Headed to Hawaii -- let's talk gear / locations

[wfmiller]

I live on Oahu and there are some nice places to shoot. On the South shore there are places like Black Point, Diamond Head (both the beach area and the hike up to the crater), Tantalus Drive (for night time city shots),
Pali Lookout, Lyon Arboretum and such. On the East side there is Makapuu Point like Dylan's pic (nice morning hike), Bamboo Ridge (area near the Blow Hole), Sandy Beach, Kaneohe Bay, Koko Head and Crouching Lions Inn have nice hikes. North shore for surfing and a nice hike to Kaena point. Id probably stay away from the West side as its pretty heavy for rental car break ins.

You're setup is plenty fine. A fast prime might be nice if you wanna do some street shots in Waikiki and I usually use a .9 grad for sunrise/sunset.

Enjoy your trip and message me if you want any more spots to shoot.

Great spots Kayo

1st photo: from our hotel room, look down Waikiki in the morning. I wish I had FF + 24-70 on that trip :'(
2nd photo: Snorkeling in Oahu. Couldn't recall the name of that place at this moment????

The 2nd shot looks like maybe Hanauma bay!!
Of all the lenses that I took to Hawaii my most used was my 16-35 f2.8L and with my 5D3.
Have fun!!

 

[ahsanford]

The 2nd shot looks like maybe Hanauma bay!!
Of all the lenses that I took to Hawaii my most used was my 16-35 f2.8L and with my 5D3.
Have fun!!

Of all my requirements:

• Accepts my Lee front filter setup without buying a new frame (i.e. eliminates built-in hood lenses)
• Wider than 24mm
• Great IQ

...the LensRentals gang recommended the Zeiss 21mm. They claimed it was spectacular.

Just cursorily, compare and contrast...

Zeiss: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=zeiss%2021mm%205D%20landscape

Canon 16-35 (Didn't flag it as I or II): http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=%2216-35%20II%22+5D+landscape

The Canon will let me take the shot where it's best to place the camera, and it will be weather sealed (if you put much stock into that, it's quite informal what that claim truly means)

But the Zeiss might add a little something special to the shots. I shoot manual focus / LV for landscapes, so MF is not an issue in this application on this trip.

Whaddya think?

- A

 

[sagittariansrock]

I visited Kauai last summer, and these were what I missed (mind you, I was using my ISO-poor 7D at the time):
1. One fast telephoto for the evening Luaus
2. One macro for the beautiful flora at the botanical gardens and also elsewhere
3. One long telephoto for surf shots
4. A reverse ND grad for sunsets
Based on your gear set, I would recommend a 100mm macro that will satisfy 1 and 2, and a 1.4/2x III for 3.
A fast prime is always great for those fun evenings. But with the 5DIIIs sensor, a f/4 IS zoom might suffice.

Oh, and make sure you have something for taking nice portraits of your gf. That brought me great favors with my wife, and may just pave the way for your new 50mm

 

[ahsanford]

I visited Kauai last summer, and these were what I missed (mind you, I was using my ISO-poor 7D at the time):
1. One fast telephoto for the evening Luaus
2. One macro for the beautiful flora at the botanical gardens and also elsewhere
3. One long telephoto for surf shots
4. A reverse ND grad for sunsets
Based on your gear set, I would recommend a 100mm macro that will satisfy 1 and 2, and a 1.4/2x III for 3.
A fast prime is always great for those fun evenings. But with the 5DIIIs sensor, a f/4 IS zoom might suffice.

Oh, and make sure you have something for taking nice portraits of your gf. That brought me great favors with my wife, and may just pave the way for your new 50mm

Great advice.

I have the 100L macro, but I usually leave it at home on travel since my 24-70 F/4L IS has the 0.7x mag macro mode (despite how close I have to get, the macro need is only maybe 3% of my shooting need on vaca). And the longer TF need is covered with the 70-200 and the 2x T/C.

- A

 

[sagittariansrock]

I have the 100L macro, but I usually leave it at home on travel since my 24-70 F/4L IS has the 0.7x mag macro mode...

Ah, true that. I forgot. And flowers aren't shy of cameras...
I didn't notice the 2x in your original list.

 

[IMG_0001]

Hi,

I have been to Oahu for a week business trip and followed with a week on Big Island in April 2012. Although I had only little time on my own on Oahu, I found a few nice places for landscape that were not too far off the beaten paths (I was travelling with my girlfriend and then 3 months old son).

The obvious start near Honolulu/Waikiki is the Diamondback. i did not do the hike but it was reported to be softcore and sure provides nice views over the city. Otherwise, I was not really impressed by the area around the city.

Out of Honolulu, I've really liked the surroundings of the Byodo-In temple. It is a Buddhist temple surrounded by some nice landscapes, Although a bit touristy. I expect that there could be some nice hikes around there but can't suggest one in particular. The temple itself is worth a stop.

North Shore also is quite nice as beach and surf goes.

The Ko'Olau mountains also appeared as a nice place to look for a hike.

My final suggestion would be to look for hikes around the Nu'uanu Pali lookout. I just stop there for a short time and was impressed by the scenery. There must be nice hikes around there too.

In terms of equipment, I was happy to have an UWA on my crop (Sigma 8-16mm) but there are of course many possibilities to go without one (including panos, but they don't provide the same increased perspective that sometimes makes an image dramatic.) Surfers will require more than 200mm so pack the extender as some others have suggested.

Have a nice trip.

 

[ahsanford]

Thanks for all the great tips, gang. My current loadout is...

Definitely Going to Bring List
Kiboko 22L (carry-on, will hold everything, fits under seat)
Smaller day-bag for hikes/walkaround

5D3
Wide scenery lens rental -- Zeiss 21 or Canon 16-35
24-70 F/4 IS + hood

Tripod / Ball head / mounting plate / shutter release
Lens filters -- UV and CPL
Lee filter kit + ND grads + Big Stopper

BlackRapid strap
'Photo trip stuff' -- air blower, cleaning kit, filter wrenches, etc.
Batteries / charger / backup cards / yadda yadda

Flashlight (for pre-dawn shooting)
Something for drying/cleaning gear from saltwater splashes (tap water bottle and a facecloth)

The Maybe List
One small prime (28, 40 or 50)
70-200 F/2.8 IS II + hood + tripod collar
2X III Teleconverter
Waterproof camera for snorkeling
Trash bags or a storm cover

The Not Bringing List
100L Macro (again, the 24-70 has that excellent 0.7x macro option)
600 EX-RT Flash (I generally am a natural light shooter unless it's an indoor event)


I've downgraded the stellar 70-200 and the 2x to the maybe list. I know I'll get great shots with it, but it's heavy, takes up a lot of bag space and is quite conspicuous. Principally, though, the majority of the heavy photography downtime without my gf will be on a scenery photo tour where wide shots will be the focus -- the guide even recommended the Nikon 14-24 or Canon 16-35 for where he's taking us.

But my mind is not made up. I appreciate everyone's guidance on this, and I am always game for cool locations to check out!

- A

 

[Dylan777]

I live on Oahu and there are some nice places to shoot. On the South shore there are places like Black Point, Diamond Head (both the beach area and the hike up to the crater), Tantalus Drive (for night time city shots),
Pali Lookout, Lyon Arboretum and such. On the East side there is Makapuu Point like Dylan's pic (nice morning hike), Bamboo Ridge (area near the Blow Hole), Sandy Beach, Kaneohe Bay, Koko Head and Crouching Lions Inn have nice hikes. North shore for surfing and a nice hike to Kaena point. Id probably stay away from the West side as its pretty heavy for rental car break ins.

You're setup is plenty fine. A fast prime might be nice if you wanna do some street shots in Waikiki and I usually use a .9 grad for sunrise/sunset.

Enjoy your trip and message me if you want any more spots to shoot.

Great spots Kayo

1st photo: from our hotel room, look down Waikiki in the morning. I wish I had FF + 24-70 on that trip :'(
2nd photo: Snorkeling in Oahu. Couldn't recall the name of that place at this moment????

The 2nd shot looks like maybe Hanauma bay!!
Of all the lenses that I took to Hawaii my most used was my 16-35 f2.8L and with my 5D3.
Have fun!!

Yes, indeed. Thanks
Here is another shot with my $99 P&S

 

[ahsanford]

That reminds me! What underwater camera would you recommend? I will not buy a new one as I never shoot underwater but Hanauma Bay snorkeling is on the list and might make for some memorable snaps. So this is a one-day shooting opportunity only.

I was likely going to get some disposable film underwater camera, as I won't rent that Nikon AW rig or risk my 5D3 on some rubber housing. And I'm not interested in a $100-200 P&S. I need a one-time solution that takes decent pics underwater.

Any recommendations?

- A

 

[wfmiller]

That reminds me! What underwater camera would you recommend? I will not buy a new one as I never shoot underwater but Hanauma Bay snorkeling is on the list and might make for some memorable snaps. So this is a one-day shooting opportunity only.

I was likely going to get some disposable film underwater camera, as I won't rent that Nikon AW rig or risk my 5D3 on some rubber housing. And I'm not interested in a $100-200 P&S. I need a one-time solution that takes decent pics underwater.

Any recommendations?

- A

definitely a disposable UW camera with flash, I used my gopro rig for movies and stills. I have a big UW rig with strobes but did not bring them this trip as I wanted to use the gopro. BTW it was years since I had been back to Hanauma Bay and was very disappointed in the reef system and the lack of sea life from the "old" days. I was told that was because they no longer allow feeding the fish, oh well!! There were way better places for me to snorkel and dive anyways!!

 

[ahsanford]

definitely a disposable UW camera with flash, I used my gopro rig for movies and stills. I have a big UW rig with strobes but did not bring them this trip as I wanted to use the gopro. BTW it was years since I had been back to Hanauma Bay and was very disappointed in the reef system and the lack of sea life from the "old" days. I was told that was because they no longer allow feeding the fish, oh well!! There were way better places for me to snorkel and dive anyways!!

I just read a half-dozen reviews of $40-60 waterproof iPhone 5 housings and none were truly waterproof, and most had interface problems calling up the camera app -- the shutter button is the standard volume button, but touch-focus/metering the shot, and just getting camera mode running, etc. was generally a nightmare.

Definitely looks like a disposable film rig will be the winner. Flash for sure.

- A

 

[Dylan777]

That reminds me! What underwater camera would you recommend? I will not buy a new one as I never shoot underwater but Hanauma Bay snorkeling is on the list and might make for some memorable snaps. So this is a one-day shooting opportunity only.

I was likely going to get some disposable film underwater camera, as I won't rent that Nikon AW rig or risk my 5D3 on some rubber housing. And I'm not interested in a $100-200 P&S. I need a one-time solution that takes decent pics underwater.

Any recommendations?

- A

If you want your photo looks like photos below, then get disposable film underwater camera :-\

Maybe rent a decent UW camera - with insurance just in case.

 

[ahsanford]

If you want your photo looks like the one below, then get disposable film underwater camera :-\

Maybe rent a decent UW camera - with insurance just in case.

Hmmm... if I ship an LR rental right to my hotel:

• Canon Powershot D20 --> $50 incl. shipping
  
• Nikon 1 AW + 10mm lens --> $78 incl. shipping

That's expensive for just one day of shooting. I'll have to think about it.

- A

 

[wfmiller]

That reminds me! What underwater camera would you recommend? I will not buy a new one as I never shoot underwater but Hanauma Bay snorkeling is on the list and might make for some memorable snaps. So this is a one-day shooting opportunity only.

I was likely going to get some disposable film underwater camera, as I won't rent that Nikon AW rig or risk my 5D3 on some rubber housing. And I'm not interested in a $100-200 P&S. I need a one-time solution that takes decent pics underwater.

Any recommendations?

- A

If you want your photo looks like the one below, then get disposable film underwater camera :-\

Maybe rent a decent UW camera - with insurance just in case.

That is one of the worst UW disposable shots I have ever seen? Maybe a problem with the camera , silting, cloudy day or whatever!! Your right that you can rent a UW rig from a dive shop which would be a better choice but geez, I have had way better results than that when starting out with UW disposables back in the day!!

 

[AE1Pguy]

For snorkeling, I usually go to the north shore, at a place right off the main road called "Sharks Cove." Far fewer people there than Hanauma. On the other hand, you have to at least see Hanauma once - it's really an incredible place.

Don't underestimate the benefits of those waterproof point and shoot cameras. They take far better underwater shots than the disposables, and they aren't that expensive. I have some vids at home of my wife and I swimming with sea turtles, sharks, etc. that I took with a cheap Panasonic.

There used to be a sort of arboretum/plantation combination place called "Senator Fong's Gardens" that was terrific for shooting exotic plants. Really enjoyed that one. Sounds touristy, but it really isn't frequented by too many people other than botanists, plant collectors and photographers. I bought a Plumeria tree seed there in 1991, and it's now about 7 foot tree at my mom's old place in southern CA.

I don't know what sort of evil may have happened to access to the military bases after 9/11, but it used to be that you could get to the officer's club on Pearl Harbor without a pass. If you go a little past that, there are some interesting remnants of WWII gun emplacements right off the bay that make for good "ruins" pics. Some of those at Diamond Head as well.

There was a book called "Hidden Hawaii" that we used to use a lot for finding offbeat places. Highly recommended.

Be aware that the weather changes quite suddenly. You'll want to be ready to shoot at any time.

 

[Dylan777]

That reminds me! What underwater camera would you recommend? I will not buy a new one as I never shoot underwater but Hanauma Bay snorkeling is on the list and might make for some memorable snaps. So this is a one-day shooting opportunity only.

I was likely going to get some disposable film underwater camera, as I won't rent that Nikon AW rig or risk my 5D3 on some rubber housing. And I'm not interested in a $100-200 P&S. I need a one-time solution that takes decent pics underwater.

Any recommendations?

- A

If you want your photo looks like the one below, then get disposable film underwater camera :-\

Maybe rent a decent UW camera - with insurance just in case.

That is one of the worst UW disposable shots I have ever seen? Maybe a problem with the camera , silting, cloudy day or whatever!! Your right that you can rent a UW rig from a dive shop which would be a better choice but geez, I have had way better results than that when starting out with UW disposables back in the day!!

Yes, indeed. Back in 2007, that was a $10 disposable film underwater camera. Could be operator error ;D....I'm not sure how you would do better with tiny disposable film underwater camera @ high shutter speed?

These photos were developed from film and got scanned as digital photos. Anyways, I think OP should get compact digital UW camera for better IQ. Trip like this is well worth it

 

[sagittariansrock]

I bought the $ 20 underwater housing by Polaroid. Works on any Canon P&S. But if you want quality rent a GoPro, of course.

 

[Dylan777]

If you want your photo looks like the one below, then get disposable film underwater camera :-\

Maybe rent a decent UW camera - with insurance just in case.

Hmmm... if I ship an LR rental right to my hotel:

• 
  
  
  • Canon Powershot D20 --> $50 incl. shipping
  • Nikon 1 AW + 10mm lens --> $78 incl. shipping
  
  That's expensive for just one day of shooting. I'll have to think about it.
  
  - A

• 
  
  Get a used one ebay: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=Canon+Powershot+D20&_dcat=31388&rt=nc&LH_ItemCondition=4
  
  Sell it back on ebay after your trip - can you really lose $ that much :

 

[Ron Bailey]

I don't know too much about Oahu having only spent a little time there, but you would find some great scenes at the North Shore and all along the drive on the East side of the island. Sunsets are always nice on Oahu.

When driving with the air con on in the car I left my pack and gear in the trunk so as not to introduce moisture coming/going in/out of the car.

If you make it here to the Big Island.....tons of options!

Yeah, it seems like the Big Island is the scenery smorgasbord of legend. I really want to shoot lava flows near the water, but that means packing up our stuff and joining all the tourists. My gf would rather avoid crowds and fall off the grid, so we may just stick to the less-traveled parts of Oahu and take what's there.

Good advice on leaving the gear at temperature.

- A

Yep, the Big Island has it all, except for tons of people. If you guys really want to fall off the grid, the Big Island is it. The Puna District (where we live) is still 'old Hawaii'. Incredible scenery.

You do need to be careful on the Big Island as it is still a little wild in areas.

 

[Kaweeka]

For hiking trails the best resource is http://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/island.php?island=Oahu. If you do not mind a little exercise you will see a whole new side to Oahu if you get off the roads and into the jungles! Any trail that takes you up to a ridge should give you some great shots.

The north shore is raging this time of year so lots of surf shots on that side. There can also be some pretty intense rain storms on the windward (east) side. In both cases do not turn your back on the water; waves can grab you quick and flash floods come, well, in a flash. Other places I like are Kaena Point (Oahu's west end) and the Makapuu/Sandy Beach area (the eastern end and a lot easier to get to).

People bad mouth Oahu but with a bit of effort you can find some amazing spots! One additional word of caution - property crime is bad all over Hawaii. Do not leave anything valuable in your car even if you just jump out for even 5 minutes to shoot something. After dark it's best to get out of my favorites above . . .