Which lenses are allowed at sports events?

Years ago, I worked for Pro Football Weekly, so most of the football I've done was from the sidelines with a field pass. I haven't shot any games from the stands for many years, so I'm not familiar with the rules these days as to how big a lens you can bring in without being told its not permitted. I'm sure the rules vary to a degree at different stadiums, but in general I was wondering if someone can tell me...

how long (or large) of a lens is generally permitted without hassle?

Is there more tolerance at the gate when you have a black lens as opposed to a white one?

I ask these questions for the following events.... Pro Football, College Football, Pro Baseball and Hockey. thanks!

Each venue is likely to be different. Some allow no cameras with interchangeable lenses. Some have a maximum physical length limitation for lenses. It's the venue and at times, I suppose, the sanctioning agency for the game that makes the difference rather than the game type.

Since I don't attend any sports events which charge admission, I have no personal experience. However, there are LOTS of threads here that discuss the issue.

get a 200mm 2.8 and leave the hood at home. you can also put the 1.4 extender in your pocket

I know the Jacksonville Jaguars has 6 inch rule. Nothing over 6 inches. I usually take a small ruler with me just in case they question me. Plus a dollar bill measures about 6 inches. A lot depends on the person at the gate and how close they look. Most times I sneak my Canon 100-300 in the bottom of my case. One time a guy wasn't going to let me in because he was sure my the lens on my camera was to big. It was a Sigma 24-70 2.8 with the hood. It measured right at 6 inches without the hood. They ended up letting me in. Luckily they didn't look at the 100-300 in the bottom of the case.

nightcat wrote in post #8421864
Years ago, I worked for Pro Football Weekly, so most of the football I've done was from the sidelines with a field pass. I haven't shot any games from the stands for many years, so I'm not familiar with the rules these days as to how big a lens you can bring in without being told its not permitted. I'm sure the rules vary to a degree at different stadiums, but in general I was wondering if someone can tell me...

how long (or large) of a lens is generally permitted without hassle?

Is there more tolerance at the gate when you have a black lens as opposed to a white one?

I ask these questions for the following events.... Pro Football, College Football, Pro Baseball and Hockey. thanks!

It is completely specific to the venue. You have to visit their websites and look for their rules.

As an example, most NBA arenas have silly rules limiting cameras to 6" lenses or 'no detachable lenses'. On the other hand, most MLB parks allow whatever you care to lug in so long as it isn't blocking anyone's view.

Yes, it varies widely. We go to Twins games (Minneapolis) and they will not allow cameras with removable lenses (read professional, as that is how they read). We go to a Giants games (San Francisco) and they allow in my whole kit.

rklepper wrote in post #8422067
Yes, it varies widely. We go to Twins games (Minneapolis) and they will not allow cameras with removable lenses (read professional, as that is how they read).

I've walked in with my 70-200 and 17-55, both mounted to bodies, not trying to "hide" anything.