geezer7 Loc: Michigan

I am going on a South African safari next year (assuming the pandemic permits) and would like to add a new lens for the trip. I currently have a maximum focal length of 200mm and want to extend that! We will probably be in fairly tight quarters when in the bush (in a vehicle) so I don't think a really long lens would be very convenient. I have a D7100 and think an AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR lens might fit the bill. My problem is that it seems that the lens and camera are only partially compatible. The main problem is that it is not possible to turn off the VR function since the lens lacks a switch and the D7100 has no item in the menu which makes it possible to turn off VR. I usually leave VR on but VR is apparently supposed to be turned off when mounted on a tripod. I seldom use a tripod so this may not be a great problem however I'd rather not lose the option of using a tripod. This lens apparently is sharper than the AF-S version so I'd prefer the AF-P lens. My question is whether the use of VR on a tripod is really a serious problem. I'd appreciate hoggers' opinions on this issue.

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

I almost always shoot using a tripod anywhere from 20-840mm.
I can’t count the number of times I’ve forgotten to turn stabilization off and if there is a difference I can’t see it. I don’t notice any difference in af functions either. FWIW, I shoot Sony.
Have fun on your trip!

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

I have close to the same setup. D7500, 18-300. I never turn my VR off. I did some testing with a tripod and found there was no difference. At this point the VR hasn’t been off for two years.
...Cam

ckescher

I have a D7100. I was very pleased with the Tamron 18-300. Was able to get some good wildlife photos with it. Recently purchased a D500 used. The photos using the Tamron has been awesome. I used a tripod for night shots but not Wildlife so much. I only turned the VC off for night photography.

geezer7 Loc: Michigan

Thanks for the replies. It seems that I was obsessing unnecessarily! The obvious answer for me is to do my own testing. I wonder if different lenses react differently? It would seem likely that they do!

It seems that the following quote applies: “In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is.” Several people have been credited with this quote including Yogi Berra and Albert Einstein!

Leitz Loc: Solms

What does the lens manual say regarding the use of VR on a tripod? It's not the same with all lenses. Running your own tests is always best in any event.

geezer7 Loc: Michigan

I agree that my own testing would be best, but how can I do that before I buy the lens? I can test the lenses I own and extrapolate.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Despite what a few reviewers say, I have seen the Imatest numbers for the 70-300 AF-P DX and FX lenses and the FX is optically better, built better, and is 5.6 instead of 6.3 - your trip deserves the BEST ! Yes, it is slightly bigger/heavier.
.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

You buy the lens and then test it so you know what to expect and how to use it. Thats all. Like testing any photo gear you buy.
...Cam

geezer7 Loc: Michigan

Good point. Interestingly the users' manual states that generally VR should be on when using a tripod. It also states that VR should be on when using a monopod. This seems to be at variance with other advice regarding VR and tripods!

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

It is very unlikely that you will have much opportunity to use a tripod on a Safari tour. You will likely be shooting almost exclusively handheld from the vehicle. Perhaps you will have a different kind of tour, but in my experience with a Safari tour in Kenya, we were moving throughout the day. The guides will stop the vehicle briefly to allow passengers to get shots, and then move on to the next spot. The 18-300 lens will likely be suitable for most of your shots. If you want anything longer, you might take a super zoom camera along with your Nikon setup. I was able to get some amazing shots with a Canon SX50. Depending on your budget for new gear, a Sony RX10 IV would be an excellent choice for an Africa trip, and would work for any longer distance shots.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Bingo!!!!!
What works great for me, might not work worth nickel for you.

FredT

I don´t think you should worry about the VR. Even concerning focussing no need to worry. I have that particular lens on my D7500. I bush ambiences it´s a very good lens because you can with your pinky-finger use the focus ring to focus somewhere between the bushes etc. It´s an override which is very very handy. So yes, i would recommend that lens. Not to mention the price vs quality which is very god as well. Good luck.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

I've used the FF copy for several years on a D7100 and D500 with no regrets.

NikonRocks Loc: Sydney

Two other areas worth exploring with your existing 200mm lens is using a combo of either/together

1. a teleconverter 1.4x, 1.7x, 2.0x - downside is softer images and reduction in max aperture the greater the magnification used

2. In camera image area reduction by 1.3x (18x12) - giving a further 1.3x optical reach on top of the DX 1.5x (24x16) giving equivalent of using a 390mm lens.