Back button focus and VR (Nikon Specific)

[johnnypanic]

I've been prompted, after reading another thread on TP, to read Thom Hogan's thoughts on VR for Nikon -

http://www.bythom.com/nikon-vr.htm

It would appear, that if using back button focus, i.e. AF-ON button, that VR will not be engaged until the shutter release button is activated.

I'd assumed, seemingly incorrectly, that the VR would be active when I focus and not only engage when I push the shutter button (which is most likely too late!)

Is this correct and what do fellow TP's do to counteract this?

 

[redddraggon]

I don't have any issue with it. I don't want VR to engage until just before I take a shot anyway and the half shutter press just before the shot does the job for me.

 

[chromatin64]

That's actually the best way round from an ergonomic point of view. Having VR switch on when you press the AF-On button makes VR *less* effective; it works better in short bursts and *after* focus is acquired because VR uses the AF sensors to detect movement.

Also, AF-On button activation of VR will drain the battery quicker than allowing the activation of VR only when the shutter-button is half-depressed.

This is one of the things I didn't like about the D800 before I traded it in. I much prefer the set-up on my other Nikon D series cameras where VR & AF are separately controlled, AF by the AF-On button and VR by the shutter release.

 

[Gr8Shot]

Just ordered one from photo box, loads more expensive....
So TFS ...
I'll use these next time

 

[johnnypanic]

Can understand the reasoning behind the desire to not have the VR active on AF-ON, but if it only activates, when the shutter is pressed does that not take away the time the VR needs to "sample" the movement?

 

[redddraggon]

Can understand the reasoning behind the desire to not have the VR active on AF-ON, but if it only activates, when the shutter is pressed does that not take away the time the VR needs to "sample" the movement?

Well you start the VR when you want it, you are fully in control. Start the VR, get the stabilised image in the viewfinder, then take the shot - I'm not sure where the issue is?

 

[gad-westy]

Well you start the VR when you want it, you are fully in control. Start the VR, get the stabilised image in the viewfinder, then take the shot - I'm not sure where the issue is?

Must admit when I fist heard about this, I thought it sounded terrible but I agree in reality it is exactly as you want it. Effectively it allows you to separate out all the functions. One button for focussing. One for exposure lock (AE-L). One for VR and another for taking the shot. In an ideal world the VR would be on a totally separate button to the shutter so that you never had to use the VR switch on the lens, but I'm pretty happy with it as things are.

 

[johnnypanic]

Well you start the VR when you want it, you are fully in control. Start the VR, get the stabilised image in the viewfinder, then take the shot - I'm not sure where the issue is?

No real issue. Just a desire to understand the workings of VR and have the information so that I can make an informed decision when and how to use.