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Using VR on a tripod for birds.
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Jul 31, 2016 14:42:39   #
par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.
 
Using a tripod and cable release for camera shake would you ever leave VR on while shooting birds?
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR Lens

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Jul 31, 2016 14:48:49   #
speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho
 
par4fore wrote:
Using a tripod and cable release for camera shake would you ever leave VR on while shooting birds?
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR Lens

ALWAYS turn OFF VR when on tripod!! ( I turn VR IS off when shooting birds handheld)!! I always turn off VR/IS when shooting any kind of action shots!!

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Jul 31, 2016 15:09:21   #
Leitz Loc: Solms
 
par4fore wrote:
Using a tripod and cable release for camera shake would you ever leave VR on while shooting birds?
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR Lens

Follow your user's manual recommendations.

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Jul 31, 2016 16:07:42   #
joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois
 
par4fore wrote:
Using a tripod and cable release for camera shake would you ever leave VR on while shooting birds?
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR Lens


When I was using a 300 2.8 VR II with and w/o 1.4X on a tripod with gimbal I had a hard time distinguishing between VR on and VR off images. I turned it off because it slowed the focus down, which is vital for action shots. I replaced it with a 500 f4 which has no VR but I don't need it since its too heavy to hand hold (for me).

Perhaps it makes a difference with different lenses so why not try it both ways and see for yourself. It can't hurt.

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Jul 31, 2016 16:18:12   #
Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio
 
Newer Nikon lenses allow VR to be turned on when used on a tripod and I do it all the time, especially since most of the time I have my tripod loose when shooting wildlife. I do try to remember to shut it off once I get between 500th and 1000th, just to save battery life. However, I have lots of shots down at high speed with VR on that are completely sharp. The 300 PF is generally just fine on a tripod with VR turned on.

That said, VR can also work against you if the shutter speed gets too low (like 1/2 second or slower), so you have to be careful there as well (although getting the bird to hold perfectly still for that long may be the greater challenge LOL).

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Jul 31, 2016 16:20:29   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
Some Nikon lens/camera combinations recognize a tripod mounted camera. On those VR should be left on. Nikon claims it will reduce possible vibration through the tripod. The ground we stand on is not always vibration free. Check the spec sheets.

Another option is to leave the ball head somewhat loose and drape your hand over the lens, with VR on. Your hand will dampen some vibration traveling through the lens. You will be able to recompose quickly as the bird moves. Save the cable release for landscapes.
--

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Jul 31, 2016 17:45:07   #
rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX
 
par4fore wrote:
Using a tripod and cable release for camera shake would you ever leave VR on while shooting birds?
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR Lens


This According to Tim Grey:

http://asktimgrey.com/2016/05/31/stabilization-with-a-tripod/

I keep it on, using tripod with gimbal, but don't usually use a cable release so I expect I get some small amount of movement when I press the shutter.

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Jul 31, 2016 21:27:45   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
par4fore wrote:
Using a tripod and cable release for camera shake would you ever leave VR on while shooting birds?
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR Lens


If you find that you need to resort to a cable release with your lens and camera combo, try renting a better tripod - I think you'll put your cable release away and probably never use it again. Rent a Series 4 or 5 Gitzo, or Series 4 Really Right Stuff. And ditto what everyone else is saying - you don't need VR, especially if you are shooting exposures shorter than 1/500. Using VR may actually add some motion blur under those conditions.

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Aug 1, 2016 06:32:49   #
John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK
 
A hogger was commenting on a similar post just the other day having discussed these issues with a Canon rep. His advice - many newer lenses are able to tell if they are on a tripod, but for peace of mind he turns his off anyway.

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Aug 1, 2016 08:20:39   #
MtnMan Loc: ID
 
par4fore wrote:
Using a tripod and cable release for camera shake would you ever leave VR on while shooting birds?
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR Lens


Yes with a Nikon 200-500...in accordance with the lens manual.

You need to check your lens manual for that one. Probably not because I think it has an older version of VR.

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Aug 1, 2016 08:27:52   #
Jim Bob
 
par4fore wrote:
Using a tripod and cable release for camera shake would you ever leave VR on while shooting birds?
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR Lens


No.

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Aug 1, 2016 08:30:11   #
Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown
 
If you are shooting in bursts regardless of a tripod or monopod, turn the VR off as the burst is faster than the VR resetting for any shots after the first. If I am shooting mounted on a tripod and my shoots are of stationary birds, I turn the VR on at speeds less than 1/500. For shots at 1/1000 or greater I generally turn the VR off. However I am constantly trying to improve my long lens technique to better my shooting experience.
The last time I shot motocross I turned the VR off and was SUPER happy with my results but I do have to work on getting the rider in the middle of the frame which is difficult as the action is fast paced. (Just cannot get used to the cable release.) By the way the comment on a heavy tripod (with no center post) is very good.
Just from my experience...
Get behind your lens and enjoy your shooting experience.

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Aug 1, 2016 08:34:59   #
MiroFoto
 
I do not even consider myself a photographer....but.. I have tested Nik7100 & Tamron 19-300 at about 150mm. On a decent tripod Manfrotto - with and without VR ...and my eyes do not see any difference at about 1/250 on birds.

But , if you forget to switch it back on, you may see a difference.

Miro

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Aug 1, 2016 09:32:57   #
jackpi Loc: Southwest Ohio
 
Leitz wrote:
Follow your user's manual recommendations.



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Aug 1, 2016 09:42:28   #
Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL
 
I often forget to turn off the VR on my 200-500 mm Nikon zoom and I have not been able to tell the difference between VR-on and VR-off when observing the pictures on a large resolution computer screen.

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