The San Diego Zoo is a world-renowned destination with a rich history spanning over 100 years. At its core is a deep commitment to conservation. They hope every visit is educational, fostering empathy toward wildlife and inspiring a desire to help preserve it.

Home to over 12,000 rare and endangered species, the zoo offers endless photo opportunities. From pandas to lions, there’s never a dull moment. Your day will be filled with epic shots—it’s impossible to resist photographing the zoo’s adorable residents with your iPhone.

So, pack your bag and get ready for an unforgettable day at the San Diego Zoo with SANDMARC.

Going to the zoo with the intent to photograph animals comes with its own set of challenges, which can impact when you choose to visit.

Checking for less crowded days is important to ensure prime viewing spots aren’t taken. It can also be frustrating if you’ve set up your shot, only to have people continuously pass through your line of sight.

It is recommended to go on weekdays, especially Monday mornings and to avoid October since kids get in free and this tends to draw crowds.

The time of day is especially important. Researching the animals you want to photograph can help you understand their sleeping habits and when they are most active. While you can capture heartwarming photos of them resting, action shots are often more dynamic and add excitement to your images.

Give yourself plenty of time to explore the zoo and photograph the animals. The best shots often come from patiently observing and waiting for the perfect moment. Allotting about 4-6 hours depending on your goals for the day should be sufficient enough.

Photographing wildlife at the zoo requires patience. Some animals are constantly on the move, while others stay in one spot for long periods. You'll need to adjust your camera settings based on each animal's behavior.

For example, if you're photographing koalas—who sleep up to 22 hours a day—you can set up a tripod and stay in one spot. However, pandas, while spending much of their time eating, have active feeding periods, and monkeys are typically energetic and constantly moving, requiring quicker adjustments and a more flexible approach.

Another challenge is capturing photographs when glass and fences obstruct your view. In many cases, they will be unavoidable, so using a lens like the SANDMARC Telephoto 10x Lens, which features natural bokeh and an adjustable focus wheel, can help blur foreground distractions and keep the subject sharp. Each animal enclosure is different, so it's best to scout your location upon arrival to find angles that minimize or eliminate obstructions.

If you're coming to the San Diego Zoo you have to check out the pandas! The San Diego Zoo is widely known for its panda exhibit, housing Yun Chuan and Xin Bao since June 2024. Additionally, the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., welcomed Bao Li and Qing Bao in October 2024, with their public debut in January 2025. These partnerships with China are significant and promote a sense of global connection. These are the only zoos in the United States that are a part of efforts for panda conservation.

We recommend bringing the Travel Backpack, Tripod, Creator Grip, and Telephoto 10x Lens for your day at the zoo. The Travel Backpack is perfect for carrying all your camera gear while also leaving room for an extra jacket, food, or other essentials. The Tripod Carbon-Edition provides stability for capturing sharp images, especially if an animal is resting—it helps prevent motion blur by keeping your camera steady. The Creator Grip is great for handheld shooting or attaching to the tripod for smooth tracking when following an animal in motion.

Lastly, we recommend the Telephoto 10x Lens. Zoo exhibits can be spacious, and animals may be at a distance, so the Telephoto 10x Lens allows you to capture detailed shots with optical zoom, ensuring crisp, close-up images without compromising quality.

The San Diego Zoo is vast and requires a lot of walking; however, they offer a free Guided Bus Tour that takes visitors around the zoo. This is a great option if you want to take a break from walking while still exploring the park.

Another fun and free option is the Skyfari Aerial Tram, which transports guests between the back of the zoo and the main entrance. This tram provides stunning views of the zoo and the San Diego skyline, making it a must-try experience. It's also a fantastic opportunity for photography, offering unique aerial angles of the animals and exhibits.

If you get hungry, the zoo has numerous dining and refreshment options throughout the park. Additionally, the San Diego Zoo allows guests to bring outside food and non-alcoholic beverages, making it easy to enjoy a meal or snack during your visit.

A visit to the San Diego Zoo is an unforgettable experience filled with incredible wildlife! Whether you're capturing stunning photos with the SANDMARC Telephoto 10x Lens, enjoying a scenic ride on the Skyfari Aerial Tram, or taking a break with delicious food, there's something for everyone! Plan ahead, bring the right gear, and take advantage of the zoo’s unique offerings to make the most of your adventure.