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VR lenses: Necessary?

Jun 5, 2008

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    1. I'm about to bite the bullet and get a Nikon D60 DSLR (my first SLR camera), and the lens it comes with is a VR lens, for image stabilization. This, to me, seems like a good thing, since my hands shake slightly.

      For anyone that has used this technology, how well does it correct movement? Most of the time, I'll probably just use the camera as is, but just in case, I have a tripod coming as well.
       
      #1 PlatinumSky, Jun 5, 2008
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    2. I am currently using the 18-200mm Lens with VR on my D80 and have to say it is astonishingly usefull. Nikon says, it can save up to 3 f-stops and I think it is quite acurate. I have shot with as low as 1/15th of a second handheld, only braced against my knee and got reasonably sharp images, without having to go to a higher ISO setting (which always means: more noise). If you are going to shoot in low light conditions, it is realy helpfull.
       
      #2 Ookami Takamori, Jun 5, 2008
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    3. Ah, thanks for the useful info. My apartment is horribly underlit, as the layout doesn't allow for any overhead light whatsoever, so I guess it's good that the 18-55 VR I'm getting will compensate.
       
      #3 PlatinumSky, Jun 5, 2008
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    4. Well, it might compensate a little but it's always better to be on the safe side and still use a tripod for times when there really isn't enough light. What lens do you have that is VR? Was it the kit lens or a different zoom lens?
       
      #4 nikita, Jun 14, 2008
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    5. I have a D40 without VR and it really, really makes a difference when I do use a VR lens. When I use a tripod, it's fine, but if the light is a little dim, there is camera-shake all over the place. My boyfriend has a VR lens (can't remember which one) and it's great, but just a bit too heavy for me to borrow all the time.
       
      #5 Jescissa, Jun 15, 2008
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    6. @nikita: Yes, it is the kit lens, which is a 18-55mm VR lens. I've tried a couple different ways of shooting now, and the VR is definitely better when there's a lot of light. Tripod comes in handy for low-lit situations.

      I'm still playing around a lot to get the "perfect" aperture/shutter speed settings, but I think I'm slowly getting the hang of it. Considering I've never even touched a DSLR camera, I think I'm doing pretty well so far! :lol:
       
      #6 PlatinumSky, Jun 16, 2008
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    7. You don't need VR/IS, but it is usefull in low light and telephoto shooting hand held. Tripod is the best bet, also some lenses are faster than others, the larger the arpeture the less light you need (and less need for VR/IS). Though if you can afford the VR/IS lenses then get them for sure.
       
      #7 Aryana, Jun 18, 2008
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