Possible trip to the zoo - Do I got everything?

[slitherjef]

I know the zoo is not really wild-life, but I thought this may be the best place to ask and make sure I got everything listed I may need, should the trip to the zoo this next week goes as planned.

Well, I asked for a Saturday off so I can hit up the zoo for free day, and I actualy got it off! I do suspect it will be fairly busy, and I suspect I will not be allowed to bring a tripod. I also suspect that since I mainly want to photograph the animals (the "Big Cats" are top of my list) and since I want to be up close as much as possible, the short lenses will probably stay home.

So I am thinking:
Canon 30D
Spare Battery (will probably take the one from the 20D) Or maybe I will just break down and order a new one.
2gig CF card, which would hold over 200 pics
I am also thinking I should get another CF card, and Amazon has extreme III cards, 4gig for 26 bucks (I have a 2gig card and it works great)
Grey card, or maybe just my palm to meter off of.
Circular Polarizer
And the 70-200mm f/4L

Does it look like I have everything? I never shot at the zoo before, so I am not quite sure what to expect.

[ryant35]

Sounds like you've got everything covered... depending on the weather, shooting at f/4 max may required high iso.

Polarizer will help with shooting through glass.

[ryant35]

I'm going to the LA Zoo on Friday, I'm not going to bother shooting raw, so 1 4gb card will be enough for me, but I'll throw another in my pocked just in case.

[vkalia]

Dont worry so much about the gear. Try to find out what animals you want to shoot, when they are fed, when they are likely to be active, etc. Think about what sort of shots you want to get (portraits, behavior, etc) - make a list, so you know what to look for while you are there.

Gear is the easy bit. Technique and composition are harder. The above will help you focus your creative juices.

V.

[slitherjef]

Thanks everyone.
One thing I got to keep in mind is not, "WOW, A tiger" *snap* *snap* *snap* *snap* *snap* *snap* etc

[gjl711]

I'd take the 24mm as well. There are quite a few photo ops that are not animal related and 70mm just isn't all that wide.

[sumodog]

Zoos are a great place to shoot! If you have a bag that is comfortable to carry, take all of your lenses. The 24mm would be terrific in the children's zoo where you can get up close and personal with the animals. The macro lens might be useful if your zoo has an insect exhibit.

While a tripod may not be practical, I always carried a monopod. Sometimes you have to wait for your subjects to turn into the light to get good catchlights in the eyes. The monopod will save your arms while you wait.

Check out some of my images from Safari West in Santa Rosa, CA.

http://www.sumodog.smugmug.com/gallery/6373074_bosk3#402897722_UucGv

Have fun!

[*Knowledge*]

I usually take my 24-70 & 70-200, monopod, 580ex II and cards.

[FlyingPhotog]

Besides the animals, zoos often have fabulous landscaping.

Great for flower close ups (Macro if you got it) and scenics. People shooting can be a hoot at the zoo as well. Kids faces really light up when they're looking at the exhibits.

[Seil]

Keep in mind that animals in the zoo aren't wild-they can and will get very close. I like to bring my 10-20 for when I want to use the distorting effects of wide angles, and also for the landscaping in the zoo

[Rich S]

If there are bars shoot wide open and get as close to the bars as possible. Make sure the animal is far away and the bars disappear... Not totally but you can get this type of shot. This was through a chain link cage. Red -Tailed Hawk... http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc150/blackies_owner/IMG_6947if1if1copy.jpg

[FlyingPhotog]

Or you can include the bars for some emotional impact:
http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/image/107769914/original.jpg

[Seil]

monkeys work best for those kind of situationa/emotional-Dependant shot. I especially like the shadows that the bars cast when the sun is low

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2774693291_5046a0480d_b.jpg

[Rich S]

This is Darwin The Monkey . This through glass and availible light shot... Canon 5D 300mm f/4L IS 1/250 sec f/4 ISO 100 http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc150/blackies_owner/IMG_0641_edited-2copy.jpg

[FlyingPhotog]

monkeys work best for those kind of situationa/emotional-Dependant shot. I especially like the shadows that the bars cast when the sun is low

This is Darwin The Monkey . This through glass and availible light shot... Canon 5D 300mm f/4L IS 1/250 sec f/4 ISO 100

Excellent simian subjects...

Our Zoos in Phoenix have way too many heavy-gauge wire cages but they do have some "moat/fence" enclosures where you can make the wires vanish:
http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/image/106466148/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/image/106466151/original.jpg