Shooting at the Zoo

It had been nearly 10 years since I visited the Zoo here in Omaha.  Bought a Zoo membership this Winter, figuring to get out when weather is not good for bike riding.  It would also give me a chance to hone my photography skills.

I did not want to overload myself with gear, so only brought my Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens, a spare battery and cleared SD card.  In my 2 1/2 hour walk in sections of the zoo, I got a good feeling for the versatility of the camera/lens combo.

Desert Dome, March 19, 2014

Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens  f/8.0 at 1/320 sec  Aperture Priority  22.0mm  ISO 100  Three bracketed exposures (+2.0, 0.0, -2.0 EV) Processed from RAW by HDR Darkroom 2 Pro with finishing with Photoshop Elements 9


A real challenge was shooting in the Aquarium.  Issues with low light, moving subjects, and shooting through glass were on my mind.  I did have some problems, but was still able to get some good shots.

Jelly Fish,  Scott Aquarium,  March 19, 2014

Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens  f/6.3 at 1/40 sec  Aperture Priority  35.0mm  ISO 3200  Processed from RAW by Adobe Camera Raw and finished with Photoshop Elements 9 

Gorilla, Hubbard Gorilla Valley.  March 19, 2014

Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens  f/6.3 at 1/60 sec  Aperture Priority  42.0mm  ISO 250  Processed from RAW by Adobe Camera Raw and finished with Photoshop Elements 9

I had started in the Desert Dome but did not take many photos there as much of the dome is under reconstruction.  However, I was able to use the telephoto section of the lens in that dome for the shot below.

 Rabbit/Hare in the Desert Dome,  March 19, 2014

Canon EOS 60D with Tamron 18-200mm lens  f/6.3 at 1/250 sec  Aperture Priority  200.0mm  ISO 400  Processed from RAW by Adobe Camera Raw and finished with Photoshop Elements 9.

All-in-all, it was a successful day scoping out the zoo and verifying equipment needed.  My only disappointment was the Lied Jungle. Since it was a cool day outside and with the humidity in the jungle, I gave up.  It just took too long to get the camera and lens temperature stabilized.  Will have to wait until warmer weather.  Also looking forward shooting some of the flora when they come into bloom.