Going to the zoo

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kopite

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Mark
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Hey everyone,

Im off to the Zoo this weekend to take some photos and was wondering if anyone has any pointers to make sure I get the best pictures i can.

I have a sony a200 with the 18-70mm kit lens.
 
watch your white balance and take test shots prior to check things etc.

missed some good shots because was set wrong then the animal never came back my way after I thought i had the shot, especilly true with thngs like snakes etc that are behind glass wth an artificial heat source such as a light in one corner
 
I have a polarising filter. Would it be an idea to have this on for all shots?

Should i be conentrating on shutter speed or aperture size?
 
Unless you are planning on some nice blue skies with white fluffy clouds (and assuming that at this time of year that would even happen!) then don't bother with the CPL, you'll just loose light.
 
The ideal focal length for pretty well any zoo is around 100-400 or separate primes covering those focal lengths.

I find with a 200mm lens, the reach just isn't enough for some of the more distant stuff, although a converter will obviously help.
 
desantnik said:
Unless you are planning on some nice blue skies with white fluffy clouds (and assuming that at this time of year that would even happen!) then don't bother with the CPL, you'll just loose light.
Click to expand...

I'm sure I read on here somewhere that they were ideal for eliminating reflections when shooting through glass though?
 
I take it your 1st comment about the Polarising filter was with regards taking photos of the smaller animals indoors....

Polarising filters will reduce reflections in water & glass etc, but at the same time they will cut the amount of light entering the lens.

If you get close enough to the glass itself, you can use your hand or a lens hood to eliminate any reflections instead of the filter..

If its really dark try a tripod or increase the ISO....and I dont think flash will help the situation :P
 
Are you going too Chester zoo by any chance? I think i will leave it till it gets a bit warmer. :thumbs:
 
good luck, be interesting to see some general pics
 
One of the tips I got from the Marwell meet was to rest the hood right against the glass :)
 
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