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12/07/2005 11:17:55 PM · #1 |
We are heading down Saturday (early) to try to catch a glimpse of the baby Panda (a wonderful friend got us tickets).
I am renting a 70-200 f2.8L for the weekend. So looking forward to playing with a new lens.
We have a couple of hours after the Panda visit (and maybe a little time before) to wander the zoo a bit.
Anyone have any suggestions to maximize my visit and use of this lens?
Anything I should know about that lens?
Will the cold weather have any negative effects on the camera or lens?
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12/07/2005 11:29:16 PM · #2 |
Cheetah babies (close to pandas)
wolves may be out (close to cheetahs)
Amazing bird aviary (close to pandas)
lions and tigers and bears
Love the zoo, best time is earliest you can get there. Stroller brigade starts at about 10AM and gets worse until about 3PM.
they have a petting zoo if you are into that, a butterfly garden somewhere (I don't remember), monkeys everywhere, some free range tamarinds (I think thats what they are).
Been to about 12 zoos and National is definitely the best. And Free!
My last trip:
  
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12/07/2005 11:31:08 PM · #3 |
Visit the birds (if they are still outside). They have a really cool flock of flamingos. I have a shot of one on my site.
//seenosun.com
The gorillas are interesting subjects also.
Have fun - the National Zoo is one of my favorite places in DC to shoot. |
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12/07/2005 11:41:21 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by autumncat:
Anything I should know about that lens? |
the IS or non-IS ? IS version is heavy. Use a monopod if you have one
Originally posted by autumncat:
Will the cold weather have any negative effects on the camera or lens? |
Batteries will run faster in cold weather. |
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12/07/2005 11:51:25 PM · #5 |
Are you planning to drive directly to the zoo, or to take the Metro in?
~Terry
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12/07/2005 11:53:22 PM · #6 |
| don't go from the cold into a butterfly house or some tropical exhibition - you will fog up big time! Stay outside and keep a second battery in your pocket to keep it warm. |
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12/08/2005 11:12:30 PM · #7 |
Thanks for the suggestions - and great photos, dahkota. With the predicted weather - I am hoping we can make it down to Baltimore for the lens tomorrow. I'm determined.
Club - we plan on heading to a friend's house in VA and then following them in our car to the zoo. We are going a couple of hours early in hopes of getting a parking spot. Any specific reason you ask?
gaurawa - the lens does not have the IS. And my camera equipment is pretty limited - I don't have a monopod and do not have an extra battery. Hopefully I won't miss either of those items this weekend.
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12/09/2005 12:03:57 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by autumncat:
Thanks for the suggestions - and great photos, dahkota. With the predicted weather - I am hoping we can make it down to Baltimore for the lens tomorrow. I'm determined.
Club - we plan on heading to a friend's house in VA and then following them in our car to the zoo. We are going a couple of hours early in hopes of getting a parking spot. Any specific reason you ask?
gaurawa - the lens does not have the IS. And my camera equipment is pretty limited - I don't have a monopod and do not have an extra battery. Hopefully I won't miss either of those items this weekend. |
The weather is not going to be as bad as originally predicted. Parking won't be a problem. There is plenty. But it costs $12 bucks minimum and you may have a bit of a walk. The first lot on your left after you enter off of Connecticutt Ave. is closest to the Panda House. Going from Baltimore to Va and then back into the city is definitely not the shortest way to go. Unless your friend is a really good cook you may want to consider meeting him somewhere in town.
Drive safely. Good Luck. Can't wait to see some baby panda pics.
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12/09/2005 12:50:22 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by coolhar:
The weather is not going to be as bad as originally predicted. Parking won't be a problem. There is plenty. But it costs $12 bucks minimum and you may have a bit of a walk. The first lot on your left after you enter off of Connecticutt Ave. is closest to the Panda House. Going from Baltimore to Va and then back into the city is definitely not the shortest way to go. Unless your friend is a really good cook you may want to consider meeting him somewhere in town.
Drive safely. Good Luck. Can't wait to see some baby panda pics. |
Thanks! I do hope things aren't as nasty as predicted. Usually when we want the day off from work - the white stuff is not as bad as they say. But when we want good weather it is as bad or worse than predicted.
Our trip to the Zoo is Saturday - and we are actually in York area of PA (not Baltimore) heading to VA then to DC. And I am still thinking of just heading straight to the zoo to meet them there. Debating. No meals planned with our friends - just hopes of following them in.
Yeah, I saw the parking fees. Not pretty. But entry to the zoo is free. And I have a medical issue with my foot that makes too much walking very painful. Not the best of conditions to go to the zoo - but I'm not missing a chance to see the Panda and play with a new lens. Just trying to minimize the walking - which means avoiding the metro.
Our friend knows the zoo and lots well - so will trust them to get us close.
Just crossing my fingers that the Panda decides to be visible during our ten minutes. It's definitely not a guarantee.
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