We'll just have to send James out to get the photos for us

I like the crop better.
Next time you go, try a few steps to the right, and the camera in portrait mode to get that central tree. It is such a wonderful shape it needs it's portrait taking .

I prefer the original version of it tbh. The colours look more natural to me.
I like #2 too.
#1 could perhaps do with some cropping, to reduce the foreground and concentrate on those wonderful shapes more.

It snowed all day yesterday again so I chickened out and stayed in the warm. Must try and get out this week and take some more photos though.

Thoramay, do not underestimate your kit lens. It's close focussing is wonderful and you can get some great close up shots with it. If carrying a macro lens isn't a problem then you could take it, as there will be opportunities to use it.
We didn't get as far as the Ring of Kerry last August - we drove the Beara Head instead, which was just stunning.

I wouldn't fret too much about what kit you take. in my experience you always have too much stuff but have still managed to leave at home the one lens you need .

Have a wonderful time in Ireland. Don't spend all your time looking at it through a camera. Enjoy the scenery, the pubs and the music and the people. They really are so friendly and helpful.

We shall look forward to seeing a couple of shots when you return.

James may have to cross the Cascades to reach the coast (and what a coast it is when he gets there ), but he has some pretty amazing scenery on his doorstep.

We never made it into Idaho last year - just too much to see in Oregon and Washington, but I would have liked to have made it. Snake River Canyon was on the list, but it was still snowed in. Craters of the Moon looks great too.
Yellowstone is not so far from him either - also on my bucket list .

Petrol is still ridiculously cheap in the US compared to Europe. Not as cheap as it once was, but still cheap.

I quite like the soft brown one.
The pinks are way too girly for me. I quite like the turquoise one in a weird way.

If the beige had been cream instead (think I-10) it would have been more attractive, and probably a winner.

An orange one would have sold well in the Netherlands - at least for Queen's Day and the world cup .

Your kit lens will be wide enough. Really wide angle lenses need practice to get good landscapes. If you don't have enough foreground with them they result in odd photos imho. I have the Sigma 10-20, but I really don't like it for landscapes.
Maybe you should consider the Pentax 50-300 to complement the kit lens if you can afford it. You then have a really good range for your holiday in just two lenses. You don't want to be constantly having to change lenses - it gets to be a pain after a while and you miss shots.
I never take my A50 1.7 away with me. I try to travel light, even when I go by car.

Try to get an ND grad so you can use it to save blowing skies, and for sunsets.

Have a look at www.luminous-landscape.com for lots of useful advice on filters and all sorts of stuff (and a lot of not so useful advice too :roll. The tutorials and techniques sections are pretty good. The Understanding section explains things like filters well.

I think you can only reclaim VAT if you actually physically export the items yourself. You can then fill in forms and reclaim the VAT at customs on the way out. I don't think they are allowed to do VAT free for export by post though. Maybe Chris@SRS know the answer to that one.

The kit lens or it's equivalent will be fine. It is a great walkabout and also good for landscapes, and close-ups. Not as wide as some would like or suggest, but really it is good.

Maybe a tele-zoom too - great for compressing landscapes and giving a more graphic effect.

A tripod is useful, but it depends on if you are prepared to lug it - it is no use in the boot of your car.

Filters: Circ pol could be useful, an ND grad to avoid burnt out skies, and for sunsets.

Lens cleaning cloth is essential and maybe even some lens cleaning fluid is a good idea because of possible spray.

A comfortable strap or harness.

B & H have it for $349 with free UPS shipping to Boise .