VR use with Monopod and Tripod

[vincent_adams]

<p>Please explain why VR should be turned off when using a Tripod, also, does the same apply for Monopod use as well?</p><div></div>

[MichaelChang]

<p>VR is an open loop error correction system (as opposed to a target-sensing closed loop system), thus its quiescent state is undefined when the camera/lens is steady (such as on a tripod). </p>

<p>VR-Off will place the correction element in a known state if the camera is stable on a tripod. </p>

<p>I would imagine a camera on a monopod will experience unwanted movement sufficient to trigger the VR error correction in a helpful manner, so I'd say yes - VR-On on a monopod. </p>

[Matt Laur]

<p>Different generations of VR come with different guidance from Nikon. Check the manual for the lens in question, as Nikon is very specific about this.<br /><br />VR that can't sense the stability of a tripod mount will "hunt" while trying to stabilize the lack of movement, and cause blur.</p>

[dbcooper]

<p>I'd say 'maybe' on a monopod...some VR will fight panning (check the lens' instructions - some have a panning switch). Some very sensitive lenses have a tripod VR mode (e.g. some long expensive superteles), but most will just try to correct vibration that isn't there and will 'hunt' for it, causing blur, like Matt said.</p>

[southjerseyphotos]

<p>This should help....</p>

<p>http://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/7676/kw/tripod%20vr%20off%3F/session/L3RpbWUvMTI5OTIzNTYxOS9zaWQvNmpOOTQ0b2s%3D</p>

[Peter_in_PA]

<p>I love that you're getting the physics on this... but... Want the simple answer?</p>

<p>It makes your images blurrier on a sturdy tripod, not clearer, so turn it off.</p>

<p>It might make your images steadier on a monopod on a windy day or if you are unable to be super-steady, so turn it on then.</p>

<p>If you do your own tests that helps you understand, too. Also, here's another link that might help, about VR and how and when to use it in general. I've found this advice to be spot on.</p>

<p>http://www.bythom.com/nikon-vr.htm</p>

[rodeo_joe1]

<p>I'm going to buck the trend and say a definite "yes" to using VR on a monopod, but still a no-no to tripod use. You'd need a very steady hand to prevent all camera movement using a monopod, and if you were that steady, then you probably wouldn't need the 'pod.</p>

[scott_murphy_photography]

<p>If the lens is mounted on a tripod, why would you need VR in the first place? A monopod might be a different case if you are using a very long (>300mm lens) but still.</p>

[pge]

<p>Tom and Peter, I found both of your links very interesting and informative.</p>

[peter_cohen]

<p>Very interesting thread and links. I read the Hogan piece and it's unclear on the use of VR if you're shooting flash. Say, an SB900 or Quantum Trio with an 18-200 VR lens on-camera in party situations. Camera set on manual at 125th (or 100th) f/5.6.</p>

<p>My uneducated logic tells me that the flash would freeze the motion, so VR isn't going to have an impact in IQ, and should therefore be turned off. Correct?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance.</p>

[mike_halliwell]

<p>I guess if the ambient light is mid level and you use the 5.6 @ 100th sec @ 400 iso option at the long 200mm end, you might get a camera shaken image with a sharp 'flash-captured' image within it. The balance ratio of ambient to flash matters here. The higher ambient light, the more chance of camera shake. The longer the shutter speed and/or longer the lens, the more chance of this double image effect. VR would help with both.</p>

[studio460]

<p>Monopods + VR "on:" Yes!</p>

<p>I bought my very first Nikon VR lens about a year ago, the AF Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR. It's only "VR I" technology, but I was amazed the first time I put it to the test <em>with</em> a monopod. The image below is lensed at 210mm with a shutter speed of 1/13th of a second, with VR "on," shot on a monopod.</p>

<p><img src="http://studio460.com/images/monopod1.jpg" alt="" /><br /> AF Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR: 210mm @ 1/13th sec.; VR "on."</p>

<p>Now, I pretty much use my monopod with VR "on" with all of my VR lenses (when I don't have a tripod, and when I'm shooting under poor lighting conditions), nearly 100% of the time. Plus, I find shooting any lens large enough to have a tripod collar handheld, too much of a chore anyway.</p>