Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center (Page 2): Thanks Pat, that's the sort of advice I'm after.

Big Stopper Loc: London

Jay Pat wrote:

The Rock has a unique viewing layout. You can to the very top for an unobstructed view (no wire or plexiglass). The plexiglass area does have gaps just wide enough to point your camera thru to take clear shots as well.
Also, go late afternoon to view the city in daylight, wait a little bit for darkness and get some night time shots while you are still there.
And send me a postcard!!!!
Pat

Thanks Pat, that's the sort of advice I'm after.

Big Stopper Loc: London

MarkD wrote:

The Top of the Rock is the better view. You see all of Central Park and as far north as the George Washington Bridge. To the south to see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the Freedom Tower, and even in the distance, the Statue of Liberty. You also get a great view of St. Patrick's Cathedral from above.

I would bring a camera, even if it's just a good compact. These are views you'll want to photograph.

Thanks Mark, very helpful.

Paul57 Loc: Birmingham, UK

I had a similar trip to NYC last year. I did the Top of the Rock at night with a fantastic view of midtown & downtown Manhattan. You can put your camera on stonework right at the top of the Rock and have unrestricted views (no fences, no glass). I did the ESB during daylight the following day with amazing views over the Hudson & East rivers. Glad I did both.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

mwalsh wrote:

That's actually pretty sound advice. Just experience it for two days. Come back again later with the cameras when you have more time!

And if you can't get back you have nothing. I'm pretty sure one can gawk and take pictures without losing anything.

Roc center has more photographic perspectives. If you going to the top of the MSB you can get a different view of the city.

If from the ground - Roc. These are just two I took with a Point&shoot just to give you an idea.

(Download)

Mmatu

We were in NY last October, I believe the top of the Rock is a must,I took my Canon 60D and my Sigma 18-250, it is higher than the Empire State Bilding. However, we had light rain and clouds. I really was great up 77 stories. Time square was loaded with photo opportunties and people.
This was my first time in NY.,

I also went to Cooperstown NY, if your a baseball fan, this is a must.
All in all it was a wonderful experience.

Bobbee

Luggerbugs wrote:

I asked a question yesterday concerning the Empire State Building and their policy towards "professional" cameras. This led to suggestions of other places to visit and one of the suggestions was the Rockerfeller Center. I'm only in NYC for two days so my question now is: if I only visit one or the other which should I choose? Thanks

NYer for 45 years, was never in or on top of the ESB. But I have been to the ROCK. My sister-in-law worked for a firm that was near the top and faced RC. Was invited to the Christmas part there. (She was the CEO's AA. The view at night was fantastic.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Mmatu wrote:

I believe the top of the Rock is a must, I took my Canon 60D and my Sigma 18-250, it is higher than the Empire State Bilding.

The Top of the Rock is higher then the Empire State Building?

Empire State - 1,250' (381 m), 1,454' (443 m) to tip

Top of the Rock - 850' (259 m)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

boberic wrote:

As a native New Yorker. the best advise I can give is for only a 2 day visit, forget the camera. You don't want to see the City for the first time only through the viewfinder.

Wear a GoPro. :D

Dlevon Loc: New Jersey

Luggerbugs wrote:

I asked a question yesterday concerning the Empire State Building and their policy towards "professional" cameras. This led to suggestions of other places to visit and one of the suggestions was the Rockerfeller Center. I'm only in NYC for two days so my question now is: if I only visit one or the other which should I choose? Thanks

The Empire State gives you better views of the city, but if you want a great view of the Empire State building, take it from Rockefeller Center!

RiverNan Loc: Eastern Pa

take the art tour of the rock and get top of the rock included when you purchase the tour. Then not only do you get the views from the top, but you can get the history and art on the inside and out. Good luck and HAVE FUN

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Luggerbugs wrote:

I asked a question yesterday concerning the Empire State Building and their policy towards "professional" cameras. This led to suggestions of other places to visit and one of the suggestions was the Rockerfeller Center. I'm only in NYC for two days so my question now is: if I only visit one or the other which should I choose? Thanks

Could go on a lot here but I'd stay on the ground and do rock Center , the statue over the rink in particular, St Pats isn't too far, down near the trade center is Trinity, St. Paul's and St. Peter's, China Town, Little Italy and South Street, don't forget the SI Ferry for great views of the lower end of Manhattan and of Lady Liberty, more? there is the Hunger Memorial on the west side , worth a stop in itself but also views of NJ across the river, and of course the Highline, one exit near B&H if you have any money left by that time, Bob.

Jaime Loc: Los Angeles

30 Rock, for the simple reason you will get the iconic Empire State Building in the shot.

From 30 Rock

Gatsby1930

Luggerbug. As a long time resident of New York I would definitely say Rock. Not only is there more interesting things to photograph there, like St. Patrick's Cathedral, but you can go to the top of Rock and get a spectacular shot of the Empire State Building as well as many, many other sights, like Central Park and the new World Trade Center. Let us know how you made out.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Luggerbugs wrote:

I asked a question yesterday concerning the Empire State Building and their policy towards "professional" cameras. This led to suggestions of other places to visit and one of the suggestions was the Rockerfeller Center. I'm only in NYC for two days so my question now is: if I only visit one or the other which should I choose? Thanks

The Rock! Ice skating year round, NBC studios (SNL studio is huge) great eatery in LL, ice skating costumes, a whole floor of observation points, women in ice skating costumes. You will be able to pass yourself off as a TV personality (New Yorkers believe anything) at the Rock, can't even talk to people at ESB. The Rock has express elevators and ice skaters in costume. The Rock offers protection from Alex Baldwin. :lol: :lol: :lol: It's New York, take your chances! :lol: :lol: :lol:

studavis

I'd go to China Town and the Booklyn bridge area.