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Photography Question 

Jennifer Cresse
 

Is a VR lens worth the money?


I recently got sand in my primary lens. Nikkor 18-70 f/3.5.
Thankfully I still had 3 months left on the warranty and they are going to fix it. The only problem is that it will take 6 weeks! Also, I don't really have another comparable lens. My business has been growing, and I think it is time to invest in a new lens. I was looking around online and the Nikon vibration reduction lenses seem to be really awesome. I am just wondering if anyone has one ?

The one I think I want to buy is:
Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5 - 5.6G DX ED VR AFS Lens

or the:
Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Lens
any thoughts?
Thanks!


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July 01, 2008

 

Pete H
  Jen,

In a word; YES! They are worth their wt in gold to a photographer.
They are (primarily) for static subjects
(i.e) They do nothing to prevent image blur from subject motion.
I can not tell you the number of times VR has allowed me to capture a photo that otherwise would have been impossible; esp when shooting with a long lens.

Sure, I could have raised the ISO, but I didn't have to.

VR affords about a 4 stop advantage over non stabilized lenses; all things being equal.

Completely test ANY VR lens you purchase for focusing accuracy as there has been some QC issues with some.

Lastly; one disadvantage is battery consumption, VR lenses require power from your battery, so your total frames shot on one battery is reduced...and by quite a lot. (30-40%) There is a way around this issue depending on the camera you use.

all the best,

Pete


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July 01, 2008

 

Jennifer Cresse
  Thanks pete!
I am not too worried about the battery consumption. I can usually get through a whole wedding or day of shooting with only one battery. So I think it should be ok.
I am glad to hear that you think they are good.
Do you know what types of VR lenses have QC issues?
Thanks!
Jen


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July 01, 2008

 

Pete H
  Hello Jen,

It's not so much a question of what types of VR lenses have QC problems.
It is more of how "many" might slip thru the cracks during the QC process.

In it's most basic form, Nikon's VR lenses stabilize by actually moving some of the lens elements. If the lens was not properly "centered" during manufacturing, there could be focus issues; either now or at a future time.
The VR system in lens stabilized platforms are quite complex, from the piezoelectric transducers, accelerometers, lens mounting to final positioning (pre and post resting)

Nikon's 18-200mm VR II for example, while a very good lens; is built to a price point. Let's face it, $750 for ANY lens is not that much, so naturally it begs the question, "how good are the mechanicals?"

Don't be overly concerned about the QC..Just be aware and check yours for critical focus if you get one. I check mine about every 2 weeks.. after a year of use, no probs so far.


Pete


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July 02, 2008

 

Sandra Matthews
  Tamron has their version & are highly recommended as well.


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July 11, 2008

 

David Van Camp
  Just to add another YES to VR... I bought a Nikon 18-200VR a few months back and LOVE it!! VR is great, well worth the extra bucks. Just don't get tooo complacent... it can't save every shot, but it sure can help :) A lot!

(and i've had zero quality problems so far... and Nikon gives a 5yr warranty on this sucker, no extra charge... that's good too!)

dvc


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July 11, 2008

 

Steve McCroskey
  I highly recommend the VR lenses!Due to a dumb mistake,dropping my 55-200mm Nikon,I upgraded to the 55-200mm VR,and have nothing but praise for it since!!!


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July 17, 2008

 

Raymond H. Kemp
  I have the Nikon 70-200 2.8 VR; an outstanding glass!


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July 18, 2008

 

Jennifer Cresse
  Thanks everyone!
I bought the Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5 - 5.6G DX ED VR AFS Lens
So far it seems really awesome!
Thanks!
Jen


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July 18, 2008

 
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