FYI: Blocked by security at Angels Stadium with 70-200 f/2.8L IS II

Just a note, I went to today's day game (12:35 PDT) at Angel Stadium in Anaheim with my 7D and 70-200 f/2.8L IS II. Security said the lens was "too big" and cited the 4" rule. I wasn't going to argue the point since I figured I'd try my luck to get it in and was well aware of the policy before hand.

I've been into Angel Stadium before with a 70-200 f/4L and 200 f/2.8L II on various occasions with no issues. Not sure if the 70-200 f/2.8L IS II is too beefy looking and attracts too much scrutiny.

I'm just posting this as a "Your Mileage May Vary" note for anyone thinking about bringing a long lens to Angel Stadium.

I actually prefer when teams specify a clear limit on their web site instead of something vague like "no large lenses".

http://losangeles.ange​ls.mlb.com/ana/ballpar​k/guide.jsp

"Cameras:
Still photography and hand-held video cameras for personal use are allowed in the ballpark. Per MLB restrictions game action cannot be recorded. Professional photography equipment, cameras with lenses larger than four inches and camera support pods are not permitted. Please be courteous to those around you when taking pictures. Please do not stand at the bottom of an aisle to take pictures."

Yes, the Angels' website has had those exact words on their site for the past several years, which is why I didn't argue with the guy at the gate.

But it seems like the rules enforcement varies with regards to lens length.

I might have gotten in today with a different security checkpoint. Who knows? If I still had my 200 f/2.8L, that probably would haven't attracted the eye of the security guard.

clarence wrote in post #10644134
Professional photography equipment, cameras with lenses larger than four inches and camera support pods are not permitted.

Is that measurement the DIAMETER of the lens? It does not specify what you they are actually measuring.

Gatorboy wrote in post #10645968
Is that measurement the DIAMETER of the lens? It does not specify what you they are actually measuring.

While the Angel's website doesn't say that it's 4" long, I have seen numerous sites say it's length.

How much larger is this lens than the 70-200 f/4?

NothingRemains10 wrote in post #10646534
How much larger is this lens than the 70-200 f/4?

The f/4 version is 6.8". However, keep in mind that even though the policy is in effect, it is up to the gate attendant to enforce the policy. What will slide with one will get stopped by another.

What do they mean by "Per MLB restrictions game action cannot be recorded?" If you can't take pictures of the game, is there any reason to take a camera in the first place?

Hey -- did a search for Angel in the forum and this thread turned up.

Have Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 which is a 3.6" long lens. I do believe, however, that it extends past 4" when zooming. I'm not trying to capture really any game action (though I might try to get a pano...) and would really enjoy getting some shots of my brother. Worse comes to worst and I just bring my thirty fifty. My only concern is "professional equipment" I'm sure there's at least one 7D in a pro's hands down on the field...

JWright wrote in post #10656586
What do they mean by "Per MLB restrictions game action cannot be recorded?" If you can't take pictures of the game, is there any reason to take a camera in the first place?

I am almost positive they mean video recording.

It's funny how they are all different. Walking outside Joe Louis Arena at last year's Stanley Cup Game 7, one of the security guards asked if my lens was over 70mm.

At PNC Park in Pittsburgh (I know, I know) the policy states as follows:
CAMERAS AND VIDEO RECORDERS

Guests are welcome to bring cameras and video recorders (not in hardsided cases) into the ballpark for personal use only. Commercial use of photos without the expressed consent of the Pirates is prohibited. Fans are requested to avoid standing in the aisles while using this equipment. Guests should not obstruct the views of others while taking pictures and refrain from using tri-pods and monopods. The Pirates reserve the right to remove any Guests that do not cooperate with this policy.

I'm going to test it in a couple of weeks.

Not sure why every stadium doesn't have the same policy... Yankee Stadium is pretty vague... "Single-frame flash photography is permitted. Tripods, extended length zoom lenses, other professional camera equipment, movie cameras and any other video or audio recording equipment are not permitted in Yankee Stadium."

What constitutes "extended length" and is a fixed length telephoto allowed... and what is "other professional camera equipment"... A Pro Body, a 580EX flash...

FYI, my 7D w/Sigma 17-50 without the hood slung over my shoulder didn't even get a second look on Friday.

Planning on going to Angels game next week. I really wanted to take my 200L IS, but I guess that's out of question... Dang, I only have the 135L as my second longest lens. Do you think I can capture decent pictures of a right fielder from right field box seats (maybe a little higher) with a 7D, 135L, and 1.4xII combo?

joonrhee wrote in post #12304611
Planning on going to Angels game next week. I really wanted to take my 200L IS, but I guess that's out of question... Dang, I only have the 135L as my second longest lens. Do you think I can capture decent pictures of a right fielder from right field box seats (maybe a little higher) with a 7D, 135L, and 1.4xII combo?

I believe I shot this from lower view (400s) first row (using a 200 f/2.8L II on a 40D):

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