The Panda exhibit is still set up for thousands of visitors – the way in winds through a labyrinthine exhibit designed, I suppose, to while away the hours in line – which we whisked through in minutes and finally arrived at a relatively tiny viewing window where Mum and the twins were contentedly munching on bamboo. Unfortunately the glass thwarted efforts to get a decent glare-and-reflection-free image of the group, although taking photos of individuals was better. Around the back, Dad was in solitary confinement, but at least wasn’t behind glass, and photography was easier.
I had expected to be rubbing elbows with large crowds, (panda-monium, so to speak) so I had pre-fitted my “do everything” 18-250mm lens rather than struggle with a longer lens and monopod. Turns out I could have switched, but it was getting late and the legs were beginning to go so I didn’t take the time to switch it out. Not sure that another lens would have improved matters. ISO 800, f7.1 shutter between 1/320 or 1/400.
Anyway, we got to see the Pandas. Now they can go to wherever they are off to next. Been there, done that. Checkmark. No T-shirt.
