Going to the zoo...

[Actorlife]

Wanted to know if there is a good time to go to the zoo. Morning or afternoon? and also what day of the week? and lens recommendation? Thanks!!!

[sirhc55]

I would say that morning is the best time. The animals have woken from their nights sleep and want to move around. This offers far more picture opportunities than later in the day when they are tired with entertaining and just want to sleep.

Nocturnals are another matter

[Alpha_7]

I haven't been shooting at the zoo, but I would try to pick a less popular day (so you have smaller crowds) this makes it easier to move around and get the shots without the people getting in the way or scarying off the animals.

What lens do you have available for shooting at the zoo ? I'd suggest something with a bit of length as alot of the time the animals aren't close enough so something that can do 200 or 300mm.

[Wocka]

Gidday,

I went a few weeks back. Took only the 75-300 and was fine.
I went on a Saturday, got there about 9:30am. The animals were out and moving around.

Cheers.

[losfp]

I'm probably going to Taronga Zoo this weekend. Will report back if I could be bothered

I'll probably only take 2 lenses: Tokina 12-24 and Nikkor 70-300G Boat Anchor. Though will probably also just leave the 50/1.8 in the bag just in case.

I;'ll struggle in dark cages/enclosures, but anything in the open should be fine....

[Mal]

We film often at Zoo's.
If you want to get the animals at their best. Get in as soon as the animals are let out of their night cages!!! if that is not possible get there as soon as the gates open. Most Zoo's place food in hard to get places or spray scents around enclosures to make the animals active for a least a couple of hours in the morning.
Of course there are always those animals that will put a show on for you. Meerkats being the number one animal!!

[Big V]

Definately in the morning, animals are more animated and the light is less harsh...