8:15 am crowd around 250 but well organised and the pandas were eating and playing
the enclosure (during quarantine) somewhat difficult (understatement) , the glass is 1 in thick and each panel is a different angle so LOTS of reflections from all sides, and overhead, lots of reflections and colors from crowds, and over enclosure fluro lighs reflect on inside of glass ...mmmm
![Image](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2758/4194121895_e2d53663b4.jpg)
our few minutes near the glass was enjoyable but not enough to work out how to get the best shots
using the 24-70 2.4 I was a bit slow and even with CP against the glass and hand shielding reflections not a great 1st attempt
![Image](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/4194873586_06a07d3cf6.jpg)
went back for the 3:15 session crowd under 50 , really great except the pandas were asleep so lots of bums and backs
used the nifty 50 1.8 - much better
![Image](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/4194123323_7f48ee1f70.jpg)
after a pass in the front row you go behind the 'fence' until everyone passes by - if you get a clear shot from the distance good luck - but not impossible if the pandas are on the rocks, then they take the 'fence' down so you can go back to the glass and shoot - most of the mums and kids had gone by then so quite OK
While no great shots today I am encouaged to go back again and again and think we will eventually get them sorted.
The outside enclosures will be sensational after Jan .
The best thing is the zoo appears to be open from 8:15 so tomorrow I'm going again but sneaking off to the tigers first off and may try the pandas a bit later in the morning .
The bad thing the back gate and old front gate are no longer open so park near the new gate to save a very long walk PS did take a couple of nice head shots with the 300 from the back of the room but had the milky haze from the reflections - but something to work on
Have fun
DebT