warren_barbour

<p>Thanks to everyone for your feedback. All comments have been helpful in deciding to go for the VC version. I rarely use a tripod and only if I have to, so i think VC is the way to go at the possible loss of some sharpness.<br>

@ David D. - Thanks for the links. Useful comparison of the versions. Just what I was looking for<br>

@ Viskas K. & Michael K. - This lens (VC model) is a bit harder to find in Canada. Best price I can find is $636, rebate not available in Canada<br>

@ Peter K - This lens does have the AF/MF switch like a Nikon lens</p>

<p>I was contemplating buying this lens to use on a D300 and/or D60 and discovered in the process that there are two versions for Nikon. One with vibration compensation (Model B005) and one without (model A16). There are other physical differences in the construction of each, such as total elements and groups and physical size. While the VC version sounds appealing, I have read a couple of comments that the non VC version produces slightly better picture quality.<br /> Have any other members of photo.net had experience with these different versions? The VC version costs approx. $190 CAD more and I'm trying to decide if it's worth the premium and whether there may be a trade-off in picture quality.<br /> Any input would be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>I purchased one just a couple of months ago. It came with the end cap for the EN-EL4a battery along with the inserts for AA batteries and the standard D300 battery.</p>

<p><em>Funny, didn't realize the cameras are set to bracket out of the box?</em><br>

I don't know that it was set like that out of the box. I believe the function button option is set to bracketing by default. I must have set it to bracket accidently while checking out all the buttons and dials. Moved up from a D60 and there's a lot more to learn on this model.</p>

<p>Coincidently, I just finished reading an article on another forum that Panasonic just released firmware updates for their cameras that will block the use of 3rd party batteries. This is a link to the article. <a href="http://www.digitalhome.ca/content/view/3819/284/">http://www.digitalhome.ca/content/view/3819/284/</a>.<br>

Is Nikon beyond doing the same thing in the future? Panasonic claims it is to protect the camera from substandard batteries. Of course there will be the opposing views that it's just a rip off to force consumers to buy Panasonic. Personally, I wouldn't want to gamble on the aftermarket batteries. In Canada, Nikon brand EN-EL3e batteries run about $75 to $85.</p>

<p>I had to chuckle when I read this thread. Just received my new D300 yesterday, was out today to practice a little. When I viewed the pics on computer the first was -1 EV, the next +1 EV and then 0 EV and continued through the rest. I was about 1 1/2 hours trying to figure out what the heck was going on. I should have come here first.</p>

<p>Take a look at <a href="http://www.dtowntv.com/">http://www.dtowntv.com/</a> and scroll down for episode two. This video includes a section on VR lenses.</p>

<p>The "M" on the lens is for setting Auto/Manual Focus only. To set manual control of camera settings, go to the dial on the top/right of the camera body and set it to "M".<br />You may want to spend some quality time with your manual. I am a new D60 owner myself and the manual is only so good. I ended up going to the bookstore and picked up a D60 titled book by David Busch (<a href="http://www.dbusch.com/">http://www.dbusch.com/</a>). Does a much better job of explaining all there is to know about this camera.<br />Good luck.</p>