Bringing Photography Equipment into the Madison Square Garden (NYC)

[aridan]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone here knows anything about the leniency or checks for photographing concerts at the Madison Square Garden arena in NYC. On their website they state that photography equipment in concerts is generally allowed except for zoom lenses… They also state however, that some events may prohibit photography equipment altogether.

I’ll be attending a Metallica concert in November and was wondering about the possibility of bringing along a 70-200 f2.8 IS with me. I should be fine bringing with a 50 f1.2 L due to its small size and non-zoom appearance, but the range won’t be enough. Knowing Metallica, I’ll be surprised if photography equipment will be allowed at all, let alone a zoom lens, but who knows… I may be up for a pleasant surprise… :)

Anyone ever encountered security check resistance bringing a ‘white’ or any other zoom lens into this particular arena? How thorough are the checks?

TIA :)

[johnstoy]

I don't expect MSG to be any more lenient than other regional venues... It's usually up to the band... So, expect the typical treatment for zoom lenses and dslr's... It might mean returning to your car and leaving the lens or DSLR camera in the car, in the parking lot.
And if you come by train, where will you leave the camera than?

Worse yet, video's are nearly always forbidden... Since your new DSLR can take videos, they might not let you bring it in...

And if you get past security, they might catch you with the equipment inside...Envious patrons are also potential problems... I had the band manager literally stand in front of me for several minutes trying to determine what my equipment was, and who I was...

A small prime lens might qualify, but big lenses usually don't, without personalized band approval.

[skifurthur]

MSG has serious security upon entering. As befitting one of the top venues in the city that saw 9/11, they screen very hard. You will not just get an L lens through the door without credentials.

Even for credentialed photographers, they go through your bag by taking out each item and even ask to turn on the camera to see if it's actually a camera.

Point and shoots seem to be ok, but leave the DSLR and L's at home.

[phantelope]

forget about it and enjoy the show! You wont' get any pix that are better than the pros that get to the stage for the first couple of songs and why on earth would you want to lug a heavy DSLR and lens around at that show? I didn't even bring my point and shoot when I saw them in Oakland recently, I was on the floor and the idea of a camera was far from me. Google will get you a million great shots of Metallica (or just about any other band) and you won't have to watch the show through a view finder.

And I seriously doubt they'll let you in with a DSLR without lens attached, let alone a big fat 70-200...

Bring some earplugs though, they do get LOUD!

Fantastic show too :-)