Jump to content

Welcome to NikonForums.com
Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!
Photo

What to bring on our trip to Hawaii


  • Please log in to reply
18 replies to this topic

#1
Red83152

Red83152

    Junior Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPip
  • 11 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationMissouri

Just purchased my first full-frame (d750) and headed to Hawaii.  I don't think I can go to Hawaii with anything less..I know it's heavy, but still.  Anyway, I've also ordered the Nikkor 14-24mm.  Will I be sad if this is the only lens I take with me?  Trying to save on weight and size.



#2
Merco_61

Merco_61

    Nikonian

  • Premium Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 10,588 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationUppsala, Sweden

Site Supporter

The 14-24 is a *very* wide lens to use for general walkaround purposes. OTOH it is a magnificient wide angle zoom if that is what you need. I'd probably take the 14-24 and either a 35 or a 50 prime to use when the 14-24 is just too wide. What type of photography do you plan on doing?



#3
Wayben

Wayben

    Senior Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 100 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationIowa

Site Supporter

I agree the 14-24 is pretty wide for a general walkabout lens.  I think you would be much happier with a 50 to go with it.



#4
Ron

Ron

    Nikonian

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,255 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationMagic City

While the 14-24 is undoubtedly an excellent lens, I'm not sure if it's the best choice here ... assuming you're not carrying another lens. As Peter said, it's an extreme wide angle lens (on the wide end) and very wide on the long end. You will capture some amazing vistas with it and it's a wonderful street lens, especially where things are crowded. However, you will... I can pretty much guarantee... want for a lens with much longer reach at some point during your trip. Even if you buy a 50mm f/1.8 prime (which would probably be the smallest and least expensive way to go) you're going to wish you had something longer eventually.

 

I guess I would carry two lenses. One being your 14-24 (since you already ordered it) and the other being a 24-120. Of course the current 24-120 isn't all that inexpensive (or lightweight) but if you can spring for it, I'm reasonably sure that you'll be glad you did.

 

--Ron



#5
Malice

Malice

    Loyal Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 212 posts
  • Country Flag

Site Supporter

I know that I'd definitely want much more reach to capture all the wildlife out there. I'd rather leave some clothes or books or shampoo or whatever at home. 



#6
etphoto

etphoto

    Loyal Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 229 posts
  • LocationCincinnati
I agree with what everyone is saying, in fact, I'd add i would leave that lens at home. Two lens (at least) are needed. 24-70, and something with longer reach like a 70-200. I use to leave my long lens at home and it always drive me nuts I did t bring it.

Twitter: @PhotographyET

#7
Jerry_

Jerry_

    Nikonian

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,524 posts
  • Country Flag
I'd support what Ron is proposing, taking the 14-24/2.8 for ultra2extra wide, and the 24-120/4 for the general purpose. This will give you the full range from 14 to 120mm.

The 24-120/4 will be 3-4 times the price of an 50/1.8, but likely become your walk around lens, unless you want to go for the lens trinity (in which case your next lens would be the 24-70/2.8, but double the price of a 24-120/4 lens, and the following one the 70-200/2.8)

Edit:
Just checked your profile and found that you already own the 24-70/2.8 :)

#8
Ron

Ron

    Nikonian

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,255 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationMagic City

If the OP already has a 24-70 (and wants to minimize her kit) taking that would undoubtedly be the way to go... even if the 24-70/2.8 isn't all that small or light. Otherwise, I'd might still take the 14-24 and also take the 24-70. The only deficiency I see is still on the long end which may (or may not) be a problem depending on what type of photos she likes to shoot. And, of course, the added weight.

 

Deciding what to bring (and leave home) is always an interesting problem. If this is a vacation then lugging gear around gets old in a hurry. The downside is reduced versatility. This is why all purpose lenses such as the 24-120 are so popular.

 

--Ron



#9
RossCumming

RossCumming

    Senior Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 148 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationScotland

Agree with all the comments above. Having travelled half way round the world to visit Hawai'i a couple of years ago, I took 10.5mm f2.8 Fish-eye, 17-55mm F2.8 and 70-200mm f2.8 lenses with me and my partner took her Canon 17-40mm f4 and 70-200mm f4 with x1.7 and x2 teleconverters and I can tell you all lenses and tele's were used.

 

Sure it was a pain carrying all this, but we're used to it and we would be kicking ourselves at missing shots because we didn't take all the kit we could have. We visited O'ahu and Big Island, both different in character and both different landscapes so having a range of focal lengths gave us the flexibility we needed to take the huge beach vistas on O'ahu to the milkyway shots on Mauna Kea and lava flow shots from a helicopter.

 

One thing I could recommend though, is to have a look at O'ahu Photography Tours if you are on O'ahu (based in Honolulu). We did two tours with them in one day - a sunsrise tour and the full moon tour (lucky to be there at the right time for this) and spent the middle time in Honolulu doing the usual tourist shots of Waikiki etc. Both tours were very good. From memory, our guide was a Nikon shooter and had kit with him that he was happy for people to borrow if they didn't have a lens suitable.

 

Which island(s) are you visiting? Each islands is very different so this may help you choose.



#10
TBonz

TBonz

    Sportz Guy

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 3,652 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationOn A Field Somewhere...

Site Supporter

If I were only going to take one lens to Hawaii, I'd figure out a way to take all my other lenses :)!

 

Seriously, in part, it depends on your goals for the trip and if you plan on doing lots of photography, your available lenses and potential for going back again.  If I were really forced to take one lens, I think it would be my 24-70 but I know I would want more than just that one lens...The 24-120 is an excellent call to pair up with the 14-24 but since you already have the 24-70 I certainly wouldn't replace it with the 24-120.  Remember you could always choose to rent a lens for the trip if interested but don't want to purchase...


  • Ron likes this

#11
Ron

Ron

    Nikonian

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,255 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationMagic City

Excellent idea...  renting, I mean. After doing a very brief google search I came up with numerous dealers in Hawaii who rent cameras and lenses on the spot. Some, very inexpensively. And, of course, you can always choose to rent and carry... but why add the extra weight to your baggage when you can rent on the spot!

 

--Ron



#12
Red83152

Red83152

    Junior Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPip
  • 11 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationMissouri

I want to first, thank all of you for your wonderful replies.  I definitely want to get some great landscape photos (it is Hawaii, after all).  However, I have also been afraid that I might miss some shots where I need more length by only taking the 14-24mm.  Many of you recommended the 24-120, which, from what I have read is a nice lens for all purposes.  I definitely am considering this one, but do any of you have experience with the 28-300mm f3.5-5.6?  Also, the Tamron 16-300 f3.5-6.3 (not sure even if I will get the full-frame effect from this one).

 



#13
TBonz

TBonz

    Sportz Guy

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 3,652 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationOn A Field Somewhere...

Site Supporter

I can't help with either of those lenses, but in general, the super zooms that have both wide angle and telephoto tend to sacrifice some image quality for the extra capability.  If I were going to add a lens I would look at the 70-200 or 70-300 FX lenses (or a 3rd party version of the same).  Granted you might have 3 lenses (14-24, 24-70, 70-200 or 300) but you would pretty much be able to shoot anything other than distant wildlife.  After reading Ron's note, I think renting is your best bet if you don't want to carry too many lenses on the trip.  I'd call ahead to one of those rental spots in Hawaii, figure out which to bring with you and reserve any other lenses so you know they will be available when you get there.  I know folks who rent regularly and have missed out because the rental companies only have a set quantity of any particular lens.  



#14
Red83152

Red83152

    Junior Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPip
  • 11 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationMissouri

We have returned from our trip to Hawaii and I wanted to update all of you who were so nice to help me with what lenses to take on the trip.  I ended up with a fairly heavy bag:

Camera d750

14-24 f2.8

28-300 f/4-5.6

Also took my little Olympus SH-50 point and shoot.  I was lucky my spouse was so sweet and carried this bag all over the islands for me.  I think the lenses worked out well, but I think you were correct with your recommendation on the 24-120mm lens....it would have saved me a little weight, however, I don't think I would have gotten the great shots of the volcano caldera without the 300mm.

I've posted some of my photos, here's a couple of links, hope they work:

 

https://www.facebook...1 

 

https://www.facebook...1 



#15
dcbear78

dcbear78

    Forum Veteran

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 701 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationGladstone, Queensland

Thanks for coming back with the feedback. Looks like your Facebook links might be for friends only so they didn't work for me.

 

 

We have returned from our trip to Hawaii and I wanted to update all of you who were so nice to help me with what lenses to take on the trip.  I ended up with a fairly heavy bag:

Camera d750

14-24 f2.8

28-300 f/4-5.6

Also took my little Olympus SH-50 point and shoot.  I was lucky my spouse was so sweet and carried this bag all over the islands for me.  I think the lenses worked out well, but I think you were correct with your recommendation on the 24-120mm lens....it would have saved me a little weight, however, I don't think I would have gotten the great shots of the volcano caldera without the 300mm.

I've posted some of my photos, here's a couple of links, hope they work:

 

https://www.facebook...1 

 

https://www.facebook...1 



#16
Red83152

Red83152

    Junior Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPip
  • 11 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationMissouri

Thanks for letting me know dcbear78.  I have edited the album to 'Public', so let me know if you can see it when you get a chance.

Thanks,


One more thought.  I only used the 14-24 a couple of times, but WOW, what great shots with it....you can probably guess which ones :) Love this lens!



#17
Merco_61

Merco_61

    Nikonian

  • Premium Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 10,588 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationUppsala, Sweden

Site Supporter

The albums work ok now. Nice work!

 

The 14-24 isn't an easy lens to master as that front element finds any stray light and turns it into flare if you aren't careful. The results when everything is right is spectacular, though.



#18
Ron

Ron

    Nikonian

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,255 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationMagic City

When I click either of the links, I get an error stating that the albums are currently unavailable. I'll try again later. In any case, I'm glad you enjoyed your trip to Hawaii, Red.

 

--Ron



#19
M.Beier

M.Beier

    Loyal Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 208 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationCopenhagen

24-70 is ideal for the purpose IMO.... :)
50mm prime is lovely, but when you say "our trip", it indicates its not solo, that makes the prime pretty bad choice, from my point of view... Its not exactly easy taking a picture with a 50mm prime with a person in front and a lovely background, 24-35mm is more suitable focal for this purpose, otherwise you'll be in that situation of which you need to stand 4 meters from the person and people will keep walking infront.

 

That might have come out slightly arrogant, sorry, any lens that starts from 24 or 28 will do, upto 50 would be fine, but if its 70, 105, 120 doesnt matter that much, for vacation shots you'll end up with widest to 50mm in most cases IF it is with others :) Obviously if you visit a zoo, take pictures of activity in the water, you'll need much longer.

*And only now I realised that trip is over and your back, hope you had a lovely trip