Indianapolis Zoo - day trip

Today I decided to go to the Indianapolis Zoo and try out one of the lenses we recently rented for an upcoming wedding. It is the Canon 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro lens. We've used the non-IS version in the past and have been thoroughly pleased with the results. Today, with the Image Stabilized version, it was no different, very pleasing results!

First I wanted to head over to the butterfly exhibit. As usual it was nice and hot in there. But then again, it's hot everywhere here in Indiana right now. At least in the butterfly exhibit they have misters strategically located. Here are a couple of my favorite butterfly shots from today:



Check out the amazing detail in the leaf that the macro lens provided.


Very sharp straight out of the camera!

After spending quite some time in the butterfly exhibit I wanted to swing by the new cheetah exhibit. These large felines were quite the site to see! They were being very playful with one another and they were running around their exhibit. I captured an image of one of the cheetahs jumping through some downed tree limbs. Check it out:



Here is a close up of one of the cheetahs. There is a viewing area where the only thing separating you from these large cats is a seemingly THIN piece of glass!


I asked him nicely if he would mind smiling for the camera!

While I was leaving the zoo I saw some yellow flowers that were planted near the exit. I decided to stop and take the obligatory flower shot, you know the one, "man with macro, must shoot flower." Well I was pleasantly surprised by the visitor I ran into! A little bee, collecting pollen:





See the pollen collected on his legs?!

To wrap it up, I would consider this a successful day at the Indianapolis Zoo with regard to photography. I got the shots I was after and then some. I can't wait until Shue Photos can actually purchase this lens for our arsenal. I can guarantee it will get a lot of use!