VR Lenses and Tripods: Help

[cicchetti]

Hello,

 

I wanted to inquire about people's experience using longer zoom VR

lenses (200-400mm for example) on and off tripods; specifically, the

quality of the images, whether VR is on/off and/or active/normal is

switched on. Body is DSLR.

 

Are you using VR-switched on a tripod if it is very windy? I thought

generally VR should be turned off if on a tripod, though I may need

to get a beefier tripod.

 

Also, at what shutter speeds does the 200-400 VR work best in terms

of clarity or reducing the chances of blurred image if handheld

(gasp!) or in a windy situation on a tripod? It seems anything below

1/250 might be trouble for sharp images especially of moving figures

(wolves in Yellowstone)?

 

Use for the above is longer range wildlife in varying light

conditions.

 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and comments.

 

Rob

[mark newcombe www.mcnphoto]

I shoot mine on a mono 95% of the time and always try to get 250 min speed.

 

Haven't put it on my tripod as i haven't had the need but i think i read you should switch the vr off.

 

You will love the lens its the best i own by far on the long end. I have shot down to 125th in an ice rink which were still ok to sell, but always try for higher. I shot mine with my D2H and X and think it's every bit as good as the 300 prime with the zoom flexibility, f4 is the trade off though.

 

It's also a pretty big sucker which will help if you need to belt a wolf with it.<div></div>

[Mary Doo]

This is the only VR lens that Nikon has advised to <b>leave the VR on</b> when using on a tripod. Apparently it is able to detect the condition of the stability whether it's on or off a tripod.

<br><br>

For me, this one can only be handheld for just a little while.

<br><br>

You are right, for moving animals -- VR or no VR -- anything below 1/250s is usually trouble unless you are panning. Hwvr, this lens pans very well when used with the right accessories (example: Wimberley Sidekick mounted on an Arca-Swiss type ballhead).

[mark newcombe www.mcnphoto]

I never use the tripod with this lens so the above is probably right. I always leave it on when using the monopod.

[greg_barringer]

Quote from 70-200 VR owner's maunal on page 18.

 

When the lens is mounted on a tripod, set the vibration reduction ON/OFF switch to OFF. However, set the switch to ON when using a tripod without securing the tripod head, or when using a monopod.

[Mary Doo]

Hi Greg, it appears you quoted the directions for the <b> 70-200 </b> lens -- I just checked.

<br> <br>

Yes, as mentioned above, Nikon had always recommended turning VR off for tripod use on <b>previous VR lenses</b>. So far, the <b>200-400mm VR </b> (we are discussing this one, aren't we?) is the only exception because it automatically determines whether it is mounted on a tripod.

[Mary Doo]

Here is an example shot with the 200-400 with VR on. These wolves were moving very fast.<div></div>