Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hi there.

I'm heading down to the Rogers Centre to take in the Jays game. I'm sitting a couple of rows right in back of the dugout and wanted to take shot pics.

I use a D40 and wanted to know if my 70-300VR will do a decent job under the stadium lighting (I'm assuming the roof will be closed). I have a 60mm 2.8 and a 35 1.8 but don't think they'll be long enough (cropping on a 6mp camera is tough! )

Any comments you have about this would be greatly appreciated!

PS. I'm also assuming that I'll be allowed to bring in my wee-little D40 and a lens or 2. Please let me know if that is not a valid assumption.

The question you should be asking is what you are allowed to take in with you. Many events restrict amateur photographers not only due to safety concerns, but also so you don't get better shots than the pros. Also some events consider any SLR a "professional" camera and don't allow it. See what others say, or phone the organizers.

The Roger's Centre camera policy is on the Blue Jays website.

I've taken my DX body and 70-200VR and had no problem. I probably would get looks if I went with my 200-400VR

Looks like they don't really care what camera/lens you bring in unlike the ACC where the longest you can bring is a 70mm which they check at the gate before letting you in So I guess bring all three of them in and see what suits you best

Taken from the Blue Jays website:
"The Toronto Blue Jays welcome cameras for the purposes of still photography provided their use does not interfere with other guests' enjoyment. Video cameras are permitted in stadium but taping of any game footage is strictly prohibited. The Toronto Blue Jays and Rogers Centre reserve the right to request that guests discontinue filming or taking pictures on Rogers Centre property.

The Toronto Blue Jays and Rogers Centre are not responsible for lost or stolen belongings. As such, we ask that guests not leave equipment unattended. Disposable cameras and film are available at concourse shops and vending machines throughout Rogers Centre."

Anyway, just wondering, anyone going to the Maple Leafs pre-season opener against the Senators on Sept 21?

The rules are not location based, rather they are running by the rules the hosts have.

NHL is very strict on camera policy, while NBA and MLB is less strict, CFL & MLSE is even less so.

Guys, thanks very much for all of the quickly provided and informative answers!

I have a Domke F2 bag (yes, overkill for my camera and small lens collection) which I think I'll load up with the 70-300VR, Sigma 10-20 (obligatory wide angle stadium shot) and the 60mm.

Here's hoping I don't get a super zealous security guard who will equate my D40 with a D3s!

Thanks again folks, greatly appreciated.

if you are going to bring your camera bag, you will want to check their BAG policy as they typically don't let you take in bags or even purses over certain sizes.

I've taken my a900 w/ Minolta 300/2.8 in. Only hassle I had was on the monopod since it didn't fit completely into my backpack... but eventually they let me in with it.

Oh...thanks for the question about the bag.

For those of you that have taken your DSLR and lenses to the Jays game, what size bag did you bring?

I brought my D80 + 70-300VR in a 5MDH.
My friend brought a D70 + 70-200. His was much nicer.

But then, we were guests in a private box

I've got a set posted in my flickr somewhere.

Re Bags at Rogers Centre - looks like my F2 will just make it:

From their webpage:


Okay, looks like I won't be turfed at the gate after all!

Thanks again folks, you've all been great![/b]

They do check bags at the entrance but they don't question about camera gears at all. I went to a Jays game last month with my 50D and 70-200 F/4.0 with no problem/hassel.

leafs, raptors, marlies & FC have 75mm max or so rules and they're enforced with varying levels of rigour.

jays, argos are ok.

when i went to an FC game, one of the bouncers tried to refuse entry to my a900. "too professional" she told me. that really pissed me off, there was no such policy though.

bottomline, places with restrictions always search your bags, but never your pockets

You should have asked to see the policy in writing.

they are looking for alcohol and/or anything that could be used as a projectile.

Don't forget the no-umbrella policy at BMO too.

Its not a matter of "out shooting" the pros

In the past I've brought in my 70-200 f/2.8L IS with no issues. The cop even asked me how far I can shoot with that and he'd like to get one too for his camera...