Entry to Wimbledon : Camera lens

[Steve Campbell]

Hi folks
I was lucky enough to get a ticket to Wimbledon this year via the ballot. Never been before and looking forward to it. I was looking at the ticket holders handbook and noticed a prohibited item is "Lenses over 300mm". I have a bridge camera that can definitely zoom a lot more than that but wondered if anyone had any experience....is the prohibition related to a "size" thing or a desire not to have high zoom cameras on site ?

Would hate to take the bridge camera and lose it....it would be expensive to replace !
Thanks

[ajap1979]

I've been lucky enough to get centre court tickets on the 12th. Can't wait, wife goes every year but I've not managed to go yet.

[languagetimothy]

It might depend on where your seats are. If you’re up in the gods it might not be noticed. I’ve been fortunate enough to go quite a few times as my tennis club are allocated ballot tickets.

The best I got was the mens semis in 2018 with that loooooong Isner v Anderson match followed by novak v Rafa. Fantastic seats only a few rows from the front. I’ve also been to queens and ATP finals several times. I’m a fan and a club player so, epic for me!

It’s a great day out whatever you get. Enjoy

Taken on my phone during coin toss for Novak v Rafa

[boyse7en]

Does the 300mm refer to the focal length or the physical length of the lens?

[Steve Campbell]

That’s exactly my question ! Here it is from the handbook.

[Ean218]

Looking at that list it is self evidently all to do with anti social things that people get up to. So the 300m is the actual max. length of the lens to ensure you don't obscure and obstruct other peoples views.

[The Moose]

Ean218 said:

Looking at that list it is self evidently all to do with anti social things that people get up to. So the 300m is the actual max. length of the lens to ensure you don't obscure and obstruct other peoples views.

Lol - I was going to say I was sure it was the focal length of the lens!

Optical zoom, not digital zoom IMHO.

[brickwall]

I’ve been the last 2 years, and from the bag checks I had I would be EXTREMELY surprised if they checked the focal length on a compact camera.

The rule is to prevent unaccredited professional photographers.

[R Mutt]

I've got tix for the women's final but I don't really know anyone I'd want to go with who can afford my spare ticket, and I'm also far poorer now than when I bought them.

Everyone says it's impossible to resell but my Wimbledon app has a transfer option and nothing is impossible.

Could I work something out with touts up there?

[M1AGM]

languagetimothy said:

It might depend on where your seats are. If you’re up in the gods it might not be noticed. I’ve been fortunate enough to go quite a few times as my tennis club are allocated ballot tickets.

The best I got was the mens semis in 2018 with that loooooong Isner v Anderson match followed by novak v Rafa. Fantastic seats only a few rows from the front. I’ve also been to queens and ATP finals several times. I’m a fan and a club player so, epic for me!

It’s a great day out whatever you get. Enjoy

Taken on my phone during coin toss for Novak v Rafa

Agree on seating. This was 2009, not much zoom required:

[boxedin]

It's more to stop ruining the view for everyone else. A 600mm lens will make you VERY unpopular with your spectating neighbours.

It's the camera lens equivalent of Dom Joly... on Final's Day... at championship point.

[Steve Campbell]

Have decided not to take the camera and just enjoy the day with a few phone snaps along the way. I won't be watching the matches through the back of my phone like most people seem to do these days !