Which Lens for the Zoo!

Strobe · 05-04-2007, 8:59 AM

Visiting the zoo tomorrow but don't fancy lugging my whole kit bag around with me; just body and lens. My 17-70 is my usual walkaround lens but wondered if that would be too short for some good animal pic's. Waddya reckon as to the best lens to take ... 17-70 or 70-300 ? Also, have a 100 Macro which I was considering as well as it takes brilliant portrait style pics but again thinking it may be a bit on short side and too slow to focus. Any suggestions appreciated.

Steve N · 05-04-2007, 9:09 AM

If I had to leave one at home it would be the 17-70.
You will definitely need the long one and the macro may come in useful if the have an insect house or butterfly garden etc and, as you say the macro can be used for portraits etc.
The long one will also be ok for anything over a metre or so anyway.

Yandros · 05-04-2007, 9:13 AM

I reckon 70-300 and the macro. I used nothing but a 105 macro on a recent visit to out local tropical house, (butterflies, birds monkeys, meerkats, lemurs, otters, wallabys etc) and it was the ideal length for the vast majority of shots.

Peakoverload · 05-04-2007, 9:25 AM

The 70-300 is the lens that is best suited to zoo's out of those you mentioned for the simple reason that the longer the zoom not only the closer you get to the subject but also the shallower the dof which will help to knock fences out of focus so much that they become invisible (as long as the animal isnt too close to the fence and you choose a large enough aperture).

That said the ultimate zoo lens IMHO is the Sigma 50-500.

dave_bass5 · 05-04-2007, 9:29 AM

I would say take the 70-300 and the 17-70.
Yes, the 70-300 is ideal outside but if you go inside you might find the minimum focusing distance is too big.
I dont know about the Macro but im sure that would be ideal for inside (as Steve has said).

What zoo you going to? Im trying to get the family to go to London zoo so i can try out my new 70-200 and i also want to use my 17-55IS inside.

Strobe · 05-04-2007, 10:05 AM

Thanks for the input guys. Looks like it's the 70-300 and I will try and find space for the Macro. The Macro is a new lens for me and I am dying to give a proper try (close-ups of household objects loses it's appeal after a while!).
The zoo is http://www.marwell.org.uk/. It's not up there with the big zoos but it's a great day out for the family and only up the road from us. Should be nice weather so will probably be packed. Will post up any half decent pic's.

dave_bass5 · 05-04-2007, 10:26 AM

Good luck.
I played a gig at Marwell zoo last year. It was shut to the public but i would like to go back when its open.

Steve N · 05-04-2007, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strobe

The zoo is http://www.marwell.org.uk/. .

I took the family to Marwell a few years back and found it to be really good.
Have a good time

PS Take your macro, it's a lot more versatile than you may think. It's the next item on my must have list, along with the Bigma recommended by Peakoverload.

mg-paul · 05-04-2007, 12:15 PM

For Marwell, I would take the 70-300 as many of the enclosures are quite large and you will need to extra range.

Only had a P&S last time I visited and really wanted more. Really will have to go back now I have the D80.

Strobe · 05-04-2007, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve N

I took the family to Marwell a few years back and found it to be really good.
Have a good time

PS Take your macro, it's a lot more versatile than you may think. It's the next item on my must have list, along with the Bigma recommended by Peakoverload.

I really like the look of the Bigma as well but way out of my price range at the mo! The Sony 70-300 kit will do me ftb!

SeaneyC · 05-04-2007, 1:53 PM

If i were you i'd definately stick with the 70-300mm. When i was in Australia i went to Healsville animal sactuary, i used every length possible in my Sigma 50-500mm, but most of the shots were over 200mm.

I miss my Sigma 50-500mm

As a side note, I've used a 100-400mm L IS on my Canon body, and i'd take the 50-500mm over it any day, even without IS. Plus i could buy a nice short zoom (24-70mm f2.8 or similar) with the saving.

Senninha · 05-04-2007, 6:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peakoverload

The 70-300 is the lens that is best suited to zoo's out of those you mentioned for the simple reason that the longer the zoom not only the closer you get to the subject but also the shallower the dof which will help to knock fences out of focus so much that they become invisible (as long as the animal isnt too close to the fence and you choose a large enough aperture).

That said the ultimate zoo lens IMHO is the Sigma 50-500.

I'd pitch in with the Nikon 18-200 as the ultimate zoo lens (although admittedly not for Canon owners!). Optically it's not the greatest (although mighty fine), but being able to go from 18mm right out to tele (300mm in 35mm equivalent) without changing lenses is excellent.

I used it in Edinburgh zoo recently, and found it perfect.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/senninh...7594517787649/

ChrisBeel · 05-04-2007, 6:17 PM

There is a lot of good advice above and all have their valid points but the lens you'll need is the one you leave at home

All the best

Chris

Ikki · 07-04-2007, 4:59 PM

If it's somewhere like Chester zoo which doesn't have much really close up stuff but has a lot of large animal enclosures, the 70-300mm is the way to go.

cruncher75 · 07-04-2007, 7:36 PM

Hi i went to marwell a few weeks back took with me 17-70 and the 70-300 i used the 70-300 the most out of the two
Marwell Zoo

nealgs · 07-04-2007, 11:51 PM

I went to Tropical world near Leeds other day. Took both 70-300 and 18-55 kit lenses, used the 70-300 most the time, but for the shots with the kids holding the snakes and lizards, couldn't get far enough back to focus with it, and with the humidity didn't think it was good to change lens over.

take em both would be my tuppence worth

Gary