Zoo and Bird parks shots, what to do and what not to do.

We all know that we do not get lots of wildlife to shoot when we are in an island state... actually there are plenty of places that are relatively still wild... (one of them being my room).

Anyway, the two easiest places in Singapore to shoot animals are the Zoo and bird park. So what should we bring to these location? Well... for once, invest some money to get a telezoom lens... telelens (prime) will be better... AF help alot... and image stabilizer is a god sent.

Anyway, for me, I typically would use my DSLR with a 70-200mm lens coupled with a x1.4 teleconverter for bird park shots, and a 300mm lens coupled with a x1.4 teleconverter for zoo shots... and I will not forget my monopod.

Don't worry about people staring at you, or giving you dirty look when you use your monopod. As long as you don't block the entire place or trip them, you can ignore their stares and if you are the adventurous type, you can even give those losers your finger (don't do it, though, we are civilized people).

Well... you can bring your flash too... but try not to fire the flash straight at the poor animal's eyes... imagine yourself being flashed the entire day by irresponsible losers... it is definitely not good for your health. Anyway, you can try using flash, but always look for something to bounce... don't do direct flash.

While in zoo or bird park... the same rules follows... watch out for the expressions of the animals and birds... watch for a story... or make a story for your pic...

There really is no need for the animals to be in full view...

ISO: 400
Shutter Speed: 1/80
Aperture: f/5.6
(Title: Deep in thoughts or Melancholy)



When you are in the zoo or bird park, while there are other people taking pictures of the animals, try not to disturb them... like flashing your flash, making hell of a lot of noises and watch where you are going... some photographers carried their tripod and set them up there... try not to knock into their tripod...

Which bring me to another point... if you have a tripod, try to set your tripod where you will less hinder anyone... do not block the passage way... it really is a nuisence to anyone who have to try to dodge your tripod and there are kids running about.

So in summary... what setup to go for,

1) DSLR
2) 70-200mm f4L (if you have f2.8 lens, that would be so much better).
3) 300mm f4L (if you have f2.8 lens, that would be so much better but that lens is really heavy, so beware)
4) x1.4 teleconverter
5) Water bottle - drinks bought from the zoo or bird park is pretty expensive
6) Sandwiches (food)
7) raincoat for yourself and your camera and lenses