Ever been denied entry because of your gear?

[BradS]

Earlier this week I went to a Cleveland Cavaliers (professional basketball team) game and was denied entry with my camera gear "because my lenses were too big."

The lenses in question were a 17-55mm and a 70-300 IS USM. I've carried both of these into prior Cavs games, but this time I was told there was a new policy limiting certain types of equipment. Interestingly, neither the Cavs site nor the NBA site mentions anything on this topic.

I've sent the club an email requesting clarification (this could just been an overzealous Security supervisor), but it got me wondering if this is happening to anyone else.

Have you been denied entry to a sporting event due to security concerns related to your camera gear?

[creechjs]

Earlier this week I went to a Cleveland Cavaliers (professional basketball team) game and was denied entry with my camera gear "because my lenses were too big."

The lenses in question were a 17-55mm and a 70-300 IS USM. I've carried both of these into prior Cavs games, but this time I was told there was a new policy limiting certain types of equipment. Interestingly, neither the Cavs site nor the NBA site mentions anything on this topic.

I've sent the club an email requesting clarification (this could just been an overzealous Security supervisor), but it got me wondering if this is happening to anyone else.

Have you been denied entry to a sporting event due to security concerns related to your camera gear?

From their site:
Cameras/Video Recorders
Cameras are permitted for Cavaliers games. The camera policy for other events is determined by each show. If allowed, cameras will be inspected at designated turnstiles. Call Event Information at (216) 420-2200 to find out the camera policy for select events in advance. Video recorders are not permitted inside Quicken Loans Arena for events and Cavaliers games.

It doesn't state specifically the rules, but it does say that someone will inspect it. A lot of professional teams have rules similar to what you encountered. There's been several stories like yours posted on here before.

[dirt lover]

Why did they not let you in? I don't get it.

[Rhilton4u]

The Nationals baseball team in Washington DC has a 6-inch or less lens rule. :rolleyes:

Guests are permitted to bring cameras and video equipment into RFK Stadium, provided they are intended for personal use only. Cameras with a lens longer than 6 inches may not be brought inside the stadium, except by credentialed media.

[racketman]

I can see a big fast prime could potentially injure someone but seem ridiculous to ban a 70-300. Another factor may be that the pros pay good money for their pitch and in return the organisers will keep out the competition?

[BradS]

Why did they not let you in? I don't get it.

I suppose one of two reasons could be behind the tightened restrictions:
1. When used in the normal seating areas, large lenses might pose a nuisance or safety issue for the people sitting in front of you.
2. Very large lenses could be used to carry significant amounts of explosive material; it's the Cav's job to provide as secure environment as possible.

As I indicated in the OP, I had attended Cavs games in the past and used my 70-300 lens - certainly there was enough room in the seating area. Interference with the row in front was never even a question. Even then, why deny my stubby little 17-55?

The security concern could be a more valid issue. Other venues have simply asked me to take the lens cap off so they could peer inside. I offered this action to the entrance supervisor, but he declined, saying it was a size thing. When I get my response from the Cavs management, I'll suggest this as an alternative to a total ban, assuming security is the reason they provide.

I'm not whining about this nor did I make a scene at the security entrance. The supervisor was just doing his job enforcing what he believed to be management's policies. I am, though, concerned about this becoming a trend at all sporting events. I hope not!

Somewhat interesting side note: I'm responsible for a business providing security systems to large global customers, so I know a thing or two about security. I'll bet the true answer is they are balancing:
1. risk of danger to patrons (explosives)
2. entrance throughput (good inspections take time)
3. employee skills (knowing what to look for when peering into a lens)
4. brand protection (what if something DID happen - attendance drops to zero)
5. Customer satisfaction / enjoyment

In today's world, the priorities are as listed.

[dmwierz]

The SOP in this situation is to try a different gate. Unfortunately, this can be a bit subjective. I've had one security dude say "no" and then gone to another gate and had a different one let me in (and this was with a Sigma 120-300).

Dennis

[Big Hands]

More than once. It has become the norm here in Los Angeles. Nothing longer than three inches at Staples Center and Home Depot Center.

[BradS]

More than once. It has become the norm here in Los Angeles. Nothing longer than three inches at Staples Center and Home Depot Center.

I did receive a response from PR at the Quicken Loans Arena - the Cavs allow fans to enter with lenses no longer than 6" and no more than 4" across. Anything more is considered 'professional' and required Press credentials.

Last week's security guard must have guessed a bit on the generous side when he rejected my 6.0" 70-300mm and 4.5" 17-55mm lenses. I'll throw a small ruler in the camera bag to help them estimate the next time...

[grphx]

I never knew the size of your lens determined how professional you are.

[cosworth]

When confronted with this situation I politely ask the security guard where i can ask formy money back since it isn't printed anywhere on my ticket or at the door where they searcehd me and let me in with no complaints.

I said maybe we have to get the person responsible for searching patrons here to see why he let me in.

I was told to sit and enjoy my seat and to not be a nuisance to anyone behind me.

[BAKlink]

Boston Bruins/TD Banknrth Garden last year refused to allow me in DESPITE their posted photo policy that clearly allowed it. They claimed my bad was too big, meanwhile dozens of women entered with bigger bags while I debated with the morons at the gate. Then, they had no place for me to check my bag & equipment and suggested I have a bartender or 7-11 clerk across the street hold it for me. And I bet they wonder why BC Hockey draws a bigger crowd....

[yonni]

More than once. It has become the norm here in Los Angeles. Nothing longer than three inches at Staples Center and Home Depot Center.

From the Staples site:
Photography
No commercial or flash photography of any kind is permitted. Camcorders or any other audio/visual equipment is prohibited unless authorized by team/promoter or performer. Specifically, the use of the following equipment is not permitted:
Lenses greater than three-and-one-half inches in length
Telephoto or zoom lenses of any kind
Interchangeable lenses of any kind
Monopods or tripods
Flash equipment of any kindRecording Devices
Guests may not bring audio or video recording devices into the arena. These devices include, but are not limited to, video cameras/camcorders and audio recording devices.


That policy is Draconian. Pauley Pavillion is much more photog friendly. No restrictions that I could see. My bag had 5D 300f4 and three other lenses.

[bwolford]

Meanwhile my 70-200mm F2.8 gets me into any college or other sports event without question. I can get into any highschool event without a ticket (but pay because it is often fundraising...

I was kicked out of a PGA event 20 years ago for taking picture of Arnold palmer walking up the fairway about 100FT from me. Policy was no pictures of the pros once they approached the green by photogs without press credentials. The clicking must break their concentration especially once they are so close...

Brice

[StealthLude]

I belive it, Staples center is Los Angles has a lens rule of 3" or less. (for a Kings hockey game)

Only lens i could use that day was my 50mm 1.8 when i owned it. I got told off for using me 10-22.

[Austin Fern]

When confronted with this situation I politely ask the security guard where i can ask formy money back since it isn't printed anywhere on my ticket or at the door where they searcehd me and let me in with no complaints.

I said maybe we have to get the person responsible for searching patrons here to see why he let me in.

I was told to sit and enjoy my seat and to not be a nuisance to anyone behind me.

Actually any security guard with a clue will point out that any ticket is nothing more than a revocable license and feel free to contact promoters/management at your convenience.

I've been a security supervisor for a lot of sporting and concert events. Yes, I'm the guy they call to the door to tell you that you can't bring in your camera. At this year's ACL festival, where the camera policy is on the website, I had a guy with a 20D, a 17-40, and a 70-200 try to tell me that this was not high-end quipment. Uh huh, then you won't mind just leaving it in the lost and found pile until the end of the day. Even my newest guard knew that the white bodied glass was a tip off.

The simple fact of the matter is that the promoters are trying to control the quality images that are coming out of their event. Yea, it sucks, but they fronted the money and put on the show.

[basroil]

From the Staples site:
Photography
No commercial or flash photography of any kind is permitted. Camcorders or any other audio/visual equipment is prohibited unless authorized by team/promoter or performer. Specifically, the use of the following equipment is not permitted:
Lenses greater than three-and-one-half inches in length
Telephoto or zoom lenses of any kind
Interchangeable lenses of any kind
Monopods or tripods
Flash equipment of any kindRecording Devices
Guests may not bring audio or video recording devices into the arena. These devices include, but are not limited to, video cameras/camcorders and audio recording devices.


That policy is Draconian. Pauley Pavillion is much more photog friendly. No restrictions that I could see. My bag had 5D 300f4 and three other lenses.

get a UZ (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0701/07012507olympusp550uz.asp).... 500mm and 15fps.. not for the image quality, but to present a logical appeal of fps and focal length to otherwise uneducated staff :rolleyes:

[cwphoto]

I got a lot of attention from suck-urity for bringing a 300/2.8 IS to MotoGP at Phillip Island. In the end they let it go as their printed policy said no lenses longer than 300mm - so even though it was absurd it was still legal.

Did the same thing for cricket this year when 200mm was the limit - brought a 200/1.8 and they couldn't do a thing. Stupid when you think of the size of a lens like that compared to even a 100-400 but hey they make the stupid rules so I will exploit them every way I can.

The next battle is with the tennis guys who try and get around the above by saying no telephoto lenses - just whip out a 180/3.5 which is NOT a telephoto design...

[cosworth]

Actually any security guard with a clue will point out that any ticket is nothing more than a revocable license and feel free to contact promoters/management at your convenience.

I've been a security supervisor for a lot of sporting and concert events. Yes, I'm the guy they call to the door to tell you that you can't bring in your camera. At this year's ACL festival, where the camera policy is on the website, I had a guy with a 20D, a 17-40, and a 70-200 try to tell me that this was not high-end quipment. Uh huh, then you won't mind just leaving it in the lost and found pile until the end of the day. Even my newest guard knew that the white bodied glass was a tip off.

The simple fact of the matter is that the promoters are trying to control the quality images that are coming out of their event. Yea, it sucks, but they fronted the money and put on the show.

I just made it apparent I wasn't going to just leave the event. Considering I was seated in teh industry area (comp'd ticket area) he didn't want the hassle.

Gauge any situation you are in accordingly and you can get what you want.

[2005GLI]

i was banned from a preseason devils vs. rangers nhl game. They said absolutely NO camera equipment at all. Was ticked. It was preseason and maybe a half full arena.

[fortinaa]

I went to a Red Wings game fully knowing the camera policy there. It just states that cameras with detachable lenses cannot have lenses longer than 50mm. I took the 1dIIN with a 35 1.4L and got stopped promtly by security. I pointed to the sign, he looked at the lens, read that it said "35mm" on it, turned the camera over about 5 times and then tried to tell me "it might be a 35mm camera, but that isn't a 35mm lens and we proceeded to the head of security. At that point, their monitors on the concourse showed that lenses could be up to 70mm, contradicting their other signs. Even so, I was very polite and the manager looked at the camera, said she trusted me and let me in without hassle.

At the Palace, you can bring whatever you want to a Pistons game as long as it doesn't obstruct view or pose a danger to other spectators. If they have a concert there, they will make you take any camera with a removable lens back to your car. I know from experience!

[koalagurl]

From the Staples site:
Photography
No commercial or flash photography of any kind is permitted. Camcorders or any other audio/visual equipment is prohibited unless authorized by team/promoter or performer. Specifically, the use of the following equipment is not permitted:
Lenses greater than three-and-one-half inches in length
Telephoto or zoom lenses of any kind
Interchangeable lenses of any kind
Monopods or tripods
Flash equipment of any kind...

I read that too, and thought, well that means to me I can only bring a P&S...since the DSLRs have interchangeable lenses. I called and they told me just to stick with the 3 1/2" rule. I ended up OK with my 85mm and the 50mm hidden deeper in my purse. :)

I belive it, Staples center is Los Angles has a lens rule of 3" or less. (for a Kings hockey game)

Only lens i could use that day was my 50mm 1.8 when i owned it. I got told off for using me 10-22.

I guess like everyone says...it depends what security person you get. I had my 20D and 85mm lens, and the security guard just glanced at it. (It is less than 3 1/2".)

BUT, I went to a kids concert today, and didn't bring my camera because I didn't want to have it denied...only to find out everyone around me had DSLRs. Grrr...

[ngineer]

Went to a Spurs vs. Lakers game at the AT&T Center in San Antonio with my XT and an old 70-210 f4 lens and had to check it at the front desk. "No cameras with detachable lenses" was what I was told. I spent the entire game drooling at all the white glass down on the baseline. :)

[Lord_Malone]

Easy fix. Carry a point and shoot with one of those 10x optical zooms! :lol:

If we're not pro sport shooters with credentials, we just have to be content with being just another schmuck with a camera. ;)

[ayotnoms]

Any experiences with MLB parks?

Given the other comments, I should count my lucky stars that the SF Giants have not stopped me from bringing my 100-400 to a couple of games. I have brought other lens with me as well. The security people just peer into my bag, and wave me through.

[LBaldwin]

Any experiences with MLB parks?

Given the other comments, I should count my lucky stars that the SF Giants have not stopped me from bringing my 100-400 to a couple of games. I have brought other lens with me as well. The security people just peer into my bag, and wave me through.


Hey Steve,

I shot the Giants for BBA for 10 seasons. The Giants LIKE the fans to bring cameras as long as you are not a knuckle head. I have brought my 500 and my 70-200 through all the time and they have never said a thing.

CAMERAS & VIDEO EQUIPMENT
Cameras and video equipment are allowed in AT&T Park, but the equipment may not obstruct the view or path of others. Fans are not allowed to reproduce or rebroadcast any film or videotape of Giants games for commercial purposes without the written permission of the Giants and Major League Baseball.
Now I sit in the stands, but have never had an issue.

MLB has not taken the strict policies as have the NBA and NHL. But OTOH it may change in the future.


Guys, try to treat the Security staff with kindness they may allow you to get passed. Act like an A$$ and they will make you turn around.

Les
\

[rhys]

I don't go to sporting events so I dont get this kind of problem :D

[DocFrankenstein]

I suppose one of two reasons could be behind the tightened restrictions:
1. When used in the normal seating areas, large lenses might pose a nuisance or safety issue for the people sitting in front of you.
2. Very large lenses could be used to carry significant amounts of explosive material; it's the Cav's job to provide as secure environment as possible.

As I indicated in the OP, I had attended Cavs games in the past and used my 70-300 lens - certainly there was enough room in the seating area. Interference with the row in front was never even a question. Even then, why deny my stubby little 17-55?

The security concern could be a more valid issue. Other venues have simply asked me to take the lens cap off so they could peer inside. I offered this action to the entrance supervisor, but he declined, saying it was a size thing. When I get my response from the Cavs management, I'll suggest this as an alternative to a total ban, assuming security is the reason they provide.

I'm not whining about this nor did I make a scene at the security entrance. The supervisor was just doing his job enforcing what he believed to be management's policies. I am, though, concerned about this becoming a trend at all sporting events. I hope not!

Somewhat interesting side note: I'm responsible for a business providing security systems to large global customers, so I know a thing or two about security. I'll bet the true answer is they are balancing:
1. risk of danger to patrons (explosives)
2. entrance throughput (good inspections take time)
3. employee skills (knowing what to look for when peering into a lens)
4. brand protection (what if something DID happen - attendance drops to zero)
5. Customer satisfaction / enjoyment

In today's world, the priorities are as listed.
Explosives? Are you kidding me?

It's profits. :rolleyes:

[ssim]

Having read through this whole thread, are you going to enjoy a sporting event or do photography. I fail to see why anyone should be surprised by the rules. They have received alot of play in the press the last few years.

Trying to circumvent the rules, hide equipment, try another entrance, etc. all reflects badly on all that carry a camera.

I personally support the venues or teams that limit the high end equipment. They do this for a reason. Admittedly there are some security personell that are not qualified to make the determination and it would be nice if they would provide the training to them so that there doesn't have to be a confrontation.

[boufa]

I hate it when people dredge up old threads... but here it is anyways.

I just got off the phone with the wonderful staff at the Quicken Loans Arena, in Cleveland. I have 5th row seats to the TSO concert tonight, and I wanted to know what I could bring or not.

I learned several interesting things.

1) I talked to at least 8 people and none of them could tell me what I could not bring. The main answer was no professional equipment. Though no one could say what was defined as professional. I want to bring in a Rebel XT with a cheap lens, maxing out at 85mm. Most of you would not consider that professional.

2) They are really nice people, even through I talked to 8 people, they all seemed to really want to give me an answer, but none of them could.

3) The one supervisor in security stopped just short of saying that it is the officers discretion. He said it, just not in those words.

4) My main concern is the concert, so I did not want to get there, get rejected, and then have to take the long walk back to the car, and then back to the arena, and risk missing part of the show. They said that they will "Check" the camera, and give me a slip for it, so that I could pick it up after the show.

5) I decided that I will take my P&S and be happy with it. We will be sitting close enough that it may be more than enough camera.

6) I remember not many years ago, when a camera would get you kicked out of a show, and I am now realizing that I should be happy with whatever they let me in with.

7) Arena's should be more specific with their rules... I like them spelling out "No interchanable Lenses" If that is what they want.

8) This post has gotten tooo long.. sorry!

I'll post some pics after the show...

Kevin

[Grumbledook]

I went to wembley stadium in october and their site says "no professional camera equipment" of course that is really vague, you can use a camera phone as professional equipment.

So I emailed them asking for clarification stating that fact and got the reply that no cameras with detachable lenses were allowed.

[Froggeh]

Old Trafford (Manchester United FC) officially won't let you in with a camera. I should know, we had 40D / 100-400, 450D / 70-300 and 300 / Sigma UWA + Nifty, A70 and camera phones.

[mattograph]

Maybe I missed it in here somewhere, but I have always understood the main reason is that long telephotos yield photos good enough to SELL! Lets say I get a great shot of Plaxico Burress making that catch last year from the stands with my 300 2.8, and slap it out on istockphoto.com the next day. Tons of people pick it up -- the damage is done to those who make their living shooting those shots.

[samoan_ridah]

Last week I went to the hospital with my wife to visit my relative who had just had a new baby. I was stopped by security and told that they didn't allow cameras in the hospital!

I couldn't believe it. The stupid thing is that some phones have higher resolution than many 3 or 4 year old digital cameras, but they allow those. In this case they didn't care if it was a dSLR or not, they didn't allow ANY cameras.

When I asked why, they said that people could take pictures of babies and then come back and kidnap them or there might be someone that was shot that came in to the ER and we might be trying to take pictures of them...so dumb.

Btw, I should mention that this was a County/General hospital but still, that is just ridiculous!

[Michael Heston]

I have never been asked about my equipment or been told cannot bring anything in. I have heard many stories. I am only posting because of Austin Fern Remark

I had a guy with a 20D, a 17-40, and a 70-200 try to tell me that this was not high-end equipment. Uh huh, then you won't mind just leaving it in the lost and found pile until the end of the day. Even my newest guard knew that the white bodied glass was a tip off.

I really don't like or respond well to smart a$$ comments that don't have any merit but I do understand you have to deal with the power tippers and make the most of it. But this coming from a fellow photo telling another photo to leave it... When did a 20D 17-40 and 70-200 become high end was it the 2.8is or just the f4. a 20D not a 1dmiii And could I get in with a Nikon 70-200vr 2.8 or a 600vr it is black not white. Could I get a rebel xt with a 70-200 f4 non is? What about a Canon PowerShot Pro Series S5 12x zoom and IS? Anyway to end this I expect (and know it does not happen)for people to be professional but a fellow photog to tell another that just blows me away.

[narlus]

i think the general consensus is that 'professional gear' = detachable lens camera.

regardless if it's a Rebel or a 1DS mkIII

[440roadrunner]

What is this God dammed country coming to? I'm glad I'm getting old, I don't have far to go.

The people of this country need to rise up and stand up. Every time some government in many other countries does something stupid you instantly have thousands of people in the streets. Here in the US we damned near bankrupted ourselves, then turned around and let Congress give away the golden goose without so much as a blink. Brian Williams doesn't even mention it anymore.

Gawuead

One wonders if a person could actually build a very dangerous bomb into just about any lens, big or small, and still have the thing actually WORK, something that would take about 30 seconds to prove on a DSLR

Security guards who nitpick over whether a lens is 1/4" over the "limit" ought'ta be flogged. My freekin' ......cripes

[nphsbuckeye]

What is this God dammed country coming to? I'm glad I'm getting old, I don't have far to go.

The people of this country need to rise up and stand up. Every time some government in many other countries does something stupid you instantly have thousands of people in the streets. Here in the US we damned near bankrupted ourselves, then turned around and let Congress give away the golden goose without so much as a blink. Brian Williams doesn't even mention it anymore.

Gawuead

One wonders if a person could actually build a very dangerous bomb into just about any lens, big or small, and still have the thing actually WORK, something that would take about 30 seconds to prove on a DSLR

Security guards who nitpick over whether a lens is 1/4" over the "limit" ought'ta be flogged. My freekin' ......cripes
As previously mentioned, it's not the security risk nearly as much as the business risk; for most of us, it's a hobby, but believe it for not, many people takes pictures for a living. The last thing you want is a bunch of ignorant politicians running the show.

[BradS]

So how was the show? :)

I was surprised to see this thread arise from the dead, but agree with your assertion that a clear policy would be helpful to both Security and patrons alike.

I had exactly the same concern about being rejected at the door and having to run back to the car. Since the original post, I've attended events purely for entertainment and did so without the the additional fun of capturing a good action shot. Ah well, my life went on, only harmed a tiny amount. :)

Looking forward to seeing your images...

[snyderman]

Brad:

Good to know. I had planned on taking gear to my next CAVS game and snapping some pre-game warmup shots. The plan was to slip one of the gatekeepers a 10-spot to get down low enough where my 70-200 would get some pretty close shots.

From the 2nd level, the 24-70 isn't going to see much!

Thanks for posting your helpful news.

dave

[tomjd]

Indiana University has a written policy that states "no video & no flash” at games but they enforce differently at the gate. No lenses longer than 4". They use the width of the palm theirs as a guide.....very scientific....
I got in with a 75-300, but later was told to "put it away because it was too big"
Didn't argue as it was after halftime and was taking pictures of my stepdaughter in the marching band halftime show....had a the shots I wanted. Still very annoying that the rules and enforcement are very random, ambiguous and inconsistent.

[photoguy6405]

The SOP in this situation is to try a different gate. Unfortunately, this can be a bit subjective. I've had one security dude say "no" and then gone to another gate and had a different one let me in (and this was with a Sigma 120-300).

This can work, but only if there is no hard rule to begin with, or if the lens size is close and the first guy was just guessing.

[photoguy6405]

The rules should be specific and spelled out, yes. This would be a benefit to them, and make their lives easier, as well as customers.

I do believe that the primary reason for these restrictions is that they don;t want people selling what they take, regardless of anything else they might say.

Personally, I stopped even trying. Not because of the rules, but because when I'm taking pictures I'm missing too much of the action... which is why I bought the ticket in the first place.

[SouthernJumper]

I've only had one problem, and that was at a one day event in Arkansas (horses). They saw the "big bag and big camera" and said I couldn't take pictures. I told her that I was just there to take pictures of my barn friends and I wasn't going to sell them. She let me in but watched me like a hawk all day. I've been to bigger out of state events such as Holly Hill in LA, and Dunnabeck in IL without a problem. As long as I don't sell them everyone else has been fine with it. Dunnabeck even let me in the restricted area of Dressage as long as I stayed behind the judges and Pro Photogs

[clipper_from_oz]

Best tip I can give is to take a female to the event with you, bury the long lens in the largest widest hand/carrybag she owns and have a little nifty fifty on your camera body. Lucky here in Australia at many events they dont search handbags. Also smuggle a collapsable monopod and if they ask what thats for tell them you have a bung leg and need it sometimes when it gets bad :)...Did this here a while back at an Int event and the only grief I got was when my lens clipped the back of the guy in the seat in front's ear( I was using a 50 -500 Sigma) :)

[FOX2PRO]

I don't usually take the camera to pro games. I'm there to watch the games, not take shots. However, HS, and some small college games, they don't even look at my stuff. I managed to bluff my way so I could sit next to the pro's at an SCU BBall game.:)

[neil_g]

fortunately motorsport events in the UK dont seem to have restrictions in place and if they do they dont enforce them (so far so good anyway). but then pros get the benefit of being trackside.

[Doctor Sodways]

I had trouble at the 08 MotoGP on Phillip Island, was told that i had to go and see the media cred office for my 100-400 and 400d.

Didnt bother cos it wasnt hard to blend in with the other photogs, they all had green wristbands on, i found something similar and never had a problem....

[dima1109]

This was asked a couple pages back, but wasn't answered much (read - answer did not relate to my area): what about MLB games? I am contemplating a 100-400, and I go to quite a few Padres games and a ton of Diamondbacks games.

[deercreek]

At the Palace, you can bring whatever you want to a Pistons game as long as it doesn't obstruct view or pose a danger to other spectators. If they have a concert there, they will make you take any camera with a removable lens back to your car. I know from experience!

I'm not surprised considering having a cup of beer can pose a danger to other spectators at the Palace. Just ask Ron Artest. ;)

[Skrim17]

So I guess size really does matter...

[Highlight_Photography]

I stopped at the security gates for having a "big lens". I asked what the problem was and he said it was more then 200mm.... I told him to look and the lens and read the 70-200mm. He soon apologized and let me through

[DigitalSpecialist]

My only concern is does the rule of how long a lens is also take into consideration that a hood might be added?

[Paul J McCain]

^^^ take the hood off when you walk through the gate??

[DennisW1]

The Nationals baseball team in Washington DC has a 6-inch or less lens rule. :rolleyes:

Same rule was in effect for the NHL Winter Classic in Chicago. Cameras with lenses no longer than 6" and no "professional camera bags".

[505th_man]

never been denied entry at anywhere, maybe because i'm a kid;]
but from what I know, in my country, your not allowed to photograph at malls and sometimes even parks...

[weedwhackers]

I've been denied at Staples Center for a Laker game... They said i had to have a lens that was 3" or less.... they didn't care what the "mm" was just as long as its less then 3" extended!

[FlyingPhotog]

This was asked a couple pages back, but wasn't answered much (read - answer did not relate to my area): what about MLB games? I am contemplating a 100-400, and I go to quite a few Padres games and a ton of Diamondbacks games.

At Chase Field? Forget it...

The DBacks have the most draconian camera spec rules in the NL West.

[brecklundin]

heck these days "they" seem to think we should feel thankful they let us in and have a place to sit for our $50 bleacher seat.

...and people wonder why I no longer go to any games at all. Why bother when the fun has been removed under the guise of "safety"...BS it is a way to increase revenue so if you want a souvenir picture or two you have to buy them.

Heck at places with as many "Uecker seats" like somewhere like Dodger Stadium you need a 400mm lens just to see the peanut guy.

[FlyingPhotog]

heck these days "they" seem to think we should feel thankful they let us in and have a place to sit for our $50 bleacher seat.

...and people wonder why I no longer go to any games at all. Why bother when the fun has been removed under the guise of "safety"...BS it is a way to increase revenue so if you want a souvenir picture or two you have to buy them.

Heck at places with as many "Uecker seats" like somewhere like Dodger Stadium you need a 400mm lens just to see the peanut guy.

Personally, I don't understand the worry over "competition."

How can a fan, at the game, even begin to compete with press photograhers who often transmit images before the game is even over? At the very least, press shooters don't have to file out with the rest of the crowd, sit in traffic for an hour or more, drive home, download their shots, process them and then say "Hey, I've got shots of tonights game taken 3-5 hours ago. Anyone wanna buy one?" They've been on the wire for 4-6 hours already... :rolleyes:

And they certainly can't compete with team photographers who have help to run cards back for processing throughout the game...