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Zoom Lenses abroad - Russia

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I'm shortly travelling through Russia, Mongolia and China - does anyone have any recommendations as to the authorities opinions of zoom lenses? (I have a 100-400mm so it is fairly large, and non too subtle?
15 years ago, March 13th 2009 No: 1 Msg: #65739  
I'm shortly travelling through Russia, Mongolia and China by train - does anyone have any recommendations as to the authorities opinions of zoom lenses?
(I have a 100-400mm so it is fairly large, and non too subtle?

I am sorted out with regards to use of the rest of my lenses - seeing as I have the equipment it would be a waste not to use it. I have full old for new insurance, and intend to declare my equipment on entrance to the countries, but am unsure as to whether a 100-400mm may be viewed as a problem?

Cheers for assistance! Reply to this

15 years ago, March 13th 2009 No: 2 Msg: #65779  
As far as Russia is concerned, I have never heard anything to suggest that zoom lenses aren't allowed generally, but it's best to conceal it (quickly) if you come across someone from the militsiya - often they guard government offices where photos aren't allowed and in Moscow I've been told to put my camera away before.

J. Reply to this

15 years ago, March 13th 2009 No: 3 Msg: #65825  

15 years ago, March 13th 2009 No: 4 Msg: #65826  
The only other large camera-related advice I can give is to take it with you onto the 'plane (I had a camera stolen once from my suitcase at an airport) and keep it close to you when you're on the train.

J. Reply to this

15 years ago, March 13th 2009 No: 5 Msg: #65834  
Oh I was certainly intending to keep it very close by at all times...no need to worry about the plane though - I'm getting the train all the way! Reply to this

15 years ago, March 22nd 2009 No: 6 Msg: #66729  
Hi I travelled across Russia in a Land Rover into 2007 and I think the only problem you will have with the lense is if you allow it to become too obvious. Asking folk if you can take their photo first or discreetly taking them when they don't actually see the cmera. I was very conscious of taking video footage and did get a 'sneer' now and then from local folk. I did have it out once to film , us driving the Land Rover off the ship at Zarabino and the plice went "ape', swinging their semi automatic weapons around and yelling....Nyet! Nyet! I quickly put it out of sight as I was afraid they would confiscate it.....Why the big Lense??? Reply to this

15 years ago, March 23rd 2009 No: 7 Msg: #66830  
Thanks Rensina - I figured it was mainly common sense, and not making it too obvious, but thought I'd ask around...

The only reason I'll be taking it because I have it, and it seems silly to own something like that, and not make use of it! Reply to this

15 years ago, April 15th 2009 No: 8 Msg: #69568  
B Posts: 18
The only country I know of with restrictions on lenses is North Korea (160mm). Just remember, though, that photographing anything of military importance is restricted; with a large lens, you will be very suspicious.
Reply to this

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