200mm 1.8 L is the better press acreditation but EOS M isn't

[axtstern]

I went to some of the Hockey games of the world cup currently held at The Hague.
Only one guy walking around there with the long whites, all Nikon black...

I'm not a pro photographer and my knowledge about hockey is that it is usually played by humans in skirts carrying a stick in front of them.... So I went there as a spectator for the fun and for pictures of my family enjoying the game... still I got 2 times routed to the press area based on having the 200mm 1.8L mounted.

By the way that happened years ago already at a Bundesliga soccer match to me. (Got kicked out of the paparazzi area when I asked one of the pros which number Klinsmann was wearing)

This time I could not help myself but replacing the 60D I had at the 200mm with a red EOS M (lead to the same result as my Klinsmann question)

Anybody got similar 'upgrades' because of white lenses ?

 

[Mr_Canuck]

No, but you've inspired me. I'll be at a pro tennis tourney in August in Toronto. Definitely will try.

 

[kaihp]

Anybody got similar 'upgrades' because of white lenses ?

Yup. 300/2.8L mounted to 5D3

 

[stensth]

I was not allowed inside the gates in Tampa during a Monster truck show with my 200-400 and 1dx because of the size. It was to big.
I could not argue with the guards, nor the man in charge of the press. They told me it was sad, that I came all the way from Sweden and not where able to get inside with that setup.

 

[Zv]

I was not allowed inside the gates in Tampa during a Monster truck show with my 200-400 and 1dx because of the size. It was to big.
I could not argue with the guards, nor the man in charge of the press. They told me it was sad, that I came all the way from Sweden and not where able to get inside with that setup.

What was their reason? You're gear was better than theirs? Seems unfair!

 

[canon1dxman]

Never been upgraded but i have been rejected a few times.
At Lords with a (then) new 1D3 and 100-400. Told that it was a pro camera, refused access, despite there being no regulation to prove it so I walked around the ground and went in another entrance!
Pulled from the crowd at The Oval with the same set up. Head steward eventually allowed me to continue but I complained after the event, got an apology and assurance that it wouldn't happen again.
Funniest scenario was in St Lucia at the Cricket T20 Word Cup in 2010. Again, pulled from the crowd as I had a pro video camera (Sony Z7) and a 7D with great white. Host broadcaster had complained (in a friendly way) to the ICC organisers that I was using similar kit to their guys so I was quizzed by their Media Manager AND a lawyer! Eventually allowed to continue.

 

[stensth]

What was their reason? You're gear was better than theirs? Seems unfair!
[/quote]

It was to big! Somewhere there was a rule, stated: No longer then 12"

 

[Antono Refa]

I live in Israel, and when security guards see I have photo equipment in my bag, I usually get a "you're forbidden from taking photos inside the building" response.

Happened to me everywhere - hospitals, bus & train terminals, shopping malls, book shops, etc.

 

[bdunbar79]

In all of the major sporting events I have been to, this would not be possible. Either you have a media credential with your name and organization or you don't. If you don't, you don't get to go to the media area. Pretty simple and this thread sounds like a bunch of BS.

 

[mackguyver]

I was not allowed inside the gates in Tampa during a Monster truck show with my 200-400 and 1dx because of the size. It was to big.
I could not argue with the guards, nor the man in charge of the press. They told me it was sad, that I came all the way from Sweden and not where able to get inside with that setup.

The U.S. is not the most friendly place in terms of bringing pro equipment into venues. Most "performers" want control over their photos (Google "Beyonce Super Bowl photo" for an example of why) and/or their managers want to make money off of the photos. I have tried and failed many times, but in some cases, I was able to sneak a body with a 50 f/1.4 in with a 135 f/2 in my pocket Also, many times that I have failed, I have seen tons of others with DSLRs, so I know it was just my bad luck to get a Nazi ticket taker.

I always call in advance, but as I said, it really depends on the person taking tickets. If you don't have a printed policy from the specific event you're going to, it's pure luck. Even then, I've gotten into shows and have been hassled by security once inside. I think a EOS SL1 and the 135L (w/o hood) is probably the way to go...

So to answer the OP, here in the US, having pro gear is a big downgrade.

 

[eos650]

Last fall I tried to enter a state football play-off with my equipment. I had all of the required press credentials and field pass (with my name on them), which I showed at the gate. They then asked to look inside of my case. Upon opening it, I was told my equipment wasn't allowed inside.

I asked for a supervisor. At which time another person was called over, who looked at my credentials and equipment. The supervisor chuckled, apologized and let me in.

It goes to show that the people at the gates often have no clue what that are doing.

 

[Hillsilly]

In all of the major sporting events I have been to, this would not be possible.

Hockey people are very easy going. And while the World Cup is big, it's not THAT big of an event. I'd give it a highly possible.

BTW, how did you find it? Looked pretty good on TV (but did not spot any 7Dmkii's in the crowd....). Australia are playing Netherlands again in Soccer tonight. I suspect Netherlands will reverse the Men's final result.

 

[candyman]

In all of the major sporting events I have been to, this would not be possible.

Hockey people are very easy going. And while the World Cup is big, it's not THAT big of an event. I'd give it a highly possible.

BTW, how did you find it? Looked pretty good on TV (but did not spot any 7Dmkii's in the crowd....). Australia are playing Netherlands again in Soccer tonight. I suspect Netherlands will reverse the Men's final result.

Hope so.
The played just a few times against eachother. Twice a drawn, one lost for the Netherlands. Never a win on Austrialia

 

[bdunbar79]

I went to some of the Hockey games of the world cup currently held at The Hague.
Only one guy walking around there with the long whites, all Nikon black...

I'm not a pro photographer and my knowledge about hockey is that it is usually played by humans in skirts carrying a stick in front of them.... So I went there as a spectator for the fun and for pictures of my family enjoying the game... still I got 2 times routed to the press area based on having the 200mm 1.8L mounted.

By the way that happened years ago already at a Bundesliga soccer match to me. (Got kicked out of the paparazzi area when I asked one of the pros which number Klinsmann was wearing)

This time I could not help myself but replacing the 60D I had at the 200mm with a red EOS M (lead to the same result as my Klinsmann question)

Anybody got similar 'upgrades' because of white lenses ?

Can we see just ONE photo of the World Cup game then?

 

[SoullessPolack]

Yeah let's see a photo pleeeeease! I was unable to attend, would love to see one!

 

[TexPhoto]

I get into events all the time with my 400mm f2.8. College football etc. But I always reciprocate. Send some photos to the team etc.

 

[bdunbar79]

I get into events all the time with my 400mm f2.8. College football etc. But I always reciprocate. Send some photos to the team etc.

We're not talking games. We're talking championship events. Any sport in the United States in NCAA Division I is the same. At championship events to get to the media areas, there are very strict guidelines, no exceptions. I'm guessing the World Cup constitutes as a championship event.

I'm sure if you showed up to the Rose Bowl with your 1Dx/400 f/2.8 combo, they'd just let you on the sidelines, right? Wrong.

 

[mackguyver]

I'm sure if you showed up to the Rose Bowl with your 1Dx/400 f/2.8 combo, they'd just let you on the sidelines, right? Wrong.

That's for sure and I've noticed that the DIV 1A schools are using the same credentialing website now. I'm not a full-time pro, but I've been hired to shoot a few credentialed events and the media passes really do give you full access

 

[TexPhoto]

I get into events all the time with my 400mm f2.8. College football etc. But I always reciprocate. Send some photos to the team etc.

We're not talking games. We're talking championship events. Any sport in the United States in NCAA Division I is the same. At championship events to get to the media areas, there are very strict guidelines, no exceptions. I'm guessing the World Cup constitutes as a championship event.

I'm sure if you showed up to the Rose Bowl with your 1Dx/400 f/2.8 combo, they'd just let you on the sidelines, right? Wrong.

I want to apologize sincerely for my events not being championship enough. And I only have a 1D4 and 5D3 so your last comment is especially difficult for me to bare. Though my 400 has IS, so don't know if that kind of counts.

axtstern, here is a nice shot from an Islanders Game with a 200mm f1.8. I will admit to being credentialed for this event. Please don't hold it against me for going off topic. I only owned this lens for about a year, selling it because I preferred my 70-200 f2.8 IS II as a partner to my 400 f2.8 IS. The 1.8 was marvelous, but too heavy as a second lens. I was team photographer for the 2012 season, but the team folded in 2013.
C28F0143 by RexPhoto91, on Flickr

 

[bdunbar79]

I get into events all the time with my 400mm f2.8. College football etc. But I always reciprocate. Send some photos to the team etc.

We're not talking games. We're talking championship events. Any sport in the United States in NCAA Division I is the same. At championship events to get to the media areas, there are very strict guidelines, no exceptions. I'm guessing the World Cup constitutes as a championship event.

I'm sure if you showed up to the Rose Bowl with your 1Dx/400 f/2.8 combo, they'd just let you on the sidelines, right? Wrong.

I want to apologize sincerely for my events not being championship enough. And I only have a 1D4 and 5D3 so your last comment is especially difficult for me to bare. Though my 400 has IS, so don't know if that kind of counts.

axtstern, here is a nice shot from an Islanders Game with a 200mm f1.8. I will admit to being credentialed for this event. Please don't hold it against me for going off topic. I only owned this lens for about a year, selling it because I preferred my 70-200 f2.8 IS II as a partner to my 400 f2.8 IS. The 1.8 was marvelous, but too heavy as a second lens. I was team photographer for the 2012 season, but the team folded in 2013.
C28F0143 by RexPhoto91, on Flickr

No, not the point. Nobody is questioning your ability or equipment. The OP asked whether your gear specifically has ever gotten you from the spectator area to the media area, with no credentials. I'm guessing because you are credentialed for big events, and you know the teams' SID at several schools so you can get on for regular season games, this has not been the case for you. He's claiming he got into the World Cup media area with no credentials, which is quite a bit different from this.