Vibration Reduction / Image Stabilisation - Do you??
Discussion
Podie here (whoops forgot to check who was logged in!)
From a Canon perspective there are two versions. Cheaper lenses have on/off, whereas the L series lenses have 2 modes. One mode does horizontal and vertical stabilisation, the other just vertical (for panning). I assume Nikon's VR system will be similar.
For the record, you can tell the difference, and IMO doesn't sap battery power to a detrimental effect (had IS lenses on all day, shot 1000 and still had juice left - and it was pretty cold).
In terms of tripods, the Canon IS sytem is fine - if you're panning just switch to the appropriate mode. In fact you can switch the IS off completely. I think they're certainly worth (upto) 3 stops.
Given the choice between an IS and a non-IS lens, I'd always take the IS.
All IMO of course
From a Canon perspective there are two versions. Cheaper lenses have on/off, whereas the L series lenses have 2 modes. One mode does horizontal and vertical stabilisation, the other just vertical (for panning). I assume Nikon's VR system will be similar.
For the record, you can tell the difference, and IMO doesn't sap battery power to a detrimental effect (had IS lenses on all day, shot 1000 and still had juice left - and it was pretty cold).
In terms of tripods, the Canon IS sytem is fine - if you're panning just switch to the appropriate mode. In fact you can switch the IS off completely. I think they're certainly worth (upto) 3 stops.
Given the choice between an IS and a non-IS lens, I'd always take the IS.
All IMO of course
Edited by Rude Girl on Sunday 16th March 11:07
beano500 said:
What do you use IS/VR for - do you have it "on" most of the time and sometimes turn it off? Do you leave it off, virtually all the time.
On all the time pretty much. Cant' remember needing to turn it off for any reason, but that could be down to the canon mode thing that Podie mentioned.beano500 said:
Would you be able to live without it now you've got it?
NopeFor motorsport/trackdays I always have my IS on mode 2 (panning mode). It is awesome and I wouldn't buy a lens without it if I had the choice. Mode 1 gets little use on the big zoom.
In a wide lens I can easily hand hold at 1/25th with IS on, sometimes slower down to 1/10th if I prop myself against a wall.
In a wide lens I can easily hand hold at 1/25th with IS on, sometimes slower down to 1/10th if I prop myself against a wall.
I only have one lens with VR, a Nikkor 80-400. It's a lovely lens, but circumstances being what they are, I've only used it twice in anger the entire time I've owned it. As such it's going to be sold shortly, once I work out if ebay (spit spit) is my only choice of sales venue.
My limited experience of VR is such that I'd always go for faster glass if possible.
My limited experience of VR is such that I'd always go for faster glass if possible.
Edited by _dobbo_ on Sunday 16th March 21:18
I dont have any stabalised lenses yet, but did used to own a KM A2 with built in IS ala Sony dSLR's.
Its definatly worth having, but has some caveats.
No use (apart frmo panning mode) on tripod and doesnt remove (but does reduce) the need for a tripod. I could do quite long hand held waterfall shots etc with it.
I will buy a longer lens (100-400, 150-500, 70-300) with IS on, its very hadny for these focal length were you will be hand holding.
Longer/faster and your likely on a tripod anyhow so IS = pretty much useless (apart from mode2).
Walkabout lens I'd like it on but would always go for faster over IS if there had to be a choice.
Its definatly worth having, but has some caveats.
No use (apart frmo panning mode) on tripod and doesnt remove (but does reduce) the need for a tripod. I could do quite long hand held waterfall shots etc with it.
I will buy a longer lens (100-400, 150-500, 70-300) with IS on, its very hadny for these focal length were you will be hand holding.
Longer/faster and your likely on a tripod anyhow so IS = pretty much useless (apart from mode2).
Walkabout lens I'd like it on but would always go for faster over IS if there had to be a choice.
dpreview says: 'The Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR adds this season's must-have feature - optical image stabilization (or Vibration Reduction as Nikon would have it).'
If we're looking at 'season's must-have features' then I'm going to wait until stripey woollen lenswarmers are in. But only if they come in Autumnal earth tones of course.
If we're looking at 'season's must-have features' then I'm going to wait until stripey woollen lenswarmers are in. But only if they come in Autumnal earth tones of course.
Edited by Simpo Two on Sunday 16th March 22:19
Rude Girl said:
Simpo Two said:
If we're looking at 'season's must-have features' then I'm going to wait until stripey woollen lenswarmers are in. But only if they come in Autumnal earth tones of course.
Tell you what John, if you drop me a note with the length and diameter, I'll knit you one. 
IS on the 24-105 was very useful at the NEC for the Autosport show. Crap lighting meant i was down to 1/15th - 1/20th.
For Motorsports i don't need it. I rarely used it on the 100-400 (before i sold it) and if anything it slows the AF down.
If i'm using the 120-300 with a 2x TC to get reach it's on a monopod anyway. No doubt when i get my 500 prime it will be mostly switched off or i'll get the Sigma 500 which doesn't have it anyway
For Motorsports i don't need it. I rarely used it on the 100-400 (before i sold it) and if anything it slows the AF down.
If i'm using the 120-300 with a 2x TC to get reach it's on a monopod anyway. No doubt when i get my 500 prime it will be mostly switched off or i'll get the Sigma 500 which doesn't have it anyway
I only have one lens with it on and its nice to have when your subject is stationary and you have a slow shutter speed or you are a bit shakey like me. I turn it off on the tripod or if I have to pan as it does not have a mode 2 for panning. I tended not to use it on the 100-400 when I had it purely for battery saving but I would turn it on if I put the shutter speed down to 1/40-1/60th. IS systems actually degrade the IQ so a non IS lens will be sharper than an IS lens of the same type. it is nice to have but ultimately its not a reason I buy a lens for.
You mentioned you'd be looking to get fast glass and VR - I have to ask what lens you are considering that fits these criteria?
The only lens that seems to fit your needs in the current line up that is fast and has VR is the 70-200 f/2.8, and in that case it isn't optional as there is no version of that lens without it. The 200-400 is big money, and all the other VR lenses aren't really that fast.
The only lens that seems to fit your needs in the current line up that is fast and has VR is the 70-200 f/2.8, and in that case it isn't optional as there is no version of that lens without it. The 200-400 is big money, and all the other VR lenses aren't really that fast.
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