How would you interpret this venue's camera policy?
World's Oldest Rodeo is starting tomorrow. I live pretty close to the fairgrounds, and I was thinking that it would be fun to get tickets to one of the events so I could work on my action shots a bit. But on the ticket sales page, they have pop-up windows that say "No recorders or cameras with detachable telephoto lenses allowed."
Would you assume that they are referring to All DSLR's when they say that? The event tickets are nonrefundable, so I don't want to buy them and then find out that I can't bring my camera in at all. I have a Nikon D90 and the 18-105mm kit lens along with a 70-300mm… Obviously the 70-300mm is out of the question, but are they likely to consider the kit lens a telephoto?
And if they do consider that telephoto… Do you think they'd let me use masking tape to secure my lens to the camera body so it's no longer detachable? *trollface*
Added (1). If I had a shorter zoom lens, or a bridge model, I wouldn't be asking this question. :$
Perfectly legible… NO DETACHABLE TELEPHOTO LENSES…
do nothing too long… You'll probably best to use something like a small zoom lens, like a 35-70mm… Or a bridge camera with 30x zoom…
Technically since they mention telephoto lenses, I would hope a smaller lens would be allowed. Couldn't hurt to call the venue to be sure. But in practice it will probably vary by the security personnel you meet. Some might allow the lens while others may take that to mean only point and shoots.
One tip I have: Play Dumb. I have managed to bring my smaller lenses to many venues that way. I've had security come up and tell me that "You can't use Professional (aka DSLRs) camera at this venue." I always respond with something to the effect of (and with an airhead type voice) "Oh I had no idea this was a professional camera? I got it as a present. Oh dear, I don't have any other camera on me. Pretty please can I take just a couple of photos?" If they think you have no clue what you are doing, they usually don't care.
The main reason for not allowing telephoto lenses is because the venue, band, or event has professional photographers on staff to take photos, and they hope to then sell theses photos in some regard or control the dissemination of what photos were taken at the event. (As in, they don't want a non-affiliated photographer to give their photos to news outlets their photos, post on blogs, etc.) So professional photographers can hinder these goals for them. But if you play yourself off as someone who is unlikely to take good photos, and more unlikely to sell the photos, security generally leaves you alone.
Yes, that is to mean DSLR's in general. Most rodeos do it because they have their own photographer down in the ring shooting and that's how they get paid-selling those photos.
I have found many ways around it and done it often at the rodeo-with my 70-200 f/2.8 lenses which are about twice the size of your 70-300 in girth and length. I have never been asked to put it away or leave or anything of the sort. In fact you wouldn't be the only one to sneak a camera in if you were to do it.
No, masking tape isn't going to do the trick. Check your email!
Sounds to me like you have one of two choices:
a - try the 18-105mm and risk being turned away
b - go without a camera and be sure to be let in
When in doubt, ask someone organizing the event.
Most tickets sold in My area Tampa Florida have that same warning, In most cases it is a general policy on their page. I have just showed up with my camera D90 and 70-300mm attached, my 18-105mm and a 35mm prim lens in my backpack. I have been turned away before, I walked back and gave my wife the pack and she went thru a different line no problem. I have been completely turned away before. If I really don't want to push my luck at a venue I call and ask if they have a media area I could attend for a few shots then put my gear up. It works, and sometimes I have to pay ticket price plus an up grade/service fee of $10.00.
Its so funny, you can't take a camera and take photos at over 100ft away but you can have a Iphone right next to the stage.