Traveling to Hawaii with 1 lens...what to pick?

A

Alas

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Hello,

First time poster here!

So, I'm going on a little family vacation to Hawaii at the end of May and I will take my Canon P. I currently have a 50mm f/1.4 LTM, but I was considering getting a 35mm LTM.

Typically, I like to photograph people, cars and scenes with city-like ambiance.

So my question to you- experts... do I stick with my 50 for Hawaii or go for something wider to bring (i.e. 35mm f1.8 LTM)? I will only bring one.

Thank you all in advance!
-Eric
 
The 50 1.4 lens is a fine one (I have one). IMO it depends on how you visualize images. I use a 35mm lens a lot and that would be my choice.....because of the way i pre-visualize images, I would rather take a step forward (if i want tighter framing) than to take a step back with a 50 (without having to look over my shoulder).....but that's the way i see things.
 
Which have you used most often in the past? If you don’t have a 35mm lens yet, have you been satisfied enough with the results from your 50mm or have you wished sometimes for a wider field of view? Let your past experience be your guide.
 
jsrockit said:
Bring what you always use...
Click to expand...

Yes.

However: My last trip to Hawaii, I carried a 50mm and a 24mm (FF digital camera). Despite that I'd been using the 24mm most of the time for months before the trip, I used the 50mm for 99% of my photos.

G
 
I lived there for much of my life, and frequently go back. 28-35-50 mm are all pretty safe picks. Wider can be better if you plan on checking out the street art scene in Kakaako, because taking a step further back isn't always an option due to cars parked on the street.

Treehouse is right in the area and worth a visit IMO.
https://treehouse-shop.com/
 
If you already have a 50, maybe get a 28 and just use the classical pair. That’s usually what I do. Single lens = 35mm. 2 lenses = 28/50. If you really want to change it up, you could look to add a 90 instead of a wide and get a totally different look.
 
I recommend to get at least 1 wide and a fast standard lens. Most likely youll be going out at night so street scenes will be fairly dim. Also you want a standard lens to have character when capturing family which is why i recommend at least a f1.2. The wide is obvious for environmental stuff and landscapes. Have a good trip. All the best
 
Traveling to Hawaii with 1 lens...what to pick?

Thanks everyone for the responses! I didn’t expect so many in a day.

To answer some of the questions: I do believe I prefer slightly wider focal lengths. They seem interesting to me, however I do somewhat have sort of a simple mindset where I’d rather only bring one and take any decision making out of the equation.

I think I will grab a 35 or a 28 and take that with the 50. I tend to like shooting at night or in dark environments so I’m leaning towards a 35 1.8, although the 24mm focal length is definitely interesting to me.

Now... to search for the lens and decide on what kind of rolls to bring ;)
 
One lens can be suitable, and it does simplify things. Less to carry, no indecision over which lens to use at a given time. I've been to the Big Island, Kauai, and Maui the most in recent years, often with just one lens on one camera. I've gone with 28 only, 35 only, 50 only, and 75-80 only and it's been fine each time. Just need to "program" your vision to the lens angle of view. These COVID days with people keeping a bit more distance apart, a slightly longer (or less wide) focal length seems attractive...

The Last time I was in Honolulu was some years ago, and then I had a Fuji GS645S, very light and easy to carry and its useful 60mm lens (~40-ish equivalent). You'll probably enjoy yourself whichever lens you choose to take!
 
For a one-lens solution, I have used 35, 40, 45, and 50. I could use only a 28mm if I were primarily shooting landscapes and could use only a 55mm if I were primarily shooting macro (I have a 55mm f/3.5 macro lens). My personal favorite is the 35mm f/1.4 lens.

I have also used a 28-70mm f/2.8 zoom lens as a one-lens solution.
 
Thirty year plus shooter/citizen of the Hawaiian Islands here to offer another take.

If there is one place where a couple of good filters will be useful is this part of the planet. I suggest a polarizing and 3-6 stop Neutral Density filter as well as your favorite yellow/orange/red for black and white. You may not use all of them but one of those at the right moment can really add to the visuals you bring back.

I also find that with the clean and clear atmosphere telephotos work very well, so consider bringing along a lightweight 90 or 135mm.

Consider a small table top tripod and a cable release for doing star trails overnight or long exposures with the ND's on water shots like waterfalls and ocean waves.

Travel with Aloha.
 
I think the real answer would be in the type of photography you plan on doing. I could go with just a 50mm but that because it’s my preference. Only you know you and your tendencies.
 
Many slides floating around of Hawaii shot on a old Nikkormat and 50/2.0 so I think you’ll do great with just the fifty. Spend the money on good food and souvenirs.
 
I travel with one lens on camera. It could be 35 or 50. I used 28 as well. All you have to do is the distance. Wider lens is, less distance needed.
 
Traveling to Hawaii with 1 lens...what to pick?

Well, with the shipping delays from Japan for a 35mm f1.8, I might only have my 50. F1.4 available...

But, I will survive if that's the case. If it does arrive, I wouldn't mind just keeping the 35 attached as I get accustomed again to 35mm.

A bit of history on my cameras:
-Started out with Canon 400d and 17-55 f2.8 IS
-moved to 30d with same lens
-moved to 1dmkii and 50 f1.2 and 28 f1.8
-moved to Fujifilm X-Pro 1 with 35mm & 50mm
-moved to Fujifilm x-100 (23mm on x1.5)~essentially 35mm.
-moved to Canon P with 50mm f1.4.

I'm pretty used to the 35mm FOV, and may prefer it. Looking back at my 17-55 data...
 
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