Visiting Florida Keys, tripod question.

[footman]

Originally Posted by Black_lab

Have a look at this site for some suggestions on locations, he also has a second visit report on his site.

http://www.billmajoros.com/photoalbu...ows/index.html

I reccomend the Tavernier Wild bird rescue centre for close ups of the Pelicans.

We did the keys & the West coast up to Cape Coral during May & had a great time. I recommend the Everglades & also the "Loop Road" Both of which are an fairly easy drive.

I took my 500mm as I flew with BA. They do not have a weight limit on hand luggage.

Thanks for the information, I'll check out your links.
I'm interested that you took your 500, did you also take a tripod or monopod?

Originally Posted by Billginthekeys

There is a little tidal swamp just North on US-1 outside of Marathon on Grassy Key, it has been very hit and miss for me, but at the right times I have seen dozens of egrets and herons, ibis, and kingfishers there. Other times it has been totally empty. It should be a very short drive for you, so worth checking on:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=24.759...8&z=17&iwloc=A
(let me know if the link doesn't work right).

Too bad you aren't coming the last week of September, that is the dates of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Festival: http://keysbirdingfest.org/

As mentioned above, if you want a close up view of some captive (or wild but highly human friendly/fed daily) native birds of the Keys, the wild bird center in Tavernier/S. Key Largo is a good stop. They do not charge for entry, but are a charitably operated organization, so please leave a donation.

Also, if you want a close up of some pelicans or egrets, the fish cleaning tables at most marinas with charter boats tend to have a very well tempered bunch of birds who come every day for a free meal.

Thanks Bill, the link works fine. It's a shame to miss the festival but we are stuck with our dates.

[Black_lab]

I'm interested that you took your 500, did you also take a tripod or monopod?


I took my Gitzo tripod & Benro Gimbal - These were packed in our checked in suitcases. My 1Dmk3, 500mm, 100-400, 24-105 , flash etc were in a ThinkTank Airport V2 which I took as carry on - no problems.

[Jim Neiger]

You really should bring your 500mm if your goal is to photograph birds.

[footman]

Originally Posted by Jim Neiger

You really should bring your 500mm if your goal is to photograph birds.

I've decided to do this but I'll also probably take my 300 F4L with a 1.4x TC along as well.