Going to San Diego this week

And I haven't flown in a long time...let's see, I think it's been nearly 4 or 5 years. I'm going for a conference; however, I plan on doing as much photography as I can fit in. I want to hit Coronado Island, the zoo and wild animal park and wander around Gas Lamp quarter.

I was planning on taking my TT Airport Security v2 and my 500 f/4. However, the more I think about it the more nervous I am travelling with this monster. I was going to buy a pacsafe cable netting to secure the whole thing even more, but I'm really questioning if I need the long lens with me at all. I have a 70-200 f/2.8 and a 1.4TC. Do you think that's long enough for the animal park? I'm nervous not only about the lens itself, but also that the airlines may decide my airport security is too big for a carryon and want to check it. Then I'll have to miss my flight, as I will not do that. What do you guys think?

The other lens I was going to take are my 10-22 and 24-70. That ought to cover the range I want. Any other suggestions? I'll take my monopod; don't need a tripod, right? Nor would it likely be welcome in most venues.

I'd leave the 500mm at home and take a smaller backpack that is carry-on compliant. Try hitting La Jolla beach while there with a CPL on your 10-22.

Ah San Diego... oodles of stuff to shoot there.

Be sure to visit the Gaslight district downtown, Old World Village and of course Balboa Park and the Zoo. Even if you don't do the Zoo, be sure to get to Balboa Park (it surrounds the Zoo) as there is a bevy of beautiful buildings, trees, gardens, and a ton of people to shoot.

I'd take the 70-200 instead.

Cheers and have a good trip!

I just did the San Diego Zoo last week and had my 100-400 with me, IMHO, was good enough (lots of people staring at me). The 500 may be too much, the 70-200 w/ tc would probably be sufficient.

Thanks for the feedback! Sounds like I'll travel easier and feel safer without the 500. I'm looking forward to the trip! Now I just need to figure out a good backpack system to take with me.

Todd Lambert wrote in post #7893755
Ah San Diego... oodles of stuff to shoot there.

Be sure to visit the Gaslight district downtown, Old World Village and of course Balboa Park and the Zoo. Even if you don't do the Zoo, be sure to get to Balboa Park (it surrounds the Zoo) as there is a bevy of beautiful buildings, trees, gardens, and a ton of people to shoot.

I'd take the 70-200 instead.

Cheers and have a good trip!

What is this Old World Village you speak of? Never heard of it, Old Town perhaps?

Definitely do WIld Animal Park and the Zoo since tourists love those spots for photography, Downtown Gaslamp District is a must, as is Coronado and Balboa Park. If you have time, you might want to check out the Cabrillo National Monument in Pt. Loma, La Jolla Cove, or Sunset Cliffs.

Not sure if you're still here on the 17th but there is the annual bay/bridge walk that takes place in downtown and across the coronado bridge. I'm not sure how many lanes are closed on the bridge but you'll be able to walk and capture some nice skyline shots with your WA lens.

Besides that, +1 on leaving the 500mm at home.

I live in San Diego, definitely a lot of great places to photograph. You don't need the 500mm for the zoo or wild animal park. La Jolla has a lot of great photo opportunities. Have a good trip!

drsimnal wrote in post #7893650
And I haven't flown in a long time...let's see, I think it's been nearly 4 or 5 years. I'm going for a conference; however, I plan on doing as much photography as I can fit in. I want to hit Coronado Island, the zoo and wild animal park and wander around Gas Lamp quarter.

I was planning on taking my TT Airport Security v2 and my 500 f/4. However, the more I think about it the more nervous I am travelling with this monster. I was going to buy a pacsafe cable netting to secure the whole thing even more, but I'm really questioning if I need the long lens with me at all. I have a 70-200 f/2.8 and a 1.4TC. Do you think that's long enough for the animal park? I'm nervous not only about the lens itself, but also that the airlines may decide my airport security is too big for a carryon and want to check it. Then I'll have to miss my flight, as I will not do that. What do you guys think?

The other lens I was going to take are my 10-22 and 24-70. That ought to cover the range I want. Any other suggestions? I'll take my monopod; don't need a tripod, right? Nor would it likely be welcome in most venues.

one place to avoid unless you like a ton of people is seaworld. i'd been there in the past -- once on xmas day -- and had a great time but the last time we were there (december 2007) it was a crowded mess. seaworld has the biggest parking lot i've ever seen anywhere. there were six lanes of traffic into seaworld. parking was structured and it took us at least 20 minutes to park.

the zoo is the best i have seen anywhere. absolutely great. i used the 100-400L on 5d and it was perfect .

ed rader

I was just in San Diego (actually La Jolla) last week too! We went to the zoo (in San Diego as La Jolla doesn't have one) and I took my 24-105 and 70-200 2.8 IS. I absolutely love the 70-200 2.8 IS. It stayed on my 5DII every minute in the zoo. You'll definitely need the monopod in the zoo. The tripod won't work very well in the zoo due to the road for the bus tour. Do the bus tour first then the tram then walk around. Lots of awesome shots there.

Be sure and check out the cactus and rose botanical gardens while you at the zoo. They are outside the zoo along Park BLVD. You'll want the tripod for the roses.

La Jolla cove is very pretty. Eat at Georges there. Very nice view from the terrace. There are sea lions at one end of the shore and seals at the other end with lots of birds and an occasional helicopter. Alfonso's across from Georges has some good mexican food.

Are you going to rent a car? If not I got a great deal from a guy that does Town Car transportation. Usually the same price but way nicer.

I flew in and out of SD a couple of weeks ago with my TT Airport Security. No problems at all. I had my monopod strapped to the side of the TTAS. I had my 400 f2.8L IS with me. Enjoy SD.

GET THIS BOOK...

This book makes great reading and it is cheap...

http://www.amazon.com …ef%3Dase_photos​ecretspubl#

Ihave lived in San Diego since 1966 and still learned things from Hudson's great book...

I'm not sure when exactly you'll be in SD, but if you're here this month or next, also check out the Cow Parade in La Jolla (http://www.cowparadela​jolla.com/)

x3cin wrote in post #7903293
I'm not sure when exactly you'll be in SD, but if you're here this month or next, also check out the Cow Parade in La Jolla (http://www.cowparadela​jolla.com/)

So THAT's what all them cows are doing all over La Jolla!...

This thread has a lot of good suggestions but my top-ten list for photogenic sites would probably look like this:

1. Zoo/Balboa Park
2. La Jolla Cove
3. Torrey Pines State Reserve (Tremendous cliffside coastal views and excellent (easy) hiking trails).
4. Coronado
5. Seaport Village/Star of India/USS Midway (All close to each other downtown.)
6. Cabrillo National Monument (Panoramic viewpoint in Pt. Loma)
7. Mt. Soledad (Panoramic viewpoint in La Jolla)
8. Quail Botanical Gardens (in Encinitas (30 minutes from downtown))
9. Mission Beach
10. Beautiful wineries in Temecula (60 minute drive)

Other locations for another time:
- Carlsbad Flower fields (45 minute drive (but currently out of season))
- Julian (45 minute drive (visit during apple-picking season in Sep/Oct))
- Borrego Desert (too hot right now)

I'm sure I forgot to mention a TON of things but these were the locations that immediately came to mind. Many of these sites could keep you busy an entire day (or two in the case of #1).

Have a nice trip!

If you're coming for a conference.. You'll be IN the gaslamp district. Bring tripod for tons of night stuff.

Coronado has 2 totally different 'sides' The Hotel Del Coronado is on the OCEAN side.. Best shot in daylight.. 'okay' at sunset, and form the BAY side you can get AWESOME panos of the San Diego Skyline. The BAY side is accessible from the ferry less than 1 mile from the Convention Center (no cars).

OR you drive all the way around, over the bridge and into Coronado where you can hit both and be mobile.. your choice.

IF you drive.. There is the chula vista estuary and the IB beach area to shoot if you take the "silver strand" back to the mainland. On the strand on the ocean side you'll see some military workout stuff... That's where one of US' finest Navy Seal Teams operates out of.

From the Cabrillo lighthouse area.. you'll see North Island Naval Air Station, Lindbergh field where you flew into, and the Submarine base all laid out in front of you.

Feel free to ask more questions.. we LOVE to plan trips for visitors!

-Tom D
San Diego Native