taking camera to zoo

I want to get up to the zoo soon... what lens is good to take? I have the 70-200 4.5L lens.. but its not IS.. do i need to take the tripod.. i really dont want to..t hen i do have my KIT lens plus the 50mm 1.8... i dont want to haul abunch of stuff around..

Are you talking about the Portland Zoo? I see PNW in your profile.

No to the tripod. Take the 50 1.8 as you might want it in the indoor enclosures.

No i was going to go to the Point defience Zoo in Tacoma

photocopy wrote in post #14445905
No i was going to go to the Point defience Zoo in Tacoma

Thats good info to add, I have never been there so cant comment, but I would guess no to the tripod.

Leave the tripod at home. It will get in people's way.
Take the long zoom for the outdoors stuff, use the prime for the indoor stuff.

thanks. i see our weather is changing so will go on a decent day.. if i dont get up there this weekend!

Heck no on the tripod, and no on the 70-200. Not sure what your kit lens is, but either that or the 50 1.8. The less you have to carry around the better.

For zoo outings, the 24-105 with a FF body is unbeatable IMHO.

I see photographers all the time at the National Zoo (DC) with tripods. They just stand close and make sure no one bumps it into the lion pit. I would take the 70-200 and thats it, assuming youre going just to take photos. If youre going on a family outing, Id still take the 70-200.

Yup I would take the 70-200, not sure what you have thats inside thats worth shooting, most everything inside is behind glass too. Take advantage of the good weather and stay outside

I've used a monopod at a zoo with good results -- it's less "in the way" than a tripod and still gives you the bit of stability when you are standing and waiting for "the shot".

As to a lens, I'd say definitely the 70-200 for outdoors shooting. But for indoors shooting your 50 will get better low-light shots, and that matters!

Maybe look for a 2x converter also. Sounds like a good reason to get some new equipment..

I once had my 500L with me in the Bronx Zoo...

TooManyShots wrote in post #14446757
I once had my 500L with me in the Bronx Zoo...

I think 90% of my zoo shots are at 400.. I wish I had a 500 to bring. That would be sweet....

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The 70-200m f/4 is rather light , so with good light I don't see the reason for a tripod (outdoors) .
You might go with a monopod , if you feel like you need it .