Slim, Discrete Bag for London/Olympics

[Jahled]

London like all big cities has thieves and pick pockets, but really isn't such a dangerous place if you apply common sense. I've lived here all my life.

Firstly, as has been said, I suspect as soon as you whip out your camera at any event, you will probably be told to put it away. I've had this in the crowd at football matches. Stewards are not nessarily camera wise and if it's anything larger than a point and shoot or a phone, might think you could be competition to official photographers.

Anyway, I would go for a discreet but well padded shoulder bag to be honest. London's going to be crowded, very crowded, especially central London and public transport, and whatever bag you are going to be carrying around, it's going to get knocked and bashed. Public transport is a nightmare any way. Most of us are wondering how on earth any of is going to cope with the added crowds.

TOP TIP: Google 'Oyster card' and get one, otherwise you will be shafted on the cost of public transport.

[SuzyView]

Moderator's Note: I deleted the rude comments above, let's move on.

I think if you are allowed to bring a camera in, ditch the grip and stay with something that is not an expensive white lens. If you are liking something very safe, consider the PacSafe website. Their products are highly recommended here.

[Owain Glyndwr]

Originally Posted by SuzyView

Moderator's Note: I deleted the rude comments above, let's move on.

I think if you are allowed to bring a camera in, ditch the grip and stay with something that is not an expensive white lens. If you are liking something very safe, consider the PacSafe website. Their products are highly recommended here.

pacsafe have a really good day-pack (knife-proof with pacsafe meshing, lockable, etc), which would be good for camera gear with the right inserts. It obviously won't accommodate massive amounts of pro gear and you won't have easy access like dedicated photo bags but you will get peace of mind and also a way to secure gear in your hotel room. quite pricey, though. $169 irc.

[mikeinctown]

A general rule ofthumb is to PRINT out the rules as stated on the official website. This way there can be no question when it comes to lens length or anything else. If you get hassled, you can pull out the official rules.

Second, with a lot of people around and bumping into you, a shoulder bag (man purse lol) would be a must, and I would most certainly have a hand over it at all times. In fact I may even have some type of compression strap on it as well so that if I do have to move a hand, it isn't easily accessed. I love my new backpack but wouldn't recommend it around large groups of people.

[hollis_f]

Originally Posted by mikeinctown

A general rule ofthumb is to PRINT out the rules as stated on the official website. This way there can be no question when it comes to lens length or anything else. If you get hassled, you can pull out the official rules.

The problem is that the printed rules only say that 'large photographic equipment' is not allowed. The '30cm rule' isn't actually in writing, except in AP's reporting of a discussion with a LOCOG rep.

[mikeinctown]

Originally Posted by hollis_f

The problem is that the printed rules only say that 'large photographic equipment' is not allowed. The '30cm rule' isn't actually in writing, except in AP's reporting of a discussion with a LOCOG rep.

Try page 2 here: http://www.london2012.com/mm/Documen...ts_Neutral.pdf

This list was linked to from the official london games website under "visitors, then "safety and security"... A link regarding prohibited items is contained in the text and the PDF opens.

[hollis_f]

Originally Posted by mikeinctown

Try page 2 here: http://www.london2012.com/mm/Documen...ts_Neutral.pdf

This list was linked to from the official london games website under "visitors, then "safety and security"... A link regarding prohibited items is contained in the text and the PDF opens.

Excellent. Many thanks. I shall, indeed, be bringing that with me. Along with a tape measure.

[Jahled]

Originally Posted by hollis_f

Along with a tape measure.

Hahaha!

[hollis_f]

Originally Posted by Jahled

Hahaha!

Well, some of the staff are probably used to thinking that this -

|---------------------------------------------------------|

is 6 inches.

[mikeinctown]

Originally Posted by hollis_f

Well, some of the staff are probably used to thinking that this -

|---------------------------------------------------------|

is 6 inches.

LMAO.. Different scale used in Asia and Japan...

[diverdown]

Thanks for the very helpful posts. I have ordered three bags and test them out next week when they arrive.

I also greatly appreciate the link, mikeinctown!

[Keyan]

Oh my, on that list "oversized hats" are restricted...somehow I am guessing that does not apply to HM QE II..

[Electric Shepherd]

From what I've read online, there will be an enforcement on bag size rather than kit per se. The recommendation on bag size is no greater than 30x20x20cm which should fit most kit including 70-200 and 100-400.

http://www.techradar.com/news/photog...plored-1078508

[hollis_f]

Originally Posted by Electric Shepherd

From what I've read online, there will be an enforcement on bag size rather than kit per se. The recommendation on bag size is no greater than 30x20x20cm which should fit most kit including 70-200 and 100-400.

http://www.techradar.com/news/photog...plored-1078508

The only place that 30x20x20cm bag size restriction is mentioned is in the book "Capture the Moment - A practical guide to taking photos at London 2012" and in a talk given by its owner. I've not seen it in any official publication. The 30cm kit size limit is in official documentation.

The T&Cs of the tickets say that you're allowed one bag and it has to fit under your seat.

[Electric Shepherd]

Thanks Frank, that's the only source I've seen it in, although isn't it an "official" publication?

Never thought to actually check the back of the ticket...