Deciding on a new lens.

[dots]

Might be better to buy one of those Lumix FZ cameras, just for the ultra-zoom capabilities. Carry two cameras. Any decent 4/5/600mm Nikon lens is going to cost serious BANGERS.

 

[Alan92RTTT]

I have the 55-200 VR and the 70-300 with VR. I'd recommend the 70-300 VR.

Since getting the 70-300 I have not found a use for the 55-200.

I find the images from the 70-300 better than the ones from the 55-200 at all ranges. I like the manual override on the AF and the longer range of the lens.

While it is more expensive it is a much better lens.

 

[ulrichsd]

I really appreciate the offer, but the only thing I buy used is cars haha. This is going to be my Christmas present to myself. I was mainly wondering if anyone had a recommendation about the VR. Thanks

Thats cool if you want, but I will personally never buy a new lens ever again. Used from a reputable source, especially who accepts returns, is the way to go. Lenses, like cars loose about 30% of their value out of the box. If you buy used and get a good price, you can always just resell it for what you paid for it. Just my 2 cents...

 

[RichardsTPF]

I kept the VR on except when I used a tripod.

Is there any reason to turn VR off when take pictures on a tripod? I have heard about this many times. and I always forget to turn off VR.

 

[reissigree]

I kept the VR on except when I used a tripod.

Is there any reason to turn VR off when take pictures on a tripod? I have heard about this many times. and I always forget to turn off VR.

Saves battery.

 

[reissigree]

I really appreciate the offer, but the only thing I buy used is cars haha. This is going to be my Christmas present to myself. I was mainly wondering if anyone had a recommendation about the VR. Thanks

Thats cool if you want, but I will personally never buy a new lens ever again. Used from a reputable source, especially who accepts returns, is the way to go. Lenses, like cars loose about 30% of their value out of the box. If you buy used and get a good price, you can always just resell it for what you paid for it. Just my 2 cents...

Thank you, I will definitely look into that!

 

[Overread36]

I kept the VR on except when I used a tripod.

Is there any reason to turn VR off when take pictures on a tripod? I have heard about this many times. and I always forget to turn off VR.

Older VR lenses don't have the detect system for when a lens is on a tripod or not (though I don't know which specific models this refers to). However even in newer lenses with the detect system its a bit hit and miss if the camera detects that its on a tripod or not; plus the Is still has to spin up and spin down if its on a tripod anyway - so best to turn it off for a tripod mounting to eliminate the loss of shooting time (only a few moments but every second counts) and also to eliminate the risk of getting the shots blurry because IS added its own blur (which it will do if the camera is fully stationary).

I've also noticed that the tripod detection method appears to fail if you shoot with slower shutter speeds (had some blurry waterfall photos with the IS on and there was considerable softness from the IS).

 

[RichardsTPF]

Thank you Overread. So the VR could cause softness when camera mount on a tripod.
too bad, I took a lot of waterfall picture recently on my vacation to China. Most of them were shot with VR on.
I will organize and post them soon.

 

[Overread36]

You might be lucky and the VR detected and turned off - you'll have to check and see. But in general my policy is IS on when handholding - and off when on a tripod (though if I am panning shots I'll use the panning mode of IS - VR has similar)/