Question Regarding Nikon 80-200mm

[traylorc]

Ok....I just purchased the 80-200MM f/2.8D ED to go with my D90. I knew when I purchased this lens that it did not have VR. However, I was hoping to be able to hand hold it in those situations where I had plenty of light and shooting wide open.

But I'm struggling with a bunch of blurry pics when hand holding this lens. I don't know if technique when holding the camera is poor, or maybe I'm one of those guys with shaky hands (thank god I'm not a surgeon ).

Do I need to accept the fact that this lens needs to be used in conjunction with a tripod or monopod the majority or the time? I'm seriously considering returning this lens, and purchasing the 70-200mm VR II in the next couple of months. I was hoping to avoid spending the coin on the 70-200MM, but I do not want to be forced to use a tripod or monopod 24/7.

Any thoughts???

 

[o hey tyler]

Post photos along with the full exif data. You shouldn't be getting blurry photos unless you're using a slow shutter speed, or unable to focus. What's the widest aperture of the lens, also?

 

[tirediron]

Keep your shutter-speed at around 1/350 or higher and you should be fine. Remember the old 1/FL rule of thumb for hand-holding long glass (and take into account the APS-C "bonus").

 

[Patrice]

Take a look at the thread by 'bentcountershaft' which deals with holding techniques with long lenses.

 

[KmH]

With good camera handeling technique VR really isn't needed with any lens up to 200 mm.

 

[Derrel]

Jack the ISO levels up...and practice good camera-holding fundamentals and you ought to do okay or better. The VR Nikkor zooms really are impressive for what they bring to the table in terms of stabilizing the lens in the wind, when you are out of breath or excited and breathing hard or have your heart pumping, or when shooting from a moving platform such as a sport boat, ferry boat, bus, moving car, etc,etc.

I really do think that the 70-200 VR is a great lens for panning work,with its auto-sensing Vibration Reduction as well as Normal/Active VR modes.

 

[shaunly]

we really need to see some examples to help you better. I have the 80-200 too and I am perfectly fine shooting at 1/125th or even lower handheld. Of course if you can afford the VR1 or 2, go for it. VR does help a bunch but remember, it doesn't help freeze motion though.

 

[shaunly]

Here's spidey at 200mm f/2.8 1/80th sec.

 

[DerekSalem]

With good camera handeling technique VR really isn't needed with any lens up to 200 mm.

It might not be needed, but like I said in the other IS topic...it can be *very* helpful. There are plenty of times I don't have my tripod with me but I want to get a picture of something in the dark. It's quite easy to take shots down to 1/15 of a sec or even slower if you have a good lens...something that can be very helpful.

 

[traylorc]

Keep your shutter-speed at around 1/350 or higher and you should be fine. Remember the old 1/FL rule of thumb for hand-holding long glass (and take into account the APS-C "bonus").

Thank you for the reminder....I was able to take more "blur free" pics tonight. I'm glad you posted in this thread Tirediron, because one of the reasons I picked up this lens was based on your recommendation from another thread. So technically this is all your fault...:mrgreen:

Maybe I will actually get up the nerve to actually post a picture...eventually.

I want to thank everyone for taking the time to comment.