You know I wasn’t entirely happy with my last set of zoo pictures. They were okay, but I wanted improvement. The first step to the happy dance came from Leanne Cole, amazing photographer and friend. She told me to focus my lens manually. Great idea, but I didn’t know how! This F/4 300 mm lens is old, and is not like any I’ve owned. Worse, it didn’t come with a manual.

When I bought it, I showed it to veteran photographer Tom. He checked it out and said it was a good lens and great buy. (It was still within the 90 warranty.) When I realized I couldn’t figure out how to work the lens properly, I asked Tom to join me at the Sacramento Zoo for some instruction. It was a great morning of shooting and fun.

I now know how to focus manually, what the limiter is and more. And the result was amazing. Thank you Tom and Leanne.

I’m now doing the happy dance. See for yourself.

It was bone day at the zoo.

All the big cats were given bones to chew on.

The lens got me very close.

A 300 mm on a crop sensor camera is like 450 mm.

This is the first time I’ve seen the tiger.

This is little (not so little) Rocket. So cute.

There are also pretty flowers at the Sacramento Zoo.

Pardon me, I’m climbing over!

He was finished with his bone. The female then picked it up.

Getting close and personal with a Wolf’s Guenon.

Getting further back with another Wolf’s Guenon.

This Ciquerel’s Sifaka climbed to the top of the enclosure.

This one is looking up.

I couldn’t ID this bird in the pond. But, I guess it’s easier to drink from the water bowl.

This might be a Mongoose Lemur that’s wondering what his hands are for!

The pacing Jaguar. This guy just kept pacing in the back of his enclosure, not stopping. I was lucky to get this, but I’m not sure it’s tack sharp.