Lenses for the National Zoo

[david_werbeloff1]

<p>Hi All,<br>

I'm planning a trip to the National Zoo in D.C. My question for those who have tried photographing the animals there, is this: can I get away with my IIIa with 75 and 135mm, or do I need an M with Viso and 280mm? I'm really trying to avoid having the extra weight. <br>

All advice appreciated.<br>

Best, David</p>

[r22eng]

<p>National Zoo is a great place.<br>

Used e 90mm for close-ups of the big animals and Panda. Shot wide open for shallow depth of field and shutter at 1/125th or 1/250th. The 50mm was good for the wider view.<br>

Would have liked a 200mm for closer shots of smaller animals.<br>

You might have more versatility with a SLR kit that includes a 28-105 and 100-200 zooms.</p>

[SCL]

<p>If you want in your face frame filling shots of animals take the Viso, otherwise you should be fine with the lighter kit.</p>

[john_shriver]

<p>Lots of shade there, so consider ISO 400 film or fast lenses. </p>

 

[david_werbeloff1]

<p>Gentlemen, thanks for your responses. John, thanks for heads-up on the low light. I use Fuji Press 800 (rated @ 650) as standard, so I'll be fine. I'll have to do the "over-the-shoulder" test to be sure, but I'm tending towards the small and light kit. Best, David</p>

[jkelly04]

<p>I shot this one inside the panda house at the National Zoo last year with a 50mm collapsible Summicron and cropped the image. So if you can get close enough you'll be fine.<br>

<img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/6225011-md.jpg" alt="" width="679" height="458" /></p>

[james mitchell dc]

<p>Many years ago, when I lived a few blocks from the National Zoo, I took my Leica R and 180/2.8 and 400/5. These were very usefull for many of the animals at that time. The arrangements of the animals have changed dramatically over the years. But for the Pandas, I would recommend your longest lens.</p>