TLConner Loc: Haslett, Michigan

I have a Nikon D7000 and do primarily bird and wild life photography. I typically use an AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm lens. My question concerns whether to leave VR on or off when using my tripod. The lens has two kinds of VR. One compensates for camera shake and the other for panning. The Nikon website seems to imply I should leave it on. I have attached a photo I took this morning.

(Download)

Hoosier in GA Loc: Milledgeville, GA

I have the same lens. I do not use VR when on a stable tripod. Most people will tell you that it isn't needed.

wolfman

When the lens is mounted on a tripod, set the vibration reduction ON/OFF switch
to [OFF]. However, set the switch to [ON] when using a tripod without securing the
tripod head, or when using a monopod.
From the lens manual.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

See: http://cdn-10.nikon-cdn.com/pdf/manuals/lenses/AF/AFSVR70-300_4.5-5.6G.pdf
Page 19 (Yes, that's in English, even though the first part is in Japanese).

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

I use Canon, but I have read a bit on this issue. My understanding is that "some" of Nikon’s long primes have a tripod sensing mode and on those lenses you should leave stabilization on when using a tripod. I have not seen that discussed much for shorter primes or zooms.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

When in doubt, trust the manufacturer's recommendation.

amehta Loc: Boston

The other consideration is shutter speed. Since you are above 1/250s or so, I would turn off VR, because it will increase the shutter lag when you are trying to catch some action of the birds.

Haydon

I can't speak for the Nikon lenses but the Great Whites from Canon have a tripod aware mode meaning you don't have to turn off the IS but some claim they get faster focus without the IS on in some situations.

DaveHam Loc: Reading UK

The VR function is to reduce the effect of vibration when taking a picture regardless of the means by which the camera is mounted. The mantra of always turn off VR is valid when the camera is mounted in a stable condition. The VR technology looks for vibration and can introduce it under these circumstances.

The proviso is that the camera is stable. In windy conditions a tripod may not be stable; wind vibration can be offset by use of VR. If you have your camera stable on say a ledge or similar then turn the VR off for that shot.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

+ 1.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

RE: Tripod mode from Nikon. This is for lenses with tripod mode only. The link has pictures.

http://www.nikonusa.com/en_US/IMG/Images/Micro-Sites/VR/technology/normal/tripod/

There are three VR modes selectable according to shooting situations. VR lenses are divided into three groups — with Normal mode only, with Normal and Active modes, and with Normal and Tripod (tripod vibration reduction) modes.

Tripod mode of Nikon's VR (Vibration Reduction) system is most recommended when a tripod is used. It is often thought that image blur caused by camera shake can be prevented by using a tripod. Actually, however, even using a tripod may result in image blur because of tripod vibration caused by mirror or shutter movement at the time of exposure.

This mode automatically differentiates the frequency of the vibration from that of camera shake, and changes algorithm to correct image blur caused by slight tripod vibration. Tripod mode is employed in three super-telephoto lenses that are likely to be used with a tripod.

The following lenses employ the function that detect tripod vibration and automatically reduce the effect. (Tripod mode switch is not equipped)

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

From Nikon on VR gennerally

Here is what the Nikon Knowledge Database says about this subject:

Question

When using my VR lens on a tripod, do I keep the "VR" On or Off?

Answer

The Vibration Reduction technology built into some Nikon lenses or the COOLPIX 8800 can reduce or eliminate vibration during shooting. When the camera is on a tripod there will be very little (if any) movement so the question arises if VR should be used or not.

There are two techniques when using a camera/lens mounted on a tripod; keeping the pan/tilt head loose or fluid (when panning or moving with a subject) and keeping the pan/tilt head locked down and rigid while using a cable release (time exposures or for the new HDR techniques).

With the following lenses/cameras VR should be "Off" when the camera is mounted on a tripod and the pan/tilt head is locked down and using a cable release:

105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro Nikkor
18-200mm f3.5-5.6 ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor
24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor
70-200mm f2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor
80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR AF Zoom-Nikkor
70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor
Coolpix 8800

With the following lenses/cameras VR should be "On" when the camera is mounted on a tripod and the pan/tilt head is loose (fluid) while using the cameras shutter release button:

105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro Nikkor
18-200mm f3.5-5.6 ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor
24-120mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor
70-200mm f2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor
80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR AF Zoom-Nikkor
70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor
Coolpix 8800

Nikon VR technology in the following lenses can detect minute vibrations that emanate from tripod legs. With the following lenses VR can be "On" when the camera is mounted on a tripod for either technique:

200-400mm f4G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor
200mm f2G ED-IF AF-S VR Nikkor
300mm f2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Nikkor

For all lenses VR should be "On" when the camera/lens is used on a monopod

https://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/7676