FL - St. Augustine Alligator Farm (Page 2): I think you will be sorry if you don’t. I have been there and also just spent 2 days shooting in Gatorland in Orlando. (See my Flickr page).

Coolcameragirl Loc: Bradenton, FL

Ed Chu wrote:

headed to Roberft O'toole's workshop there on Mon; bringing my D500 and both Sigma 150-600 and Tamron 100-400; do I really need both? trying to lighten
my load ( am also bringing my Lumix G85 with 100-300 M Zuiko; O'Toole says to bring them both, but I would rather shed the 5+ pounds of the Sigma if I can;
if the consensus of responses is to bring it, also, I will

I think you will be sorry if you don’t. I have been there and also just spent 2 days shooting in Gatorland in Orlando. (See my Flickr page). All I had was my sigma 150-600. I could not have gotten the shots I did without that lens.

mikedidi46 Loc: WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA

I would think the 100-400 would be enough, I have been there, and you will get some great close-ups

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Right on, Bill!!

Mark

Bill_de wrote:

Do you expect better advice than from the person who gives the workshop, or are you just looking for someone to agree with what you have already decided? I'm sure someone who has never been there will give the best advice.

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Mary White Loc: Port St Lucie, Florida

The boardwalk at this rookery is very crowded! It is small, as rookeries go. Some of the trees and birds are fairly close to the boardwalk. I have heard there was some storm damage to some of the trees this past summer, but have seen some very nice photos recently. There are some trees and nests where you could use your 600 mm lens on a portion of the boardwalk; the other end of the boardwalk consists of nests very close to the railing and you will not be able to easily use your 600mm in that area. I would consider taking both lenses.

Mary White Loc: Port St Lucie, Florida

Ed Chu, I am looking forward to trying out my Sigma 150-600mm at Gatorland very soon!

Dlevon Loc: New Jersey

Ed Chu wrote:

headed to Roberft O'toole's workshop there on Mon; bringing my D500 and both Sigma 150-600 and Tamron 100-400; do I really need both? trying to lighten
my load ( am also bringing my Lumix G85 with 100-300 M Zuiko; O'Toole says to bring them both, but I would rather shed the 5+ pounds of the Sigma if I can;
if the consensus of responses is to bring it, also, I will

Great place. I usually go there and take only a Canon SX50. Its light in weight, 1200 zoom, so no need to change lenses, shoots raw, and can handle any shot you want to make.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

I don't see any long lenses or tripods!

selmslie wrote:

I guess that neither of you has ever been there during breeding season.

Lugging an extra 5 pounds in a carry-on is a valid concern.

The boardwalk gets you within as little as 5 feet from some of the nests. It's not a steady platform.

The biggest challenge is navigating between the other photographers.

Here's a quick grab shot as was leaving:

Canon Alchemist Loc: Central Florida

I have been to the Farm numerous times over the last few years, but have the luxury of being able to drive there since I live close. I use the Sigma 150-600mm Sport lens the majority of the time. Its best for getting close up views of the hatchlings. It's a heavy lens, and I don't always bring it when I travel. Didn't take it to Alaska and regretted it tremendously. Here is a link to my Flickr album page ( https://www.flickr.com/photos/canonalchemist/albums )so you can see shots of the Farm as well as Gatorland. Last I visited both places in Late February, lots of bushes were severely damaged by the hurricanes. Don't know if they have grown back yet due to taking care of new granddaughter. Hope you enjoy the visit.

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selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

Fotoartist wrote:

I don't see any long lenses or tripods!

There were several huge 400mm+ lenses on tripods attached to FF cameras at the far end where the trees are further from the boardwalk.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Thanks. Had me wondering.

selmslie wrote:

There were several huge 400mm+ lenses on tripods attached to FF cameras at the far end where the trees are further from the boardwalk.

Geegee Loc: Peterborough, Ont.

I was there a few weeks ago and there were a lot of bird that were fairly close. I only had my Tamron 150-600 G2 with me but I probably could have got away with a slightly shorter lens. A tripod is a bad idea because it can get crowded. I used a monopod with a gimbal and it worked real well. If I ever go there again I would take my body-pod. BTW you will see lots of yummy gear there. I have attached a few that I took there.

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

Ed Chu wrote:

headed to Roberft O'toole's workshop there on Mon; bringing my D500 and both Sigma 150-600 and Tamron 100-400; do I really need both? trying to lighten
my load ( am also bringing my Lumix G85 with 100-300 M Zuiko; O'Toole says to bring them both, but I would rather shed the 5+ pounds of the Sigma if I can;
if the consensus of responses is to bring it, also, I will

100-400, 100 - 300, AND 150-600 ????? THREE lenses all redundant over the same range? Oh my achin' back! WHY? (Unless you expect the alligators to eat two of these lenses)

Bykewrydr Loc: Alberta

Alligator farm! take the longest lens and a doubler and running shoes

djlouden Loc: Ocala, Florida

Bill_de wrote:

BTW-unless things have changed, if you ask when you get there they will let a group stay well beyond closing time. They get a worker to volunteer to stay late. It is customary for everyone to give this person a 5-10 dollar tip. Your guide may have also arranged for early entry. You might get some low light shooting opportunities.

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They require that you have a photographer's pass to have early entry or to stay after hours. Yes it is expected that the late staff will receive at least a $5 gratuity.

There may be other arrangements by the tour so check with them.

Haven't been there for a couple years. The nesting birds always put on a great show. Some of the phone cam "photographers" not so much.

Enjoy your visit and

Happy Shooting

YeloCab1

SafariGuy wrote:

Iâve been to the St Augustine Alligator Farm to shoot birds in the rookery...I canât quite imagine needing a 600mm lens from the vantage point we shot from but if the instructor suggests bring it all you might regret not doing so

You should get some great pictures there!!

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