Las Vegas, Stratosphere Tower - Question

[bjornholland]

<p>Hi,<br>

I'm going to Las Vegas & want to get shoot the city from a high vantage point. I was thinking abot the Stratosphere Tower for a vantage point.<br>

I looked on their website but can't find the info I'm after. Can anyone tell me please: Do they allow tripods there? And is it possible to go to the OUTSIDE viewing deck without going on the 'thrill ride'? (I'd imagine on the inside viewing area it's difficult to get decent shots through the window, no?)<br>

Thanks a lot!<br /> </p>

<p> </p>

[anil_sud]

<p>I was there with a friend in March and wanted to do the same thing. We went to the lower level where the tickets are sold and were told that we would be able to photograph the skyline unencumbered by glass so we purchased tickets. When we went to the next floor up, we were stopped at the security check point since we had tripods and we were told that while photography would be permitted, no tripods are allowed. <br>

Fortunately, when we returned back downstairs to the ticket agent, she apologized for not having informed us earlier of their policy (nor did we ask), and refunded our money without any hassle. <br>

She did make some reference, although, to the possibility of obtaining a permit for a tripod on special approval, but this was not an option for us on such short notice.<br>

A friend had mentioned that an opportunity for a twilight shot of the strip could be obtained by going up to the observation area of the Eiffel tower. You would have to shoot from a small opening between some metal gratings but the possibility is there...he did recommend arriving well before twilight to <em>secure</em> your spot since there were very few openings and lots of competition for them.<br>

Good luck.</p>

[frank_skomial]

<p>A venturer is building (or planning to build ?), huge Ferris Wheel in Las Vegas across from the Pyramid. It will be taller than the London and Wienna wheels. Perhaps we must wait a year or so to see this happen.</p>

<p>Shooting from Eiffel tower is great during early night or day. The wire mesh protective grid there has small opennings, and lenses with huge hood, like Nikkor 14-24/2.8 will not fit there. Use much smalle lenses there, e.g. 50/1.4, etc.</p>

<p>... you may get an advice from fellow tourists to go to Paris for the real thing.</p>

[bob_flood1]

<p>Haven't been to the top of the Stratosphere or Eifel Tower (yet), but you should be aware that most of the famous lights on the strip don't come on until it's truly dark. I've been wanting to get a twilight shot with the lights on but still enough ambient light to see the casinos, and it doesn't happen any more (casinos cutting operating costs).</p>

<p>Another idea: I am partially disabled and have (infrequently) used my monopod as a cane, and I've gotten it past a couple of security guards that way. However, I can't predict whether this would get you anywhere at the Stratosphere.</p>

<p>Another vantage point that's relatively new: take a ride on the Deuce - the double decker bus that runs up and down the strip. Most have an open second level and should offer some great viewpoints you can't get any other way.</p>