Lens limiting access

[Imperitus]

Okay, I am looking to pick up a good lens in the 200+ range. And would prefer someting in the L series...

But I have heard some peopel express experience where they were limited in their access to events because their lens made them look like pros. And they were told that they needed a pres pass to get into sporting events or such...

Is this a common problem? Or am I being over concerened?

I'm looking at the 70-300 DO IS lens primarily since it doesn't attract the attention that a 70-200mm f/2.8L or a 35-350mm f/3.5-5.6L would...

My other concern is the speed, 2.8 looks tempting... the 2.8 with IS looks like the ultimate concert lens, vor indor venues where cameras are allowed... but will I run into, "Not THAT camera" ?

[timmyquest]

If anything a large white lens gets you into more places. Most people who would stop you are going to look at that and let you in because you look like a "pro"

[Morden]

....plus, with something like the 70-200 2.8 in hand, they know that you could just hit them over the head with it and knock them back to last week. :D

(not that I would use an expensive thing like that in such a way)

[timmyquest]

....plus, with something like the 70-200 2.8 in hand, they know that you could just hit them over the head with it and knock them back to last week. :D

(not that I would use an expensive thing like that in such a way)


I wouldnt either...but with the L build quality, i know i could :D

[DocFrankenstein]

Depends.

One time I was shooting at the zoo in monteral (the stadium) and brought S1 IS on a tripod. Apparently the tripod wasn't allowed. :shock: :?

The guy besides me used 70-200 L IS and was switching to a 300mm prime :shock: :lol: :lol:

Go figure.

[scottbergerphoto]

If anything a large white lens gets you into more places. Most people who would stop you are going to look at that and let you in because you look like a "pro"
In my experience that swings both ways. In indoor arenas(Madison Square Garden-Knicks, Liberty) that charge admission, I have been forbidden to use my camera with the large grey lens. Only professional press with credentials are allowed to take pictures with zoom lenses period, unless the lens is part of a small P&S. They don't want just anyone selling pictures.
Outside events that are managed by the police are another story. The 1 series bodies and grey lenses get you most places that aren't restricted security zones.
Regards,
Scott

[neil_r]

If anything a large white lens gets you into more places. Most people who would stop you are going to look at that and let you in because you look like a "pro"

Not true over here TQ. I was approched by a steward at Welford Road (The home ground of one of Englands leading rugby clubs, Leicester) and was told that the "Accredited Photographers" had complained that I was using professional equipment and I was asked to either put it back in the bag or leave.

It was a good game and Leicester were getting solidly beaten, so I stayed and enjoyed the game.

N

[CyberDyneSystems]

The White lenses have casued problems for me.

I work in a theatre where I manage the stage. However.. most of the events here are clients that are presenting the event.. no us.

I often ask if I may photograph rehearals when I feel it would be appropriate,. and no one said no untill I had changed from a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 to a Canon "Great White" 70-200mm f/2.8.

Seems the white lens was just enough to scare them off.

As it is.. I don't know what response the Ballet may have when I pull out the new (used) 200mm f/1.8

I REALLY wish it were black... in fact.. part of why I have put off owning one for so long is I was HOPING to find one in super bad condition (albiet with functional optics) .. in which case I was going to paint it black.. no kidding.

[DaveG]

Okay, I am looking to pick up a good lens in the 200+ range. And would prefer someting in the L series...

But I have heard some peopel express experience where they were limited in their access to events because their lens made them look like pros. And they were told that they needed a pres pass to get into sporting events or such...

Is this a common problem? Or am I being over concerened?

I'm looking at the 70-300 DO IS lens primarily since it doesn't attract the attention that a 70-200mm f/2.8L or a 35-350mm f/3.5-5.6L would...

My other concern is the speed, 2.8 looks tempting... the 2.8 with IS looks like the ultimate concert lens, vor indor venues where cameras are allowed... but will I run into, "Not THAT camera" ?

Concerts are copywritten and the performers (that is: their management) want to control images of those performances. They don't care about Uncle George and his point and shoot, and they couldn't control it if they did. But they are concerned about someone showing up with what appears to be pro gear (ESPECIALLY pro video equipment) and what the non licensed end use of these images could be.

At the main venue around here we news shooters were typically allowed to shoot the first three songs although it was a rare band that didn't reinvent the wheel somehow. Bryan Adams let us shoot songs three, four, and five, while we stood around in the pit watching songs one and two; so go figure! Then we got the heave ho, and off we went.

I could easily shoot a roll of 36 exposure film during each song so I always came back with lots of images and my boss was probably the person that insisted to the band that three songs was more than enough! :D

I'm surprised that you got grief about a sports event I don't know why the organization would care. If I was a shooter from a paper I'd only be concerned and would complain if one of the unaccredited amateurs took a shooting position away from a pro. Other than that let the amateurs fill their boots.

I'd suggest that you contact the football club and ask to speak to someone about this since it may well be a decision made by some low level type. On the other hand the non newspaper pro's may well be paying the club for the priviledge of standing in the rain to shoot, and that could be their point.

I did get into one concert once, without showing any ID. The rent-a-cop at the gate looked at my 300 f2.8 and said, "I recognize that lens from last night. Go right in." I didn't have the heart to tell him that I wasn't THERE the previous night but I did go right in as directed! I'm also pretty sure that if I didn't have a pass then the 300 f2.8 wouldn't have worked!