Image Stabilization: I know that it's necessary to turn off the VR stabilization when using my Nikon 80-400 on a tripod, but I don't know why. And because I don't understand the...

jdedmonds

I know that it's necessary to turn off the VR stabilization when using my Nikon 80-400 on a tripod, but I don't know why. And because I don't understand the mechanics/physics I'm not sure whether I should turn off the VR function when the lens and camera are being used on a monopod. Anybody?

Kuzano

IS or VR is a function where the camera is actually seeking motion. The camera being held securely by the tripod is frustrating the function of the IS or VR and may be introducing delay in focus or other problems with completing the capture properly.

I may be over simplifying, but I understand the principle stated in my comment. KISS!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

It tries to look for and stabilize motion that isn't there.
So it goes nuts.

PhotoKurtz Loc: Carterville, IL

Goes nuts and can create vibrations.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

PhotoKurtz wrote:

Goes nuts and can create vibrations.

I think a mono-pod is not quite a stable as a tripod. VR should be okay there?

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

jdedmonds wrote:

I know that it's necessary to turn off the VR stabilization when using my Nikon 80-400 on a tripod, but I don't know why. And because I don't understand the mechanics/physics I'm not sure whether I should turn off the VR function when the lens and camera are being used on a monopod. Anybody?

Leave VR on when using a monopod or when the head on a tripod is unlocked. When the head is locked turn it off.

I don't exactly know how my smart phone works but I know how to use it.

a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

I had a similar thread a while ago about IS/VR at high shutter speeds and the very helpful folks on this forum gave me the links to understanding that higher shutter speeds really are not compatible with it. I tried it (turned it off) and got better sharpness. The problem for me was that birds need a high shutter speed even on a tripod.

I am going to go out on a limb here and suggest that if your shutter speeds are in the range where stabilization is needed that the monopod will not interfere as much as a tripod would. Perhaps others are steadier but for me, a long lens just won't hold perfectly still even on a monopod.

Experiment a bit and find out the truth that applies to your rig.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

jdedmonds wrote:

I know that it's necessary to turn off the VR stabilization when using my Nikon 80-400 on a tripod, but I don't know why. And because I don't understand the mechanics/physics I'm not sure whether I should turn off the VR function when the lens and camera are being used on a monopod. Anybody?

See “Using Vibration Reduction: Notes” in the lens user’s manual.

Bill_de Loc: US

From Nikon on the 80-400

"Sharp, beautiful images in any light

Nikon's VR image stabilization with Tripod Auto Detect

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camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

VR, optical stabilizer or similar terminologies only mean that the lens or camera has a mechanical design to control movement of the hands. It is useless to control movement of the subject. They are all good to certain shutter speeds when they begin to fail as stabilizers. Manufacturers talk about 3-4 stops of stabilization. In my case I have never being able to understand what is exactly what they mean. Now, if they would tell me that at certain shutter speeds the stabilizing feature will not work I would be more comfortable.
All manufacturers recommend that while the camera is on a tripod the stabilization feature should be off. I do not recommend it but I have forgotten to put it off while the camera is on a tripod and I have not seen ill effects. Let me repeat it once again, VR should be off when the camera is on a tripod. I do not use monopods so I cannot make any comments.
Your lens should come with instructions on how to use image stabilization.

Bill_de Loc: US

camerapapi wrote:

All manufacturers recommend that while the camera is on a tripod the stabilization feature should be off.

A don't believe that as a blanket statement it is accurate. In fact I think it has been repeated so many times some folks don't bother reading the documentation that comes with their lens. Read the bold red print in the Post above yours. Manufacturers realized that a lot of us forgot to turn it off.

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bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

A question related to the question, only because all my glass is older. Don't some newer lenses have like "Version 2" VR for use when on a tripod? Not sure, but I thought I read that somewhere.

I honestly rarely use VR unless absolutely needed. It feels like it slows down focus enough, that it causes me to miss shots.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

jdedmonds wrote:

I know that it's necessary to turn off the VR stabilization when using my Nikon 80-400 on a tripod, but I don't know why. And because I don't understand the mechanics/physics I'm not sure whether I should turn off the VR function when the lens and camera are being used on a monopod. Anybody?

The VR system operates when the system senses movement in the lens caused by hand holding the lens. (no one can hold a lens as steady as a tripod) The elements within the lens shift according to the movement of the lens to create a good, non shaking image.
So, if the lens is not moving, and is on a tripod, and the VR system is turned on, the elements within the lens start shifting trying to compensate for the movement of the lens and this causes a problem with IQ in the final image.
ie. if the VR is set on and your on a tripod, your lens elements are not still but moving when you take your shot, this is not good, the elements should not be moving when you take a shot. SO, always turn off the VR when it is on a tripod,or, anything solid.

Bill_de Loc: US

billnikon wrote:

The VR system operated when the system senses move... (show quote)

I can't believe you haven't kept up to date on Nikon's VR technology.

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TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

Bill_de wrote:

A don't believe that as a blanket statement it is accurate. In fact I think it has been repeated so many times some folks don't bother reading the documentation that comes with their lens. Read the bold red print in the Post above yours. Manufacturers realized that a lot of us forgot to turn it off.

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True ... But, the manufacturers are beginning to produce camera/lens combinations that use what they (at least some) call dual stabilization where the IL and IC work together to provide an even greater degree o0f stabilization.