Are DSLR cameras permitted in the Empire State Building?

Are DSLR cameras permitted in the Empire State Building? - Empire State Building near multistage houses against ocean

I'm currently planning a trip to New York and have been looking at the website for the empire state building and noticed the following

The items listed are not permitted in the Empire State Building. [...] Professional cameras, equipment from http://www.esbnyc.com/faq.asp.

Has anyone tried to take a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) with them? If so have you had any problems at security with it?



Best Answer

If you do not have a tripod, bipod, monopod, or any other bulky equipment which will create an impediment or disturbance to the other guests, you should be allowed in. I've been up literally hundreds of times, and though I can't speak for them, I've a good feeling as to what they allow and prohibit.




Pictures about "Are DSLR cameras permitted in the Empire State Building?"

Are DSLR cameras permitted in the Empire State Building? - Empire State Building against sea in USA
Are DSLR cameras permitted in the Empire State Building? - Multistage building facades with spires against ocean under cloudy sky in United States of America
Are DSLR cameras permitted in the Empire State Building? - Cityscape with multistory house exteriors under cloudy sky



Can you bring water bottle in Empire State Building?

Every visitor to the Empire State Building must pass through security screening, so be aware. Glass and bottles are not permitted in the building.

Can I travel with DSLR?

Can I fly with a DSLR camera? Yes, you will be able to fly with a DSLR camera in both your hand and checked luggage. However, if you are carrying it in your carry-on luggage, which we recommend, you should check with the airline that your camera will be able to fit in the overhead bin and not need to be gate-checked.

Can you bring a tripod to the Empire State Building?

can i bring a tripod to empire stste building - Empire State Building. Please note, tripods are not allowed up to our Observatories. We appreciate your understanding of this policy as items such as those can become obstacles when around other people. Thank you.



Problems with Camera Gear and Airport SECURITY




More answers regarding are DSLR cameras permitted in the Empire State Building?

Answer 2

They just mean you're not allowed to take photographs for commercial purposes in there, and stuff that into a blanket clause. I've seen hundreds of such statements all over the world and have never been told my professional level DSLRs and lenses aren't allowed.
That includes the WTC, though that was long ago before the digital age when I was still using 35mm film cameras.
Of course you could always run up against a "security" guard on a powertrip who thinks he's doing his boss a favour by bullying you who tells you you need to buy a "photography license", but if you stand your ground and demand to see his supervisor that demand is likely to quickly go away.

Answer 3

Just to complete the cycle I went up the Empire state on Sunday and took my DSLR and 2 other lenses for it and they didn't bat an eyelid.

Answer 4

Never had a problem with a DSLR. I don't think they mean pro-sumer cameras. I think they mean no large formats, or television production cameras.

Answer 5

Just visited last week and I carry a Nikon D5600 for vlogging and they confiscated my Rhode Microphone at security. I got it back, but still, what a pain.

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Charles Parker, Charles Parker, Charles Parker, Charles Parker