VR or not: I'm contemplating on purchasing the Nikon 70-300mm lens and note that some come with the VR (vibration reduction) while others do not include this feature. My question of...

tlbuljac Loc: Oklahoma

I'm contemplating on purchasing the Nikon 70-300mm lens and note that some come with the VR (vibration reduction) while others do not include this feature. My question of concern is "do I really need the VR for this large a lens". What am I giving up by not pursuing the VR feature. The 70-300mm lens will be used primarily at grandkids sporting events. I welcome your thoughts for or against. Thanks, tlbuljac

snowbear

Without VR you are losing from one to four (latest version of VR) stops of shutter speed when hand held. That leaves a lot of chance for camera blur. Of course, a tripod will fix this.

What camera do you have? The AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G ($172.95 MSRP) will not autofocus with the D5100, D5000, D3100 or D3000.

tlbuljac Loc: Oklahoma

Thanks snowbear for your response. I have a Nikon D3100 and was not aware that the 70-300mm VR lens will not AF. Is there a lens that will AF that you would recommend for my sports action shots.......tlbuljac

snowbear

The D3100 (and other bodies I listed) don't have the AF motor in the body, so you need the AF-S lenses, which contain the motors (S=Silent Wave motor) for autofocus. Sigma, Tamron and Tokina also make lenses with the AF motors i them, but I do not know their terminology.

This link is to Nikon's US website listing their recommended sports/action lenses. If you have a tight budget, it might be worth looking at the AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. Don't shy away from used high-quality lenses (from reputable dealers).

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Camera-Lenses/Sports-and-Action/index.page

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

tlbuljac wrote:

Thanks snowbear for your response. I have a Nikon D3100 and was not aware that the 70-300mm VR lens will not AF. Is there a lens that will AF that you would recommend for my sports action shots.......tlbuljac

I would be your manual has a list of compatible lenses showing those that AF and those that would require manual focus.

tlbuljac Loc: Oklahoma

Thanks again snowbear I appreciate your feedback...: > )

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Go get yourself the Nikon 55-300VR lens. I have a D3100 and the 55-300VR is a real nice piece of glass. You want the "Vibration Reduction" because the lens has a bit more weight to it than the kit lens and the VR will reduce(eliminate) camera shake that comes with long glass when handheld. It actually has a bit wider field of view than the 70.
I believe it is on sale now on Amazon for like $279. Thats a good deal(be sure it's the VR though). Good Luck

tlbuljac Loc: Oklahoma

Thank you DonB. I had just finished reading about the 55-300VR and that it qualifies as a good action/sports lens. Am confident that is what I will pursue. Many thanks,
buljac

tlbuljac Loc: Oklahoma

Thanks Captain, I will check....buljac : > )

tlbuljac Loc: Oklahoma

Snowbear...thanks for the link on sports action Nikon lenses. I have found it to be quite valuable and believe I will pursue the 55-300mm VR AF-S lens.. buljac : > )

tomfr Loc: Brevard N.C.

I would think, the grandkid's will be in motion playing sport's, so vibration would not be a problem. Long exposure handheld shots is where VR comes into its own. Solution for long exposure, a tripod. VR, should be turned off on a tripod, ergo, VR is not needed.

tomfr

tlbuljac Loc: Oklahoma

Thanks for your response Tom, I do plan on purchasing a tripod soon....tlbuljac

cowbungus Loc: Abernathy, Tx

I do not have the 70-300 but I use the 70-200/2.8 VRII in football pictures.. at night time yes I use the VR mode even with shutter speeds of 1/400 and up.. this is because at my age im a little shakey and the vr helps remove this completely.. my keepers went up tremendously .. My opinion.
Lindsey Webb

melphoto60

if you are not on a monopod then buy the vr if on a monopod then you turn off the vr anyway. If it was me I go for the vr...

tlbuljac wrote:

I'm contemplating on purchasing the Nikon 70-300mm lens and note that some come with the VR (vibration reduction) while others do not include this feature. My question of concern is "do I really need the VR for this large a lens". What am I giving up by not pursuing the VR feature. The 70-300mm lens will be used primarily at grandkids sporting events. I welcome your thoughts for or against. Thanks, tlbuljac

madcapmagishion

The Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens is an excellent though heavy lens and currently on sale at Amazon for $249.00. It's what I use on my D3100

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-55-300mm-4-5-5-6G-ED-VR/dp/B003ZSHNCC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325372099&sr=8-1