"Never turn VR on unless it's actually needed."

[table1349]

Here's a thought, why is this even questioned? VR is an incredible battery leech. Image quality issues aside you should turn it off when not needed.

I was saying this 3 years ago when virtually every "what lens" question had at least one reply stating to make sure the lens had IR/VR.

Nothing better than learning to actually use the equipment properly, including how to properly hold and support your gear. Image shake reduction is nothing more than a tool that needs to be used ONLY when called for.

Problem is, too many people treat it like their crutch and lean on it ALL THE TIME!!!!

 

[Dominantly]

Well I pretty much have to agree with them. I have pretty much quit using VR unless Im below 1/250 and, if I do use it at 1/250 it is only as the photo is shot as opposed to Full Time. THis is with handheld shots ofcourse. On my tripod I have only used it when my shutter speeds were very low due to lighting and, again on Mode1. I personally havent liked the results from Mode2 on my 80-400. Personally I wont buy a VR lens that is below 200mms, I just dont see a need for it myself. Good holding technique will work better than VR. Now granted for some people who have some problem with steady holding due to physical problems I imagine it is a God send so, then I can see a reason for it.

I thought it was more harmful then anything to use VR while on a tripod.

 

[Joves]

I was saying this 3 years ago when virtually every "what lens" question had at least one reply stating to make sure the lens had IR/VR.

Nothing better than learning to actually use the equipment properly, including how to properly hold and support your gear. Image shake reduction is nothing more than a tool that needs to be used ONLY when called for.

Problem is, too many people treat it like their crutch and lean on it ALL THE TIME!!!!

No! Not proper technique! How dare you even suggest that!
While yes VR does have its place like very low light hand held shots, it is not the be all, end all that is being marketed. Im getting pretty tired of seeing VR on short stinking lenses that have no reason to have it. Next they will put VR on 24mm primes. Oh well I guess it means that we can get great glass without VR for cheap because the masses dont want it.

 

[Garbz]

Did you even click the link, though? I agree with your point, but the article itself discusses much more detail about how VR works and such than just "don't use it unless you need it."

Yeah I read it in detail. The article is dead on, my question was just totally left field. Even long before this article and long before I knew of the tripod issues and shutter speed issues I have always just kept VR off to conserve battery life, and I was wondering if other people do the same?

 

[Goontz]

Yeah I read it in detail. The article is dead on, my question was just totally left field. Even long before this article and long before I knew of the tripod issues and shutter speed issues I have always just kept VR off to conserve battery life, and I was wondering if other people do the same?

Ah, fair enough. :thumbup: My guess would be that most people don't realize that VR uses up more battery or isn't needed, and even detrimental, under certain circumstances.

 

[aprillove20]

Nice article he tries to explain Nikon's Vibration Reduction system.

 

[mental]

I thought it was more harmful then anything to use VR while on a tripod.

Depends on the VR/IS implementation. You should read the specs on the lens to see if it's recommended that you not use it on a tripod. Some can be mounted on a tripod for single axis reduction to assist in things like pan shots.


But... I agree, don't use IS unless it's necessary. If you're not going to benefit from it, then it's just one more thing effecting your image quality/battery life.