Alb Loc: Lehigh Valley area, Pennsylvania

For those who gave been to Longwood Gardens:

I’m going to Longwood Gardens the week after Christmas. I know I’m going to take my 7-14mm lens for outside, but what lens have you used/recommend for inside the conservatory?

I’ve got a 12-40mm PRO, 17mm, and 60mm.

Thanks for your help and comments.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Longwood has photography rules at https://longwoodgardens.org/visit/frequently-asked-questions#Photography


All photography is at the discretion of Longwood Gardens.
All photographers, videographers, and artists must purchase general admission tickets or be active Members.
Photography sessions must not interfere with the enjoyment of Longwood's other guests.
Drone photography is not permitted in the Gardens.
As a courtesy to all guests, flash photography after dark is not permitted.
The use of props or signs is not permitted.
Product photography is not permitted.
Portfolio photography for aspiring photographers and models is not permitted.
Changing of clothing or photography of bathing suits or lingerie is not permitted.
Commercial filming and photography are permitted by appointment at the discretion of the Gardens. Location fees and insurance are required, and certain restrictions may apply. For information about commercial photography and filming, call 610-388-5442.
Longwood will not sign general releases giving blanket permission for stock agencies to use photos taken at Longwood.
During your visit you may be filmed, videotaped, and/or photographed by a Garden employee or contract photographer. Your attendance serves as permission for the use of your image by the Garden and its constituents.
Are tripods and easels allowed in the Gardens?
Tripod/monopod/easel use by amateur photographers and artists is permitted in the Conservatory and the Peirce-du Pont House from 9:00 am–12:00 pm daily. Please review the noted exceptions that follow:

Tripod/monopod/easel use by amateur photographers and artists is not permitted in the Indoor Children's Garden at any time.
Tripod/monopod/easel use is permitted in the Waterlily area.
Tripod/monopod/easel use by amateur photographers and artists is permitted outside in the Gardens any time at the discretion of Longwood Gardens, with the exception of high volume days or specially ticketed events such as the Christmas display season and Fireworks & Fountains shows.
Photography, painting, or drawing sessions must not interfere with the enjoyment of other guests or create any safety concerns.
Tripod use is limited to garden photography. Use of tripods for individual or family portraits, product photography, or portfolio photography for aspiring photographers and models is not permitted.
Hand-held easels (without legs) for drawing and painting are permitted any time. Portable chairs and equipment carts are not permitted.

Carlo Loc: Maryland, NW.Chesapeake Bay

All those will work...and you may also want a zoom lens as well..
Hope you Enjoy your visit..!! A Super Venue any time of year..!!

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Alb, it isn't very bright inside the Conservatory so you should take a fairly fast lens. Tripods are now allowed, but remember, this time of year the crowds are insane. You will need to set-up quickly and keep an eye out for those who don't get around very well. Knowing what camera you have would help us help you.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

While tripods are allowed in certain areas, they are more restricted during the Christmas and July 4th periods.

Alb Loc: Lehigh Valley area, Pennsylvania

Cameraf4,

Thanks for the heads up on the camera. I apologize for not mentioning it. I just got the Olympus OMD E-M1 Mark II. This will be my first time shooting with it.

I’ve actually been to Longwood and I know all the do’s and don’ts regarding rules and use of tripods, etc., though I do appreciate that info being shared on the forum.

I mainly am interested in what lenses others have used and that made them quite pleased with the results. I’m thinking about renting the 12-100mm PRO to check it out. I’m not convinced that the 12-40mm PRO will be ultimately satisfactory with some of the longer shots.

I will be using my OLY 7-14mm PRO, with tripod, for my daylight and night outside shots.

Thanks, alb

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Is the 60mm the f2.8 macro? If so, I think it will come in handy.

Alb Loc: Lehigh Valley area, Pennsylvania

dsmeltz,

It is. I’ll be sure to take that one

alb

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Since your camera has a four-thirds size sensor, telling you what lenses I used there last week won't be much help, I don't think. For sure, if you have an Olympus Macro, you will want to take it. The hibiscus look beautiful now. A wide-angle should do well for the "centerpiece shot" down the row of fountains (http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-501743-1.html) which this year features a fruit decoration a la Past Versailles decorations in France (apples, cranberries and walnuts. Pretty cool). Go and have fun. Share with us when you're done.

Alb Loc: Lehigh Valley area, Pennsylvania

Will do. Thanks.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

Take a macro lens for sure.

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

I been countless times and some above info is inaccurate also I'm a duel system shooter
I have the Olympus system The Olympus 12-40 pro is a great lens for long wood also if you have the 7-14 will also work well remember to get the star effect for a lens you need to stop down I've taken the 60 great lens in the orchard room pleanty of light during the daytime but that becomes a bit long for general shooting
This year I'm taking my OMDem1mk2 8FE,7-14pro,12-40pro,25f1.2 pro
Make sure you go down towards the , for night lights display 1)Italian water Gardens awesome,2)the open air theatre again this is for night small fountain display with colored lights with Christmas lights behind the fountains, and of course gotta check the Christmas tree 🎄 in the main conservatory reflection pool
Take a bit of extra cash as the restaurant and the snack bar is a bit pricey but tasty
Mots of all enjoy your day if you've never been
Tripods for the Christmas season are not permitted inside simply too many visitors also you need a tripod permission slip issued by customer service

wrangler5 Loc: Missouri

Are monopods allowed where tripods aren't? With today's stabilization in equipment, you should be able to get near-tripod solidity with a monopod, without the large footprint that a tripod requires. (Speaking as a regular monopod user.)

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

That's a good question I don't remember Longwood addressing the mono pod question that's worth a phone call although I'm not sure about using IS on a mono pod from what I've read IS should always be turned off when on a tripod as IS creates its own image blurring do to how IS works

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Mondpods are classed in with tripods and are not allowed during the Holidays.