VR - To use or not

[crasher]

Interesting discussion on VR (or OS etc) at www.bythom.com/nikon-vr.htm - must test out his assertions.

[benjiblanco]

a good read Keith.. thanks for the link.

I must admit mines on 'on' all the time unless on a tripod. Turn to active when on a boat, which is ermmmm about never.
I personally think in the uk unless its a really bright summers day, and you have an extremely good camera technique, chances are its best on.

[crasher]

Same here Ben, I suspect that any degredation due to VR being on when SP of over 1/500th is slight, think I might experiment!

[Pipeman]

Thanks for the link Keith - a good, albeit heavy, read.

Bottom line for me is that on the lenses I have that offer it, it's on all the time but the main thing to remember is that IS/VR is about reducing camera shake, nothing more in most cases.

By way of experiment I have tried shooting cricket hand held with excellent results compared to normal tripod with a bean bag on it. It has given me good results at football (both codes) compared to non-IS lenses shooting at 1/500th or 1/1000th. My attitude is to use my normal settings and get better images, not try to use the "four extra stops technique" to compensate for poor light.

As for helicopter shots, that will have to wait for another time!

[crasher]

Glad you enjoyed it Ron.

I think your usage of VR, OS etc is very similar to mine, switched on nearly all the time but with an appreciation of its limitations. I thought I knew all about VR but I did pick up one or two golden nuggets from this article.

I posted it more to help those who claim little technical expertise, might help them understand what's going on rather than attribute it all to 'magic'.

[Marvin]

Good discussion Keith, thanks for sharing the link.
My personal opinion of VR is that it is a tool to be mis-used as much as it is used correctly. As the price drops we will have little option whether to choose a VR lens or not. Do you really need VR for that 18mm shot?
My fear is that the on/off switch will disappear too, like the car's starting handle or the motorcycle's kickstart. Nobody will notice though, they will be so used to having the VR turned on all the time. :rolleyes: Come on people, learn how to hold it properly and all your results will be better.

[Pipeman]

Come on people, learn how to hold it properly and all your results will be better.

Excellent point Nigel - camera technique is possibly the most important thing to master, yet many expect the equipment to do the work for them.

[Penabby]

Come on people, learn how to hold it properly and all your results will be better.

spooky, I was thinking about the basics and this particular subject just before reading this thread... I really need to start from scratch with the basics of photography and holding the camera is a good place to start.... How do you hold a camera properly? any advice, links please :)

[benjiblanco]

Iposted this a while a go in a different thread

probably shouldnt be using these pics, but i'll link to his site http://www.joemcnally.com/blog/categ...tricks/page/2/

how not to do it...


http://idigitize.smugmug.com/Animation/Digital-Ima/sbdemo001thumbnail/722172863_GZRjM-L.jpg

how to do it right...


http://idigitize.smugmug.com/Animation/Digital-Ima/sbdemo002thumbnail/722172869_WQ84h-L.jpg
take the weight of the camera with your left hand

maybe a new thread in camera thread soon

[benjiblanco]

heres a thread ron started a while ago Penny...

http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=817

[Penabby]

oh thankyou Ben, didnt realise that was here, sorry should have had a good look myself :)

[Marvin]

They were the pix I was just looking for!!

However, I found THIS (http://www.tog247.com/forums/showthread.php?t=817) bit by Ron - very useful info Penny :top:

[benjiblanco]

added to that thread Nigel :top:

[Pipeman]

Gosh! - Did I write that?:shocked::D