Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

scott1120 · **Dallas Zoo -** 05-02-2007, 03:16 PM

Has anyone been recently? How are the photos ops? I have an 18-55 and 70-300 which one should I take (I don't really want to have to keep up with 2 lenses)?

I will be with the family, so probably can't spend the time with each shot.

jangliss · 05-02-2007, 05:33 PM

I went (poorly timed) on March 10th, probably one of the first really nice days of the year, and very busy. 70-300 would probably be better, that's what I used for most of it because of the cages and such.

This is probably my favourite one from that trip:

When I went, they were in the process of building out a couple of the areas, might want to check their site to see if they're done yet.

babybluetx23 · 05-02-2007, 08:04 PM

I prefer the Ft Worth zoo. The Dallas zoo isnt real impressive as far as the photography aspect. Dallas has really let that zoo go. Last time I Was there i took like 10 - 15 pics and I was there ALL day. Its pretty bad. Plus the cages and the enclosures dont allow for good photos. your better off at the Ft Worth Zoo.

byarger · 05-02-2007, 11:47 PM

As to lenses, I primarily use my Canon 70-300 IS or Tamron 200-500 Di at the zoos, and I would agree that the better photo ops are mostly in Ft. Worth.

scott1120 · 05-03-2007, 09:12 AM

I am/was not expecting the same photo opps as Ft. Worth zoo, but not going because of me. The kids have never been to the Dallas Zoo and I have not been in decades. We usually go to to the ft worth zoo on Mother's day.

snidow · 05-03-2007, 09:27 AM

Scott, the Dallas Zoo has changed a great deal even in just the last year, the exhibits are being redone and they have just completed Bird Row, it looks so much better. There are otters, penguins and tortoise now. They have a new director which is really driving improvements. No it's not as photo open as Ft Worth, but it is the oldest zoo in the south and it can't change over night, not when it's part of the Dallas city budget but it's not what it used to be either.

scott1120 · 05-07-2007, 10:52 AM

We'll the kids had a great time. Yes, like others have said the photo opps are not as well as Ft Worth zoo. Here are a couple I really liked.

scott1120 · 05-07-2007, 10:53 AM

A couple more.