:
Zoom to 300mm
I use spot metering
Shutter speed 1/125
Aperture f11
ISO100 to start
And I shoot in RAW.

I would take multiple photos going up and down 1 from the formula above.

The photo attached was taken last week and cropped. There is a lot of resolution in the craters at the bottom.

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Roberts also has items on eBay. Bought a couple of lenses without a problem. Lens came in exactly as described.

If I'm carrying 2 lenses for my Nikon D7000 it would most likely be the Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 and the Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6. But my 2 favorites would be the Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 and my Nikkor 80-200mm F/2.8.

I just ventured into the wide arena and I am very pleased with the Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 A16 LD IF XR Di ll SP. With a crop camera the 17mm isn't really wide, but in comparison with my other lenses it is.

I have attached an indoor photo taken at 17mm. Naturally an outdoor landscape at 17mm should satisfy most of your needs.

It cost me $221 on eBay.

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I agree with the majority, you should stick with Pentax if your lense inventory is extensive.
The choice we make in purchasing our first DSLR pretty much "dooms" us to staying with that brand. Every time we purchase another lense, flash, grip, etc., we are making a change of manufacturer less likely and more costly.
If the value of a Pentax used lense is significant and there are available buyers, I would recommend the Nikon, if not, enjoy your new Pentax!

I like my 85mm 1.8 and 105mm 2.8 for portraits. I like getting in close when I am shooting one person. Just this week I took my 35-70mm 2.8 and the 105mm with me. It was an indoor opportunity and the 105mm was useless because I couldn't get far enough away to frame the subject. The 85mm would have been perfect. I also lost out on an opportunity because there were three subjects together and I couldn't get them all in the frame because I also couldn't get far enough away before running into walls. My suggestion is that for indoor portraits the 85mm is safer, while outdoor shoots either will do.
Given the choice to buy either, I would go for the 85mm.

I know it doesn't have near the reach, but I love my  Nikkor AF 80-200mm 1:2.8. I have had success with it indoors shooting high school basketball and it's been remarkable for both baseball and football. The key is trying to get as close to the action as possible to make up some of the range difference. I have also found that the images are so sharp in many case that I've been able to crop to make up distance.

Johnston

alggomas, I have had the pleasure of touring your beautiful country also. My mom's brother married an English girl and moved down to the Wallesey area just outside of Liverpool. North Wales was always part of our visit. I particularly remember Angellsey where the view of the sea was spectacular and the winds also. We toured the entire northern coast and got as far south as the Snowdon Railway (at least I think it was further south).
I wish I was a photo enthusiast back then, I would have some spectacular photos. Of course, just like Scotland, there is not always a guarantee of seeing the sun for a decent portion of the day, but when it's out, watch out!

I get the best landscapes at Johnston Memorial Park, off Hartford Avenue. There is even a little waterfall that if the water level is decent and there is not a lot of debris to stop the flow, is fun to shoot.

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I am envious. My mom was from Edinburgh and I love visiting.

While you will need zooms for your bird photos, a 50mm or smaller lens is mandatory for the unbelievable landscape opportunities.

Sites like Edinburgh Castle, some of the Lochs up north, St. Andrew's if you get there all have to be wide.

As far as lighting opportunities outdoors, the sun is not always a familiar sight. You may be operating with less than full lighting during the daytime. However, If you are going in the summer months, it doesn't get dark until 10:30/11:00.

Enjoy!

Wow! Thanks for all the input. I was not expecting such an overwhelming majority for enjoying the moment and if you must take photos, use a P&S.

With that said, I just can't imagine not getting a shot of Cinderell's Castle or Spaceship Earth with a P&S.

What I failed to mention is that we will be there for 7 nights. My new plan (still subject to change) is to leave the DSLR in the room during the initial visit to a park and to bring it for a re-visit. If I get get everyone to ride the intense/water rides the first visit it may work.

It is also possible to bring the DSLR and leave it in the lockers until the time to shoot is more appropriate.

Thanks to all.

It does being up another question, what lenses work best at the theme parks. I am guessing a zoom with a wide focal length range and a good low light prime.

Once again, thanks to all you your valuable input.

Next summer I will be traveling to Orlando with my family, including a 5 year old granddaughter. While I know I have to be a photographer in moderation in order to enjoy my family, I am trying to make sure that I have all the necessary lenses to take into account most opportunities.

I have a Nikon D7000.

What lenses would previous visitors recommend for all of the different opportunities?

Are there any helpful hints besides lens choices that anyone can recommend?

Thanks.

SteveO, I'm off Morgan Ave. at the top of Neutenaconicut Hill where you can get some great shots of the Providence skyline.

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