Photography in Chicago

[pagnamenta]

I'm going to downtown Chicago on Monday and I want to bring my camera. I'm thinking of bring my 30D w/ grip with 24-105 f4 and 70-200 f2.8. Does anyone think that's too much? I'm planning on going to Grant Park, some museums, and then Navy Pier. I'm taking a Lowepro Nova 5 shoulder bag, should I be worried about looking too much like a photographer?

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

[pagnamenta]

Anyone? Any tips, anything?

[EcoRick]

You'll be just fine. I get downtown 2-3 times per week for business and I often bring my 5D /24-105L lens to kill time in between appointments. Just about eveyone takes pictures in the parks and museums. Enjoy yourself as it's a great place to take pictures.

[Calindy]

I am no expert...but I do not think it's too much. I was there last month during "The Taste of Chicago" and I had my 30D Camera, 85 mm, 17-85mm, AND my 100-400 mm L lens. So maybe I am the wrong person to ask, LOL!!!:D

There is so much to take photos of and I was glad I had all my toys!! The Bean is really fun to photograph, as well as the fountains, buildings, etc. Chicago is my favorite city...enjoy!!

[pagnamenta]

Thanks for the help. I've never really been downtown to take photos and my other trips made me curious as to the safety of the gear. I've been in Poland, Mexico, and England so I've got a little experience, I'm a little more careful now. Thanks again.

[Curtis N]

should I be worried about looking too much like a photographer?No. Always take enough gear to look like a pro, not a perv. ;)

Serously, take whatever you're willing to carry, and have fun.

[dekalbSTEEL]

Get there before sunrise, hike out to the planetarium on the museum campus, you'll get some awesome shots of the skyline as the warm morning light hits the skyscrapers.

take a tripod!

And if you want some cool building shots, take a boat tour down the Chicago River.

[Familiaphoto]

Yes, downtown Chicago is a great place to take pics.

Be sure to have something wide. If you have something wider than 24mm I would bring it along due to all the great architecture available. In my experience I don't use something longer very often. One caveat would be shooting the fireworks at Navy Pier or if you on a boat cruise around the Chicago River.

Have a good time.

[braduardo]

If you have a 10-22mm, bring it. If you don't have one, rent one. I have yet to find a lens that is more fun to use.

[MazerRakhm]

No. Always take enough gear to look like a pro, not a perv. ;)


Awesome! :lol:

Better to take it and have it in the bag than wish you had brought it I always think.

[airfrogusmc]

Thanks for the help. I've never really been downtown to take photos and my other trips made me curious as to the safety of the gear. I've been in Poland, Mexico, and England so I've got a little experience, I'm a little more careful now. Thanks again.

I ride the blue line with me stuff. Shouldn't have problem. I also go into some pretty dicey places; if you're going to do that get the early light and be done by 9:00 or so. In the loop & downtown you shouldn't have a problem.

[bsmotril]

If you want some great shots of the skyline and closer looks at the architecture, take one of the boat tours that goes up the river, and then back out through the locks and into the lake. In the river, you'll see some of the famous buildings close up. From out in the lake, you'll get a good shot of the total skyline. The tours leave from the stairs you take down alongside the river at Michigain avenue. Another good vantage point is from the Navy Pier ferris wheel.

I don't think you'll find much use for the 70-200. A 28-135 or so will cover anything you want. If anything you might want something wider than 24 versus longer.

[mLchambers]

You may want a wide angle especially in Millenium park, which is adjacent to Navy Pier. There is a large bean shaped mirror surfaced sculpture which was great fun for me. Buckingham fountain is also close to Navy Pier. In the same area, there is a Museum of photography which I have not yet visited. A building called the fire tower a short distance away often has an art show inside, and good to photograph outside as well.

[dwarfmcdougal]

I went to Chicago with only my 30D and 17-40L. I got by, but I wish I had brought more stuff. That 24-105 should be plenty. I wouldn't bring the 70-200, I didn't regret bringing mine.

Oh, and a tripod, too. One of those heavy Manfrotto ones. Didn't use it that much and my shots from the Hancock building were crap because I was shooting through glass and picked up all the little reflections. Not sure how it is at the Sears Tower.