Colchester Zoo with a telephoto lens (56k users warning)

nomore · May 7, 2005

I went to Colchester Zoo on Monday. It's not as good as I've been told. I prefer Twycross and Whipsnade. Getting decent photographs is quite difficult at Colchester because all the animals are behind glass. Trying to cut out reflections is a challenge, especially on a bank holiday when there are a million and one kids running around.

I took my 10D and Canon 75-300 IS USM lens with me. I think the lens performs very well considering the price of it.

Here's a small selection of photos from Monday.

1/60 sec, f5.6, ISO 100, 300mm

1/60 sec, f4.5, ISO 1600, 100mm

1/350 sec, f5.6, ISO 400, 285mm

nomore · May 7, 2005

1/750 sec, f5.6, ISO 400, 300mm

1/250 sec, f5.6, ISO 400, 300mm

1/750 sec, f5.6, ISO 400, 270mm

nomore · May 7, 2005

1/250 sec, f4.5, ISO 400, 185mm

1/250 sec, f5.6, ISO 400, 300mm

nomore · May 7, 2005

1/500 sec, f5.6, ISO 400, 300mm

1/125 sec, f5.6, ISO 400, 300mm

1/180 sec, f5.6, ISO 800, 300mm

willg133 · May 7, 2005

you definitely got a good copy of that lens

great shots

nomore · May 7, 2005

What do you mean by a 'good copy' ?

mentos_007 · May 7, 2005

wonderful shots!!! what have you done to the animals to encourage them to pose so nicely?!?!?!

nomore · May 7, 2005

It's all about waiting for the animals to get into position.

Killed · May 7, 2005

very nice pictures looks pro

good job

Jeff Canes · May 7, 2005

wow you got some real nice pics

willg133 · May 7, 2005

nomore said:
What do you mean by a 'good copy' ?

i've heard that lens tends to be pretty soft, but those pictures look amazing

JonMikal · May 7, 2005

very nice

Raymond J Barlow · May 7, 2005

totally awesome, great stuff!!!!!! I would love to come to England and tour these zoos.. maybe some day!!! That glass must be dang clear!!

nomore · May 7, 2005

willg133 said:
i've heard that lens tends to be pretty soft, but those pictures look amazing

hmm... maybe it depends on the photographer. lol

nomore · May 7, 2005

Raymond J Barlow said:
totally awesome, great stuff!!!!!! I would love to come to England and tour these zoos.. maybe some day!!! That glass must be dang clear!!

Thanks. The glass is actually slightly opaque. It has loads of smears, scuffs, scratches and dirt. Using a wide apature for a narrow depth of field helps to eliminate the marks in the photo.