manderson Loc: Northeast Nebraska

I know you shouldn't use vibration control on lenses when using a tripod. But what about a monopod? At what point is it necessary? I'm sure that I move somewhat while using the monopod but does it give enough stability that I don't need the v.c.?

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

When shooting with a monopod, I leave VR on, even when using a monopod, you still have your hands wrapped around the camera and will transmit shaking/vibration.

manderson Loc: Northeast Nebraska

That's kind of what I was thinking. I have the Tamron 150-600 lens and I think it's a great lens, but I'm not so sure about the vibration control.

amehta Loc: Boston

I use VR on a monopod unless I do not want the additional shutter lag due to the VR system operating.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

I have done tests and, for me, there is no advantage if I am using a shutter speed faster than twice the focal length of the lens. That is unless I'm hung over or riding in a boat.

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

I found the best suggestions leaflet /booklet with the equipment when purchased, as there will seem to be some favours for and against when using a mono-pod, or reasonable high shutter speed.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

http://www.bythom.com/nikon-vr.htm

http://photographylife.com/proof-that-vibration-reduction-should-first-be-stabilized

I have several lenses that have stabilization, but I don't like the results. If the shutter speed is so slow that I need to turn it on, then the subject can (and often does move, causing blur), so rather than have an image that is blurry from movement (my side or the subject's) I just crank up the ISO. There is no substitute for an excellent tripod and head -that is the best lens stabilization system bar none.

I have also found that when using optical stabilization, you trade off large movements for tiny ones. My images are visibly sharper (when printed) when I don't use optical stabilization. I never use it.

MWojton Loc: Yardley, PA

Gene,
Thanks for the links. Good info.

Mike

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

It also depends on the lens. Some lenses have a second VR for use on a tripod. I think it counteracts mirror movement.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Interesting articles Gene...

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

after 6 cups of coffee!!!!!!! been there..........

bloody mary helps!! {couple, extra hot!!}

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Donald, the first VR lens I ever got was the Nikon 18-200 (original) back in 2006. I was blown away by being able to handhold a shot at 18 mm for 1 sec and no noticeable motion blur. I did some testing, and found that it had some value, but my results were always better when I used a tripod, but never knew why. After considerable digging around, I found Thom Hogan's article. I realized that I was gaining low frequency movement correction (handheld) but trading off high frequency correction - that came mostly from shutter and optical element movement (during focus acquisition), which most VR/VC/OS systems cannot sense and respond to quickly enough. I have gotten other lenses since then, with upgraded "tripod ready" stabilization systems, but the results didn't change much. Limiting the movement correction to one axis helps when panning on a tripod or monopod, but it still steals sharpness - which is really evident with images taken with my D800s. When there is a chance of blur from camera movement, I just take out the big tripod - and that fixes the problem. It may not always be convenient, so plan B usually involves ISO 1600 or higher, along with a fast lens - F2.8 or faster for shorter focal lengths, and F4 for the big boys. Motion blur has ceased to be a major issue for me. It's still there but my keeper percentage is higher.

PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

Have you tried changing lenses while hung over or riding in a boat?

wthomson Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I've never seen that. Which lenses?

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Kool, and really thats what it is about - more keepers :)

I have only 2 lenses with VR, will give shooting non-VR with them a real try and see what happens....

Love Learning new things - it is what keeps the brain cells alive :)