Anyone here ever been to the Chicago Botanic Gardens or similar place?

Hi everyone!


I was wondering if anyone here had ever been to the Chicago Botanic Gardens because my daughter & I are taking the Metra there tomorrow. It's my first real full day travel with my gear. We have never been there before and I'm not sure if there would be enough room in the walkways for people to walk around me if I brought my tripod or if there is grass area to set it up on. I don't want it to be a nuisance to me or anyone else.

Since we have a mile to walk from the train station to the gardens&backand the gardens cover 385 acres, I most definitely want to travel somewhat light. I'm also still debating which lenses to take along. I most definitely will bring the 100-400mm for the bird island but not sure what other ones to bring along...macro? Even without the tripod? 24-105mm, 17-55mm, 85mm?? I'm also worried about having so much expensive gear on me at the station and walking down the street.

I'm the type that sits on the suitcase to zip it when I go on vacation...you never know what you might need! I don't think I want to do that with my backpack! [:P]

http://www.chicagobotanic.org/info/index.php

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

Denise

I have never been to that garden, but near Philly there is a place called Longwood Gardens that looks somewhat similar. I have been there a few times and would say that a macro would certainly come in handy. I don't own a macro and I always find myself wishing I had a macro there. It is always somewhat risky to take the good equipment out, but if you have a bag to keep your stuff in that might be best. For me, people just assumed that I was a professional and didn't bother me. A macro would be great for there, and also probably a 24-105. If the lighting is good, then a tripod might not be necessary. Then again, I have never been to this garden to see how much of it is indoors. Hope that helps!

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Originally Posted by matrixman45054

I have never been to that garden, but near Philly there is a place called Longwood Gardens that looks somewhat similar. I have been there a few times and would say that a macro would certainly come in handy. I don't own a macro and I always find myself wishing I had a macro there. It is always somewhat risky to take the good equipment out, but if you have a bag to keep your stuff in that might be best. For me, people just assumed that I was a professional and didn't bother me. A macro would be great for there, and also probably a 24-105. If the lighting is good, then a tripod might not be necessary. Then again, I have never been to this garden to see how much of it is indoors. Hope that helps!
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Thank you for your suggestions. I don't think much of it is inside at all and it is suppose to be a beautiful sunny day ...but in this are, that can change in a heartbeat!


I do have a really good bag to carry everything in so that's not a problem ...it usually looks a lot heavier on methan it feels!



Another point to make is admission is free except to do any professional photography its $125! So, I have to convince them that I am a complete amatuer with onlyprofessional looking gear! No way am I paying $125!

Denise

Ya Longwood was the same way. I went in with a 5DmkII and a 70-200 2.8 IS and had no problems. I don't think they will care as long as you are not doing like engagement portraits and stuff, you know what I mean? I had a large camera bag on me and wasn't even searched, so I would say if it can all fit in a bag then you should be good to go.

I practically live there. It is a great fun place to be. There is plenty of space most places for a tripod, and you'll see plenty others with it. Take your 100-400 and a macro for sure. I have spent nearly 8 hours there with a macro lens, and only had to stop shooting because I ran out of memory space. Enjoy your day it should be beautiful.


PS Landscapes are harder there because everything is so condensed, at least that is my opinion.


dan

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Originally Posted by Whatsreal

I practically live there. It is a great fun place to be. There is plenty of space most places for a tripod, and you'll see plenty others with it. Take your 100-400 and a macro for sure. I have spent nearly 8 hours there with a macro lens, and only had to stop shooting because I ran out of memory space. Enjoy your day it should be beautiful.


PS Landscapes are harder there because everything is so condensed, at least that is my opinion.


dan
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Thanks so much for the information! I was convinced not to bring the tripod thinking there just wouldn't be enough room for people to get around me and I would be the one constantly moving out of their way ...now I am reconsidering.

Did they ever charge you the $125 photography fee?

Denise

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

Did they ever charge you the $125 photography fee?

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No, that is usually only for posed stuff,a bridal party or the like where you are getting in people's way.





dan