Using telephoto lenses in public

I am about to pick up my first great white telephoto lens. The EF 70-200 f2.8 IS II.

My main use of this lens will be street photography, and general travel photography, backed up by the 35L. But how "safe" is it to use this kind of lens in public? I have heard stories about people getting into trouble, and hassled by people and even the police when using telephoto lenses. How common is this? How many of you have experienced this behaviour?

I already know that many people are crazy paranoid and almost "afraid" of photographers, but how much worse does it get when sporting the great white lens?.. I kinda wish there was a black version.

You will be portrayed however you present yourself. Act like a creep and people will see you as one. Carry yourself as a legit photographer, people will see you as that too.

I use mine daily for both work and play. Enjoy the lens.

Well, if thats all there is to it then I will do my best to not act like a creep.

No sweat, when you use that big boy in public go naked. No one will even notice that you are taking photos.

If shooting scenery, etc, probably no issue.
If you wish to shoot people, best to ask permission first.

Greetings - It has been my experience that there are three kinds of persons in public as subjects. First, those who don't know their photo is being taken. Second, those who know their photo is being taken, and don't mind or seem to mind. Then there are those wo do not want their photo taken and will express it in one way or another. The first kind is no problem and can provide the best candids. The second kind is no problem except they may not be as candid as you want. The third kind is problematic. I for one respect their desire not to be photographed. However in public, under almost all circumstances, you have the right to photograph the unknowing, the knowing and those objecting. I usually ask and then as they go about their activities, you can get pretty good candids and even posed shots that are interesting. There are those here who feel that no permission is needed (and they are correct) and who upset those in the third group by not respecting their wishes. If the shot is worth bodily harm and/or the damage to equipment, go for it, because you will be in the right and they will be in the wrong. Photographing children can be quite sensitive. I never do that unless the circumstances would imply that there is no objection. If asked to delete a photo, I will, gladly. Others will absolutely not because it is their right. Only you can strike the balance that is best for you.
Cheers,
John

You will run into more people who have questions about photography then you will run into people who have a problem with you. You might even pick up some work. I have been offered photo gigs just from walking around with a 70-200 2.8.

The only times I can remember been kicked out of anywhere or shut down is when I was doing a real commercial (or commercial appearing) shoot in a place without permission. Just walking around with a big lens and camera? Rarely to never do I get kicked out.

rick_reno wrote in post #13282851
No sweat, when you use that big boy in public go naked. No one will even notice that you are taking photos.

On the contrary, because of the big white lens no-one will notice you are naked.

Seriously, people notice you and your gear much less than you fear, or much less than you hope, whichever it is.

There is the odd moron who will fling "pedophile", "paparazzi" or something along those lines at you if you walk along a beach carrying a long white tele ... they are thankfully quite rare, but they exist and I pity them for their sad view of life and other people. They can't know it's shore birds you're photographing, but it says a lot about them that they assume the worst.

Usually, when people look at you, it's simply because you're another person and not because you're carrying a camera. If you think about it, they would have looked at you anyway, it's what people do when other people are around.

john-in-japan wrote in post #13282891
Greetings - It has been my experience that there are three kinds of persons in public as subjects. First, those who don't know their photo is being taken. Second, those who know their photo is being taken, and don't mind or seem to mind. Then there are those wo do not want their photo taken and will express it in one way or another. The first kind is no problem and can provide the best candids. The second kind is no problem except they may not be as candid as you want. The third kind is problematic. I for one respect their desire not to be photographed. However in public, under almost all circumstances, you have the right to photograph the unknowing, the knowing and those objecting. I usually ask and then as they go about their activities, you can get pretty good candids and even posed shots that are interesting. There are those here who feel that no permission is needed (and they are correct) and who upset those in the third group by not respecting their wishes. If the shot is worth bodily harm and/or the damage to equipment, go for it, because you will be in the right and they will be in the wrong. Photographing children can be quite sensitive. I never do that unless the circumstances would imply that there is no objection. If asked to delete a photo, I will, gladly. Others will absolutely not because it is their right. Only you can strike the balance that is best for you.
Cheers,
John

Thanks for the well written and encouraging answer. I will keep this in mind when I am out and about.

Have you tried using your 135L with a 1.6x crop body?
It gives similar fov and dof as a 200mm f2.8 lens. I think for street photography a combo of 135L and 60D would be great because it is relatively light and compact and less eye-catching.

Ricku wrote in post #13283207
Thanks for the well written and encouraging answer. I will keep this in mind when I am out and about.

In worst case you can just remind them that they are constantly being watched and recorded by all the security cameras in stores, banks, etc

Anders Östberg wrote in post #13283177
There is the odd moron who will fling "pedophile", "paparazzi" or something along those lines at you if you walk along a beach carrying a long white tele ... they are thankfully quite rare, but they exist and I pity them for their sad view of life and other people. They can't know it's shore birds you're photographing, but it says a lot about them that they assume the worst.

Usually, when people look at you, it's simply because you're another person and not because you're carrying a camera. If you think about it, they would have looked at you anyway, it's what people do when other people are around.

So true.

About the morons screaming "pedophile", this bothers me alot. I really like to take candid photos of children because they are so cute and make great subjects, especially when they are not aware of the camera. But I almost never dare to take pictures of children, because I am afraid that their parents or someone else will spot me and instantly presume that I am a pedophile.

Ivann wrote in post #13283246
So true.

About the morons screaming "pedophile", this bothers me alot. ....

Oh, probably I am one of them
If someone try to photograph my child I probably will interfere. Walk into his line of sight, grim look, probably ask him what he is doing. I don´t like to be photographed from strangers, and I do not photograph strangers without their knowing. Probably on parades I will. But not streetphotography.

Highly dependent on where you are (city/country). Where I live it is very difficult to shoot and not be noticed. It is actually illegal here (Montreal) to shoot individuals in public without their consent and everybody seems to know it. Generally, if I ask, I do not get refused. I shoot very little "street" unless it is environmental.

Even when they know, you can still get some interesting shots.

Honestly, you will not run into problems most of them time. I always carry my photographer's rights sheet with me to protect myself. I obviously do not shoot children unless I ask their parents first. Generally if you say that their child is cute and would like to take a picture of their baby, they are ok with that if you do not conduct yourself as a creep.