Carrying camera in big city

[davideglasgow]

I'm about to embark on a two-day business trip in Chicago. I desperately want to take my Rebel XS and assorted lenses, but this will be the first time I've taken it to a big city to shoot.I guess common sense applies, but has anyone had any problems with others being "interested" in your things?I might catch a White Sox game, which isn't in the greatest part of town, but would offer some great shots. Any advice appreciated.

[alexniedra]

I haven't had problems in Toronto, even in some of the "shadier" areas. Just wear your neck strap, be aware of what's going on around you, and if you've got a 400 2.8 IS, leave it in the backpack until the White Sox game [:D].

[Vlad Xp]

I took my 40D last August to Chicago. I also brought a 17-85mm and a 70-200L IS. The first day I quickly realized that there is no way I'd be carrying the 70-200mm beast with me. It definitely stands out, and is just too heavy to carry around. I was also worried that I'd be standing out with my camera - period, but soon realized that everywhere I went, there would be about 5-10 other tourists with their cameras around me so I "blended in" without any problems. I definitely advise you to take the widest angle lens (for architecture shots), and extra memory cards with you. Pack lightly, and have fun.

[Bill M.]

I think D-SLR's have become such common place these days that you really shouldn't have any problems (unless your walking around with a 400 2.8 as alexandria said!) I've walked around Boston and have been to Fenway Park on numerous occasions with my 20D and 100-400 without any problems. Just be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Have fun--Chicago is a great city!

[Benjamin]

Never had any problem in Toronto either.


But you surely should pay attention on your equipment. I guess an XS with some assorted lenses won't rise too much attention. To be the safest, leave any white L lens at home as you may not even need them for a bisuness trip - their size and color make them very special. As said, DSLRs now are so common that they may not specially be targets anymore. make sure to hang your camera around your neck or hold it tight in hand, then you'll be ok.


I had experience shooting in some cities in China with my friends, apprently one of my friend has had his camera strap cut and being taken away quickly from the back when his camera was locked on his shoulder. At that moment he had a 70-200/2.8L IS on the camera...


My $0.02.

[davideglasgow]

My walkaround lens is a 50mm f/1.4, so it's pretty unassuming as far as lenses go, as it is so short. I am going toa Cubs game on Saturday, so I think I'll at least bring the white 70-200 f/4. Maybe I'll just keep it in the backpack until I get in the stadium.

[Stratification]

You might also consider getting additional "valuables" coverage from your home insurance if you have any. It ought to give some piece of mind in case the worst does happen to know you're covered for theft (or accidental damage even).

[Daniel Browning]

If you're concerned about being mugged, just rent the 400mm f/2.8. If anyone tries for it, you can knock them clean out with a 400mm "head shot". Be careful not to cut yourself though, the pictures are razor sharp.

[Rodger]

I am going toa Cubs game on Saturday, so I think I'll at least bring the white 70-200 f/4. Maybe I'll just keep it in the backpack until I get in the stadium.





Check the stadium website or call to see if you can take your 70-200 first. I know Mellon Arena (Pittsburgh Penguins) doesn't let any lens bigger than three inches in. I don't know about the Cub's stadium though.

[davideglasgow]

I am going toa Cubs game on Saturday, so I think I'll at least bring the white 70-200 f/4. Maybe I'll just keep it in the backpack until I get in the stadium.





Check the stadium website or call to see if you can take your 70-200 first. I know Mellon Arena (Pittsburgh Penguins) doesn't let any lens bigger than three inches in. I don't know about the Cub's stadium though.
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From their website:


Cameras/Video Equipment: Visitors are welcome to bring video and still cameras into the ballpark; however, tripods are not allowed in the seating areas. Recordings may be used for personal viewing only. Any other use, distribution or commercial use is prohibited. Fans may not distribute any copyrighted game information without permission of the Chicago Cubs.

[davideglasgow]

Huh, I just called Wrigley Field and the lady made me describe my camera. I told her it was a Canon Digital Rebel XS with a "semi-long zoom lens," and she said no. I asked her if it had to be a "short lens," to which she said "yes." I guess I'll have to leave the 70-200 at home. I wonder if I can even bring the 18-55 kit lens in.

[davideglasgow]

Man, now I read all over the internet where people have gotten into Wrigley with 40ds and such, along with several lenses. I have to go to a meeting for the rest of the day. Would someone with spare time be willing to call the lady at Wrigley Field and clarify exactly what is allowable? I screwed up by not doing it on my first call. Number is: 773-404-2827. Don't choose any options from the menu, and a lady will eventually answer. Any help would be appreciated.

[Bill M.]

I really wouldn't sweat bringing in the 70-200 f4, especially if you have it ina backpack or toploading holster, security will most likely ask you to open up the backpack, see the camera, which really isn't big, and that will be the end of it. Like I said before, I've brought my 20D w/batt grip in a toploader with the 24-105 attached andwith the 100-400 in an attached side case and never had a problem. You see people all the time on TV at the games with all sorts of cameras and fairly large lenses (again, if you are bringing the 400 2.8 or 500 f4, then all bets are off unless you plan on breaking out a press pass [:)]) It seems baseball has a much more liberal policy compared to the indoor arenas for basketball and hockey...

[Keith B]

Man, now I read all over the internet where people have gotten into Wrigley with 40ds and such, along with several lenses. I have to go to a meeting for the rest of the day. Would someone with spare time be willing to call the lady at Wrigley Field and clarify exactly what is allowable? I screwed up by not doing it on my first call. Number is: 773-404-2827. Don't choose any options from the menu, and a lady will eventually answer. Any help would be appreciated.







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Every time I ask someone at a venue they almost always tell me no cameras and at the very least no cameras with detachable lenses. But you always see them in there.
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[wusstigphoto]

Not Wrigley Field in this example but it may just be a MLB rule. My wife just got back from a Diamondbacks home game and took the 30D w/70-200 2.8 lens and a Sony Handy Cam. When they searched the smallish backpack, the only issue they mentioned was thatshe couldn't video tape the gamecause of the MLB copyright rules... she told them she wasn't and it was all for our daughter being honored with her HS softball teambefore the start of the game which won the AZ 5A-I State Championship recently. They said no problem and let her through.


Just an idea if they give you grief.

[Daniel Browning]

I really wouldn't sweat bringing in the 70-200 f4, especially if you have it ina backpack or toploading holster, security will most likely ask you to open up the backpack, see the camera, which really isn't big, and that will be the end of it.


You wouldn't believe the stuff you can fit into a diaper bag. Gotta go with a baby, though. Get enough dirty diapers in there and security wont dare open it. (The lens rental place might ask you about the smell on the 400mm f/2.8, though...) ;)

[Rodger]

In myexperience, the people on the phones are alot more strict thanthe people at the gates.


Haha the diaper bag idea made me laugh.

[abyssal20]

I'm about to embark on a two-day business trip in Chicago. I desperately want to take my Rebel XS and assorted lenses, but this will be the first time I've taken it to a big city to shoot.I guess common sense applies, but has anyone had any problems with others being "interested" in your things?I might catch a White Sox game, which isn't in the greatest part of town, but would offer some great shots. Any advice appreciated.
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If your in downtown Chicago you shouldn't be worried. Every city has it bad parts and seems to be in the outskirts of every city I've been in. "Downtown" of most major cities are well lit, clean, and lots of people (Philidelphia and Detroit excluded). If your on assignment at an event, you are always in company. Now, if you were to go exploring on your own, you should have a pretty good indication from your surroundings if it's a questionable place. If you have any of the pro bodies, don't be afraid to use it as a weapon if need be. For that matter, use anything as a weapon if you have to. I personally smacked a guy in the head with my 1N while shooting the Detroit Grand Prix. I made the STUPID mistake of packing up all my gear as fast as I could and took a back street so I could cut across to a better vantage point. I didn't bag anything and had three kits around my neck and two bags. I should have just put a big "FREE MONEY" sign on my back. I was approached by two guys only 50ft from a couple cops who didn't see anything until they heard the ruccus. They grabbed, I swung, got one guy in the ear with my 300 2.8, and got the other guy with the bottom of my 1N. The second guy went right to the ground, the guys took off running with the cops in persuit, and I headed strait for my next location. In retrospect, I should have kept the shutters going the whole time. It would have made a great journalistic entry. So be aware of your surroundings. Know your abilities cause you probably won't be able to talk yourself out of being mugged. If your a wimp, take someone with you. If your adventurous, you have tools to protect you. But if your smart AND any of the above, USE YOUR BRAIN. BTW, I've shot in virtually every major city in North America and Detroit was the ONLY place I had any problem. And for #%$ sake, don't freakin worry about getting mugged everywhere you go or you will NEVER be able to relax and concentrate on why your there in the first place.

[Don Burkett]

I've been all over Chicago day and night with my gear and no problems.


Now, having said that, I'm usually with other people, and carry the gear in a discreet back pack. When I've been alone downtown at night to shoot it's been around 4:00 - 4:30AM not many worries at that time. Although, it's interesting how many cops you can attract at that time of the day.

[davideglasgow]

Well, one of my co-workers is a former Cubs employee. She made a few calls for me and even got me an email from a guy in statdium ops saying it's no problem. I'm taking a big risk because I won't have anywhere to stash the lens should they not let it in, but no risk, no reward, right?


Besides that, it resides in the top compartment of my backpack, and I'm sure they will be satisfied if I open the main bottom compartment where the camera is kept. [:D]

[Stratification]

You should try to bring a print out of that e-mail, just in case. It might tip the scales if someone is on the fence about it.

[davideglasgow]

For what it's worth, I was able to get into Wrigley Field with my 70-200. It was no problem at all. Got some decent shots, even from the upper deck:


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[davideglasgow]

Ouch...looks like the right side where Soriano was hitting the ball is cut off. My image is too big, apparently?

[Rodger]

It looks like the 70-200 worked great for you. I'm not a sports shooter by any means, but it looks like you timed the shots well. Glad you got in with no problems :)


If you upload your pictures to flikr or anywhere really. (flikr, picassa, photobucket, etc) there should be an option to grab the html code for it in a size that works on this forum. I think you can even upload photos here to your page and link them that way.