DC/ National Zoo - this Saturday!

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

04/17/2008 11:20:03 AM · #26

Originally posted by nshapiro:

Are tripods a help or hinderance at the zoo?

Depends on how fast your lenses are. ;) I'll probably be toting mine around...that or my monopod. Haven't decided yet.

The only problem with tripods is not being able to stow them if you go into places that do not allow them. I like the National Portrait Gallery (which is near Chinatown) but they don't allow the carrying of tripods or monodpods. They do have lockers which I have been able to put my monopod in...never tried my tripod there, though. None of the other museums have lockers, though.

Message edited by author 2008-04-17 11:23:49.

ltlmschrisss

Nikon D850

04/17/2008 11:39:09 AM · #27

Unfortunatly, I will only be able to do the zoo. I am sure we will bring a tripod. I will search the site and see if there are any restrictions. Thanks everyone, I am really looking forward to this. :)

ltlmschrisss

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

04/17/2008 11:50:52 AM · #28

I just called the zoo. They said that tripods are fine outside as long as we don't get in people's way. In the buildings we would need to carry them, but most of the animals stay outside anyway. They do however have rules about using the photographs for anything more than personal use.

"Photography
Visitors are encouraged to take photographs for their personal use and to share their memories with family and friends. Photographers wishing to market and sell their photos of Zoo animals must contact the Smithsonian Institution's Office of Product Development and Licensing."

From the website park rules page

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/17/2008 12:09:50 PM · #29

I just packed--and I decided to go light. My camera and 18-200 and 10-20 in my Tamrac Velocity 6 (nice small sling). (BTW - I recently bought the 7, but as tight as the 6 is, for me, it's much nicer to carry around. It's big enough to fit and small enough not to be major conspicuous that you are carrying a camera.

I can fit the tripod in my regular (non photo) backpack (I recently bought the pretty sturdy and very light Manifrotto 725B). Any restrictions on backpacks in those places, Kadi? Figure it's good to carry that backpack for my light jacket and any other accessories, like my Cokin filters, anyway.

MaryO

Nikon Z8

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8

04/17/2008 12:15:19 PM · #30

Originally posted by KaDi:

Originally posted by nshapiro:
Are tripods a help or hinderance at the zoo?

Depends on how fast your lenses are. ;) I'll probably be toting mine around...that or my monopod. Haven't decided yet.

The only problem with tripods is not being able to stow them if you go into places that do not allow them. I like the National Portrait Gallery (which is near Chinatown) but they don't allow the carrying of tripods or monodpods. They do have lockers which I have been able to put my monopod in...never tried my tripod there, though. None of the other museums have lockers, though.

Natural History has lockers, and it has the butterfly exhibit in addition to the insect zoo. Smaller than zoo critters but interesting nonetheless. And pretty rocks (anyone who takes a macro shot of a rock or gem at the museum owes me a nickel for the idea).

Wish I could join you all (I *love* the zoo!!) but family scheduled me first.

MaryO

Nikon Z8

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8

04/17/2008 12:18:50 PM · #31

Originally posted by nshapiro:

I'll jump in (since I happen to know); backpacks are fine. They will search them going into a museum but they search everything bigger than a wallet. Multiple lenses and such are no problem; the only restrictions I know of are on tripods. No searching at the zoo that I've ever encountered so you can bring as much as you like, but it's hilly so you may regret carrying a lot of weight around.

Creature

Nikon D70s

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

04/17/2008 12:48:46 PM · #32

Originally posted by nshapiro:

Are tripods a help or hinderance at the zoo?

Definitely a help, and it was only "in the way" at the most crowded exhibits. Apparently you're not supposed to use them in the indoor exhibits, especially the darkened ones like the aquarium, but I did and no one said anything.

ETA: if you're thinking of something to do after the zoo, the Franciscan Monastery is apparently the place to be this weekend. The tulips and gardens are in full bloom. There is a group of folks from my local camera club going, and there are sure to be lots of other photogs there capturing the splendor.

Message edited by author 2008-04-17 12:52:02.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/17/2008 01:03:54 PM · #33

Originally posted by MaryO:

Cool! I didn't know there were lockers there! And I forgot about the butterfly exhibit...that may just go on the day's "to do" list. So thanks!

No promises about the nickel, though. ;)

edit: and yes, Mary's right about the backpacks, too. no problems. i'll have mine.

Message edited by author 2008-04-17 13:15:08.

Neil

Fujifilm X-T30

04/17/2008 01:22:02 PM · #34

Butterflies sound REAL good for the afternoon.

So I can bring in the tripod, right, as long as I leave it in the bag, even if they search.

Too bad no tripods in the dark indoor exhibits where you need them most. Wondering if I should bring the monopod instead or in addition. Of course, I do have VR on my main lens.

Ok, how early do you guys want to start at the zoo?

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

04/17/2008 01:33:35 PM · #35

Yes. Tripods that fit in bags should also fit in lockers anyway.
At the zoo there should be no tripod problems. There aren't that many dim inside spots at the zoo. I've used a tripod in the aviary without problem. Worst that might happen is someone will ask you not to use it...but you can still carry one, they won't throw you out.

As for timing...how does 7:30 sound?

ltlmschrisss

Nikon D850

04/17/2008 01:48:33 PM · #36

7:30 sounds good to me