alan_wilder1

<p>I own the 70-200/4 AFS and sharpness is about as good at all focal lengths compared to other primes or zooms that cover the same focal length. Your distance shot is much better with 70-200 as the image is definitely sharper with no visible CA compared to the 80-200. I would definitely check to make certain AF fine tuning is spot on correct before faulting the lens. There are various ways of doing this since fine tuning charts can be purchased or downloaded.</p>

<p>Your sample shots at 1/80 demonstrates results similar to my own experiences where VR does a very good job in suppressing blur from shake with possibly only a trace amount evident in the vertical direction on your first example. I found it quite helpful for speeds of 1/20-1/80 with close to tripod supported sharpness. Speeds of 1/100-1/200 were not quite as vibration free but on average better than no VR.</p>

<p>That's my impression too. Reviewing the total # of very sharp or acceptably sharp images without VR was 25% of the 20 images shooting at 1/160 sec. As the shutter speed goes down, there would be even fewer acceptably sharp images without VR. The VR feature performs even better in producing sharp images compared to 1 stop below 1/FL as shooting speed approaches the claimed 4.5 stops below 1/FL.</p>

<p>As a reference on detail capture, here is the full un-cropped image.</p><div></div>

<p>VR off, Q mode, best</p><div></div>

<p>VR off, Q mode, worst</p><div></div>

<p>VR off, S mode, best</p><div></div>

<p>VR off, S mode, worst</p><div></div>

<p>VR on, Q mode</p><div></div>

<p>VR switched on, S mode</p><div></div>

<p>VR in S mode</p>

<p>To determine once and for all the effectiveness of the VR function on this lens post-firmware fix at 1/160 sec (1 stop below 1/FL), I tested my lens on a D750 with VR on and off at S and Q shooting modes. All shots were hand-held, tightly cropped at 100%, ISO 100. Images shown are best and worst cases out of 10 frames for each group. All images with VR were far better than the worst with VR turned off but not as vibration free as the best VR turned off. The downside of VR off is that there were far fewer keepers than VR turned on. Here are the images:</p>

<p>Good point Shun, I just wanted to demonstrate the worst-case scenario. I should note that there was very little variation between best and worst results for each group. I will post another topic shortly that covers everything: both VR on and off, to put this matter to rest as far as I'm concerned. </p>

<p>Now the Q mode.</p><div></div>

<p>Despite excellent VR results at 3 or 4 stops below 1/300 sec, shooting speeds at just 1 stop under like 1/160 tend to exhibit shake even after lens firmware update. One thing I found reduces but not eliminates this on my D750 body, is to shoot in the Q (quiet) mode. To test this, I shot 5 frames in the S mode and 5 in the Q mode. I then selected the worst of each group and here are the results. All are tightly cropped at 100%. First VR in the S mode:</p><div></div>

<p>The cropped shot at 1/20 second was simply to demonstrate the VR effectiveness at around 4 stops. Though ridiculously slow for a 300 if any subject movement occurs, I can see it's usefulness for non moving subject or landscapes shot under poor lighting when a tripod isn't handy or permitted.</p>

<p>Lastly, the same shot at 1/20 sec with VR switched on. As stated earlier, VR works great at these slow speeds.</p><div></div>

<p>For perspective of the crop size to "see the forest from the trees", I'm attaching the full frame image.</p><div></div>

<p>I certainly agree with Shun that a 300/2.8 VR II would be preferable in low light to minimize blur due to subject motion as obviously VR does nothing to mitigate this issue. Additionally the f/2.8 version's VR goes down to 4 stops compared to the f/4 version of 4.5 stop gain so in this issue, the f/2.8 is still slightly ahead. I'm curious if the 300/2.8 images at for example 1/160 show a similar slight "double image" phenomenon as the f/4 version.</p>

<p>It may look bad to some because cropping was around 100% on a subject about 50' away on single shot mode in order to demonstrate image detail with VR engaged. This is what you'd likely at 100% with the camera's LCD screen on playback. Uncropped, the image is far more acceptable especially if making a print. I don't know if shooting vertical camera orientation reduces the effect or more importantly for me, when shooting at continuous high for BIF. I wonder how their 300/2.8 VR does under similar circumstances, i.e. at 100% crop? Are these images rock steady as if mounted on a tripod or is the a little image degradation handheld on VR? All things considered, I'd certainly take this lens over my previous 300/4 AFS for size reduction alone. The VR feature would be invaluable shooting a concert handheld at speeds like 1/50 sec. because it delivers tack sharp images at these low shutter speeds.</p>

<p>Shot with a D750 and camera was held horizontally on all shots. Fairly consistent vertical double image effect rather than random movement blur as when the VR is turned off. More shooting down the road will determine if the same occurs when the camera is held vertically.</p>

<p>Lastly, no VR at 1/100</p><div></div>

<p>Post-firmware fix @ 1/200</p><div></div>

<p>Pre-firmware fix @ 1/200</p><div></div>

<p>Post firmware fix @1/160</p><div></div>