To VR or not VR, that's the question

I have a couple of lenses with VR.
Up to now I have not used it in the field.
I find it a bit disconcerting when the Image freezes - a bit similar to what happens on an electronic viewfinder.
If I want to shoot a burst or eve take a sequence of shots it really puts me off. Yet I notice that a lot of the shots posted in the galleries have been taken using the VR feature.

Is there a right and wrong way to get the best from VR?

I use Canon IS, not Nikon VR, but I assume the systems are similar. For me the IS default setting is ON. Some IS lenses (e.g. 300mm f2.8) can be mounted on a tripod with the IS on. Other lenses will blur the image in longer exposures if the IS is on when the lens is mounted on a tripod. I think a general rule of thumb would be, IS or VR on when handholding, especially if the shutterspeed is slower than the reciprocal of the focal length (i.e. 1/100 second for 100 mm lens.) That's what the VR is intended for. If in doubt, turn the VR off when using a tripod.

I'm sorry I can't comment on VR in burst mode. IS in burst mode has never caused me a problem.

My VR on my 70-300mm, 18-200mm and 200-400mm are always on. I have the older Nikkor 80-400mm VR lens and the VR is on when I am handholding and off when I am using a tripod.

I've never noticed the "images freezes" you describe. VR in burst mode has never caused me problems either.

I keep my IS turned on, because, frankly, I am usually handholding. I turn it off when using a tripod. I have never had any problems with it. I know it freezes for just a tiny bit, but it isn't long enough to affect anything for me.

My Nikon VR is on 100% of the time for me. Not sure what you mean by "freezing the image" - there is nothing noticed in the viewfinder at all. It does not degrade bursts of bird images, but rather allows a much sharper image. I find that the middle to end of the burst often contains the best images.

Sandy

Have a read of Thom Hogan's article about this subject:
http://www.bythom.com/nikon-vr.htm

For myself, I usually have VR on except when I am in very bright conditions and have a fast shutter speed. I turn VR off when on a tripod, when I remember

My gear is Sony with in-body I.S. Never have experienced this described phenomenon of image freeze in the VF and, as others mntion I have I.S. turned on only when hand-holding. Took me a while to develop a pro-active habit of turning I.S. ON when removing the camera from the tripod/monopod and turning it off as part of the attachment routine.

Which calls to mind a question I've meant to pose to the group: how many use the camera strap as a stabilizing force in "hand-holding" in the manner of a rifleman's use of the rifle sling. As a formerly avid marksman I find myself resorting to the steadying counter-tension principles of camera/ rifle sling stabilization as my physical unsteadiness has increased with advancing years. I ALWAYS lean against or sit on something for general stability, but gain considrable increased steadiness from use of the sling. I also consistently use a "Bush Hawk", but not in the common manner of a " gunstock" pointing away from the body. My camera/lens is mounted across the long axis of the BushHawk which, aided by a taught sling is held in a closely hugged manner to my upper body.
Two reasons: 1.) remarkably more stability and 2.) it permits me, now that I've diminished visual acuity in my right (dominant) eye to easily focus with my left eye. Depending on the lens and need for MF I may use the wired release in either the right or left hand and use the opposite hand for focusing.

Dave Graham
East River,SD

Hi Martin. I have found it better to use the vr in the on position unless shutter speed is fast on some lenses. I turn it off on a tripod or when shooting a burst over 1200ths of a second. Seems to work well. Possibly the image freezing may be due to a full buffer ??

Thanks everyone. I guess I'll keep experimenting.

Martin, what camera body are you using?

Please accept my apology. I've received two off-list criticisms re: my comments above. Although I had absolutely no intent to "hijack" this thread with comments on other means of stabilizing one's camera I realize that I could better have saved most of my comments not directly treating with the specific topic of image stabilization/ vibration reduction for a new post. Again, my apologies to those offended and please be assured there was no intent to hijack the discussion from its originally stated limited topic.
Dave Graham
East River, SD

Mia,
Nikon D300s

I also use VR on all my hand held shots and never experience any problems. I try to remember to turn it off when on the tripod but usually do not see much problems even when I forget to turn it off.