Australia Zoo assistance

[Manta]

Hi all.

Crikey, I'm off to Australia Zoo tomorrow as the kids haven't been up there for a few years.

I kow it's changed a lot since I was last there - any hints/tips/advice for getting the best photographic experience from the day?

Gear: D70, 18-70, 50/1.4, 70-300G, SB800, Better Beamer. Probably not taking the tripod.

[big pix]

...... go by car..... its quicker.......and take your camera........

[radar]

Simon,

have you got a bean bag? It would be useful if shooting with the 70-300G, especially if light is low or in the shade.

As you probably, try to restrict yourself to no more than 200mm on the 70-300.

Also bring some patience, with school holidays, that is a pre-requisite to have a good day at the zoo. Look at mudder zoo expedition

Have fun,

André

[Manta]

Thanks Andre - good points. I'll pinch one of the kid's wheat packs - should do the job - and i'll TRY to remember not to push the 70-300 to it's limit!

I've already resigned myself to the school holiday onslaught and am looking forward to pushing some of the more obnoxious brats into the croc enclosure. Maybe some of their kids as well.

Bernie - you idiot!

[blacknstormy]

Simon - you must respect your elders - apologise to Bernie !!!! LOL

Do you think if I'm terribly sick, and have the flu, I could tag along with you tomorrow? Only have a little thing called work standing in the way,. but the flu could deal with it???????

Mongrel - I'm very jealous, and looking forward to the shots !

Rel

[Finch]

Simon,

Best advice by far is to get there right on opening time! Since most kids are still on school hols, the place will become as packed as heck.

Head to the walk-through bird aviary just before 9.30am, since they feed the little critters around then andthey come up close.

Check out times of free-flight bird show and practice panning with the birds of prey.

Head to the wetlands area and try to get shots of Brolgas and Jabiru (Black-knecked Storks) in the good morning light.

Try and get head shots of tiger and cheetah cubs etc as they are paraded around by staff

Hope this helps, mate and have a great day

Cheers

Michael

[MATT]

My advice is to go another day,

One day off school for the kids is not going to ruin their education, but a trip without thousands of people will dramaticly improve the enjoyment of the zoo.

MATT

[blacknstormy]

And just to make it clear ... I'm NOT sick, was just a joke.....
yes I am a dag (but not the type on a sheeps ass )
well maybe....
lol
Rel

[Manta]

Thanks Rel (of course you can pull a sickie - I won't tell anyone!)

Mike - bit limited as to how early we can get there; have to pick up my daughter's boyfriend on the way and there's a time window attached to that. I'll try to follow your suggestions once I'm up there though.

Matt - wish I could avoid going during the holidays but haven't got a lot of choice. I hate crowds at the best of times and, for me, more than 5 people constitutes a crowd.

[mudder]

Give them a call or check out their site:
http://www.australiazoo.com.au/australia_zoo/ and go to "Animal encounters"

You can go in with the tigers ($'s but an experience you and the kids would never forget)...

I'd be tempted to organise a day outside the school holidays, the kids would think you're a hero for getting them a day off school and I assume the crowds would be much reduced...

[Finch]

Do you think if I'm terribly sick, and have the flu, I could tag along with you tomorrow? Only have a little thing called work standing in the way,. but the flu could deal with it??????? ;)

Rel

Narelle,

I'm with Simon - I won't tell anyone at work (when I'm back on Thurs) if you chuck a sickie, either!!!!

Cheers

Michael

[DionM]

Probably a bit late ... but last time I was there the 70-200 2.8 never came off. I used it everywhere. Only place it was a bit cumbersome was the dark enclosure for the otters and other creatures in the 'older' area.

The arena is a great place esp the free flight bird show. Gotta be quick on the panning though!

Here are some of my shots from last time:
http://www.dionm.net/gallery/v/Animals/ ... _Aust_Zoo/

I think the new 'Madagascar' attraction may be open by now?

[Manta]

Cheers Andrew and Dion.

I'm only taking the 18-70, the 70-300 and the flash gear. The 50mm can have a day off today! Oh and thanks Dion - if I had a 70-200 it would probably stay on all day as well!!

Hopefully I'll get some decent shots....

[Oneputt]

Best of luck Simon, I simply will not go near the place during school holidays or on weekends. The excessive crowds always spoil the experience for me.