Nikon 600mm f4 VR - VR??

[BillN_33]

Simple question, Why put VR on a 5 kg lens

OK bean bags have a use

Also they have a "tripod VR mode" on the lens, implying that a type of VR is needed when this lens is mounted on a tripod

I still use VR (sometimes, depends how I feel!), when I use my 300mm f2.8 VR, tripod mounted, which is 90% of the time ……. still not convinced that VR should be turned off on these heavy long lens when they are tripod mounted

Probably VR adds little to the cost and makes the lens more "marketable" or are they saying that VR is really needed all the time the lens is used in practice, (no-one in their right mind would use the lens hand held, would they?)

 

[gramps]

IIRC I read that the 'tripod VR mode' was designed only for when the tripod was locked solid ... I can't remember a time when my tripod wasn't in a 'fluid' state , ready to move the lens to wherever needed, so for me at any rate this mode would be pointless.
I have tested with my Tamron 150-600 and 'VR' off when on a tripod is definitely better than with 'VR' on for resulting image sharpness (it works well hand-held though) and most reviews of 'VR' on any long lens suggest that this is to be expected.

 

[BillN_33]

Thanks gramps, I'm thinking about getting a Nikon 600mm f4 VR ………………….. probably I will get totally "excommunicated" by my wife and get a lot of "grief" if I do ……. so I'm only thinking about it …… in a few weak moments during the day

It is the only way I reckon I will get a descent shot of the Golden Orioles in the garden, (I have been trying for 5 years)

Not seen anything but very good reviews, (maybe all the "reviewers" are bribed by Nikon!!)

 

[gramps]

Everything I've read says that the 600 f4 is a superb lens though is a heavy beast, I've thought about getting one myself but it's a fair chunk of cash.
I recently bought a S/H 400 f2.8 but didn't consider the VR version as I knew it would never be hand-held so got the older non-VR and have no regrets.

 

[markyboy.1967]

The 600 is fantastic and my version is better than my 500 was. I use it 90% of the time on a beanbag/tripod or out the car window but have used handheld a few times. I dont have any VR though.

 

[HoppyUK]

Lenses like that are often/mostly used on some kind of moving support - monopod, gimbal, bean-bag - and there's no doubting the benefits of VR then. My simple rule of thumb is if I have a hand on the camera, then use image stabilisation.

I've also used image stabilisation on long lenses when locked on a tripod, on a suck it and see basis. The slightest breeze can make the image wobble (check it out with 10x magnification in live view) and image stabilisation can help with that. Systems vary though, even between lenses of the same brand. But if the image is actually completely still, then stabilisation off, even on lenses with tripod sensing.