Is VR really worth the difference?

[Ozei]

Are there any official timings for VR to kick in and become effective?

Thom Hogan makes the same point re the AF-ON button but he doesn't say how long the VR needs - see Limitations column http://www.bythom.com/70200vrlens.htm

 

[gramps]

Less vignetting

You mean it still has a problem!

 

[trevorbray]

Never investigated time to engage and become effective. Can't be as quick as a stab on the shutter button can it ?

 

[Ozei]

You mean it still has a problem!

No, 'less vignetting' means it has less than the previous model - that doesn't mean the VRII's vignetting can't be 'zero' or 'close to zero'. Have a look at p6 of the dpreview (last line - "..... this is as good as it gets.").

Also see http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/70-200mm-ii.htm

 

[Ozei]

....Can't be as quick as a stab on the shutter button can it ?

Have to confess, I don't know.

It must be pretty darned quick otherwise it would be useless anyway (unless the shutter is kept permanently half-pressed).

Methinks a question to Nikon is called for.

 

[awp]

Fast enough to kick in at the shutter speeds its needed for - I would guess - interesting to get the official answer though. You keep the shutter button half depressed to engage it - while you focus with the AF button - so it's already engaged before you click.

 

[Ozei]

I just spoke to Alex in Nikon Pro Tech Support - a Dutchman I think & very helpful indeed.

Alex says - for most situations, VR will kick in and stabilise even if you are focussing with the AF-ON button then firing the shutter release as normal (i.e. full-press straight away - there's no need to half-press the shutter after pressing AF-ON).

The exception is extreme situations - e.g. shooting whilst running with the camera - in which case you are better off focussing with the shutter half-press (which will also initiate VR) instead of AF-ON.

In other words, if you are standing still and reasonably stable, VR will work fast enough with AF-ON followed by full shutter.

This includes equine shooting (showjumping etc) - provided you are not on the horse yourself!!


NB. Alex also says - in extreme situations (such as running) you are likely to be at, or over, the effectiveness 'envelope' of VR anyway.

NB2. He tells me they've had loads of pros phone to ask about VR with AF-ON.

 

[trevorbray]

Impressive !! Thanks for checking this out. Always good to get the definitive answer.

 

[Ozei]

Nikon's tech guys (I think they're at Nikon Europe BV, Netherlands) are a good bunch and always know their stuff. I've spoken to them many times - by starting with 020 8541 4440 and asking for pro tech support or pre sales.