We had a heat wave today - almost 30 degrees (Fahrenheit) - so I decided a trip to the zoo was a good idea. I wanted to give my 70-200/2.8 a try before deciding whether or not to sell it, since I rarely use it and between the cloudy day and the indoor exhibits, it had a good workout. I'll probably post photos throughout the week from today as I took a ton to test out the lens for different purposes. Started out thinking I didn't want it but now am having second thoughts.
And it's a six word story, reflecting what I always stress about when seeing animals caged. It breaks my heart but I'm still drawn to them. She was so magnificent.
Taken with wide-aperture to frame the face and blur out the background -- widest the zoom goes is 2.8, which is what I used here.
Alternate high-key, wide-aperture fence shot: http://365project.org/taffy/the-also-ran-ph/2014-01-19
VERY dramatic and expressive shot! I know the dilemma . . . I tried the Canon equivalent of that lens today and it weighted a TON so I knew I'd never carry it around with me except on specific photo shoots like you took today. Not a generally useful lens for me, although I covet a lens that could do good bird photography. Glad you gave it a workout today, though.
Beautiful shot..very poignant..I love the zoo because I can see the animals, but share your sentiment re animals in cages......see my monkey in my second album.
hahahaha our heatwave was 35 when I visited the zoo - although because Taronga is on the Harbour it was not quite as bad as it was when I got home hahaha
Don't be sad for the animals in zoos - I don't know which zoo you were at but the good ones are very into animal conservation and species survival. The gorillas in zoos are part of a world wide breeding program to save them from extinction. They are well looked after - and if in the wild are likely to be shot by poachers for their hands and feet.
Love this photo Taffy, your advice is so appreciated. We've just come off a heatwave haha 45 plus degree Celsius! It's just cracked a road on a bridge, needless to say I won't be using that until it's repaired.
Fabulous shot of this fabulous looking animal. She looks sleek. Zoos are now so much better than they were. At least here they are and I know they move animals internationally to support the breeding programs for endangered species. Ours are mostly open plains.
This is a beautiful image, Taffy. I think the lens performs well. I am in a lens dilemma at the moment - going to get one but not sure which and can only justify one at the moment. Bird/nature pics so important - but I also want a macro...
I agree with regard to the animals in zoos issue and I understand about the breeding program, and that some zoos have much more space for them but the reality is that many of these animals range many many square miles in their natural habitat. While I won't support SeaWorld, I do like to go to the Seattle Woodland Park Zoo on occasion to see the animals - such conflicting emotions.
Great shot! We support the local sanctuary that houses animals that can't go back into the wild, or are safety populations for endangered species, but we don't go to the zoo.
Great take on this handsome gorilla! Would love to know what she's thinking? This inspires me to go to a zoo to practice animal shots. There's a wild animal park with some open habitats near San Diego so that might be a good place to begin.
Oh me too, I don´t like to visit the zoos cos I don´t like to see animals caged, it just makes me sad. I love the low key approach here, it fits the mood...he looks like he´s remembering those days of freedom. Great 6wordstory
Such an expressive capture! So handsome!!!
I love these animals, and though I wish they could safely roam the jungles of their homeland...chances are they would be killed/poached? There is a fine line...does the capture of them for zoos add to the danger to them or save them from being captured for other purposes? So magnificent!
What a super portrait. It conveys so much emotion. I can't go to the Zoo anymore as it just breaks my heart to see the wild animals caged. This is a must view large! (Linda, @se7en , Fridays)
What a great low key shot. I share your sentiment about animals in cages, same applies to birds for me anyway and I wouldn't really describe myself as an animal lover, just feels wrong!
Ooh, if I had an f/2.8 zoom, I don't think I'd be rushing to sell it! I would love a zoom with that width of aperture. Now, this is such a beautiful shot, of one of the most serene and majestic animals on the planet. You have captured it beautifully, so another fav from me. Finally, I couldn't agree more about the bittersweet nature of zoos.
Don't be sad for the animals in zoos - I don't know which zoo you were at but the good ones are very into animal conservation and species survival. The gorillas in zoos are part of a world wide breeding program to save them from extinction. They are well looked after - and if in the wild are likely to be shot by poachers for their hands and feet.
I agree with regard to the animals in zoos issue and I understand about the breeding program, and that some zoos have much more space for them but the reality is that many of these animals range many many square miles in their natural habitat. While I won't support SeaWorld, I do like to go to the Seattle Woodland Park Zoo on occasion to see the animals - such conflicting emotions.
I love these animals, and though I wish they could safely roam the jungles of their homeland...chances are they would be killed/poached? There is a fine line...does the capture of them for zoos add to the danger to them or save them from being captured for other purposes? So magnificent!
The 70-200 on a full frame is like a 50-135 on a crop, just double the size and weight. I would sell it.