Florida - Discovery Cove Dolphin lens?

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Blonkster

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We will be going to the above in December and I'll be the non-swimmer on the shore, taking photos.

If you have been, how close could you get to the dolphins and swimmers? Which lenses did you use?

I've got a 50mm, 17-70mm and 75-300mm (cheapo). I guess they should do the job, but wondered what others used most, as I've no idea how close I can get - and keep dry!

TIA

Blonkster
 
Hey,

I've been before! From what I remember, you should be able to get fairly close.

You can't see the dolphin area when you're at the main beach part.
The dolphin area is kinda separate I think. But don't quote me on that. I'm struggling to remember.

If it's the rest of your family that's doing the dolphin swim, then just go along with them, but stay out of the water as they probaby won't let you in.
75-300 should be fine, you may not need it. They won't be out very far in the water because the kids need to be able to touch the floor.

I didn't take a camera with me as i didn't own an SLR at the time.
There were people in the water with cameras too. You can buy the photos at the end. Very expensive though.

Actually, thinking about it. You may struggle to get decent photos because from where you'll be standing, the rest of your party will have their backs turned half of the time. They get you to pose for photos, and the dolphins will 'kiss' each member. But from the beach it will be difficult to get photos of this happening
So I'd definately take the 75-300.

Have a walk around though, you may find a nice little spot with an excellent view


[EDIT] I THINK there were lockers, so it might be worth taking all the lenses in a bag just in case, and then getting them out the locker when the time comes.
Probably better to email them just to check
 
main_ParkMap.jpg


As you can see from the map, the dolphin lagoon is on the other side. The main beach area is over on the right hand side


But you'll be able to go with your party to the dolphin lagoon area. You just won't be able to go in the water.


Ahhhhh, all the memories are starting to come back now!!!
 
In the dolphin lagoon you'll see 'fingers' of land sticking out. You can walk along those and grab some shot along there. I used my 70-200. It gets you out to a decent position slightly past the group standing shots so you get face on.

The staff photographers wade out and shoot close.

Don't forget that after all the interaction they dolphins do a quick show, lots of jumping and splashing, so be ready for that.

I love discovery cove - brilliant place.
 
You will want your longest lens for the kissing of the dolphin shot.You will have a great time there mind you the water is freezing.
 
Yeah those fingers are great to shot from. I was the non-swimmer in our party.

Your 17-70 will be handy in the bird enclosures.
 
Have you got a waterproof housing, you can use it in the Tropical reef.

Any reason why you decided not to swim with the dolphins? It was a great experience.
 
A polarising filter added to the end of your lens may help get a better picture of the dolphins under water I believe.

enjoy

Al
 
Byker28i said:
70-200 F4, got loads at home. I'll sort some out tonight.
Click to expand...


Thanks.

I wasn't going to take my 7-200 F4 'beercan' to keep weight down (hoping to use Fastpack as hand luggage), but a cheapo Minolta 75-300mm. wonder if its up to it?
 
First time we went I had a 300D, 18-55 kit lens and cheapest 75-300. It did ok. We also had a point and shoot for the parks when I didn't want to carry a backpack around.

Last time I took everything I own, plus a smaller aw backpack in the suitcase to decant into. ;)
 
Here is one I took stood on one of the fingers, exif says 70, so that is either my 17-70 or the 70-300. I only had them and my 10-20 with me.

2101355416_5d3a1a46bd_o.jpg


The 10-20 came in so handy at Kennady in the Saturn 5 building.
 
Thanks for all the replies.

I'm not sure if I should use the 70-210 F4 for quality(but its a bit heavy), or go with the 75-300 F5.6 for the extra length.
 
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