First night I only brought the 7D taped up to cover like Canon, and 7D. I had removed my vertical grip to make it small as possible. It only had the 50mm.
I had done research on security at different venues, and it very much varied. From lax to SUPER restrict. I gambled that Boston would be old school east coast, don't give a crap. Turns out my gamble paid off.
When I went through GA first night, I could have brought a rocket launcher through... no one cared.
On my way out from the first night, I talked with a guy about why he didn't bring his gear in. (he was photographing for a U2 tattoo project) He did say a woman in the first row of seats had a 300mm and shot the entire show. Nearly bumped the security guy in the head a couple times.
That sealed it for me... I was bringing the entire family in. I had a strap bag... wrapped my 70-200 in a shirt... put my 17-40 on my camera and I was off. (even had my 50mm, but never used it)
The only problem I might have had was that I was going through the Ride entrance... security guy checked my bag, asked what that big thing was... and I was honest, I told him it was a camera lens. He said go... and I was in.
I was second person on the rail for the first five songs next to another U2 fan photographer. (he went back to his hotel to get his better gear after I told him what I was doing... paid off for him as well)
Then I wandered away, and was towards the back of the floor... and I thought, "Screw it... worst case, I can tell security I wasn't aware of the policy."
I put the 70-200mm lens on, being sure never to bug people or to get in the way. Being 6'4" also helped. I knew to move towards the B-stage at a certain time. I didn't have rail, but with a 70-200, I was good as there. :)
I shot so much at a U2 show, I felt complete. It was a great feeling... I did the same for the Pittsburgh 360 show. I had the 70-200 in there as well. This time I got so many super sharp amazing photos...
Worst problem- going through, editing, and posting. Gads... 1400 photos is no joke
Here are all the results from night 2 with the 17-40mm at first, but then using the 70-200mm 2.8 IS.
Also, the blue and red lights they use this tour, pain in the ass.
