to VR or not to VR..?

Yardbent

Yardbent

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i have a Nikor 55-200 AF-S *VR* - great for hand-held on D40
but I read that Nikon advise to turn OFF the VR if *firmly* clamped in a tripod
ok............

so if I buy a Nikor 70-300 for "birds" - will this do ? 70-300 AF G
selling at eBay for £80 "here"

please note it will be for my future D90 so AF is fine ?

It's just that a 70-300 AF-S G "VR" is £350 - too expensive for the D40 right now
 
You're advised to turn off VR as if there is no vibration the lens will hunt for some and actually make it worse. If you're handholding then try for a VR lens, if it's going to be locked down to a tripod you'll be alright without it.
 
I have that lens and its ok but i much prefer my 55-200Vr. That 70-300 seems
a bit soft at the 300mm end. I'll be swapping for the 70-300Vr soon, i never
really bother with a tripod so the vibration reduction is a godsend.

This was handheld at 1/160sec on an 80-400Vr that i'd borrowed and i did try
a similar shot with the Vr off.. I wouldn't be without it

4145446994_4c8fd49ba7_o.jpg
 
James Pardon said:
You're advised to turn off VR as if there is no vibration the lens will hunt for some and actually make it worse. If you're handholding then try for a VR lens, if it's going to be locked down to a tripod you'll be alright without it.
Click to expand...

understood, --- so using the 300mm linked above WILL be ok ??
as I intend to use a tripod 90% of the time
manual focus on D40, and AF on D90 ....yes ?

{the purchase of a 300mm is somewhat of a luxury - as birds are a small part of my shots }......thanks.... :thumbs:
 
Rob_W said:
I have that lens and its ok but i much prefer my 55-200Vr. That 70-300 seems a bit soft at the 300mm end. I'll be swapping for the 70-300Vr soon, i never really bother with a tripod so the vibration reduction is a godsend.

This was handheld at 1/160sec on an 80-400Vr that i'd borrowed and i did try
a similar shot with the Vr off.. I wouldn't be without it........

understand completely that VR is the way to go - but needs must! - cannot afford 300 VR on a pension for the occasional bird shot.....
I'll hand carry my 200VR on walks

I have a good Manfrotto and just fancied a try at birds, and a 300 AF on a tripod is do-able for £80............:thumbs:

PS excellent BTW !
Click to expand...
 
Rob_W said:
i couldnt justify it. Well i could, i just had to weigh up the fun with the lens against the earache i'd receive ... :lol:
Click to expand...

.....probably the ache would be a LOT lower down !!......:naughty:

off to take some landscapes.........................
 
From what I remember, optically the VR model is superior, it's a completely different lens rather than being the old one with the VR function tacked on.

£80 seems quite a lot for that particular example as you can get a brand new one from OneStop Digital for a couple of quid more, delivered
 
The VR model is far superior to the older G type and is fully compatible with the D40 while the G lens will need to be manually focussed (not that easy given the slowness of the lens and the short throw of the focus ring). Yes, the VR lens is significantly more expensive, even if you find one second hand but IMO, it's worth saving for a while longer until disposable funds bring it into reach.
 
the 70-300vr is a bit of a unsung gem

i thought you turned vr of for fast shutter speeds as well?
 
Flash In The Pan said:
From what I remember, optically the VR model is superior, it's a completely different lens rather than being the old one with the VR function tacked on.
£80 seems quite a lot for that particular example as you can get a brand new one ... for a couple of quid more, delivered
Click to expand...

all a question of money - limited usage doesn't warrant £350 TO ME

the £80 was BuyItNowPrice - bids were about £50

but thanks - if I dont get a knock down price on eBay - I'll take your tip :thumbs:
 
straycat said:
i thought you turned vr of for fast shutter speeds as well?
Click to expand...

No real need to turn it off with a fast shutter speed, just it won't be making any difference.
I leave it on for all hand held stuff, regardless of shutter speed. If you're shooting in aperture priority, program, auto, or a scene mode then the shutter speed can fluctuate a lot and you may not have time to flick it back on.
 
Nod said:
The VR model is far superior to the older G type and is fully compatible with the D40 while the G lens will need to be manually focussed (not that easy given the slowness of the lens and the short throw of the focus ring). Yes, the VR lens is significantly more expensive, even if you find one second hand but IMO, it's worth saving for a while longer until disposable funds bring it into reach.
Click to expand...

thanks but see post 5......
"understand completely that VR is the way to go - but needs must! - cannot afford 300 VR on a pension for the occasional bird shot....."
as much as I would like too !..........:lol:

my plan is to set up a "perch" in my garden - manual focus on that, and use the Nikon remote. Not high-tec but ok for me
and - being on a tripod - the VR is "off" anyway.............:shrug:
 
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