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Question: S2 & Hawaii

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Mahesh

Mahesh

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Hey gang,

I've just been approved for conferene leave to Kauai, Hawaii for March 15-23...tough life, I know :-) Of course I plan to take my S2. I have the following lenses (all Nikkor): 28-105, 20 mm f2.8, and 80-400VR. Any suggestions on which lenses to take and if I should consider another one? Also if anyone knows, where are some nice, photogenic places (I know the whole place if photogenic...but any place moreso than others)? One last questions: and good deals out there for airfair/hotel/car rental...bit off topic but just wondering if anyone knew of a good deal. Thanks for any help you can provide. :-)

RAW data is but a recipe; photoshop the spices...while the printout is the
final meal...and each meal tastes a little different depending on the cook.

--Mahesh Thapa
 
Mahesh Thapa said:
Hey gang,

I've just been approved for conferene leave to Kauai, Hawaii for
March 15-23...tough life, I know :-) Of course I plan to take my
S2. I have the following lenses (all Nikkor): 28-105, 20 mm f2.8,
and 80-400VR. Any suggestions on which lenses to take and if I
should consider another one? Also if anyone knows, where are some
nice, photogenic places (I know the whole place if photogenic...but
any place moreso than others)? One last questions: and good deals
out there for airfair/hotel/car rental...bit off topic but just
wondering if anyone knew of a good deal. Thanks for any help you
can provide. :-)

RAW data is but a recipe; photoshop the spices...while the
printout is the
final meal...and each meal tastes a little different depending on
the cook.

--Mahesh Thapa
Click to expand...
Mahesh, if you have the time you should take a couple of days and fly
over to Hilo on the Big Island. Stay at Dolphin Bay Hotel. Small
family owned place very nice. Go to Nani Mau gardens, take pictures
of flowers, drive up to Volcano and see active floes, it varies where
they are at any given time, also you should drive over Saddle Road.
Many excellent Photo opportunities on Big Island. Sorry I was not
taking photos when I lived there.
Randy J.
 
Mahesh,

I have a large sampling of lenses and will gladly let you use them as long as you take me with you to Hawaii.

Don
Mahesh Thapa said:
Hey gang,

I've just been approved for conferene leave to Kauai, Hawaii for
March 15-23...tough life, I know :-) Of course I plan to take my
S2. I have the following lenses (all Nikkor): 28-105, 20 mm f2.8,
and 80-400VR. Any suggestions on which lenses to take and if I
should consider another one? Also if anyone knows, where are some
nice, photogenic places (I know the whole place if photogenic...but
any place moreso than others)? One last questions: and good deals
out there for airfair/hotel/car rental...bit off topic but just
wondering if anyone knew of a good deal. Thanks for any help you
can provide. :-)

RAW data is but a recipe; photoshop the spices...while the
printout is the
final meal...and each meal tastes a little different depending on
the cook.

--Mahesh Thapa
Click to expand...
 
I suggest:

Filter for the lens, if you haven't had them on. The last time I was by the sea and forgotten to put a UV filter in front of the lens. When I got home, there was a fine mist of some moisture and it was not easy clean it off. I guessed it had came from the ocean. The last thing you want is salt water in your lenses. I also took precaution to make lens changes near the beach as sand and moisture can get inside your camera.

I would take all 3 lenses you listed if you can. If not, then at least the 20mm and 80-400.

I (as in me, The') would also take a plane ticket to Hawaii :-))

The'
 
I will be in Hawaii for 2 weeks starting next Sat (18 Jan) for my third trip. I am looking foward to trying out my new 14mm WA lens. If you can't get that the 18-35mm is VERY good and may become your main lens for all-around general use. Additionally a Macro lens of some type (for the flowers) will be a great help.

You will probably fly through Honolulu on your way to Kauai. If you can arrange it, and afford it, try to arrive on Oahu a few days early. Take a day and drive up to the north shore and then along the coast. Leave early in the AM. Lots of great beach shots. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center (it doesn't open until 10 or 11 so do the beaches early) and see the canoe dances. Great place, lots of photo ops. Will take the balance of the day.

Kauai is a lot different from Oahu. Much less development and a lot of beautiful scenics. Some of the most rugged terrain ypu will ever see and all lush green.

Flowers are EVERYWHERE.

Expect to be up late down loading, saving and cataloguing the many many photos you will be taking.

I agree with one of the other suggestions about gettiong to the Big Island. The Volcano tour is a very different experience. It is both eerie and fascinating. A contrast of hell and heaven on earth.

At Honolulu the Alona-Doubletree is a great place to stay. Service is excellent, the cost is reasonable (by Honolulu standards) and only about 2 blocks from waikiki beach. You can buy a bus pass good for all day and use the local transport to get around to the places of interest in Honolulu. The cost isn't bad and you can get on and off as much as you want where you want.

Visit the Hilton Hawaiian Village (don't stay there, $$$) near the Double Tree. Roam around the gardens and shops, see the fish and other fauna. Here you can spend as much as you have (and more).

Back in the days of film I would say you couldn't pack enough film but I strongly suggest you be sure to cary plenty of spare memory cards. I carry 4 Micro-drives for my S1 and S2 and am thinking about another based on passed experience (I filled a MD and was into my backup at max JPG with my S1).

Any specific questions you have let me know. Since I'll be there before you If I din't know I can find out. I will be on Oahu most of the time but will spend 1/2 day on Kauai and a weekend on Hawaii.

STEVE PRIOR
 
id say bring your widest lens and a macro, i dunno how the 80-400 fairs as a macro but i use my 60mm macro and 18-35mm wide the most when im shooting anything around here but id bring the 80-400 too for the working distance
 
Mahesh Thapa said:
Hey gang,

I've just been approved for conferene leave to Kauai, Hawaii for
March 15-23...tough life, I know :-) Of course I plan to take my
S2. I have the following lenses (all Nikkor): 28-105, 20 mm f2.8,
and 80-400VR. Any suggestions on which lenses to take and if I
should consider another one? Also if anyone knows, where are some
nice, photogenic places (I know the whole place if photogenic...but
any place moreso than others)? One last questions: and good deals
out there for airfair/hotel/car rental...bit off topic but just
wondering if anyone knew of a good deal. Thanks for any help you
can provide. :-)

RAW data is but a recipe; photoshop the spices...while the
printout is the
final meal...and each meal tastes a little different depending on
the cook.

--Mahesh Thapa
Click to expand...
 
If you spend anytime in Honolulu Mahesh, visit the Lyon Arberorium (Excuse the spelling - not my stong suit!) in upper Manoa Valley. A very nice, tropical, rainforest setting close to downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. One of my favorite places.
 
I have a round trip ticket to anywhere Alaska Air flies. I'll use it if you need me to carry that VR lens! I don't hear myself snore so not sure if I do...

Malcolm
--
M. Haner
Bellingham,WA.
 
Mahesh, for the best beach shots as well as the most all around scenic shots, the North Shore of Kauai is by far the best area to check out. From Kileuea Bay and the Lighthouse at one end, to the end of the road and into the Na Pali coast at the other is too spectacular for words. Up country (inland) from the North Shore is nice too. If you are going for a seminar, these are usually held on the East Shore, probably around Lihue. More populated area and not as scenic. Be sure to rent a car and head north.

The Waimea Canyon and Kalalua lookout on the westside of the island are also very nice. If you go to Kalalua lookout try and do the hike out to the end of the trail.

The key to Kauai is to rent a car. Without one youre stuck.

Dan Zimmerman
 
Hey Mehesh:

Been there and you have to look up the helicopter outfit that has the small Bell chopper. They don't have doors on it and the photos are great whithout the dirty and distorting glass of the other choppers. For that ride I strongly suggest that you bring a nice warm down jacket with you. I've never been that cold in my life. You will be on the garden spot of the chain of islands. The lenses you have are great and eveyone on this forum knows we'll be in for a treat when you post your shots.
Have a ball,
Phil
Mahesh Thapa said:
Hey gang,

I've just been approved for conferene leave to Kauai, Hawaii for
March 15-23...tough life, I know :-) Of course I plan to take my
S2. I have the following lenses (all Nikkor): 28-105, 20 mm f2.8,
and 80-400VR. Any suggestions on which lenses to take and if I
should consider another one? Also if anyone knows, where are some
nice, photogenic places (I know the whole place if photogenic...but
any place moreso than others)? One last questions: and good deals
out there for airfair/hotel/car rental...bit off topic but just
wondering if anyone knew of a good deal. Thanks for any help you
can provide. :-)

RAW data is but a recipe; photoshop the spices...while the
printout is the
final meal...and each meal tastes a little different depending on
the cook.

--Mahesh Thapa
Click to expand...
 
Hi Mahesh,
Check out this link:
http://www.discoveringhawaii.com/_Frames/FrameSetMaster.html

The authour has a series of books called "Driving and Discovering Hawaii" which are excellent. If you are planning to do any photography these books will save you countless hours as the author is a photographer and has scouted and photographed the Islands extensively. I would highly recommend that you get a copy of one for the island or islands you are going to visit. Unfortunately I don't think they have one for Kauai yet but there is some information on the website regarding the island.
Have Fun!
Robert Karpa
Mahesh Thapa said:
Hey gang,

I've just been approved for conferene leave to Kauai, Hawaii for
March 15-23...tough life, I know :-) Of course I plan to take my
S2. I have the following lenses (all Nikkor): 28-105, 20 mm f2.8,
and 80-400VR. Any suggestions on which lenses to take and if I
should consider another one? Also if anyone knows, where are some
nice, photogenic places (I know the whole place if photogenic...but
any place moreso than others)? One last questions: and good deals
out there for airfair/hotel/car rental...bit off topic but just
wondering if anyone knew of a good deal. Thanks for any help you
can provide. :-)

RAW data is but a recipe; photoshop the spices...while the
printout is the
final meal...and each meal tastes a little different depending on
the cook.

--Mahesh Thapa
Click to expand...
 
Good GRIEF. And they wonder why our system is collapsing under its own weight.

hehehe .. just kidding :))

Well when I went to Oahu, a kajillion years ago, I booked through Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays and got an unbelievable package deal on air, hotel and car rental. Here's a link:

http://www.gohawaiianvacations.com/

I also went to Maui, years later, but arranged that all on my own. If you can make it to that island, don't miss the Molokini crater. They run half-day snorkeling/diving cruises that are just heavenly and are photographic gold mines.

Also hit the Iao Valley (and Iao Needle) for some interesting scenery.

Have fun. I hate you.

Jan
 
Thanks everyone for all your input. I'll be sure to take lots and lots of pictures and will try to do the Fuji SLR forum proud with a few nice ones :-)

--
RAW data is but a recipe; photoshop the spices...while the printout is the
final meal...and each meal tastes a little different depending on the cook.

--Mahesh Thapa
 
Hi Mahesh.

I used to live in Hawaii, on Oahu.
If you are stuck, check out

FRANCIS CAMERA SHOP, INC.
1409 Kapiolani Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 973-4480
( I can't verify this number if it's current)

They have Professional photographers working there and Pro gear of course.
Watch out, no refunds, only for store credit.

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou

CrystalClear
 
Hi Mahesh,

I see that you take the 20mm lens as well. It is a fine lens but too long for may "wide" shots.

I do not mean to say that you should go out and buy a lens just for this trip but I have seen most of your shots and a wider lens would really work for you as you can go wide and long in your shooting. Most only do one of the two!

I use the 15-30 Sigma (big but light) and it is great but maybe you want to wait for the 12-24 Nikkor unless you are going to switch to Canon of course. (Just kidding).
Have a great trip.
Rinus of Calgary
 
hey crystalclear,

yeah the number changed, they are at 808-947-4774 now
CrystalClear said:
Hi Mahesh.

I used to live in Hawaii, on Oahu.
If you are stuck, check out

FRANCIS CAMERA SHOP, INC.
1409 Kapiolani Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 973-4480
( I can't verify this number if it's current)

They have Professional photographers working there and Pro gear of
course.
Watch out, no refunds, only for store credit.

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou

CrystalClear
Click to expand...
 
Rinus said:
I see that you take the 20mm lens as well. It is a fine lens but
too long for may "wide" shots.
I do not mean to say that you should go out and buy a lens just for
this trip but I have seen most of your shots and a wider lens would
really work for you as you can go wide and long in your shooting.
Most only do one of the two!
I use the 15-30 Sigma (big but light) and it is great but maybe you
want to wait for the 12-24 Nikkor unless you are going to switch to
Canon of course. (Just kidding).
Have a great trip.
Rinus of Calgary
Click to expand...
Panavue Image Assembler (PIA) is only about $US60 - a cheaper alternative for those occasional wide angle scenics and a very versatile stitcher :-)

2 or 3 portrait mode component shots for a wide angle landscape shot, landscape component shots for a wider portrait capability. Big advantage of stitching a (vertical, say) panorama is the focus shift you can achieve in the component shots to get an (apparent) large depth of field. For example top shot focussed at infinity, middle shot mid range at (say) 12 feet, bottom shot at 2 feet. With a reasonable overlap the shots merge beautifully.

By the way Rinus, interesting pano of sunny Cochrane. Someone mentioned difficulties with stitching shots taken with wide lenses. PIA has a lens focal length parameter which allows for virtually any lens. Also barrel/pincushion distortion parameters.
--
Doug Jones
Canberra
http://www.panamagic.com.au
 
Hey Doug,

I'll look into that Panastitcher because I cannot do very large file sizes with PS Elements.

I took the cochrane pano with a 24mm (36 equivalent) but would rather have done it with longer lens and vertical.
Thanks.
Rinus of Calgary
 
Mahesh: Make sure you hit the Nurses beach- and their Huge canyon is just breathtaking- Helo ride is well worth the cost- Plus gives you an ideal of where you might want to go after your back on earth, Best of shooting .Looking forward to some great shots as usual....
Mahesh Thapa said:
Hey gang,

I've just been approved for conferene leave to Kauai, Hawaii for
March 15-23...tough life, I know :-) Of course I plan to take my
S2. I have the following lenses (all Nikkor): 28-105, 20 mm f2.8,
and 80-400VR. Any suggestions on which lenses to take and if I
should consider another one? Also if anyone knows, where are some
nice, photogenic places (I know the whole place if photogenic...but
any place moreso than others)? One last questions: and good deals
out there for airfair/hotel/car rental...bit off topic but just
wondering if anyone knew of a good deal. Thanks for any help you
can provide. :-)

RAW data is but a recipe; photoshop the spices...while the
printout is the
final meal...and each meal tastes a little different depending on
the cook.

--Mahesh Thapa
Click to expand...
 
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