Using VR Lenses

Using VR Lenses

Nikon has an impressive list of lenses offering
Vibration Reduction, including the
18-55mm and 55-200mm kit lenses that are
available with the D60. This VR technology
is used to combat image blur caused by
camera shake that occurs, especially when
handholding the camera at long focal
lengths. The VR function works by detecting
the motion of the lens and shifting the internal
lens elements. This allows you to shoot
up to 3 stops slower than you would normally.
If you’re an old hand at photography,
you probably know this rule of thumb: To
get a reasonably sharp photo when handholding
the camera, use a shutter speed
that corresponds to the reciprocal of the
lens’s focal length. In simpler terms, when
shooting at a 200mm zoom setting, your
shutter speed should be at least 1/200 second.
When shooting with a wider setting,
such as 28mm, you can safely handhold at
around 1/30 second. Of course, this is just a
guideline; some people are naturally steadier
than others and can get sharp shots at
slower speeds. With VR enabled, you should
be able to get a reasonably sharp image at
a 200mm setting with a shutter speed of
around 1/30 second.



Although the VR feature is good for providing
some extra latitude when shooting with
low light, it’s not made to replace a fast
shutter speed. To get a good, sharp photo
when shooting action, you need to have a
fast shutter speed to freeze the action.
Remember, when shooting in low light the
VR only compensates for camera movement,
so if your subject moves even slightly the
image will be blurry.

Another thing to consider with the VR feature
is that the lens’s motion sensor may
overcompensate when panning, causing the
image to actually be blurrier. So, in situations
where you need to pan with the subject,
you may need to switch off the VR. The
VR function also slows down the AF a bit, so
when catching the action is very important,
you may want to keep this in mind as well.

While VR is a great advancement in lens
technology, few things can replace a good
exposure and a solid monopod or tripod for
a sharp image.