RickH Loc: Toronto, Canada

For a month or so I've been learning to use a new Nikon lens, a 70-200mm. I'm beginning to suspect that when the vibration reduction is set to on that I get slightly off focus results (with auto-focus, no problem with manual). Does this ring true for others? I have the lens on a 800E

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

I use that lens a lot on both the D7100 and the D800 and have had no problems at all. Really sorry to hear you're having this problem, you may consider calibrating the lens but in any case I hope you keep us informed as to the status of your issue as I'd be interested in what you find.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Is this happening while hand held or on a tripod? If on a tripod, the VR should be turned off - that may be the issue.

PhotoArtsLA Loc: Boynton Beach

200mm is still a lens within what pros consider a "normal range" for handheld work, without VR or any digital stabilizing. Back in the olde days of film, I considered, with a good heavy camera like a motorized Nikon F2 (appropriate weight is EVERYTHING as it lets you "settle" with a camera) that my lower limit with the olde 200mm f/4 was 1/8th second exposure when I had a chair or wall to aid handheld work and still get tack sharp stuff.

That said, IF you are using a "coffee nerves" tripod, which is most every modern tripod with your 70-200 (I hope it's the f/2.8, as it is stellar) then the tripod could be to blame. I mistakenly purchased a $500-ish Manfrotto tripod which I find is best used as a coat rack, as it cannot steady anything above a 2.5 ounce point and shoot dilettante camera. Hoist a 300/2.8 on it with its matched multiplier (they don't make matched multipliers anymore, sadly) and the Manfrotto shows its worthlessness.

These days, I generally go to Ebay and search for "Gitzo Tele Studex Giant" which was a REAL tripod and sadly, too, is no longer made. I bought one of the the smaller ones recently for my custom made motion picture jib, which is fabulously overbuilt of steel. With 85 pounds of counterweight or so, it will lift my fluid head and Digital Cinema camera for great, smooth jib moves. It's a jib, counterweight, and camera weight of about 140 pounds, which is happy on top of the Gitzo Tele Studex Giant even with its rock stable legs extended.

The difference between real and dilettante tripods is a wonder. No bad habits, especially no coffee nerves. While only a DSLR camera shutter sends the Manfrotto into maddening shot wrecking vibration, the Gitzo absorbs any camera shutter with aplomb. The resistance to user supplied vibration, nonexistent on the Manfrotto, is met with "what user vibration?" on the Gitzo Tele Studex.

If you are in to little, lightweight things, Acratech Ball Heads are wonderful little tripod heads. While they need a riser for certain work, their CNC "one-off-ish, many fold" construction shines with precision and essential lack of common ball head issues. Much heavier, more expensive ball heads do not perform as well.

My Riser Fix for Acratech

RickH Loc: Toronto, Canada

Given that I have no problem when focusing manually I am prettyy certain its not a calibration problem

RickH Loc: Toronto, Canada

Thanks PhotoArtsLA, very informative and helpful!

sportyman140 Loc: Juliette, GA

You never answered the question, "handheld or on tripod"?

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

The resolution of your sensor makes small issues larger. If manual focus is good and auto focus is off it needs to be calibrated. You can send the combination off to Nikon or do it yourself. When on a tripod turn off the VR.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

More than likely when in auto focus your letting the camera select where to focus. Use the center single focusing point in your camera and place that over what's most important in your photo. 90% of focusing problems are user related

RickH Loc: Toronto, Canada

handheld

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I'm finding the opposite true myself (Canon 70-200/2.8 II)