D5000 & 70 - 300 AF-S VR Zoom Lens: I decided to upgrade to the Nikkor 70 - 300 AF-S VR Zoom Lens for my D5000 body. However, it appears that the VR-S function does not work with this...

cwalti

I decided to upgrade to the Nikkor 70 - 300 AF-S VR Zoom Lens for my D5000 body. However, it appears that the VR-S function does not work with this body. I am correct? Do I have a defective lens? With the Sigma 18 - 270 I can clearly see whe the image is stabilizing... HELP!!!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

cwalti wrote:

I decided to upgrade to the Nikkor 70 - 300 AF-S VR Zoom Lens for my D5000 body. However, it appears that the VR-S function does not work with this body. I am correct? Do I have a defective lens? With the Sigma 18 - 270 I can clearly see whe the image is stabilizing... HELP!!!

It SHOULD work, check the VR switch. And Sigma doesn't make a 18-270mm lens for anything.

cwalti

Oooops, of course not, it's the TAMRON. Other than the visual effect, is there a sound or a light / signal associated with the functioning VR-S function? If I set the focusing feature to 'M', I cannot make out any whirring or alter sign of stabilizing...

P.S. Thank you for your knowledge sharing!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Nikons VR is silent. Make sure your VR switch is ON. To check it, focus on a distant object with the switch off, then turn it on to see if the image stabilizes, it should. VR will automatically activate whenever the shutter button is pressed halfway down, it is off otherwise. Turn the switch to OFF anytime you are using this lens on a tripod or other solid support.

cwalti

The manual states to use the 'active' feature when shooting from a car or boat. How is that different from shooting 'free-hand'?
I just fired ~100 test shots and I am not too impressed with the stabilazation...

VR test

Spaaarky Loc: Norfolk/Cambs border UK

In my opinion your subject is too far away. Try getting closer to your subject you will get far more detail in your shots, with increased distance you lose contrast.Try shooting something in your garden/yard that is reasonably close with VR on and off you should notice the difference. I have this lens and i find it capable of some stunning images when used within its capabilities. It is not intended to shoot Herons at 100 metres.

cwalti wrote:

The manual states to use the 'active' feature when shooting from a car or boat. How is that different from shooting 'free-hand'?
I just fired ~100 test shots and I am not too impressed with the stabilazation...

cwalti

Your flickr pictures are fantastic!!!
I feel like a total yokel in comparison.
Then again, your gear is planets away better than my 'all compromise set-up'...
Still, your skill is miles ahead!!! BEAUTIFUL.
Love the 'dragon slayer'!

Spaaarky Loc: Norfolk/Cambs border UK

cwalti wrote:

Your flickr pictures are fantastic!!!
I feel like a total yokel in comparison.
Then again, your gear is planets away better than my 'all compromise set-up'...
Still, your skill is miles ahead!!! BEAUTIFUL.
Love the 'dragon slayer'!

Thank you for your very kind comments. Now lets put this better gear nonsense to bed ! You shoot with a D5000 and i have a D7000 not earth shatteringly different. It is always hard with a new lens to find its limits, i will be honest i struggled with the 70-300mm when i first got it as i expected far too much from it,shooting stuff too far away etc. Another thing as always is practice and learn from your mistakes.
Below are some links to pictures taken with the Nikon 70-300mm.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/spaaarky/6642098561/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/spaaarky/6426789093/in/photostream

These should show you how good this lens can be if you can get a little bit closer to your subjects.