First off let me say that I LIVE in Hawaii (Waikiki to be exact). I shoot primarily with a 24-105 f/4 L IS USM. Now that's about twice as much as your price range, but just to illustrate that here, most of the time, speed isn't a big deal with all the sunshine. However, as another just said, you probably don't want to buy a lens FOR this vacation and then be unhappy with it when you are home for a couple months. There is a rental store HERE in Hawaii if you just want to come with what you have and rent the day you get here. www.hawaiicamera.com GREAT place, nice lens selection, and if you rent a lens for 4 days you get it for 7. How long will you be staying here? If you haven't rented before, you just need to have a deposit (I think it's like half the price of the lens(s) you're renting but don't quote me on that - I'm a regular so I have no deposit). Josh is very friendly and cool and has all the best lenses. I rented the EF-S 10-22mm from him for almost 3 weeks before I went to France. It rEALLY was nice in France. You'll find it's nice here too with all the scenery. Also a nice zoom would be good for you. I think you should stop in here and just see what he has and what he recommends. It's on the busline, but if you have a car you're all set up. I know you don't want to be in and out of the store, but rather enjoying your vacation, but if you rented one, maybe two lenses at the time you get here you'd just have to return to drop them off. As far as BUYING a good all-around lens? Personally I would look to spend closer to 800 on one and just take good care of it. The EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM is NICE.... I think it's about 900. I know you're not professional, and maybe money doesn't grow on trees where you are (doesn't here either!) but a lens is an investment... that's why I would go with renting! The 85mm f/1.2 that was mentioned is GREAT for portraits but .... it's $1700 give or take to buy (only 20-something dollars to rent!)





- Jordan Murphy


www.freshphotohawaii.com