3" limit at NFL games

I am really frustrated. I have been looking for the requirements for the new meadowlands stadium and it seems that they have a 3" limit on the length of the lens. Oh, they also say no professional camaras. At the Jet game monday night I left my camara in the car since it was a long walk back if I didn't get in and saturday night at the Giants game, I didn't even bother. At the Jet game, lots of people with slr's and long lenses including some with "L" lenses. At the Giants game same thing. I asked one of the guest services persons who told me only small camaras (pocket ones) yet another told me slr's but no long lenses. Everyone seems to give you a different answer. A guy sitting near me took hs 40d and the 18-135 lens in and they tried to give him a problem so he just walked to another gate without any problem. Very frustrating since nothing seems to be written down and they only give you info via recorded phone information. I complained to the main guest services desk and filed a "customer concern" specifically asking them in writing for their policy. Hopefully, I will get something in writing so when I show up at games, nobody gives me any crap. The down side is that I don't have a lot of canon options for under 3" except for the 85mm f1.8. Anyone have any suggestions?

They might be more lenient now because it is just preseason games.

There are a few similar threads regarding this. There are restrictions, usually stated on the websites, but this isn't communicated to the security at the gates well, so allot of people get away with bringing in long lenses. Though I would still highly doubt really big lenses would get by, like a Canon 400/2.8 or larger or even the Sigma 200-500. Plus I would think some could sneak lenses in baby bags and such.

I think they just dont want any old yahoo coming in with a 1dm3 and a 300 f2.8 and sit in the stands with it. I can't see an ungripped, 7d or xti being an issue. What is your main goal for pictures at the game? How far away are you sitting? Are you trying to take action shots, like a pro? Do you have season tickets or just a one time thing? Is it worth it for you to buy another lens specific for the purpose of sports/action shots?

If I were wanting to get a long lens into the game, and had the funds for this specific purpose, it would be to get a 200mm f2.8 and a 2x converter. That is about all you would need for your 1.6 crop bodies.

Yep, same thing happened to us at the circus a while back. I did what you did and didn't bring mine in. I get in, sure enough, DSLRs with long lenses throughout the crowd. I also agree that they were probably more laid back because it's preseason. During the regular season, most of them would have been walking back to the car. They will have more security at regular season games.

Get one of the cheep mirror lenses. You can get a 500mm that is a bit over 3 inches. They are fixed at f8. that may be a problem. And the IQ is not that great. But the reach of a 500 for the fun of taking pictures from the seats is worth the trade of.

I was there and the light on the field for night games is unbelievable

about iso 400 @ 1/1000 go from there

one option is the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS - it's 4 inches long, but without the lens hood you may be able to get in without issues.

another is the Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 - it's 3.5 without the hood so you may be OK with this one too.

I just check a Sigma

Sigma Zoom Super Wide Angle 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Aspherical (IF) Lens for Canon Digital EOS - it's 3.1 without hood

These new restrictions are rediculous. So... vote with your wallet. Stop buying their tickets and let them know why.

How about 200L F2.8 with a converter on????

The NFL is very posessive of their brand and they exercise tight control. I find MLB to be the most open in general, thought some teams are also very restrictive. My local Tigers will let you in to the park with whatever you can carry.

Here is a reasonable question though.....why bother? I take my Panny GF-1 to games so that I can take pictures of my family and friends in the stands. If I want a really great picture of Justin Verlander I can buy one.

If you really enjoy shooting football or baseball then try shooting local high school or college teams. You are much more likely to get access to the best shooting locations. And you don't have to try to sit in your seat with a 600/4 perched between your knees.

TooManyShots wrote in post #10766297
How about 200L F2.8 with a converter on????

The 200mm f2.8 was the stadium lens of choice a few years ago when most stadiums had a 6" limit. Put the converter in your pocket and you were good to go.

The consumer grade zooms I posted above are probably the best choices now.

JeffreyG wrote in post #10766298
The NFL is very posessive of their brand and they exercise tight control. I find MLB to be the most open in general, thought some teams are also very restrictive. My local Tigers will let you in to the park with whatever you can carry.

Here is a reasonable question though.....why bother? I take my Panny GF-1 to games so that I can take pictures of my family and friends in the stands. If I want a really great picture of Justin Verlander I can buy one.

If you really enjoy shooting football or baseball then try shooting local high school or college teams. You are much more likely to get access to the best shooting locations. And you don't have to try to sit in your seat with a 600/4 perched between your knees.

I agree with the MLB being a lot more open. Safeco field has a 200mm limit on the lens, and no rule about the camera body. 200mm is too short to do any good, but a 2x converter takes care of that.

Palladium wrote in post #10766307
The 200mm f2.8 was the stadium lens of choice a few years ago when most stadiums had a 6" limit. Put the converter in your pocket and you were good to go.

The consumer grade zooms I posted above are probably the best choices now.

Or 135L with 2x converter???

bakatari wrote in post #10766212
I think they just dont want any old yahoo coming in with a 1dm3 and a 300 f2.8 and sit in the stands with it. I can't see an ungripped, 7d or xti being an issue. What is your main goal for pictures at the game? How far away are you sitting? Are you trying to take action shots, like a pro? Do you have season tickets or just a one time thing? Is it worth it for you to buy another lens specific for the purpose of sports/action shots?

If I were wanting to get a long lens into the game, and had the funds for this specific purpose, it would be to get a 200mm f2.8 and a 2x converter. That is about all you would need for your 1.6 crop bodies.

Its a brand new stadium and I wanted to get some pictures to remember the occasion. I was at the pro bowl a few months ago and had no problem at all taking in my 7d with a 55-250mm kit lens from my Xti and it worked well with the night lighting. I only have season tickets for the Jets and I sit in the 17th row so I am very close to the field. Aside from opening day in a few weeks, I don't have any need or desire to bring a dslr to the games, my little pocket one will do when taking picture of people I bring to the game.

This is why I still have a manual focus Canon 500mm f8 reflex (mirror) in my collection. Compact size with long reach. Take the body with my 50mm attached, and have someone else carry the 500mm with my "telescope" adapter attached. Looks like a small scope, and no one questions. Once in, attach the 500. Sneaky, but it works.