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Doors Off Helo Flight
Nov 6, 2013 10:29:59   #
Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI
 
Hi all: I asked this before but now with a new twist. We booked our trip to Kauai in two weeks. We also have a helicopter flight scheduled with the doors off. I have a great D7000, and an 18-105 and a 70-300 lens. I am advised I can not switch lenses after take off. When I asked this question here on the Hog 4 months ago, I received some answers to use the 18-105 and other suggestions to use the 70-300. Now I have read reviews from Ken Rockwell and others about the Nikkor 18-200. If you were me would you buy the 18-200? Anyone here on the Hog ever done this, we will be on Kauai for ten days. We have been to many of the other islands many years ago.
Appreciate all comments.
Duane

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Nov 6, 2013 10:54:27   #
dickparkans Loc: Arizona
 
I am guessing that you cannot switch lenses because they are afraid you might drop one out of the helicopter. As far as lenses, when I do aerials, especially of landscape, I like the wide angle lens. Just my opinion.

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Nov 6, 2013 11:19:10   #
Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA
 
On the ride, you will see a lot of grand views.
I'm talking big wide views.
To attempt to catch the grandness, you will need as wide a lens as you have.
The possible exception may be a waterfall that you fly over (which will appear small). I remember flying over, only one.
Go wide!
I think you will find the 18-105, not wide enough.
Looking forward to see images!!!!!
Pat

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Nov 7, 2013 08:06:18   #
Squint Loc: Stockton, CA
 
I've taken that exact flight in the exact same place (only one company does doors-off on Kauai). I was using 24-105 and totally glad that I didn't go with a long lens. Pay attention to shutter speed and watch for the helicopter blades getting in the picture. Of course take the outside seat and prepare for a really wonderful experience!

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Nov 7, 2013 10:28:08   #
viscountdriver Loc: East Kent UK
 
I have the 18-200 and it is a very sharp lens.I have also done a helicopter flight.It depends what you want to photo.The 18-200 is very versatile and I was glad I used it.

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Nov 7, 2013 10:41:07   #
dlwhawaii Loc: Sunny Wailuku, Hawaii
 
The 18-100 should work OK. You'll be using the wide angle mostly. If you want a longer telephoto, you might look at renting the 18-200 prior to leaving home. Don't know if there are any lens rental companies on Kauai. Safe trip and Aloha. :)

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Nov 7, 2013 10:47:20   #
lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode
 
You are going to get on a helicopter?
With no doors?
And hang out?
And take photos?

I recommend diapers and brown boardshorts.

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Nov 7, 2013 11:11:27   #
jhud202 Loc: Prineville, OR
 
I used the 18-200mm and the D7000 on a helicopter trip at Glacier with excellent results. It was not doors off, however and the reflections off the plexiglass showed up. You should really enjoy it with no doors!
This is Gunsight Mountain at 24mm with a little LR5 post processing to bring out the details.

Gunsight Mountain
Gunsight Mountain...

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Nov 7, 2013 20:38:00   #
speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho
 
Jay Pat wrote:
On the ride, you will see a lot of grand views.
I'm talking big wide views.
To attempt to catch the grandness, you will need as wide a lens as you have.
The possible exception may be a waterfall that you fly over (which will appear small). I remember flying over, only one.
Go wide!
I think you will find the 18-105, not wide enough.
Looking forward to see images!!!!!
Pat

I agree, the wider lens it is (should be). It would be very difficult to get a steady shot with a 300mm!

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Nov 7, 2013 21:33:44   #
sam slade
 
Can you rent a 2nd body? If you already have the lenses, it might be worthwhile. But as one already stated, the vibration vs. a 300mm lens will be significant. Good luck!

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Nov 7, 2013 21:58:42   #
bigshot Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
 
Bear2 wrote:
Hi all: I asked this before but now with a new twist. We booked our trip to Kauai in two weeks. We also have a helicopter flight scheduled with the doors off. I have a great D7000, and an 18-105 and a 70-300 lens. I am advised I can not switch lenses after take off. When I asked this question here on the Hog 4 months ago, I received some answers to use the 18-105 and other suggestions to use the 70-300. Now I have read reviews from Ken Rockwell and others about the Nikkor 18-200. If you were me would you buy the 18-200? Anyone here on the Hog ever done this, we will be on Kauai for ten days. We have been to many of the other islands many years ago.
Appreciate all comments.
Duane
Hi all: I asked this before but now with a new twi... (show quote)


I envy you as my wife and I adore Kauai and its beauty. At the time, I took a helicopter ride on the Big Island and used an 18-105mm lens successfully. I wished I had taken the helicopter ride over Kauai.

Enjoy your trip. Take lots of pictures. Na Pali, and Waimea Canyon are breath taking.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g29218-d146816-Reviews-Na_Pali_Coast-Kauai_Hawaii.html

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Nov 8, 2013 00:31:06   #
Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI
 
Thanks for all the great advice!!!
I do have a second body, my initial and still pretty darn good, D5000. I will go with the advice and my D7000 with the 18-105 that I have meticulously fine tuned. Might seriously consider also taking the D5000 with the 70-300, backed off to 200 and with the 'Active' setting on vibration reduction, on the helo.
I will be with some serious photographers tomorrow at our monthly gathering, one of which offered to let me try his 18-200 to see if I liked it. It has VRll but no zoom lock. I think he might want to part with it as he upgraded to a D800 from DX. Again thanks to all the great advice.
I will forward some images.
Aloha
Duane

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Nov 11, 2013 01:31:03   #
pappy0352 Loc: Oregon
 
The only time I went up on a helicopter flight was to 5000ft, once there we jumped out. What a ride down.

Pappy

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Nov 11, 2013 08:08:32   #
Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI
 
Were you in aperture on shutter priority.
uane

pappy0352 wrote:
The only time I went up on a helicopter flight was to 5000ft, once there we jumped out. What a ride down.

Pappy

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