Tips and suggestions for shooting in NEW YORK (including gear!)

[Cegonha]

Hi friends,

I'll be in New York City (mostly Manhattan island, Central Park to Statue of Liberty) in late March/beg April with my wife for some vacations and I'd like task you 3 things:

1) what are the "top secret places"for shooting amazing photos, the ones that we see in books and the ones that only a bunch of people that has already been there shooting THE picture. Could you give some tips like places, directions (both streets and where to point the camera), time of the day (early morning, sunset...)? Also, Am I going to have any...weather surprises?

2) Is there any recommendation when shooting in NYC? I've heard that using a tripod is not allowed, is that true? Is there any place where it is allowed?

3) I'm planning to arrive in NYC and go straight to B&H SuperStore, and buy a few lenses: one Nikon 35mm f1.8 and 2 Tamrons: 17-50 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8. Is there any other place you suggest to me to go to buy these instead of B&H? I love to shoot landscapes, skylines, etc... Would the 17-50 suit all my needs during the days I'll be there, or should I put the 35mm and keep it? (my plan is not to walkaround with 2 or 3 lenses, just one) Is there any place I should go using a different lens?

Sorry for the long list of questions!

Thanks in advance for any help!!!!!

Count on me if you need the same info when shooting in Brazil!

Regards

GS

Nikon D5000 (until arrive in NYC)!

[kirbinster]

Well you want to get a picture of the flatiron building: The Flatiron Building, or Fuller Building as it was originally called, is located at 175 Fifth Avenue in the borough of Manhattan, and is considered to be one of the first skyscrapers ever built. Upon completion in 1902 it was one of the tallest buildings in New York City. The building sits on a triangular island block at 23rd Street, Fifth Avenue, and Broadway, anchoring the south (downtown) end of Madison Square.

The neighborhood around the building is called the Flatiron District after its signature building




For my taste the 17-50 is a little short, I lie the 24-70 better (the above shot was with it). The 70-200 f/2.8 is a great lens. I'm talking about Nikon glass not Tamron here. I have one Tamron lens but think Nikon glass is much better than both Tamron and Sigma (more money too). The only other non-Niikon lens I have left is a Sigma 10-20mm HSM which is really nice for wide shots.


Don't forget Grand Central Terminal (station)



Time Square at night:



Or the Empire state bldg:

[Cegonha]

Thanks a lot!!!!!

[photog1107]

I would agree with Kirbinster, and add that spending the money on a helicopter ride is an awesome way to view the city and ground zero, etc. We also took a slow boat ride around Manhattan (3 hour tour) where I managed to get some terrific zoom shots of buildings from a different vantage point than the typical street shots. Just an idea. Have fun!

[BEGM83]

I would say get the bus tour tickets to view the whole city. You can see some great hidden gems and all the usual tourist hot spots too.

Don't bother with a tripod unless you do the night time Brooklyn tour, when you'll be able to take shots like this and if you do brooklyn via the bus tour go EARLY and set your camera up on the bus, you will only get 10 mins time there!




Oh and everything is tall in NYC so look UP!



and lastly...the people of NYC are amazing...so don't forget them...



please excuse the quality of my photos i've pulled them off my facebook account

Oh as for lenses...this was all shot with my kit lens