Taking a DLSR to the UCI meet next week - allowed?

jodypress

Hi all,

Thanks to a fellow bikeradar member, I managed to get two tickets to the UCI track meet next week at the Velodrome. So I wanted to take my DLSR - A Nikon D80 with a couple of zooms ( a small 18-200 and a larger one, a Sigma 150-500mm which I've used no problem at Silverstone)

I'm trying to get clarification from London Prepares, Ticketmaster etc and no-one has a clue. Best I can find out is "not professional camera"

Well my D80 and zooms aren't pro at all, but for a standard steward etc, they might think otherwise.

What's the best plan of action?

Cheers,

Jody

Mr Plum

Usually the definition of a "professional camera" is a camera with removable lenses. Interesting though, because a lot of the 'compact system' type cameras (Lumix G3 etc...) would also not be allowed under that definition.

I'd probably take it and chance it because for a lot of events like this it's ok - if you get told on the day that it's not allowed then see if there is secure bag storage at the venue or nearby? I've only seen it at concerts and gigs where they will not let people in with a DSLR.

White Horse

My mate took one to Manchester last year and it was fine. However, this is a "London prepares" event so they may be testing all the systems that will be in place for the Olympics. I suspect that for the Olympics you won't even be allowed a mobile phone! (That was the case for the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor)

jodypress

Thanks for the advice everyone, I'll give it a go and hope for the best.

Gizmo_

Out of interest, how did this go?

I didn't manage to find a ticket but if I'd gone I definitely would have taken my Canon 40D and depending on seating position, probably a 70-300mm zoom...

jodypress

Gizmo_ wrote:

Out of interest, how did this go?

I didn't manage to find a ticket but if I'd gone I definitely would have taken my Canon 40D and depending on seating position, probably a 70-300mm zoom...

It was a brilliant day out. No problem with camera. I was only 4 rows back and could go right down the aisle to the barrier and take pics. I ended up only using my 50mm as I was so close to the action.
Here's a link to the pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/43802553@N05/

Gizmo_

Excellent!

Some great shots of Vicky P.