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View Full Version : Visiting New York, tripods, safety and weather


Dracil
18th of November 2008 (Tue), 18:57
So I'll be visiting NY next week, and it seems like NY is a little more lenient on tripods now in public areas (http://www.nyc.gov/html/film/html/news/070108_moftb_adopts_rules.shtml). However, I was wondering what happens if I'm carrying my tripod into places like the Empire State Building where it's not allowed. Will I be denied entry, will they check my tripod for me (I'm assuming places that don't allow bags will do that, but what about places that don't care about bags?), or will they just require that I don't unpack/unsling it?

On a related note, would carrying a tripod around generally be a good or bad idea in terms of security? i.e. Tripod can scream out "guy with expensive photo stuff" (especially if they recognize Gitzos) or it could also say "don't mess with him, he could use it as a weapon"

And since I'm at it, how's the weather around NY in Thanksgiving, or this year anyway. I heard it's started snowing there, but weather.com is forecasting showers really and I don't want to get my equipment wet for obvious reasons.

For what it's worth, I've been living in San Francisco where I carry my camera out in the open sometimes (especially during events) and generally feel safe here and probably worry more about my camera banging into stuff. But I also don't go into more... problematic neighborhoods like the Tenderloin or SOMA. And my friends have had their cars broken into here near the downtown area so it's not entirely safe either. I'm assuming there are probably similar areas in NY I should probably avoid? (I'll be mostly in Manhattan. My hotel is around 94th several blocks left of Central Park)

I'd also probably be using my Kata bag (I'm assuming that's not heavily recognized as a camera bag yet)

Thanks!

mleone
20th of November 2008 (Thu), 08:22
I cant answer everything for you but in terms of security I can. This is NYC a place were folks walk around in there underwear, we have seen everything, tripods, crazy folk, and so on. As long as you keep your head, as anyone should in any major city camera gear or not you will be fine. I have carried 2 light stands, a tripod and 10k in camera 25 blocks from the bus stop (port authority bus term) to my office. And I can tell you nobody even looked at me.

I also know that tripods on the street "is" ok but not a great idea during peak times of the day. If you try it you will be making a stop at B&H for new gear.

EDIT: Oh the weather is cold this week, two days started in the 20's. But we have crazy weather and next week could be in the 50's. Layer it up.

-Mike

AndOJones
7th of December 2008 (Sun), 19:37
freezing cold right now

last night snow

tommorrow freeeezing cold and freeeezing cold

B&H SUCKS (only moshe is cool)
JR is better

keitaro
14th of December 2008 (Sun), 21:46
I also know that tripods on the street "is" ok but not a great idea during peak times of the day. If you try it you will be making a stop at B&H for new gear.


just curious.. but do you mean that the NYPD will confinscate your equipment or that you'll probally get hit by a car?

FlyingPhotog
14th of December 2008 (Sun), 21:50
just curious.. but do you mean that the NYPD will confinscate your equipment or that you'll probally get hit by a car?

You're libel to get run over by the mass of humanity...