I just got my first VR lens which is a Nikon 200-400mm. Quite a monster to hand hold! The manual that came with it has one confusing statement regarding VM. It says:
"If you set the AF start(AF-ON) button to ON on the camera or the Focus operation button on the lens, vibration reduction will not operate."
By setting the button to ON do they mean pressing it? Or are they referring to a Custom menu setting set to ON?
By trial and error I think it might mean that the VR works until you press and hold the AF-ON button on the camera but I am not sure. How can I be sure I am getting the most out of this lens? There do not seem to be any books around to supplement the scimpy manual.
Posted by Brad Hill on September 21, 2008 at 9:09 PM
Hi Glenn,
It means that the VR must be activated by using the shutter release button. The other ways of activating the AF (pressing the AF-ON button or the buttons on the lens itself) simply activate the autofocus (without activating the VR).
By the way...you will read conflicting information about whether or not the VR should be used when this lens is mounted on a tripod. I have used the VR mode when the lens is mounted on a tripod for years and have never experienced a single problem (but make sure you use "Normal" VR mode, not "Active" VR mode).
Congratulations on your lens acquisition - it is an absolutely amazing piece of glass - easily my most important lens (and I have a lot of other of Nikon's super-telephotos.
Hope this helps - don't hesitate to contact me if you have other questions/issues with the lens...
Thanks for the help. I have been going through your gallery - absolutely stunning! I am going to Barter Island next month to photograph the Polar Bears, thus the new lens. I hope I can master this monster between now and then.
Posted by Brad Hill on September 22, 2008 at 9:31 PM
Have fun playing with the bears! I've recently acquired the new 600 VR - if you think the 200-400 is a monster you should trying hand-holding the 600 VR (believe it or not, it IS possible!).
Cheers...and thanks for the kind words about my images...
Discussion
3 replies"If you set the AF start(AF-ON) button to ON on the camera or the Focus operation button on the lens, vibration reduction will not operate."
By setting the button to ON do they mean pressing it? Or are they referring to a Custom menu setting set to ON?
By trial and error I think it might mean that the VR works until you press and hold the AF-ON button on the camera but I am not sure. How can I be sure I am getting the most out of this lens? There do not seem to be any books around to supplement the scimpy manual.
It means that the VR must be activated by using the shutter release button. The other ways of activating the AF (pressing the AF-ON button or the buttons on the lens itself) simply activate the autofocus (without activating the VR).
By the way...you will read conflicting information about whether or not the VR should be used when this lens is mounted on a tripod. I have used the VR mode when the lens is mounted on a tripod for years and have never experienced a single problem (but make sure you use "Normal" VR mode, not "Active" VR mode).
Congratulations on your lens acquisition - it is an absolutely amazing piece of glass - easily my most important lens (and I have a lot of other of Nikon's super-telephotos.
Hope this helps - don't hesitate to contact me if you have other questions/issues with the lens...
Brad
Cheers...and thanks for the kind words about my images...
Brad