Changing to the dark side

The only reason I shoot Canon is the MP-E 65.

I thought a spy would use a small camera to not attract attentions. LOL

Clemson656 wrote in post #13515630
I thought a spy would use a small camera to not attract attentions. LOL

To the uneducated eye - it may as well have been a bazooka. I'm surprised he didn't get accused of witchcraft for stealing peoples souls and trapping them in his camera.

Clemson656 wrote in post #13515630
I thought a spy would use a small camera to not attract attentions. LOL

There are always at least two trains of thoughts on this:
1) A spy would use a camera that is either small, inconspicuous, or disguised as something else. Thanks Hollywood.
2) If it is physically bigger than what most people use for a camera or lens, then it's gotta be being used for something devious or illegal or otherwise immoral. So, if it ain't spying, then it's for surveillance, or for perverted purposes. Even a 17-5x zoom with a physically big piece of glass ( 77mm) is larger than normal- so the expectation is that it is a BIG zoom, when in reality it is not.

The odd thing is, that the truth of the matter is that if you were a spy, or doing something illegal, immoral or perverted, you'd be more likely to use something less conspicuous like a P&S, camera phone, or a disguised camera than a physically large camera with a big honking white lens attached to it. But most of those that actually perform the act of protecting the borders in one way or another- tend to hold to the 2nd belief... So, a big camera with a big lens has to mean Professional, Reporter, Paparazzi, or spy- all of which to them raises a big RED flag in certain countries and areas. To a number of people out there, putting out thousands towards a hobby like photography makes absolutely no sense when a $200 P&S does as good. An expensive camera and a large lens- well that means professional, or a negative connotation if you aren't.. And yet, these same people spend thousands upon recreational items such as Jetskis, boats, snowmobiles, RV's, and other such toys.. Go figure.

BarrySpug wrote in post #13528340
To the uneducated eye - it may as well have been a bazooka. I'm surprised he didn't get accused of witchcraft for stealing peoples souls and trapping them in his camera.

This is the middle east we are talking about, right.. They are probably quite familiar with bazookas, RPG's, anti-tank weapons, AK-74's etc.. And probably familiar with the American counterparts..

Yeah it is a strange one. I tried arguing that spies would use a small camera, or at least not bring it in through the airport where you know you are going to get searched. Unfortunately common sense doesn't work against paranoia. It took a lot of arguing to get me out of gaol and then even more to get my gear back. DR Congo was just as bad so I had to ship all my stuff home to my parents.

The funny thing with the Africans is that they still do believe in witchcraft. As an example a colleague of mine had a bag stolen off the back of his truck, which had all his money and passport in it (why he left it on the back of a truck is another matter). So he got the local witchdoctor to put a curse on the bag and its contents and then spread the word. It was returned the next day complete. So you do have to be careful.

The middle east is a little better, but they are still very wary of westerners. I honestly just don't need the hassle any more, and it is only a hobby. So if you keep an eye on the FS forums you will see my stuff appearing in mid Jan sometime I think. Nikon here I come.

I think you should go for it...if it helps to stay away from the prison, why not?

Interesting story Dogs.
I live in Papua and with the recent "Free West Papua" movements, tensions have risen quite high.
2 weeks ago a helicopter full of special forces guys buzzed our school, and I went ahead to snap some cool photos until I was told that I should be more careful.

As some have pointed out before, I don't think it's a problem with Canon or Nikon or Sigma, but it's a matter of looking like your typical, innocent tourist.

I love going to the airport to shoot planes. Yes, airports have security, but I always try to look bright, for example by waving at them, waving at the military pilots. They'd usually wave back at me, and luckily I haven't run into any problems yet (except when I was approached by security in Incheon, but they were kind, and I obeyed). Of course, I don't live in Africa, and although I know about the tension there I don't actually have any experience.

Sorry about your hairy "adventures" and better luck next time.

(And I agree that the security guys should be more knowledgeable of not only photography equipment, but people's stuff in general.)