How to use the VR feature of Nikon 80-400 VR

I just bought this lens (80-400 VR) from B&H after hearing so much about its VR

feature, Sharpness, Lightness and so on. But I am yet to snap up a razor sharp

picture. I have been using Nikon gear for over 15 years. Currently use this lens

with a D200. I shoot birds, wildlife, landscape etc.

 

This is how I use. Usually Apperture Priority. F7 to F9

 

The it shows the shutter speed at 1/250. Day light, hand held. The picture comes

soft. I turn on the VR. Same or further softer!! Like a shake almost. I give it

a second and all that.

 

I think it could also be the complex focus area selection of D200. I tried so

many shots. I am yet to jump out at one saying 'Wow'. But my 80-200 2.8 does a

better job anytime.

 

Are there any tips and tricks you could share with me on this combo (D200 -

80-400VR) to get better pictures?

 

Help me Geniuses!!

 

Arun

You need to test it to see if there is a problem with the lens or a problem with your settings/technique.

 

I would put the camera on a tripod, use the center focus point, a fast shutter speed (1/500 min) and take a few shots outside in good lighting. If you don't get images comparable to your other lenses, it is probably not working properly.

When you take telephoto pictures there are many possible sources of unsharpness. The subject might be moving; even what appear to be normal, slow movements of an animal can cause your photo to be a bit blurred at 1/250 second. Your focus might be slightly off; AF with this lens is not always dependable, in my experience. If your subjects are even say, sixty feet away, there can be atmosphetic interference that reduces sharpness. Finally, your images may inherently appear a bit soft unless you do a bit of sharpening in post-processing.

 

In my experience, this lens is not impressively sharp at 400mm. unless you stop down to at least f9 or so. But at shorter focal lengths (at least up to 300mm.) you should be able to get good results at f5.6.

 

I agree with the previous poster that you need to do some systematic testing to check your lens' performance under optimal conditions. Here's an idea: place a stuffed animal at the distance you have been photographing wild animals and birds (or closer). Put the camera/lens on a tripod or rest it firmly on a beanbag or something similarly firm. Take some photos using ISO 400 or so of your motionless stuffed animal at various shutter speeds and apertures. Check the results. You obviously can trash the images after you inspect them. If even with firm camera support, a motionless subject, careful focusing, and optimal shutter speed/aperture combinations you can't get a sharp image, you should send the lens to Nikon for inspection.

Perhaps 2 years ago, Popular Photography had comparison tests of this lens and Canon, Sigma equivalent zooms. At 400 mm this lens was rated fairly low.

If you are used to sharp pictures, this may be a suprise to you.

I have used this lens for years now and find it very sharp. So sharp that I traded my 80mm-200 f2.8 for a D70 afew years back and have been very happy with lens. Try all of the above but sounds like to me that you got a bad sample.

Make sure the indicator stops flashing. I found when photographing birds, tend to get to be quick to press the button, before VR has a chance to work. Using S instead of C for focusing may make it better if following a bird. Then, I also manually focus the lens for approx distance, before taking pictures. It seems the auto focus is faster then. It could be my imagination of course. ;)