Tripods in Museums

[ktixx]

Does anyone have experience with tripods in museums. I have heard/read that some museums will not let you take tripods, only monopods. I will be traveling to France and England in about 3 months, so any experience/insight will be appreciated. Also, I realize there are tons of compact tripods out there, but I have only been able to find 1 monopod with legs (Bogen 3230) which retails for approx $80.00 are there any cheaper models out there that could be used as a monopod and a tripod?
Thank you
Ken

[judge9847]

Does anyone have experience with tripods in museums. I have heard/read that some museums will not let you take tripods, only monopods. I will be traveling to France and England in about 3 months, so any experience/insight will be appreciated. Also, I realize there are tons of compact tripods out there, but I have only been able to find 1 monopod with legs (Bogen 3230) which retails for approx $80.00 are there any cheaper models out there that could be used as a monopod and a tripod?
Thank you Ken
Can't help with the tripod/monopod question (but I prefer the easier portability of a monopod) but just a word of caution about your visit. In the UK a lot of museums, stately homes, churches etc., have a permanent ban on indoor photography. Well, in truth, it's most though definitely not all. From personal experience, in France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Austria and Spain they don't seem to be so touchy about it - but keep your eyes open for the "not allowed" signs. Enjoy your trip!

[gary_hendricks]

Does anyone have experience with tripods in museums. I have heard/read that some museums will not let you take tripods, only monopods. I will be traveling to France and England in about 3 months, so any experience/insight will be appreciated. Also, I realize there are tons of compact tripods out there, but I have only been able to find 1 monopod with legs (Bogen 3230) which retails for approx $80.00 are there any cheaper models out there that could be used as a monopod and a tripod?
Thank you
Ken


Touchy, touchy! Museums in the UK are very much against indoor photos. France too - if you intend to visit the Lourve. Not so sure about other countries though. :(

[dwig]

In the US, many fire departments require that public facilities (stadiums, museums, ...) ban tripods as a safety issues as they pose a possible hinderance to any mass evacuation. In general, monopods and other similar supports are acceptable.

Art museums will, of course, have additional reasons for restricting any copying of their artwork and often ban photography altogether. Historical and scientific museums usually just prohibit flash and, when local occupancy permits require, tripods.

[John_Reed]

...operates under the philosophy that captured images erode the original painting! (My daughter worked there as an intern several years ago) On the other hand, if you go to the Hermitage at the Winter House in St. Petersburg, there's sunlight in every room, a cool breeze blowing... But they still won't let you take pictures! You might be better off with a "Stealthy" camera, like a Panasonic FX7 (or LZ1/2?) with image stabilizer. That way, you could carry the camera in your pocket, snap the shot surreptitiously, and not make yourself so obvious with a tripod or monopod. Have a good trip!