Posted by Dan Roberts on December 28, 2012 at 2:00 PM
Simple question, does anyone use VR/IS when shooting wildlife with long lenses? I shoot a lot of BIF and typically find that I'm shooting at such high ss the VR/IS is irrelevant. Plus just in general I typically push ss as high as I can. The reason I ask is because I'm contemplating the purchase of a used, non-VR 500mm lens vs a new one.
My 500 f/4 is an old non-VR, non-anything Nikkor. Attempts at handheld BIF shooting just haven't worked for me at any shutter speed, and I'm not puny at 6'4" and 230. On a full Wimberly head I have a high success rate with BIF, even at surprisingly slow SS, so I don't miss the handholding. I'm fine on BIF with a non-VR 300 f/4, so I think it's clearly some kind of conflict in focusing by hand and supporting the 500 while handholding.
Posted by Dan Roberts on December 28, 2012 at 4:18 PM
... I think it's clearly some kind of conflict in focusing by hand and supporting the 500 while handholding.
Don't feel bad, Hank. I currently shoot a 200-400 for most of my BIFs and I'm not even coordinated enough to zoom and stay on target at the same time.
But you provide a good example in that you don't have VR on the two lenses in question. VR on the long lenses is like video in a high end DSLR. I torques me off that you have to pay for it whether you want it or not. The other consideration on the new lens is the nano crystal coating. Then again lens flare for us in AK isn't exactly a common problem either.
Posted by John Reed on December 29, 2012 at 8:00 AM
At the shutter speeds generally required for birds in flight, I/S is largely irrelevant and indeed a handicap becaise many if not most cameras will do I/S first and then focus. So focus aquisition and focusing itself are hampered by having to I/S first. If on a tripod with a big 500 or 600 for other situations...you're on a tripod - no need for I/S! For shorter lenses, read your specs carefully - some are OK with I/S active when on a tripod, some are not. Only time I use I/S for wildlife is when hand holding 400 in low light with shutter speeds 1/125 or less.
Posted by David Bostedo on December 29, 2012 at 1:59 PM
If on a tripod with a big 500 or 600 for other situations...you're on a tripod - no need for I/S!
I wouldn't say that's entirely true. It may still depend on shutter speed. Certainly, with those lenses, even the amount of vibration you get from a good tripod could potentially be helped by IS/VR. Especially if you're moving the camera around. If you're shooting with things locked down, mirror lock up, and a remote release, then no, IS/VR probably won't make a difference. But in other circumstances is sure can provided the lens supports IS/VR on a tripod.
I use my 500 f4 mostly hand-held, and the VR is on 100% of the time. i tested my new D800 hand-held with and without the VR and there is a noticeable difference. I suspect the D800 magnifies the slightest error or motion so this may not be a fair test of the lens. After hours of hand-holding today at Bosque, my arms did not function any longer, and I dragged my tripod and WH-200 out. I forgot to turn the VR to "tripod" for the first 50 or so shots, and honestly didn't notice a difference in the later shots with VR on 'tripod.'
FWIW
Sandy
Posted by Martin Dunn on February 20, 2013 at 4:21 AM
I use mostly a 120-400 zoom for birds and BIF. I can honestly say I have never ever used the VR. When i got the lens I tried it out and found that even though it is quick it is irritating as it wants to sort out the vibration before it gets on with focussing. The worst bit is that it takes an element of control away from me as I have to wait for the lens to finish before I can take my shot.
With BIF I have found that the most important thing is panning. Follow the bird in flight with a smooth action before you take your shot. if you try ( I should say if I) try to take the photo as if I was shooting clays, and bring the camera onto the subject and shoot straight away it rarely works. (for me)
Discussion
6 repliesDon't feel bad, Hank. I currently shoot a 200-400 for most of my BIFs and I'm not even coordinated enough to zoom and stay on target at the same time.
But you provide a good example in that you don't have VR on the two lenses in question. VR on the long lenses is like video in a high end DSLR. I torques me off that you have to pay for it whether you want it or not. The other consideration on the new lens is the nano crystal coating. Then again lens flare for us in AK isn't exactly a common problem either.
I wouldn't say that's entirely true. It may still depend on shutter speed. Certainly, with those lenses, even the amount of vibration you get from a good tripod could potentially be helped by IS/VR. Especially if you're moving the camera around. If you're shooting with things locked down, mirror lock up, and a remote release, then no, IS/VR probably won't make a difference. But in other circumstances is sure can provided the lens supports IS/VR on a tripod.
FWIW
Sandy
With BIF I have found that the most important thing is panning. Follow the bird in flight with a smooth action before you take your shot. if you try ( I should say if I) try to take the photo as if I was shooting clays, and bring the camera onto the subject and shoot straight away it rarely works. (for me)