I finally figured out VR: A few examples

[Raj_55555]

I was trying to figure out why VR was making my images soft, I mean noticeably soft! Turns out, if possible, we should wait 3 to 4 seconds after focusing before we completely push the shutter button, this allows the VR to settle down and the image is not as soft anymore. Here are a few examples, all taken in pretty dark enclosures.
I really really love the first one, but have a feeling that it's one of those images that the photographer tends to get partial about, what do you guys think? Any weaknesses, feedbacks and criticisms are most welcome, always look forward to learning something new

#1. Grey Crowned Crane looking fabulous!

#2. Yesh Yesh!! That's the spot!!

#3. Tastes Funny!

#4. And of course, the obligatory kitty (Non-VR)

 

[gsgary]

That's crap having to wait that long turn it off and use a faster shutter speed never had need for image stability even on my 300f2.8L

 

[mmaria]

I love the first one!

 

[sm4him]

Hmmm, you really shouldn't have to wait that long for your VR to work; it should be pretty instant and seamless and just...work. Makes me wonder if something has gone wonkers with it on that lens.

At any rate, looks like your solution is working well for you! Love the birds, of course.
I do wish we could see the face on the first one; I suspect what you love about it is those nice, sharp feathers. And I do like the "line" of the bird, the way it leans across the frame. I just wish we could at least see an eye.

 

[Braineack]

3-4sec is a bit of a stretch, but yes, the 70-300 needs to settle down a bit before you should shoot. My image jumps like crazy when it clunks on.

I much prefer the Tamron's VC over Nikon's VR; it engages smoother/quiter and feels almost gyroscopic when engaged. Whenever I'm not using VC it's very apparent looking in the viewfinder.

It's a marvelous invention.

 

[Raj_55555]

That's crap having to wait that long turn it off and use a faster shutter speed never had need for image stability even on my 300f2.8L

True! But there are cases where you just can't go any higher with the shutter speed, like in these cases. I was already at ISO 640, so VR was essential for these shots. And having f2.8 will actually help not having to use VR, than the other way around. For shots where i can wait a few seconds, I don't see the demerit in using it if I can.

I love the first one!

Thanks, that's all I need to hear

 

[gsgary]

That's crap having to wait that long turn it off and use a faster shutter speed never had need for image stability even on my 300f2.8L

True! But there are cases where you just can't go any higher with the shutter speed, like in these cases. I was already at ISO 640, so VR was essential for these shots. And having f2.8 will actually help not having to use VR, than the other way around. For shots where i can wait a few seconds, I don't see the demerit in using it if I can.

I love the first one!

Thanks, that's all I need to hear

Iso640 is not high

 

[goooner]

Nice shots Raj, I would have thought ISO 800, or around 1000 should have little enough noise to use. I also love that 1st one. Pity about the cold weather coming I would have loved to have gone to the zoo again soon.

 

[Raj_55555]

Hmmm, you really shouldn't have to wait that long for your VR to work; it should be pretty instant and seamless and just...work. Makes me wonder if something has gone wonkers with it on that lens.
At any rate, looks like your solution is working well for you! Love the birds, of course.
I do wish we could see the face on the first one; I suspect what you love about it is those nice, sharp feathers. And I do like the "line" of the bird, the way it leans across the frame. I just wish we could at least see an eye.

I actually didn't try without waiting that long, maybe I'm waiting a bit too long. I came to know of this by reading a blog, and it said to wait 5 seconds. I will try with with fewer seconds in between and see how it turns out.
And yes, I love the sharp feathers, thanks to the 70-300 I guess. I waited a long time for the eye shot, but he was just not interested in curving his head like that again, and the shots were just boring!

3-4sec is a bit of a stretch, but yes, the 70-300 needs to settle down a bit before you should shoot. My image jumps like crazy when it clunks on.

I much prefer the Tamron's VC over Nikon's VR; it engages smoother/quiter and feels almost gyroscopic when engaged. Whenever I'm not using VC it's very apparent looking in the viewfinder.

It's a marvelous invention.

Yes, that's what I observed, and I've heard some good things about the VC. Now I'm wondering whether I should have gone with the Tammy, but that feeling will always be there when I get a new lens

 

[Raj_55555]

Iso640 is not high

It is on my D100, the max I go to is ISO 800. Anything above that usually doesn't turn out right in it. For the newer cameras, you're right it's not that high.

Nice shots Raj, I would have thought ISO 800, or around 1000 should have little enough noise to use. I also love that 1st one. Pity about the cold weather coming I would have loved to have gone to the zoo again soon.

Thanks Gooner, much appreciated As I said, 800 is probably the highest I'd go on my D100, but I understand what you're saying. The funny thing is, it's great that the cold weather is coming as all sorts of birds migrate to the lake at our local zoo and a lot of subjects to shoot from
Sorry it didn't work out that way for you!

I'd rather just use VC and not give a **** what Gary thinks.

You sure know how to be subtle!

 

[limr29 2]

Kitty AND parrots!!

Sorry, Raj, I have absolutely nothing to say about the VR. Don't even know what it is. All I know is that I like the pictures! It's true about the eye inthe first one, but it's still a beautiful picture. Such lovely lines and bursts of light. And I love the expression on the front bird's face in the second shot. And the kitty, of course Great colors in all of them.

 

[D-B-J]

That's some stunning light on that crane!!! Nicely done Raj.

Jake

 

[Braineack]

I waited a long time for the eye shot, but he was just not interested in curving his head like that again, and the shots were just boring!

lack of eye made the shot. it's almost abstract at this point, and somehow it made it into the Nov POTM list...

 

[D-B-J]

I waited a long time for the eye shot, but he was just not interested in curving his head like that again, and the shots were just boring!

lack of eye made the shot. it's almost abstract at this point, and somehow it made it into the Nov POTM list...

Good! I was going to nominate it [emoji106]

 

[Raj_55555]

Kitty AND parrots!!

Sorry, Raj, I have absolutely nothing to say about the VR. Don't even know what it is. All I know is that I like the pictures! It's true about the eye inthe first one, but it's still a beautiful picture. Such lovely lines and bursts of light. And I love the expression on the front bird's face in the second shot. And the kitty, of course Great colors in all of them.

Thanks Leonore, and I envy you for that. You know the wonderful world of films, I hope someday I start with films as well, just for the fun of it.

That's some stunning light on that crane!!! Nicely done Raj.
Jake

Thanks Jake..Lucky for me, the lighting came out the way I thought it would. Sometimes the pictures just don't translate well!

lack of eye made the shot. it's almost abstract at this point, and somehow it made it into the Nov POTM list...

Good! I was going to nominate it [emoji106]

How about that! Never thought I'd make it into that list as a serious entrant.Thanks a lot guys!