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Thread: Florida March 2015 - One Week and my first Visit only for Bird Photography, so wich Lenses ????

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    Default Florida March 2015 - One Week and my first Visit only for Bird Photography, so wich Lenses ????

    Hello to all,

    in March 2015 (3/20/2015) i will arrive FROM Frankfurt/Germany in Miami. A Dream Comes True for me.

    I will Rent a SUV and then one week only wildlife photography is on my wishlist. :)

    My main aims will be the ospreys and the Burrowing Owls.. so i think and plan about these locations:

    BUNCHE BEACH PRESERVE, CAPE CORAL, ESTERO LAGOON, SANIBEL ISLAND, VENICE ROOKERY and for Ospreys:

    Lake Blue Cypress


    I know many people ask about the same.. so i will read as much as i can here.
    But my first question is another one:

    I dont know, wich are th best lenses for this trip.
    I want to achieve the best possible compromise.
    Teleconverters will be no problem in any case and a monopod/tripod is in the normal luggage.

    These Lenses are possible and i have two bodies for choose: 1DX and the new 7D Mark II

    EF 600/4 II L IS (my best lens, quality is outstanding; but it is still heavy and not very good for handheld shooting)
    EF 300/2.8 L IS (Version1, i coud borrow me this one from a friend) without TC or with 1.4 TC it is very good, with 2x TC not bad.
    EF 100-400L IS (Version 1, i have a good one)
    EF 70-200L IS II ( i could borrow me this one also from a friend)

    But not all together ! So thats my problem:

    1.) IF i carry the 600mm Primelens by plane, there is only space for one smaller lens (70-200 or the 100-400) and only for ONE Body (Fullframe or Crop then ??) !
    2.) IF i carry the (smaller) 300mm Primelens with me, ich could take both smaller lenses and both bodies also with me.

    But wich Combination is the best one to achieve maximumm of good pictures in the seven days ??

    So please, what is recommended from the Florida Specialists here ?

    Thank You So much

    Eric

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    I am in a similar situation but in April and for 2 weeks.
    I intend to rent the new 400/4 DO II IS so with TC1.4x and T2.0X I can have 400/4,500/5.6 and 800/8.
    And handhold.
    Last year for a similar trip but for only 4 days I bought a Gura Gear Batafle bag which I think can fit your 600/4 and much more.
    I would be interesting knowing your itinerary, where to stay, for how long and so on.
    Good luck !

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    Hello and thx..
    i am just starting with my plans.. but when it is more concrete, i will post it, for sure.

    Greetings Eric

    I think the 600/4 and the 100-400l is a good deal, or not ??

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    Last year I went to Circle B Bar reserve (Lakeland) and Gatorland. My biggest lens was a Sigma 120-300/2.8 + TC 2X. Canon 7D and 6D. I think it worked fine for 90% of situations. A lot of ospreys. And herons at Gatorland. I think you would be fine with your combo.

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    Lifetime Member Marina Scarr's Avatar
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    For the places you wish to go, I think you are good with the 300/2.8 as your main lens with teleconverters. However, that said, I cannot imagine traveling across the ocean and NOT having my longest lens with me. You will not need it for the ospreys or the burrowing owls for sure. You can use your TC's with the 300 for the others.
    Marina Scarr
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    Hello Marina, thank you very much for your advices. But thats the problem..
    i also think about the 600/4L IS II because it is THE primelens !
    It is very sharp and very fast, but not good without tripod/monopod use for a longer time.

    So asking th other way round.. what is more usefully for ospreys and burrowing owl: The 600 or the 300 prime ?
    and is there a location for me, where my 600mm/4L IS II will be nearly matchless ???


    Thank you all again !!!

    EDIT: I looked at your wonderfull homepage,especially your birds and here bird of prey pictures and then the exif data.

    600mm could be worth to have it.. ;)
    Last edited by Eric Dienesch; 01-09-2015 at 06:03 PM.

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    Lifetime Member Marina Scarr's Avatar
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    I do agree with your assessment that you will do just fine with your 300/2.8 as long as you have your 1.4 and 2.0 TC's handy.
    Marina Scarr
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    Marina, thank you again, really valuable tips from your side !!!!

    The only problem with the EF 300/2.8L IS Version 1 is that with my 2x TC it is not so sharp wide open and a little bit slower wih the 7D Mark II.
    so i have to take aperture 7.1 to get real sharp photos.

    But when i can get close enought to the owl and ospreys to get (nearly) fullframed pictures with 420mm and f:4 and my 7D Mark II, then i dont need the big lense. thats my key issue ?

    So one question is unresolved: Are there or could it be, that there are situations in Florida for an bird photographers (inexperiend in your country),
    where the 600/4 is really the best choice, for example with teleconverters ?

    Thank you again..

    PS: Sorry for my written english: its school english, but more than 25 years ago
    Last edited by Eric Dienesch; 01-10-2015 at 04:51 AM.

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    Lifetime Member Marina Scarr's Avatar
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    You mentioned you have the 1DX also. If you are leaving the long lens at home, won't you bring your 1DX??? I think with both bodies and your other lenses you will be fine.
    Marina Scarr
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    Hello Marina ,
    yes of course.. you are right and i have an Thinktank Streetwalker Harddrive, place is enough i think. ;)

    Then that seems to be a good deal: The EF 300/2.8L IS with both Convertes and the 100-400L; both flexible with the fullframe 1Dx OR the Crop 7D2 dpending on the situation.
    THANK YOU VERY MUCH AGAIN: if we meet in Florida i will spend you a drink, for sure.
    Eric

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    But Friends.. don`t stop with useful tips , either for lenses or and that would be great with special tips for locations. owls, ospreys, egrets.. i love them all.

    Do you think the circle b bar reserve is also a good adress in March ?
    Are the trails by car or by foot ?

    Thank you all again

    Eric

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    Eric, never without EF600.

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    Hello Eric,

    You asked about Circle B in March. March would be a good time, Circle B is like most places for bird photography in that one day can be fantastic and the next not so. You will always find something interesting there. The nature reserve is a little over 1000 acres, most of it wetlands and marsh. All of the trails are walking. Very early morning you will find mostly photographers, from amateurs to professional. The birds that frequent Circle B are herons, egrets. limpkins, ospreys, eagles and various small birds such as buntings, warblers, vireos and woodpeckers. The best light early morning will be found along the trails Heron's Hideout and Wading Bird Way. On both of those trails you can have the sun at your back and capture what is in front of you.

    On a side note if you are in Florida in March I would not miss the rookery at Gatorland in Orlando. They sell a photographers pass that allows you entrance at 7:30 AM before it is open to the general public. The breeding/nesting birds are fantastic with many just feet away.

    Hoping this helps...
    Joe Przybyla

    "Sometimes I do get to places just as God is ready to have somebody click the shutter"... Ansel Adams

    www.amazinglight.smugmug.com

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    Thank you both. It sounds good and will be a part of my plannings.
    Joe: What focal length would you prefer at these places, i mean circle b "Heron`s Hideout and Wading Bird Way" and the gatorland ??

    Gatorland is on my list and i heared about the photographers pass.
    but this (photo-)admission is linked to an annual pass, isn`t it ?
    Ok not so expensive, but i had problems to order it online, from germany, ZIP Code Problems

    Thank you again; I am still planning and are very pleased for all helpful hints.
    And Frank.. the 600/4l IS II is not out of race yet, i ve made a few pictures today with this superb lens (we have a rainy, windy and cloudy winter day here);
    a heron in 60meters with 840m (on 7D2) fly away. i began to smile, when checked the pictures.
    What shall i say: This Lens is the best you can get.. the only problem.. it`s quit bulky

    THX !!

    Eric
    Last edited by Eric Dienesch; 01-11-2015 at 07:50 AM.

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    Circle B Bar reserve and Gatorland were my trip in 2014. I only had 4 days. 2 at each. This year I'll have 2 weeks.
    Definetly bring your 600mm/4 if weight (and carrying it) it is not an issue.
    I am considering going back to Circle B as Marsh Rabbit Run trail was closed and it is supossed the best trail for wildlife according to locals.
    600/4 too big for Gatorland (on the trail) but good for the other side of the lake.
    Here is a picture from my Lightroom catalog at these 2 places.
    https://flic.kr/p/qLbFJe

    If you're interested we can setup a scheme to share the trip planning as we're doing the same trip only in different months.
    I am using facebook as a shared bookmarks platform so I can keep everything about a subject in just 1 place using various devices (tablet,computers,notebook,smartphone).
    And people can comment (and help).

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    Helo Fabio,
    great thanx, your list is very usefull !!!

    I will take my 600/4 together with my 100-400L (for all nearer things), the 300mm is out of race...

    so it will be nearly this package for my hand luggage:


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    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Dienesch View Post
    Helo Fabio,
    great thanx, your list is very usefull !!!

    I will take my 600/4 together with my 100-400L (for all nearer things), the 300mm is out of race...

    so it will be nearly this package for my hand luggage:

    I think what you mention here would be ideal. Regarding your previous post about Gatorland... a daily photographers pass/admission to Gatorland allows you to enter early. I only purchase a daily pass a couple days before I intend to visit the park.
    Joe Przybyla

    "Sometimes I do get to places just as God is ready to have somebody click the shutter"... Ansel Adams

    www.amazinglight.smugmug.com

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    If your shooting with the 1DX then you need the 600 I often need more reach with my 500 and 1.3 cropped 1DIII I would also find a way to bring the 7D II if your allowed two carry ons this should not be a problem if not just wear it around your neck. I know everyone who comes to Florida has Circle B on their list but I have never found it to be reliable the same for Sanibel and Ding Darling I would spend those days in Ft Desoto or Estero.
    Don Lacy
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    Thank You Don,

    yes i will take the 7D II with me, so i can equip both lenses (and i can take a small 18-55 IS for all the rest in my pocket). And thank you also for your opinion to circle b,
    i will remember it in my plans

    i have now booked my rooms: i will stay most of the time at ft. myers.. and from this point starting to places like ft. myers beach, cape coral and sanibel island.
    the last days i will travel to titusville and check the place at the east coast in Florida. its only one week, so i have to plan carefully :)

    BUT the little owls and the ospreys are my favourite targets in this week.. other raptors or bird of preys and herons and so on will follow, but the first two species are on top for me.

    Thx again.. and i will be happy for every tip or experience from you or other forum members. :-)

    Eric

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    Eric, This is a no brainer for me, 600mm all the way, Sanibel, Cape Coral, Estero, If its a birding trip bring your best gear. Google the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam, If You would like to photograph an Eagle family, A nice time of year here.
    Robert Kimbrell



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    Let me know the hotels you book. As most of the photographic places are parks, I'm looking for rentals in Airbnb.com so I can stay close to the parks and save some time.
    If someone has recommendations about users in Airbnb who usually receive bird photographers, let me know.

    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Dienesch View Post
    Thank You Don,

    yes i will take the 7D II with me, so i can equip both lenses (and i can take a small 18-55 IS for all the rest in my pocket). And thank you also for your opinion to circle b,
    i will remember it in my plans

    i have now booked my rooms: i will stay most of the time at ft. myers.. and from this point starting to places like ft. myers beach, cape coral and sanibel island.
    the last days i will travel to titusville and check the place at the east coast in Florida. its only one week, so i have to plan carefully :)

    BUT the little owls and the ospreys are my favourite targets in this week.. other raptors or bird of preys and herons and so on will follow, but the first two species are on top for me.

    Thx again.. and i will be happy for every tip or experience from you or other forum members. :-)

    Eric

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    Something about ospreys ;)

    https://www.facebook.com/OspreyDocumentary

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    Fabio, your postbox is full ;-))

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    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Dienesch View Post
    Fabio, your postbox is full ;-))
    Cleaned !

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    Quote Originally Posted by fabiobernardino View Post
    Cleaned !
    hmm
    ive got still (right now) this message:

    Errors

    The following errors occurred with your submission


    • fabiobernardino has exceeded their stored private messages quota and cannot accept further messages until they clear some space.

    i have send the message to your email adress, hope you got it.

    Greetings

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    I got it. Thank you; trying to understand what's going on here as I deleted some messages earlier.

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    i want to change my bookings...
    has anyone a good tip for an motel/hotel near the Blue Cypress Lake or Vero Beach ?? only for 2 nights
    does anybody know the Holiday Inn Express - Vero Beach

    Thx

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    So i have checked the holiday inn express in vero beach.. nearby is a great outlet and a steakhouse, so everything is fine for 2 days, i think.

    The Blue Cypress Lake: +
    i`ve heared, that it would be very usefull (for good pictures) to get out with a boat.

    1. Does anybody knows here a well named boat hiring there (with experienced skipper) ??
    2. And has anybody a hint for the best focal length on the lake ? More 600mm or is 400mm enough ?



    Thank You !!
    Eric
    Last edited by Eric Dienesch; 01-18-2015 at 05:29 AM.

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    You can rent a small pontoon boat from Middleton Fish Camp found here on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middletonsfishcamp. You may call them toll free at 800-258-5002. You can rent a small boat and they will show you where to go. You might also consider hiring Jim Neiger who has a custom pontoon boat to take you out. You can find him here on this site and PM him.

    You do NOT need a long lens for this location at all.
    Last edited by Marina Scarr; 01-21-2015 at 07:40 PM.
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    @Marina again: THANK you so much for your support !!!
    noticed !

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    Hello its me again..
    now its less than 3 weeks until i start my first trip, i have made an elementary concept and would like to ask the florida specialists here,
    if this plan could or would works ?

    Here it is (7day trip):

    1. landing in miami on a saturday at about 4 PM, then get my car (National)


    2. then i will drive to my first location/hotel on the other side of the sunshine state, take the interstate 75 or the 41, its about a 3 hour drive, perhaps with a stop overs
    ( the big cypress national reserve is on the way), but perhaps not, bacause its my first visit with car in the US :)

    3. motel check in ;) , then i want to check out fort myers beach, the places/beach there should be good für waders and ospreys, i have heared about it and i hope, its true.

    4. the next days i want to check the nearby „hotspots“: ft. myers beach of course, sanibel island, cape coral and take there a time there in the evening and morning.

    5. i also plan to drive from my motel in fort myers beach to fort de soto and tampa or Marco Island: There are more burrowing owls than in cape coral, i`ve heard ??

    -> but it is a little bit more far away (2 hours drive), so i think only one or two times

    6. on day 5 i have to change the motel and drive to my new location at vero beach outlets, outlet = a little bit shopping for the family ;)

    7. near vero beach i plan to visit the Blue Cypress Lake (2 or more times, perhaps with a guided boat tour) = ospreys and something more ??

    8. check out my motel at vero beach outlets

    8. if there is enough time left, i am planning to visit gatorland near orlando with an early photo admission, to take pictures from the herons there at the last day (saturday)

    9. my flight will go back at 6PM on saturday, so i have to give my car back about 2 or 3 pm and then waiting for my flight back to Frankfurt/Germany :-)

    Thats my little plan

    What do you think ?
    More or other Suggestions ?
    Thx !!!!

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    I will be in a similar trip starting on April 9 so forum members don't be shy on tips !

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    Hi guys,
    I do not live in Florida but spend a fair bit of time there.
    I was in Cape Coral last week and hired the owl lady to take me around to show me new nests that I wasn't aware of from previous visits.
    We saw lots of nests but the owl were not cooperative at all. They were hunkered down in their burrows and despite being patient for 2 hours at 2 different nests I got nothing...Did not take a single shot. May have been bad luck or because it was a cold day. But if you want to quickly find nests (instead of driving aimlessly around Cape Coral) I would hire this lady ($25.00). Her name is Bev Saltonstall and her # is 1-239-850-7324.
    If you are in Fort Myers area you will want to check out Bunche beach( at the end of John Morris Road) BUT ONLY GOOD at low tide. I did very well there last week. Check the tide charts online to help you with your decision.DO NOT GO at high tide. The birds will not be there!
    If you decide to go to Gatorland be aware that early photographers entry day are only from Thursday to Sunday inclusive. We went on Tuesday am and were very disappointed to find out we couldn't get in early.
    In the Orlando area we enjoyed Circle B Bar Ranch but it is a LOT of walking so be prepared for that.
    Sanibel is excellent but the traffic in February and March is INSANE. If you do not get on the island by sunrise you may find yourself in a 1 to 2 hour line-up to get across the causeway. No problem getting off the island until 4:00PM. The only place you can find public parking is at the Lighthouse and Pier so get there EARLY!The toll fee is $6.00 to cross the causeway.
    Make sure your rental car has the Sunshine Pass electronic box so that you do not have to stop at every toll booth ( there are lots of them and many are not staffed by human beings so if you do not have correct change you are screwed and if you decide to proceed through the toll booth without paying you will face a $100.00 fine.) The "box" allows you to drive through the tolls without stopping. If you decide not to get the Sunshine Pass "box" then make sure you always have at least $10.00 worth of quarters. As an example, the first time I ever went to Fort deSoto I had to go through a toll booth that required 0.50cents. It was not manned at 6:00AM and I did not have any change so I had to turn around and drive back 3 miles to the nearest convenience store to get change. A real pain in the butt...
    Hope these little tidbits help
    Gail
    PS There is a great outlet shopping mall in Fort Myers called Miramar Outlets. As nice or nicer than Vero Beach outlet mall IMHO
    PSS I did the osprey tour with Jim Neiger. It was excellent and he gave us great opportunities with barred owls.
    Last edited by gail bisson; 03-03-2015 at 08:09 AM.

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    Thanks for the tips. Regarding the Sunshine Pass electronic box, is there any chance that you could rent a car without it and buy a prepaid pass in an authorized dealer (CVS, Publix) ?
    If you have any other references for guides at the other places, it would be helpful too.

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    Hello Gail..

    thank you so much for your really useful comment. perfect !
    its very good to know about this sunshine pass box before getting the car.. i will become my car from national, so i write now an email and ask for this box. :)
    miromar outlet: they have a coach shop there.. so i can get a handbag for my wife, thats very good to know !!!!

    But folks don't be shy to write more useful hints like this.
    i think its good and worthwhile for everyone who wants to visit this state; no matter if he/she is from europe, asian, south-america or even from inside the US.

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    Eric,
    The device is called a transponder and you can just ask for one when you rent the car.There ia small fee for the rental and then your credit card is charged for all the tolls you go through.
    gail

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    Attached Images Attached Images
     
    The Blue Cypress Lake: +
    i`ve heared, that it would be very usefull (for good pictures) to get out with a boat.

    1. Does anybody knows here a well named boat hiring there (with experienced skipper) ??
    2. And has anybody a hint for the best focal length on the lake ? More 600mm or is 400mm enough ?


    I drove a boat out there yesterday, with 3 others. My friend shot an 80-400 afs, and I shot a 300 2.8 with a 1.4tc. Nesting is crazy active, with flight shots, nest shots, nesting material flight shots, etc. Also, after you leave the marina under the (small, my boat captain days helped out) bridge, go to the left and you're already at the nests, a grand total of 3 minutes driving time. Cruise that shoreline, the morning light will be behind you, for several miles of nesting ospreys. Next time I'll shoot the 300 2.8 by itself, as the birds often fly so close you'll clip lots of feathers. We shot them handheld due to bumpy water, but as long as you have adequate ss you'll be fine. I believe Marina said you don't need big glass there, and I agree. 300 is often max fl. I attached an image from yesterday, not the greatest shot, but an idea of what's going on out there now. At 420 mm, not much crop here.
    Last edited by Robert vanMierop; 03-06-2015 at 11:15 PM.

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    Eobert, thanks for the info. Great picture !
    Could you provide the captain contact info ?
    I'll drive from Orlando to there. So maybe it's better to spend the whole day there. Is it worthy ?
    Maybe get the boat in the morning, have lunch somewhere and then back at the end of the day for the sunset.
    Suggestions are welcomed.

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    I was the captain that day. You can however, pay for a boat with a local guide, but I don't know prices, reservations, etc. I'd recommend going on a weekday, as the weekends can be very crowded. As for the whole day, we went out in the morning, about 8 (an hour or so later than we wanted) and stayed on the water for about 2 hours, which was plenty of time. It seems like a nice place for a sunset, but I doubt I'd stay there all day for that. Just call them for details and have fun!

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    So I'll have the April 10 (Friday) only. If you'd like to join me, it would be great. I am going from Orlando.
    Do you have any phone number or email to contact them ?
    Thank you.

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    Quote Originally Posted by fabiobernardino View Post
    So I'll have the April 10 (Friday) only. If you'd like to join me, it would be great. I am going from Orlando.
    Do you have any phone number or email to contact them ?
    Thank you.
    I work Fridays, but you can google Middleton's Fish Camp and they'll take care of it.

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    Hey Fabio,
    I live in ft. Lauderdale which is about an hour south of the lake. If you want we can meet on the morning of April 10th (Friday) and rent a boat from Middleton and split the cost. Let me know if you're interested. I believe they open at around 7 or 8 am. Depending on the weather and the conditions we can make it a half day or a full day. What do you think??

    Andres

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    Andres, I'm in ! It would be interesting to meet other photographers.
    By the way I'll visit Fort Lauderdale on the week of April 20.
    Actually right now I have nothing for sure as of my itinerary, only the first few days arriving in Orlando.
    My plan was to go down on the West coast, crossing the Everglades and arriving in Miami. Stopping at the major hotspots.
    This week I'm selecting some hotspots (Fort de Soto, Cape Coal,...) and trying to find hotels at some middle point so I can stay in the same hotel for 3 or 4 days and drive (the least) to those places.

    If you have suggestions of places to visit in Fort. Lauderdale (restaurants, beaches, attractions) let me know. The only thing for sure there is the Waterplay store (I used to windsurf for more than 10 years, and now I have some injury on both shoulders, that I'm working to heal).

    Thank you.

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    Hello Eric,
    Sorry for the late reply. I live in Ft. Lauderdale. Though I have not visited many of the places you plant to see in your list, I am very familiar with driving around the state. In my humble opinion I think you are underestimating the distances between places and the time it takes to get to them. Though doable, this will be a very ambitions itinerary. You will spend more time driving than you would like. Another consideration is weather: Giving yourself just one day to visit a single place may present a problem if you get rained out, and Florida's weather is very unpredictable.

    I would recommend that you select just one or two spots and spend more time there. For example, Ft DeSoto is truly incredible; I would spend at least a couple of days there just in case you get bad weather. You can spend the morning shooting shorebirds and the afternoon catching the sunset (or more birds if you want). If it rains one day there is a really good chance the next day will be fine. If you want to visit Blue Cypress Lake I would recommend spending more than one day there too. If the weather doesn't cooperate then you can visit it again. If you're flying back home from Orlando then you can always stop by Gatorland.

    Driving in Florida is easy but the fact that it is so flat and the roads are so straight, just make sure you don't fall asleep :)

    Good luck!

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    Hello Friends, and for all andreslon..thank you again.
    Robert you too: thx, great picture.. thats the way i want to get it !!

    Yes i think, i have to recalculate my places to go.
    I will reduce it, my 7day plan now is like this

    1. the first five days i stay in Ft. Myers Beach, so these are the places to go:

    a. ft. myers Beach and nearby of course, the lagoons, depending on the tides and light as often as i can
    b. cape corral for the owl, more than one time
    c. sanibal island (ding darling etc..)
    d. miromar shopping when the daylight is to hard ;)

    2. the last two days i am in a motel nearby the vero beach outlets
    a. blue cypress lake
    b. perhaps shopping again or flexible time nearby ?


    And I want to ask the same like fabio:
    If somebody like to rent a boat at the blue cypress lake ( best day for me: March 27. ), i would be lucky to share the costs AND of course the experiences !


    Eric !!

    PS: Just one other Question:
    when you see my places to go, i would like to ask for the right bag to carry my equipment:

    1. think tank airport security 2.0 , a big trolley with backpacking mode, not perfect but backpacking works. Ok, i didn`t tested it yet with much sunlight in the beachsand
    @ ft. myers beach i have to carry it on my back i know and that`s the reason for this question and what is with the other places ;)

    2. think tank streetwalker HD, a real backback with good comfort to carry, but it will be very narrow for my equipment
    (it still works, please see the pictures from my equipment above in this thread )

    Either is possible, but i can`t take both with me from germany... so what is your suggestion ?

    Thank you very much, again !!!!
    Last edited by Eric Dienesch; 03-10-2015 at 02:53 AM. Reason: Just one more question

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    My suggestion is a backpack that fits airline companies regulations. Gura Gear Bataflae 32L. It will fit yours 600mm.
    At this link they have what will fit in each bag.
    http://www.guragear.com/bataflae/

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    Fabio: Thx, but i dont want to buy me another backpack now. :-))

    I own the two thinktanks, the streetwalker HardDrive and the thinktank airport security 2, both should fit the airline regulations (for me Lufthansa)

    The ThinkTank HardDRive also fits the 600mm, its no Problem, just a little bin more narrow than the trolley airport security
    My Question is more about comfort. ;)
    If i have to walk long distances, the backpack do have an advantage, but i think the only place where i have to do longer walks is Ft Myers Beach.
    The other places (cape corral, ding darling etc..) are by car or only short walks, i think.
    And therefore its my question: has the real backpacker (the harddrive) an advantage over the trolley with backpackerfunctionallity or not ?

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    Eric,
    I agree with you that the backpack will be more practical and manageable. Most areas you will visit don't really require a whole lot of walking. You'll be standing most of the time in reality. If you're going to visit Ft. DeSoto then you definitively don't want wheels on the beach. In fact, you'll probably end up on your knees shooting shore birds and get your legs wet as you wade through the shallow water. The wheels won't like that!

    I have the thintank hard drive and I can even fit my 800mm with the 1dx body and the 100-400 L. It's a little tighter than I'd like, but I've done 5 to 8 mile hikes with this and my induro CT314 and gimbal head. I'm pretty much dead at the end of the trip, but it is possible, and I definitively don't consider myself to be in great shape :)

    Though I am sure many have done it and suffered no major issues, I would recommend against leaving valuable equipment in your car when you park. I've done it many times, but if you can carry your stuff you'll know where it is at all times.

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    Andres: Thank you for your opinion and suggestions !

    In your mind the streetwalker harddrive is the best (ok the better) choice for good comfort, better than the trolley thinktank ?
    Even if i do not come to Fort de Soto (perhaps to far away for my 7day trip ?)and take my whole time at fort myers beach, cape corral and ding darling, later than blue cypress lake ?
    Last edited by Eric Dienesch; 03-10-2015 at 02:41 PM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Dienesch View Post
    Andres: Thank you for your opinion and suggestions !

    In your mind the streetwalker harddrive is the best (ok the better) choice for good comfort, better than the trolley thinktank ?
    Even if i do not come to Fort de Soto (perhaps to far away for my 7day trip ?)and take my whole time at fort myers beach, cape corral and ding darling, later than blue cypress lake ?
    In my opinion, I prefer a backpack than a wheeled bag. I hate having to pull it, but that's just me. It really depends on your comfort, fitness level, how your back can handle it, etc.

    Now, keep in mind that while you are shooting most of the weight will be attached to your tripod. you'll be moving around probably have your tripod and camera on one of your shoulders, so you have to think about that too. I prefer having my backpack on as it will help me cushion the weight of the tripod and camera on my shoulder, but that is really a person decision.

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