Hi - we’re headed to Hawaii end of the month for the first time. I’m carrying A7R5 and A1 II bodies, with 16-35 GM2, 70-200 GM2, 35mm f1.4GM and 85mm f1.4GM2 lenses. Undecided about 90mm f2.8 macro, would appreciate guidance on how useful macro is likely to be in the islands of Oahu and Maui. Thanks so much for your time.
There are always small things to shoot wherever you go, but I don't think it would be critical to carry a dedicated macro for the purpose unless I know I'm going to have time to bug hunt (and then it would be the 70-200GII). For casual flower and detail of a small thing shots, I'd grab a 77mm achromatic diopter (Canon 500D or Kenko Pro1 AC No 3) and use it on the 85GMII. It won't get you close to macro, but it and maybe a little cropping on the rV should get you all the reach you'll need. As with most fast lenses and this solution, you'll want to stop it down some to avoid the worst of the FC the diopter may add (it'll depend on focus distance and background as to how evident it will be).
The primes are for evening street type shots or for family pictures. I’m looking forward to shooting landscape and seascape (carrying a tripod and filters etc). If I get an oppprtunity to do some Astro (which I have no prior experience in) would give that a shot too.
chez wrote:
What do you like to shoot. Asking because of your two 1.4 primes.
sandy27000 wrote:
The primes are for evening street type shots or for family pictures. I’m looking forward to shooting landscape and seascape (carrying a tripod and filters etc). If I get an oppprtunity to do some Astro (which I have no prior experience in) would give that a shot too.
I wouldn’t take both primes, just the one you would take photos of your family with. I would think your focus in Hawaii would be landscapes and you are covered by your two zooms. Tripod is a must as well as ND and polarizer filters. I also take along a clear protection filter when shooting at the seaside and dealing with salt spray and flying sand.
You could do quite well with a single body and the 16-35. I would minimally leave the 85 and macro behind. No particular need for the 35 GM and 16-35 on the same trip. Possible exception is if you are wanting night luau shots and need the wider aperture. Realistically, those are better experienced than photographed.
If you like beach shots at sunrise/set or are doing a sunrise over a volcano, a tripod, strong ND filter, and a couple grad NDs might be more useful than a second body, if you had to choose.
Depending on where you are, hiking can get a little rugged or at least might require the use of both hands. Less bulk in gear is better. A cotton Carrier harness that lets you keep hands free can be a plus.
It you are taking a helicopter tour (highly recommended), the windows of “doors closed” tours reflect significantly. You’ll want lightweight black shirt and pants, without logos or patterns, to eliminate reflections. If you plan to hike, good hiking shoes and /or rugged soled sandals, like Keens, are important. Slippery rocks and sneakers are a bad combo.
Part of the magic of Hawaii is experiencing it. Don’t get so gear or photo obsessed that you miss that opportunity.
I see in your profile that you also own the 50/1.4GM. If it were me, I would take the 16-35GM, 50GM, and the 70-200GM2 and be done. Those lenses will give you all the flexibility you need. I'd leave the 35GM and 85GM at home. We've been to Hawaii twice (Maui and Oahu) and loved every minute. Have a great trip!
Yes, taking a tripod and filters. Due to sustained GAS, pulled the trigger this morning on 50-150 f2, and traded in my 50mm and 70-200 for it. So now, I’ll end up with 16-35, 35mm f1.4 and 50-150.
As a habit I always use a protective filter on my lenses, but also keeping CPL and VND filters for this trip. Just conscious of how large the new 50-150 will appear so someone looking at me using it
chez wrote:
I wouldn’t take both primes, just the one you would take photos of your family with. I would think your focus in Hawaii would be landscapes and you are covered by your two zooms. Tripod is a must as well as ND and polarizer filters. I also take along a clear protection filter when shooting at the seaside and dealing with salt spray and flying sand.
sandy27000 wrote:
Yes, taking a tripod and filters. Due to sustained GAS, pulled the trigger this morning on 50-150 f2, and traded in my 50mm and 70-200 for it. So now, I’ll end up with 16-35, 35mm f1.4 and 50-150.
As a habit I always use a protective filter on my lenses, but also keeping CPL and VND filters for this trip. Just conscious of how large the new 50-150 will appear so someone looking at me using it
I personally would have no use for the 50-150 in Hawaii…but I basically shoot landscapes in Hawaii. I travel mostly to Kauai and many of the nice locations requires a hike and I just cannot see myself dragging along such a huge lens. I can see using it for portraits of you family, but the 35 1.4 would cover that.
We go to Maui every November, and are actually going in about a week as well. I'm planning to take:
A7cR
CV 15 (sunsets)
16-35pz (hiking & landscapes)
28-60 (in case I need reach such as on a catamaran trip)
24G or 24 GM (night time, still deciding)
That's it. And really I might not even take the CV15 as this is a family trip vs. in November where my wife and I find ourselves on the beach at sunset most days.
That’s a lot of gear. The A7Rv and your favorite two primes.. no extra batteries. You will come back with great images and an appreciation for a small kit. For me it’s an A7CR and two from my selection of small(ish) lenses.. 17mm, 24mm 40mm & 90mm..
I live on the north shore of Oahu. In recent years, the traffic shows increased planetary mental illness; i.e., people taking laps around the island, maybe drive an hour to see a turtle. The "rush hour" backup is from 9 to 6, every day, all year. Evening news said 35,000 arrivals per day.
The good photo things are beaches, sky, mountains, flowers, and morning or evening situations. Not so good are harsh light in daytime, tiny birds, and shotting at anybody's local surf spot. Respect is a big word, but that also doubles to justify discrimination. Basically, nobody is welcome with a big lens of any kind. Except of course at Sunset and Pipeline in winter.
Blown out backgrounds look the same everywhere, but the subtle colors among clouds, blue ocean and such, those are the best here. You could set the standard at CV 15 or 21 for the sunstar effect on sunsets, or just start at 24mm so the mountains don't look too far away. Perhaps think 24-50-85, worth changing among small lenses to keep it looking modest.
Gerald Brooks wrote:
I live on the north shore of Oahu. In recent years, the traffic shows increased planetary mental illness; i.e., people taking laps around the island, maybe drive an hour to see a turtle. The "rush hour" backup is from 9 to 6, every day, all year. Evening news said 35,000 arrivals per day.
The good photo things are beaches, sky, mountains, flowers, and morning or evening situations. Not so good are harsh light in daytime, tiny birds, and shotting at anybody's local surf spot. Respect is a big word, but that also doubles to justify discrimination. Basically, nobody is welcome with a big lens of any kind. Except of course at Sunset and Pipeline in winter.
Blown out backgrounds look the same everywhere, but the subtle colors among clouds, blue ocean and such, those are the best here. You could set the standard at CV 15 or 21 for the sunstar effect on sunsets, or just start at 24mm so the mountains don't look too far away. Perhaps think 24-50-85, worth changing among small lenses to keep it looking modest. ...Show more →
Totally agree with your comments and the Sony 20-70 lens would be an ideal one lens solution for shooting the amazing scenery of Hawaii.
One thing to note, sunrise and sunset happens quickly in Hawaii. Get there early and be ready. My wife’s sister lives on the Big Island and was visiting us in BC. We went out to Vancouver Island and decided to watch the sunset. My brother-in-law was used to a 10 minute sunset…well 4 beers later in BC and we were still watching that damn sun set.
Thanks for all your suggestions. I’ve finally ended up with the following kit for my trip:
A1 II
16-35 GM2
50-150 GM
85mm GM2
These fit into Think Tank Photocross 13 backpack in a compact package and this is the kind of weight I’m happy to carry. I’m also taking my Peak Design shoulder bag that can fit in the body with 16-35 mounted and 85mm just in case it’s needed. For all my day trips I’ll take the 16-35 and 50-150, and in the evenings 16-35 and 85mm. Will post a few pictures from the trip when I’m back. Thanks again folks.
sandy27000 wrote:
Thanks for all your suggestions. I’ve finally ended up with the following kit for my trip:
A1 II
16-35 GM2
50-150 GM
85mm GM2
These fit into Think Tank Photocross 13 backpack in a compact package and this is the kind of weight I’m happy to carry. I’m also taking my Peak Design shoulder bag that can fit in the body with 16-35 mounted and 85mm just in case it’s needed. For all my day trips I’ll take the 16-35 and 50-150, and in the evenings 16-35 and 85mm. Will post a few pictures from the trip when I’m back. Thanks again folks.
Make sure you have a way to keep your equipment dry if you get caught in a down pour. Take a big plastic bag that you can put your bag into while you weather out the quick storm. I’ve been caught in plenty of downpours and always carry an extra large plastic bad that fits my pack nicely. This sudden rain can sneak up on you very quickly, but usually last on,y for a while.
