DoyleY Loc: Worland, Wyoming

Any of you Hoggers have any luck using this lens handheld or say with a monopod? Seems like with the speed of this lens you should be able to compensate the lack of VR some at least with faster shutter speeds. I'm sure nothing would beat using a tripod but I'm curious just the same.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I have this lens and routinely use it handheld on my D810 and D850 with no problems whatsoever. It is smaller and about 150 grams lighter than the VR version. It also uses 77mm filters vs. the 82mm filters required by the VR version. It is an excellent lens. I do not miss VR at all when using it.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Not that specific lens.
But I believe if you use proper techniques it will be fine just more difficult with slower shutter speeds.
I believe that if you have VR lenses you will find it an eye opener how wonderful VR is.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I have a pre-VR 24-70 and a VR 24-70. The pre-VR lens is in a box in the basement and the VR lens gets used regularly. The only disadvantage of the VR version is that the lens takes a larger filter. I used to be able to use the 77mm filters for everything.

I think I got the VR version in 2016. Prior to that I used the pre-VR version extensively. I don't think the VR is essential until you get above 50mm focal length. In fact, the VR is usually off on my current VR version unless I'm forced to use a slow shutter.

PS: When I got the VR version of the 24-70 I also got the new version of the 70-200. The VR in the new version is Significantly better than the old version, probably by a factor of 2-3. VR is much more useful on longer focal lengths where camera motion produces more effects. Prior to getting the new version, VR on the old 70-200 was marginally effective.

PPS: Both lenses are f/2.8, but I rarely use them wide open. I prefer to err on the side of large DOF. It's easy to reduce DOF in post, but not easy to make it larger.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

I have that lens and never thought about trading for the VR model. I typically shot hand held at 60fps or more.

DoyleY Loc: Worland, Wyoming

Thank you. I've heard a little of both sides some as if the VR version made this version obsolete and others like yours that are positive with real world experience.

DoyleY Loc: Worland, Wyoming

I have VR lenses but this lens is at such a price it is a bit attractive.

DoyleY Loc: Worland, Wyoming

Thank you.

DoyleY Loc: Worland, Wyoming

Thank you, I'm pretty steady.

elee950021 Loc: New York, NY

DoyleY!

When film cameras were in vogue before the late 80s and early 90s, a photographer with the "Sunny 16 Rule" would be required to use a sufficiently fast shutter speed. With ISO 125 film, you had to use a lens opening of f16 with a shutter speed of the inverse of the film speed, 1/125 second for a brightly lit sunny scene with distinct shadows. Another rule of thumb: half the time, shooters will get a relatively sharp image using 1/60 second so using 1/125 seconds allows some leeway in obtaining a sharp image. But a monopod or tripod or some other support is best especially if shooting under less-than-ideal lighting.

The Steadicam was first invented in 1975 and many memorable films were made using the equipment.
See: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-exactly-is-a-steadicam-understanding-the-groundbreaking-camera-stabilizer-that-changed-hollywood#3vOUKkv7qaACE7csTAe4nO

Nikon produced their first lens with VR (Vibration Reduction) in 1994 while Canon did so in 1995. Sony, based on Konica Minolta's Anti-Shake originally, introduced a camera 2-axis full-frame stabilizer in 2008 and a 5-axis stabilizer for the full-frame 2014). Now just about all mirrorless cameras have this technology.

By watching your technique and also shooting extra frames, you can use a plethora of lenses without stabilization and not relegate your lens to the circular file! Photographers have been shooting for centuries without image stabilization but now it is just another tool.

Be well! Happy New Year. Ed

DoyleY Loc: Worland, Wyoming

Thank you, I will sometimes shoot in burst mode to have more than just one or two frames to choose from. Seems to help. Maybe it's all in my head but I don't think so. Thanks for your input Happy New Year.

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F/2.8 is barely different from f/3.5 or 4.0. One shutter speed or less. VR is worth 3 or 4 shutter speeds. F/2.8 can really help your AF to work better but it wont really do much for your hand holding results.

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Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Then go for it.
Just IS for me is the deciding factor as it is great.
I use it on a 10-18mm with better results.
But to each his own to decide if it is worth it.
For me not having it is a deal breaker unless there is no other option for what I want.

User ID

Even with IBIS and or OIS running, like you I shoot short bursts and in playback inspection I find visible differences. The best frame is seldom the first or last. I have the burst limiter set to five frames.