Bob97 Loc: New York

I will be traveling to DC soon. I hope to be able to explore the Mall inside and out and noticed that many of the museums were a bit vague about what kind of equipment bags they allowed inside. I like to "load up" and go out for the day. The Smithsonian's website says that "small" backpacks are allowed, but that's not much help. Has anyone had experience with this? Would a sling type shoulder bag be a better bet? I would appreciate any recommendations.

Paul in CT Loc: Watertown, CT

I would think that the sling type bag is your best bet. You can also check your larger bag with the coat room at most museums (if you're trusting), although I found out that they will not accept a bag with a laptop.

Bob97 Loc: New York

Thanks for your response. I agree that the sling bag sounds best.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Recent news was the tripods, monopods and selfie sticks are not allowed on the Smithsonian grounds. A better play on 'loading' up for the day is two lenses, one for indoor work and one more general purpose, both allowing wide angle for monuments and zoom to capture details of whatever you find. Not being allowed in because you overpacked, not a good idea at all. That's the Mall and museum area. Pack what you want everywhere else, but if you plan on walking, which is the best way to enjoy nearly all parts of the city, don't overpack here either ....

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

Metal detectors and spot checks are common so keep your kit simple.

And don't neglect the journey to the remote Air & Space museum if you like that sort of stuff... the small stuff is in the Mall area but the really big (cool) stuff is a trek to the subburbs. My son and I took the subway part way and then a bus the remainder of the trek to the airport.

katbandit Loc: new york city

try to carry as little as possible..this way you're not burdened down with so much equipment and can enjoy the sites..carry two cameras with a lens on one for all your indoor work..figure that the museums will be a bit dark and not allow flash ..and the outdoors use something that will range for wide to a bit closer up if you want to take photos with some people in them..quite possibly an external flash for fill if it is sunny or even off camera if cloudy and overcast..as for tripods.i never use one while I'm traveling thru museums ..it may be a bit bulky and there will be other people around likely to bump into them..when people are out sight seeing they tend to not pay attention to their surroundings...i can't tell you how often i will set up for a shot with a huge lens and still people will walk right in front of the lens...since 9-11 there will be more and more restrictions on what you can bring into any place now..even movie theaters have tightened their security..i wasn't allowed to bring my camera into a thrift store once..they wanted me to check it into a locker...NO WAY..i left ..i don't trust my valuables anywhere but on my person..so be safe ..just bring the bare necessities..you can improvise while out..if you absolutely need to put the camera on a tripod why not try to just place it on something solid like a bench or a chair that is around..if you need a reflector why not just use a white sheet of paper that you can fold up into your pocket...use your imagination to work the photo..it will be fun to challenge your skills ..and in dc you will find yourself tired after walking from one to the other...why have so much weight to carry around with you...enjoy your trip .

GeorgeO Loc: Waukesha, WI

A sling backpack is a great idea. That's what I used when I visited DC last year. Security personnel were professional, thorough, yet pleasant. The nice thing about a sling bag is that you can rotate it around to your chest, and some of museums may not allow you to wear it on your back.
You'll want a wide angle lens as well as telephoto or zoom. At the risk of being weighted down, you can save a lot of time by taking two cameras, one for each lens. I used an 11-16mm and an 18-200mm lens. Every location on the mall had hundreds of photo worthy exhibits, and great guided tours. If you like aviation, don't forget the second Air and Space Museum near Dulles airport.
Oh and don't forget to photograph the protesters across from The White House. A Capital Policeman told me that it's like that everyday. What a country!
Have a great time.

lalezo Loc: Gainesville, FL

Great place for images ... if you are planning on using a tripod in some areas you will need permission of the Washington Police ... at least that was the case a few years back when I was there for Cherry Blossom Time. You can contact them online and you can do the entire transaction online.

Have fun !

Lloyd

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I frequently use a lumbar pac, straps can even be adjusted to be like a camera bag, either in hand or over shoulder, BTW beware of parking in the Regan Building parking lot, had trouble going through the metal detectors to retrieve the car, offending item a wet wipe in its foil wrapper. Bob.

Corsica fox

Sites will be crowded with high school kids now. Don't overlook after dark photo ops. I always take visitors on a night tour of memorials even if only drive by, they are so well illuminated.

FrumCA

That's the Udvar-Hazy Museum at Dulles Airport. Well worth the trip if you are into flying machines.

Billbobboy42 Loc: Center of Delmarva

I second that suggestion. Has the BIG stuff: SR71, Enola Gay, early space shuttle used for training, etc.

Bob97 Loc: New York

I knew I could count on the folks on this forum for good advice.
Thanks everyone!! My wife and I will only be there for a few days, so we will be sticking to the mall and the major monuments. I'll take a small kit with me during the day and go back at night with my tripod.

jefflantzimages Loc: Seattle

i was just there in Feb. and had no problem with tripod or mono. most of the museums will ck your backpacks but they just ran a rod in and out of mine. i took 2 cameras - a Fuji x100s and my Canon 5DII. the former has a fixed lens and i used my 28-105 on the Canon. if first time, take the on and off bus and get a general overview before you go. Wash Mon requires reservations, which you can do on line. ck out the Hirshhorn for sure! i recomend the Lincoln Mem at dusk and night. you won't go wrong anywhere at the Mall. have fun and try not to wear yourself out.

Bob97 Loc: New York

Thanks Jeff. I'm sure we will need a vacation from this vacation, however. Luckily, we both like to walk.