Ok, so I got my Canon Rebel dSLR. I am trying to choose a zoom lens, and the only other thing I defintely want to get right away is a small tripod. Is it possible to find one that will go compact small enough to fit in my gadget bag? I bought the Canon Gadget Bag 2400. The main reason I want the tripod is for trying to get some pictures during the fireworks. I hope this question makes sense...and any Fireworks shooting pointers would be greatly appreciated too! Links to tripod suggestions are great also! Thanks guys, you have helped me so much already!

unfortunately, i don't think you're going to find many desirable spots where a tripod is feasible for the fireworks. i also don't think it's absolutely necessary either.

a lot of people opt for a monopod because it requires less of a 'footprint,' or even use something else like a trashcan to steady.

i think you can get some decent shots just holding it yourself (just take a lot of shots and play the odds), but it also depends on the type of shots you're trying to get. generally speaking the advice i've seen is to have the shutter open for 1-2 seconds (which totally requires a tripod) and that produces a bright image throughout the trajectory path of the fireworks. otherwise, you can still get sharp, colorful images with a shutter speed of ~1/50 or so, but the head of the firework will noticeably be brighter than the rest of it.

based on a whole long discussion on tripods at the parks a long time ago, i believe disneyland policy is that the tripod must be under 12" when collapsed. of course, that discussion also showed that security doesn't really know what the policy is either (i did take my tripod, which is a little over 12" collapsed, to WDW and had no problems).

i'm pretty sure this is the one i have:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=278545&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

it's amazing.. very versatile.

I will second what Bradk said. Unless you are looking for the long exposure shot, the tripod will probably not be worth the hassle of transporting it. Plus, unless you camp out in some spot really early, it will be very difficult to get a spot where you can use it without blocking the view of those behind you.

I've used a tripod on the Magic Kingdom and Epcot in Orlando and California Adventure without any problem, but I didn't try it for Disneyland. Maybe in the low season.

I disagree with Brad about needing it for fireworks. Having used it, there's just no comparison. However, if you can't use it for fireworks in the park, you could still set up in the Esplanade for shots from outside the park (or form within California Adventure).

Whatever you do - have fun. All they can do is tell you, "Please don't do that here."

My MK firework shots are Here (http://carolinayankee.smugmug.com/gallery/1144661).

My night Epcot shots are here (http://carolinayankee.smugmug.com/gallery/1144659/1).

And here's a couple I did in California Adventure:

http://carolinayankee.smugmug.com/photos/85045227-S.jpg

http://carolinayankee.smugmug.com/photos/85045104-S.jpg

Dirk

I've used a tripod on the Magic Kingdom and Epcot in Orlando and California Adventure without any problem, but I didn't try it for Disneyland. Maybe in the low season.

I disagree with Brad about needing it for fireworks. Having used it, there's just no comparison. However, if you can't use it for fireworks in the park, you could still set up in the Esplanade for shots from outside the park (or form within California Adventure).

Whatever you do - have fun. All they can do is tell you, "Please don't do that here."

My MK firework shots are Here (http://carolinayankee.smugmug.com/gallery/1144661).

My night Epcot shots are here (http://carolinayankee.smugmug.com/gallery/1144659/1).

And here's a couple I did in California Adventure:

http://carolinayankee.smugmug.com/photos/85045227-S.jpg

http://carolinayankee.smugmug.com/photos/85045104-S.jpg

Dirk

Thank you for your reply. Your fireworks shots are great! What setting(s) did you use?

Thanks - my better shots were f/13 at anywhere from 1-5 seconds. I used the bulb setting and shutter release. I just held open the shutter for the length of time I wanted on teh shot. I might have done better to try f/18 or even f/22 to get more shots in.

If you wanted to pre-set, I'd suggest f/13 at 3. Some shells will be too bright, but others should like pretty nice.

I'd love to hear what settings others use, myself.

Dirk

and those shots DO require a tripod. and probably a remote shutter release as well. i'd also be willing to bet the ISO was extremely low as well.

it's not going against what i said at all, but as i also said, i question the practicality of using a tripod for the fireworks at disneyland.

for several reasons, most of all being that fireworks are performed most every night, regardless of guest activity, WDW is easier to shoot at with a tripod.

i never sorted out my MK fireworks, but here are the ones I took of illuminations. a tripod definitely wouldn't have helped much since I was on a boat at the time:

http://bradk.smugmug.com/gallery/883301/15/39977460

had a REALLY interesting effect too:

http://bradk.smugmug.com/gallery/883301/17

so that's the difference between a faster shutter speed and a slower one. you'll see in mine, only the heads are really bright.

Brad - those are nice shots from the boat. I'm impressed with how well they turned out despite the motion. I've always wondered if the view from down there was worth it. Now I'll have to try. I suspect video would look really nice.

I totally agree about Disneyland and tripods. At first, I didn't catch the OP's comment about shooting at DL. I hate being in the way or calling attention to myself, so I was leery of even trying it at WDW. My technique has been to use when when I have family or friends with me who cluster around to protect the tripod and prevent it from being a trip hazard. The CMs at Magic Kingdom really didn't care.

Maybe in the area around Small World at DL, but you wouldn't get the castle in the shot.

I did use a remote shutter release, ISO 100. Someone on another board posted really great fireworks shots, and I was determined to get them too.

Here's a link for more night photography at WDW.

http://www.mindspring.com/~bobquincy2/wdw/Disney%20in%20the%20Dark.htm

Dirk