Has anyone had any problems bring a camera into a Baseball game?

My Dad has tickets for a mets game this Sunday, for mothers day. Mom's a mets fan.

Anyway they invited me to join them. I want to bring my 30d and 70-200 f/4 (a little slow for action I know) with no bag.

Has anyone had any problems getting into a stadium with an slr? MLB's site says you have have a film or digital camera. Hate to trek from Jersey only to home.

I went to a Buffalo Bills game and they state on there website no lens longer than 6". And they did ask to look in my bag, and at that time i did not have my 70-200... So it was a non-issue, and so went my pics

Good luck, i would study there website, and maybe even call there customer service.

Enjoy
Ken

Here is what the mets site says:
Camera/Video Equipment
Small film or digital still cameras are permitted in Shea Stadium. However, fans taking pictures will not be permitted to interfere with other fans' enjoyment of the game. Video cameras are not permitted in Shea Stadium at this time, due to security considerations.


I took my camera with 2 lenses to a Brewer game and had no problem at all. I had them all in a small bag.

I went to a Mets game at Shea back in September when they completely lost their 6 1/2 game win advantage. I'm pretty sure "professional" grade equipment isn't allowed, but if you can get past the bag check, you should obviously be fine. My suggestion would be to bring your camera and lens, unmounted, in a regular backpack or shoulder bag or something, nothing that looks like a camera bag. Most people don't understand the idea that you can remove a lens on an SLR, so if they're seen separately, he might not think much of it. I did that and also arrived at the game during the peak crowd so the checks did seem a bit rushed. You should be fine though as long as you don't try and stick out like a jerk.

By the way, I wouldn't worry about the 70-200 4.0 being too slow. It's more likely to be a bit short, even on a 30D, dependent upon where you're sitting. Just be ready to crop A LOT unless you have really stellar seats.

Cool! Thanks!

I think we are in mezzanine section. Since the weather is going to be cool and rainy I was going put the lens and body in to my coat pocket! Tried that out last night and it worked. I could even fit the 300mm f/4L! hahah.

Just was not too sure how picky the security folks are. This suck how much security there is for a baseball game...I mean I don't feel any safer that women can have bags but men can't. Or taking my shoes off at the airport...I would love real security not an illusion.

Sorry on a tangent again.

Mike

mleone wrote in post #5478605
I think we are in mezzanine section. Since the weather is going to be cool and rainy I was going put the lens and body in to my coat pocket! Tried that out last night and it worked. I could even fit the 300mm f/4L! hahah.

That could run less or more risk, really dependents. If you're caught with it in your jacket cause it's sticking out, then they might get suspicious as to why you're holding a lens in your jacket. If you put it in a bag, it's definitely going to be looked at, but you're then relying on that they might blow right by it, which is fairly likely in my opinion.

To be honest, I think you should bring it. Before I went to a Nets game in the Meadowlands (now IZOD Center or whatever), I posted on the forum seeking advice as to whether or not I should bring my gear and any precautions I should take. Of course every single person discouraged me in fear that I would be sent back to my car, even though I had VIP parking which was literally across the street from the stadium. Being the stubborn jerk that I am, I didn't listen to them and brought all my crap. Thank god I did so as everything went smoothly and I came home with some satisfactory pictures.

You definitely don't want to go there wondering why you didn't bring your camera. You might be okay with walking back to your car.

email them, and ask... they'll probably reply that it's all good... print off that reply, and bring it with you... I've done this for all pro events I've been to, and had to use it once to let me through!

Calzinger wrote in post #5478756
You definitely don't want to go there wondering why you didn't bring your camera. You might be okay with walking back to your car.

For me there is no going back. I normally take the bus then take the train. Driving out the Queens is not my idea of a Sunday drive (and not on game day). I really should to stick the thing in mom's purse. Or hold it in my pocket and put it together before I get to the check point.

Ether way I emailed the fine folks and asked if 1) I could get in with a 6in lens and camera body and 2) if a small bag would be cool. And could I have both

I know the site says 16"16"x8" bags are ok but if I had to bet they are like TSA and change rules when they feel like it.

Ideally I would love to take my domke f-2 with the 70-200 and 300mm just in case. But I think thats out the question.

Oh one last thing to change subject for a moment.

I have never shot a sporting event. How should I go about it? f/4 at 1/500 @ 200mm? ISO 200 or 400.

I'm lame I know...please help

I would leave it at home enjoy the game so you dont have to worry about everyone bumping your lens and the extra weight. Unless you have front row seats.your gona have to shoot the whole game to get 10 good pics from up high. If you do take it you will need about 1/400 to stop the action.

I've never been to Shea, but I've taken my gear in the Comerica Park numerous times with no problem. If it's a day game, I'd just put it in Av at f/4, and adjust your ISO until you get at or above a 1/400 shutter. That should not be a problem durning the day. If it's a night game, once the lights go on it's a differnt story. You can get some funky meter readings since the field is lit, and the stands are not. I just use manual, set Tv to 1/400, ISO to 1600 and adjust the Av utill I get a combo that works. For sure, bring your gear if you can.

mleone wrote in post #5479625
Oh one last thing to change subject for a moment.

I have never shot a sporting event. How should I go about it? f/4 at 1/500 @ 200mm? ISO 200 or 400.

I'm lame I know...please help

When I shot at Shea with my 40D and 70-200 2.8L, I plugged in Av, f/2.8, ISO 200. Cloud cover was very intermittent but the meter was able to handle it. Like has been said already, if it's a night game, you'll likely want to go into M and pick appropriate settings to correctly expose with 1/640" as the minimum shutter speed. I wouldn't think lighting conditions would change in a night game so that should be fine.

I'd just fear that 200mm won't be enough if you aren't that close. I was really struggling where I was from, but given the high magnification quality of these cameras and lenses, I was able to make some really ridiculous crops, some near 100% for web.

Best of luck, I couldn't even get my old Pentax film SLR into a basketball game because "it has a removable lens". What a load of crap.

Calzinger wrote in post #5480023
When I shot at Shea with my 40D and 70-200 2.8L, I plugged in Av, f/2.8, ISO 200. Cloud cover was very intermittent but the meter was able to handle it. Like has been said already, if it's a night game, you'll likely want to go into M and pick appropriate settings to correctly expose with 1/640" as the minimum shutter speed. I wouldn't think lighting conditions would change in a night game so that should be fine.

I'd just fear that 200mm won't be enough if you aren't that close. I was really struggling where I was from, but given the high magnification quality of these cameras and lenses, I was able to make some really ridiculous crops, some near 100% for web.

I would truly love my take my 300mm but I think thats a going be a no at the gate. But this really for fun and if get on one good shot I will be happy.
I'm going to a day game 1pm so I think ISO 400 f/4 @ 1/400 will be good.

Did you have any problems getting in or just had it hand around your neck? Cause I would love to keep the rig in a small bag just for the train. Keep eyes off the goodies as much as posable.

-Mike

DDWD10 wrote in post #5480088
Best of luck, I couldn't even get my old Pentax film SLR into a basketball game because "it has a removable lens". What a load of crap.

I hear basketball and football security treats you like crap when you have a cam. I think its an over reaction, and sucks for honest folks