How following directions is not always a good thing.

[tinton14]

So I went to the NBA PreSeason game this Friday at Syracuse. Having read through different forums and blogs relating to taking photographs in these places, I decided to call and find out whether I would be allowed to take my dslr and whether there was a limit in the lens and all that. The lady at the management office told me that my lens had to be shorter than 3inches. A bit disappointed but not wanting to miss the chance to try and shoot a few pics, I only took my shortest lens available, the 50mm 1.8. While I love this lens, it was not enough to get close for the shots. And being there, I see people around me with much longer zooms that entered without problems. Following the directions lead to me miss an opportunity. A bit disappointed, but still had fun at the game. (rant over)

Anyone had similar experiences?

[nickbedford]

Were they not hired photographers?

I imagine a 70-200mm beast wouldn't be too easy to hide when walking through the gate.

[tinton14]

There were a few hired photographers in the court, but I'm talking about the audience viewing the game. Apparently the staff letting people in didn't seem to know about this other than the management lady at the office.

[ZannieGirl49]

That's too bad. You never know whether it was the woman who you spoke to or the stadium staff who was unclear on the rules. Either way, some consistency would be nice.

The only time I've taken my camera to a pro sports game it was at AT&T Park to watch the Giants (game 2 of the NLCS in a little over an hour!!!). Luckily it was pretty clear on the website that anything goes as long as you're not obstructing the view of other fans.

So, are you going to go big next time around?

[tinton14]

That is too bad, the staff had to check the rules before she answered my questions, so I wouldn't know if it was her or the stadium staff who were unclear on the rules.

I'm limited in gear, only 3 lenses, but I would've taken my 18-200 and 100mm along. I thought it was a great time to try out indoor sports for a learning experience.

[jdgonzalez]

Sometimes I just ask dumb and say 'Oh... I didn't know about that'. You'd be surprised at how often that works.

[MrJones]

don't feel sorry..at least you got to see the game. better than watching through the viewfinder

[dakwegmo]

Most of the arenas in Atlanta have posted rules, but I've never been questioned. My guess is they only use the 3 inch rule to keep people from bringing in really big glass and trying to do professional sports photography from the stands.

[tinton14]

I did still tried to take a few shots, although I had a very hard time getting the focus on the players. I thought about playing dumb, but decided against it since I didn't want to be kept out of the game for taking in gear I shouldn't be taking in.

[Jim Bryant]

Most security folks have been told (especially here in Seattle) to look for the "White lenses".