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Archive 2012 · Safe in Vegas?

Dan Thiessen
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p.1 #1 · Safe in Vegas?

In April, my wife and I are making our first trip to Las Vegas! I'm concerned and curious about how safe it is to carry my gripped Canon 7D and 28-300 L Lens (yes the big white monster) up and down the strip? The camera will be attached to my Crumpler Karachi Outpost backpack via the Think Tank Camera Support Straps V2.0 so it won't be very easy for any would be thieves to grab it and run.

We plan on sticking to the strip and Fremont Street, avoiding any side streets or back alleys (especially at night). I realize that everyone is responsible for their own safety and a person needs to be careful and pay attention in any city, but being such a tourist destination I thought maybe Vegas was maybe worse for thieves?

Maybe I'm just being paranoid, I don't know lol. Anyone familiar with carrying expensive camera gear in Vegas have any tips?

Mar 17, 2012 at 08:36 PM

DLP
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p.1 #2 · Safe in Vegas?

We've been to Vegas many times and never had any issues aside from a Cabbie speeding off with my gear but that was many years ago. I've never been any place in Vegas I didn't feel safe including the places you mention which are well lit. If this is your first visit just know you can't cross the gaming floor with an open camera. If it's in your bag....well you know the ole saying, Out of sight, out of mind. No idea why you would need the 7D gripped for vacation or such a long FL for Vegas. You may want to lighten the load. As always the big whites draw attention. While it's not as wide as I would like (especially on the APS-C) I'd would opt for the 24-70 in your profile. It's faster and wider than the 28-300 to boot!
Be safe and have a great trip!

Dave

Mar 17, 2012 at 10:42 PM

Dan Thiessen
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p.1 #3 · Safe in Vegas?

Thanks for the response Dave

The reason I'm taking my 28-300 is, I've always been more of a "zoom in and get the details" type of photographer. While I will obviously be doing some landscape and architecture shots on this trip, (grand canyon, valley of fire, and the outside of the large hotel/casinos), I will also be doing a lot of people and street shots as well. I prefer to travel with one lens instead of multiple, and I really don't want to give up the range that I get with my 28-300. Honestly, I've never found myself limited at the short end with28mm, even on a crop body.

I have large hands, so the grip on my 7D makes it much more comfortable for me to hold. That, and it really helps to balance out the weight of my big, white monster lens lol.

I had thought of leaving it at home for the trip, and taking a small point shoot camera instead. But I know that if I did that, I would be thinking to myself "why do I have an expensive camera system sitting at home, rather than on a trip with me?"

Thanks again,

Dan

Mar 18, 2012 at 01:37 PM

DLP
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p.1 #4 · Safe in Vegas?

I often see others suggest leaving all the gear at home on vacation in favor of a small camera. I know if I did that I'd be in deep trouble with my wife after spending as much as I have on gear to get great shots.

Sounds like your kit is well thought out.

Dave

Mar 18, 2012 at 02:55 PM

ironhide
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p.1 #5 · Safe in Vegas?

I carried my camera bag when i visited along with my friends last year. We didnt go outside of the strip and had no problems at all, what with me hanging my dslr on a strap all night long and we were on foot all the time. Also, we didnt have any problems with an open camera inside the casinos. There were tons of tourists shooting pictures. When close to a table though, I was told by a dealer not to shoot the table or the personnel. I was polite enough to ask the dealer first before shooting though. So if your wife is sitting at a table and you want a picture of her, a polite word with the dealer and im sure you'll be golden

Enjoy Vegas !

Mar 18, 2012 at 04:36 PM

platscha
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p.1 #6 · Safe in Vegas?

I have recently been to Vegas 2 different times and you can photograph anywhere including in the casinos the only restriction is not to shoot the money cage area or the gaming tables like where they play cards, craps, roulette.
I took many shots throughout the hotels and casinos and was never confronted to stop, was carrying a D300 with 70-200 lens on. My friend had a Cannon with various lens as well.
As for the strip, we walked several times up and down the entire length, never felt in danger, there is such a high police influence there I don't think anyone would have a chance to grab and run. We also were at the old part, other than being a little dicey there late at night we took shots every where, only problem there, many people dressed as actors etc. and they expect to be paid in order to get a photo.
For sure check out the bone yard where all the old signs from the casinos are, they go back to the start of vegas, and as long as you sign the pics are for personal use and to sell you can take whatever shots you want, great photo ops.

Mar 22, 2012 at 02:57 AM

dalite
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p.1 #7 · Safe in Vegas?

Seen the movie "Casino?" It isn't like that anymore. It's a great tourist destination and gambling (gaming) is not the primary source of revenue for the city anymore (surprise?). You'll enjoy the funky/imitative/ architecture, and free outdoor shows at the Bellagio and Venetian, and get some good eats if you check out casino restaurant specials.

It's pretty safe: just don't venture out at night with your big lens (use your smaller lens). Streets are full of people.

Definitely visit the Valley of Fire, and if time permits, take a drive up to Mt Charleston in the opposite direction.

Mar 22, 2012 at 11:44 PM

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