ILUVPARIS

We are traveling to Rome at the end of September and plan to go to a papal audience. Just curious if DSLR cameras with maybe a 70-200mm lens would be allowed, or no? Potentially we might even bring a larger lens in case we don't get great seating. I couldn't find anything re: cameras online so hoping someone may have been recently.

Thanks in advance.

ILP

hetismij2

I've never been but from what I have read it shouldn't be a problem. There is airport style security so no knives or scissors.
You may find this link helpful.
https://bucketlistjourney.net/how-to...apal-audience/

Traveler_Nick

I think you'll find a 200mm too short unless you just want a crowd shot.

ILUVPARIS

I couldn't see bringing a larger lens. It would be too intrusive to those around us. Hoping to get there early and get a good seat. Also, we can switch to DX so our 200 becomes a 300.

I just didn't want to get there only to find out that they don't allow large lenses.

Traveler_Nick

I get the impression security has seen it all. When I get scanned entering St. Peters the police officer knows it's a lens . He isn't surprised

ILUVPARIS

Nick

Are you saying a 200-500 would be allowed? Just didnt want to be turned away because it's our only opportunity.

Traveler_Nick

I can't promise you. But nobody has even blinked at my 70-200mm F/2.8. That's already a fairly large club.

I think the point you alluded to earlier is a good one. The risk of just getting bumped in the crowd is going to make handholding a big lens challenging.

ILUVPARIS

In case this helps someone, you can bring a camera with any size lens. We brought a 200-500mm lens without issue. Insert big sigh of relief. As was previously said, bags are put through a scanner similar to airport security. We saw many people with large camera lenses. We got to St Peters Square around 7:20a and the line had already started to form. I think they start to let people in between 7:30-745a. Try to get a aisle seat if you can --off to the side vs the center. It might not seem like the best option but, the Pope made two passes right by us and we got some terrific pictures. Such a great experience---highly recommended!!