Going to the Zoo

So today I plan on going to the zoo, I'm still learning how to use my camera but was wondering if you guys had some tips on setting for animal shots, I'm trying to learn to use the custom settings more then the automatic settings, get some great shots. I will be shooting raw pics using my canon t3i for today. Anything would be useful or a link to a page that you would recommend with tips

Don't bother with the manual settings. Go in on aperture priority and have some fun, just mind the ISO and shutter speed. Biggest tip I can give you is to get the end of your lens as close to the glass/fence/cage you are trying to shoot through and use a wider aperture. This lets the camera focus past the barrier and you don't see it in your final shot.

The following are examples of what you can get at the zoo if you use the technique above, both shot with 70-200 f/2.8L:

Stop yo lying OP! We all know why you like to goto the zoo, and it ain't for taking pictures.

Sent from my G6

Using a CP filter should help with the glass glare right?

- Make sure you focus on their eyes.
- Use a zoom lens if possible
- Make sure your shutter speed is fast enough to not have camera shake.

Originally Posted by Fisch330ciTopasBlau

Using a CP filter should help with the glass glare right?

Yes but you will still get pretty bad refraction through the glass as it's quite thick. The key is, like I said, to get as close to the barrier as possible.

Thanks for the tips!!! I didn't make it, instead i stopped at the dealership, and it was super busy but picked this up lol, do plan on going this week. Those examples you gave me are amazing! I hope get some shots like that.

2013 tundra

I finally made it, here are some of the shots I took, none of the cool bigger cats were out yet except one