Bronx Zoo.....which lens?

[Liz]

Tomorrow we're going to the Bronx Zoo!

I've never been to the Bronx zoo - never been to any BIG zoo! Just little Turtle Back Zoo in NJ. Because I need to travel light (back problem) I'd like to only take one lens.....I don't know much about how the zoo is set up - and what I'd be happiest having with me.

I have 3 choices: Canon 17-40mm/f4
Canon 50mm/f1.4
Canon 85mm/f1.8

The 17-40 is my favorite and does the best job - sharp/color - is it too wide?
I think the 85mm is probably too long
The 50mm would be good - but maybe too long/close?

Am I going to want close, wide or zoom or what?

Suggestions? Thanks folks!

Liz

[jar_e]

Liz,

The one time I shot at a 'zoo', I used my wide angle alot. I know it does seem kinda odd, but the way this zoo was set up, you could get really close to the bars, and my wide angle lens is perfect with crispness. If the 40 mm seems too wide, I'd then take the 50mm. But, if your a fair distance from the animals, zoom might be good.

Meh, I'm babbling,

Jared

[thapamd]

Tomorrow we're going to the Bronx Zoo!

I've never been to the Bronx zoo - never been to any BIG zoo! Just little Turtle Back Zoo in NJ. Because I need to travel light (back problem) I'd like to only take one lens.....I don't know much about how the zoo is set up - and what I'd be happiest having with me.

I have 3 choices: Canon 17-40mm/f4
Canon 50mm/f1.4
Canon 85mm/f1.8

The 17-40 is my favorite and does the best job - sharp/color - is it too wide?
I think the 85mm is probably too long
The 50mm would be good - but maybe too long/close?

Am I going to want close, wide or zoom or what?

Suggestions? Thanks folks!

Liz

If the Bronx Zoo is like any other zoo, you'll want a very long lens. At the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, I use at least a 200mm and a 400mm even more commonly, especially to get those intimate shots of the animals. Good luck, Liz, and bring home some keepers!

[Liz]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I wish I could bring two. :-)

Liz,

The one time I shot at a 'zoo', I used my wide angle alot. I know it does seem kinda odd, but the way this zoo was set up, you could get really close to the bars, and my wide angle lens is perfect with crispness. If the 40 mm seems too wide, I'd then take the 50mm. But, if your a fair distance from the animals, zoom might be good.

Meh, I'm babbling,

Jared

[Liz]

Thanks for your advice Mahesh.

I'll try to get some keepers. I've always wanted to go to the Bronx Zoo so it should be fun.

Have a good weekend.

Liz

If the Bronx Zoo is like any other zoo, you'll want a very long lens. At the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, I use at least a 200mm and a 400mm even more commonly, especially to get those intimate shots of the animals. Good luck, Liz, and bring home some keepers!

[paulnj]

Liz,

what happened to your 200f2.8 L? THAT and the 17-40L will be your best bet.

Personally , I used 400 + on film and I needed more at times IMHO at the phili zoo and I remember my visit to the BRONX zoo to be the same viewing distance on most animals. Some areas a wide angle for close subjects will be great though

[Liz]

Hi Paul

Hmmmmmm It was the 200mm/f4 (smaller, cheaper). And I sold it when I recycled all my lenses after going digital. It was an awesome lens, but I didn't use it enough to warrant keeping it, and got a really good deal on it. ;)

BTW, I took the 85mm - and it really wasn't long enough. I don't have any lens that's longer. It worked out ok though.

Liz

Liz,

what happened to your 200f2.8 L? THAT and the 17-40L will be your best bet.

Personally , I used 400 + on film and I needed more at times IMHO at the phili zoo and I remember my visit to the BRONX zoo to be the same viewing distance on most animals. Some areas a wide angle for close subjects will be great though