Dslr cameras at concerts and events??

Question

I am going to the Gymnastics Superstars show at the Honda center and got a pretty good seat in the plaza and was wondering if dslr cameras are allowed in the venue? Are telephoto lenses(55-250) ok to bring too? Anyone with experience photographing at a concert or event would help.All answers are greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

I don't know if they'll let you bring your camera into the concert/event. If they did, you'd be using the absolutely wrong lens. The Canon 55-250mm lens isn't an indoor event lens in the least. That's a f/4-5.6 lens. That generally won't be good in low light photography. Do you have money to get a faster lens? if so, this would be a great lens:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-85mm-Telepho...

It has a f/1.8 aperture, which is much better in low light, and is probably much sharper in terms of image quality. It's a prime lens, at a fixed focal length of 85mm's, which is pretty good. However, the 55-250mm lens wouldn't be a good one to take with you to a concert.

Answer 2

Usually places don't allow "professional" cameras (i.e. SLRs) unless you have a press pass. However, you should check with the center because they may have a different policy. If they do allow SLRs it'll also be ok to bring a telephoto.

Answer 3

check before you get there. plan on using a higher iso to account for the lower light. Flash wont be permitted.

Answer 4

Yes.  Cameras are perfectly fine unless you're going to a Michael Moore speech at some point.

And security personnell generally can't tell the difference between an 18-55mm and a 55-300mm.  They probably wouldn't like it if you showed up with a super-telephoto, but with that lens you wouldn't have a problem.