 Christie R. Bielss |
Need help with a Nikon 70-300mm VR lens I just bought a Nikon 70-300mm VR lens. The shutter seems to be sticking for a split second at the end of exposure. I've noticed when I turn the VR off it can rapid-fire off the photos - but with VR on it hangs for a second. Is this normal? I appreciate any help or advice!
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Pete H |
Christie, No; it is NOT normal if your shutter trigger is delayed. VR only moves the optical elements within the lens. There IS a noticable lag (focus lag) for milliseconds when the VR (turns on)..You can actually hear it in a quiet environmemt. Once the lens is locked on focus, VR should NOT be delaying the shutter speed. Pete
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Christie R. Bielss |
Pete, The shutter doesn't delay when I press the button to take the photo (don't know all the terms), but when it is completing the shot you can hear the shutter click and then it clicks again a second later to open up completely. It's probably the same thing you are talking about. I will call the store I bought it from first thing. Hopefully they can send a new one out ASAP.
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Pete H |
It doesn't sound right to me Christie. Yes, when in doubt, try another. VR on or off should make no difference in the sound of the shutter.
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Christie R. Bielss |
Pete, I'm going to call them when they open but, one more question. I was using the lens this morning and the shutter seems to be loosening up more. Now let me see if I can explain this - it's weird. While looking thru the viewfinder while shooting the photo, and at the end of the exposure when the shutter open back up so you can see through the viewfinder(v/f) again, the black of shutter opens - you look thru the v/f and you see the glass like shift or drop or something. Does this mean the problem is getting worse and is affecting the lens glass or whatever it is in there?
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Todd Bennett |
Christie, This sounds to me that you are actually talking about the mirror and not the shutter? What shutter speed is the camera set at? It almost sounds to me as though you have a long shutter speed and you hear the the shutter and then the mirror slap back into place.
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Pete H |
Christie, Your description and my answer is hard to define w/o being able to see this myself. I have 2 VR lenses made by Nikon. Let me explain what I consider normal operation. First, I am not sure what you mean by "when the shutter open back up so you can see through the viewfinder(v/f) again." When a SLR camera takes a picture, the mirror flips up out of the way so the sensor/film is exposed to the light. While this is happening, we can not see anything but black in our view finder. This is normal. In long exposures, this is quite obvious. In fast shutter speeds, it is hardly noticeable since it happens so fast. Normal operation: VR (Vibration Reduction) in the Nikon lenses attempt to "reduce" image blur from camera shake. They accomplish this by actually moving the optical elements in the lens to counter-act camera movement. It is a very complex system using accelerometers and and processing the info with vector math. While you are depressing the trigger part way to acquire focus; the (VR) system turns on almost immedietly. Again; you can actually "hear" this occuring. Before you actually snap the picture, you can (see) the image thru the viewfinder shift and move slightly. This is quite NORMAL and takes a little getting used to. Again; the VR system has nothing to do with the speed or rate of your shutter. Low light situations dictate how long your shutter remains open. "look thru the v/f and you see the glass like shift or drop or something." The VR system only activates while you are depressing the trigger and focusing. This is when you see the "shift" When you remove your finger from the trigger; after a short delay, the VR turns off. My guess is that you are experiencing shutter speed lag, NOT a VR problem. Pete
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Christie R. Bielss |
Thank you gentlemen! It's just shutter lag. I was shooting Aperture Priority and not paying a lick of attention to the shutter speed. When I just switched to Shutter Priority and moved it up to 1/125th - there was no shifting or movement. You earned your angel's wings today! I was so bummed that I might not be able to take this on my 1100 mile trek across country next week! You both saved the day! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
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Christie R. Bielss |
And boy I've got A LOT to learn!!! Just took a few more pics with it. It's definitely the mirror slapping back into place on the longer shutter speeds. WHEW! Don't have to argue about the cost savings from this eBay purchase to the hubby after all! LOL!
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Todd Bennett |
Christie, I know this sounds stupid; but, I kept going out and taking pics and would forget to check my settings when I started shooting. Whether lazyness, forgetfulness, or just plain stupid, I haven't figured that out yet. I would fire off a couple of shots and then look at them on the LCD and be angry because they sucked. I'd go bang my head against a tree or a wall for a few minutes, adjust my setting correctly and go on. Then it clicked one day when I was running through my check list and preflight before going flying one day. I said to myself, self, why don't you create a checklist and keep it in your camera bag. I typed it up, laminated it and it sits on the very top of my camera in the bag so I see it when I first open it up. Haven't made those mistakes since.
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Christie R. Bielss |
Todd, At least I know I'm not alone when I'm out banging my head after I've shot off several frames and then remembered to check my settings - only to find garbage. Being the daughter of a pilot and the sister of a pilot, you'd think the checklist would be engrained in my brain for everything. I use it for my purse, diaper bag and long trips - and even for my camera bag. Why in the world I haven't made one that's a "before you depress the shutter" checklist is just plain stupid! I've got it on my "To Do" list to accomplish TODAY! Thanks! That was wonderful advice to help me avoid this mess in the future! BTW who do you fly for?
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Todd Bennett |
For myself. I'm a private pilot with an instrument rating.
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Christie R. Bielss |
Sweet! Fly when you want - where you want - and no long lines at the security gate! LOL!
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Debby A. Tabb |
Christie, I just saw your thread and as you see there is a lot of help here on BP. But I'd like to add, before ever considering getting camera or lens fixed,even if suggested by a Photorium, Please consider emailing or calling Nikon Support. They are a world of help and many times can save you alot of money on unneeded repairs. I also check for recalls/and any updates available. I have Nikons number in my Cell,and you may consider that since you may not have the ability to email for help on that type of trip. Just some thoughts,I hope this helps, Debby
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Christie R. Bielss |
Thanks Debby! I think that's a terrific idea. Unless I'm passing a Starbucks with wireless service, I think the cell phone will definitely be the way to go if a problem arises again. Here's to hoping it's nothing more than user stupidity......uh, error.
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