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Vibration Reduction
Nov 11, 2011 17:22:24 #
Moose
Loc: North Carolina
Is it worth the extra $120 to buy a lens with Vibration Reduction(VR) or Optical Stablization(OS)? For example, Amazon has a Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS zoom for $399. They also have a Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC II lens for $279. I know the VR/OS will help control camera shake when hand holding, but if most of the time the camera is on a tripod, is it worth the extra bucks? I've read that their are instances when a camera is on a tripod that VR/OS should be turned off. Not sure I understand that, but if so then VR/OS isn't really needed that much if the camera is on the tripod. Also, I'm aware that when hand holding the camera, I need to set the shutter speed to compensate for the shake.
Need your thoughts on this. Thanks.
Need your thoughts on this. Thanks.
Nov 11, 2011 18:33:20 #
Most testing of same hand-held lens with VR on and VR off, show a 2-stop shutter speed advantage with VR. That is the difference between 1/50-sec and 1/200-sec.
I am most appreciative of my VR with my Nikkor 105G macro lens. I used a Nikkor 105D (no VR) for years with no problem, but as I was getting older, I noticed more images not quite as sharp as needed. Too many culls. With VR, I now have more "in focus" images from which to choose.
Your end use will also help dictate whether VR is needed for you or not. The longer the lens, the more micro-movement (heart beat, breathing, wind) is evident in final image.
I am most appreciative of my VR with my Nikkor 105G macro lens. I used a Nikkor 105D (no VR) for years with no problem, but as I was getting older, I noticed more images not quite as sharp as needed. Too many culls. With VR, I now have more "in focus" images from which to choose.
Your end use will also help dictate whether VR is needed for you or not. The longer the lens, the more micro-movement (heart beat, breathing, wind) is evident in final image.
Nov 11, 2011 19:05:11 #
Moose
Loc: North Carolina
Thanks Nikonian for the input. Definitely will have to consider that shutter speed difference.
Nikonian72 wrote:
Most testing of same hand-held lens with VR on and... (show quote)
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Nov 11, 2011 19:54:39 #
I am blown away by the Steady Shot built into my a55. I took hand-held interior shots at 1 second, 2 seconds, and 3.2 seconds, and they were all perfectly focused. I have to believe that it's worth the $$$ to have the VR in the lens if it's not built into the camera like mine.
Nov 11, 2011 20:04:43 #
I think its worth it. As the man says as you get older the hands get shaky. Suppose to turn the IS system off if on a tripod because the gyroscope that they use keeps searching to correct the shake and it aint there so it just keeps running. don't know if that makes sense but that's what I read. Povdov
Nov 11, 2011 20:11:14 #
I'm in the same boat as Nikonian - as I age I love having VR on the 105. One think you need to consider is that it does make the lens heavier. My wide angle lens is always on a tripod so I don't need VR but a tripod can be a nuisance.
Nov 11, 2011 20:14:42 #
montanageek
Loc: Missoula, Montana
Especially at the 200mm length, you will find Vibration Reduction useful. I have a 70-300 Canon lens, and the Image Stabilization (IS in Canon-speak) really makes a difference. As was mentioned 2 stops really makes a lot of difference. Spend the money now; enjoy it for years.
Nov 11, 2011 21:32:11 #
Moose
Loc: North Carolina
Thank you all for your comments. I'm getting older (74) so I should "REALLY" consider the VR/OS as the way to go.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Nov 12, 2011 06:25:51 #
overthemoon
Loc: Wisconsin
For sure worth it. I hike a lot and cant always use my tripod. I never go without one. I have a sigma 18 250. I use on my big hiking trips.
Nov 12, 2011 07:30:53 #
For the small difference in price, go for it, you'll be glad you did.
You will not need it most of the time but it sure is nice when you do.
You will not need it most of the time but it sure is nice when you do.
Nov 12, 2011 07:53:23 #
Although I am nearing 70, I still have a pretty steady hand. That plus my Nikon VR lenses, and the ability to use ISOs up to 1600 with little noise, has freed me from the use of a tripod for the vast majority of my photos, except for very early morning and night shots.
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Nov 12, 2011 09:10:19 #
You know you think-- the lens is usually on a tripod ao you buy it without VR and ZAP all of a sudden you are using it more as a hand held camera and you think "DANG it! I should have gotten the vr after all"
Nov 12, 2011 09:14:58 #
Nov 12, 2011 09:50:33 #
VR is a definite plus. I prefer it built into the camera, and generally grab my Sony cameras for long zoom.
It made a huge difference on my Nikon cameras, well worth the money for VR.
It made a huge difference on my Nikon cameras, well worth the money for VR.
Nov 12, 2011 10:54:36 #
Hello Nikonian, getting older reveals; changes in eyesight, steady hands and getting less.
IS, VR and whatever is good, I like it. Just have to remember to turn it off when using tripod.
IS, VR and whatever is good, I like it. Just have to remember to turn it off when using tripod.
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