Mike's Camera Demo Day at the Denver Zoo
I was really excited for Mike's Camera Demo Day at the Denver Zoo this year. They typically do this event twice a year (once in the spring and once in the fall), but last year Mike's Camera and the Denver Zoo couldn't come to an agreement on the days. So when I noticed that they were planning on doing it, I knew I had to go!
This was the first real time that Katherine and I had been to the zoo since going to South Africa. A few weeks ago we came to the zoo because we were in the area (for the Denver Botanical Gardens free day, which is just down the road from the zoo). We weren't quite sure how much we would enjoy the zoo after being on safari in South Africa. The animals were, to say the least, not as photogenic as the ones in Africa.
We both rented the same camera body, Canon 5D Mark IV. We were able to use it the entire day - which usually isn't the case. The first set of lenses that we rented was a Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 IS II USM and a Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS USM. I loved the 70-200 because of the low aperture. When we returned those lenses, we opted to try something different and headed to the Tamron booth. We rented two Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro lens. We walked around taking pictures of the blooming flowers. We enjoyed doing that a lot more because after going to South Africa, the animals were pretty boring. The last set of lenses that we rented was a Tamron 100-400 f/4.5-6.3 and a Tamron 15-30 f/2.8 wide angle. I was shooting with the wide angle the entire time, but there weren't many opportunities at the zoo to really use that lens. I would love that lens on a photo walk through the city or even on a hike up in the mountains.
In total, we rented over $13,000 worth of camera equipment. Additionally, they had 2 crews of people with bigger lenses throughout the zoo at different exhibits that had single lenses that retail $12,000! All you had to do was walk up and attach your camera. All for the low cost of FREE, I think we'll be going to this again.
Relaxing
This was the first time at the Denver zoo that I have actually been able to see the cheetah's face. Usually, the cheetahs are sleeping in the corner. For the first 20 seconds when we showed up, the cheetah was moving around and eventually hid.
Camouflaged
I didn't know that the cheetah was there until I stopped and looked. The cheetah is perfectly camouflaged
Behind the Lens
Sharp Teeth
The bears were pretty active. I wanted to get over to the bears before the sun got too high in the sky and made photos hard. Luckily, the bears were chomping on so greens and I got a few good shots.
Sleeping Lemurs
I like how they have their hands out. Seems uncomfortable.
Vibrany Falmingos
The flamingos were all up and walking around. Usually they are sitting an napping.
Heavy Gear
Even though we loved renting the gear, it was pretty heavy.
Black and White
Up Close
This was taken with a Canon EF400 f/2.8 lens, which currently retails for a low price of $9,999.00 (no, I didn't add an extra 9). Have I mentioned how much I like this event?
Climbing the Roap
Spring Tulips
At the end of the day when you returned the gear, Mike's Camera offered to print a photo with one of their expensive printers. This is the one I choose. I thought that it would be my favorite, but another flower photo (the cover album photo) ended up being my favorite.
Petals
Sprouting Tree
Katherine was off taking photos of something so I decided to take photos of a tree. Yeah, I was at the zoo and I was taking pictures of a tree.
Tip
This is the tip of an umbrella that was hanging upside down in the Elephant section of the zoo.
Asian Small-Clawed Otter
We have never been in this part of the zoo before. We usually don't go inside any of the buildings because they smell, they are hot, and they have bad lighting. However, these otters were super playful.
Argus Monitor
This is an Argus Monitor.
Blooming
I think this is my favorite photo of the day. The clarity that I was able to get out of the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 lens was great.
In the Grass
We came over to take photos of the tree. Someone was working and putting down grass seed while we were taking photos. He was nice and patient with us while we were taking photos.
Elephant Arena
This is the area where the elephants perform. I wanted to take some good photos of something while I had the Tamron 15-30 lens.
