VR & Tripods

[petert]

...so, what happens if you shoot with a VR lens AND you use a tripod? Does something bad happen? ...can you damage the gyro or something?

[srwatters]

The end of the world as we know it...

It's a bit of a controversy. I seriously doubt it will hurt the equipment. Your images may have more blur than they would without the VR turned on is the general consensus I believe. Of course, YMMV.

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by petert

...so, what happens if you shoot with a VR lens AND you use a tripod? Does something bad happen? ...can you damage the gyro or something?

No, but Canon recommends turning off for this reason:

"Short explanation: the IS mechanism operates by correcting shake. When there is no shake, or when the level of shake is below the threshold of the system's detection capability, use of the IS feature may actually add unwanted blur to the photograph, so you should shut it off in this situation.

Longer explanation: remember that the IS lens group is normally locked into place. When the IS function is active, the IS lens group is unlocked so it can be moved by the electromagnetic coil surrounding the elements. When there's not enough motion for the IS system to detect, the result can sometimes be a sort of electronic feedback loop, somewhat analogous to the ringing noise of an audio feedback loop we're all familiar with. As a result, the IS lens group might move while the lens is on a tripod, unless the IS function is off."

But there are exceptions:

"But these recommendations above do not apply to the 28-300/3.5-5.6L IS, 70-200/2.8L IS, 70-300/4.5-5.6 DO IS, 300/2.8L IS, 400/2.8L IS, 400/4 DO IS, 500/4L IS, and 600/4L IS. With previous IS lenses, it was necessary to turn off the Image Stabilizer when using a tripod because it might operate incorrectly. But the Image Stabilizer installed on these IS lenses has an additional function that prevents improper operation when using a tripod. It also corrects camera vibration caused by slow shutter photography when using a tripod: a common problem with super-telephoto lenses. About one second after the shutter is pressed halfway, the unit automatically determines that a tripod is being used from the output of a vibration gyro."

I would suggest you check the manual for your specific Nikon Lens.

[petert]

Originally Posted by johnastovall

I would suggest you check the manual for your specific Nikon Lens.

...and I quote...

When lens is mounted on a tripod, set the vibration reduction ON/OFF switch to OFF. However, set the switch to ON when using a tripod without securing the tripod head, or when using a monopod.


The lens I have is the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED with this new VRII system. I've only had it in my hot little hands for about 24hrs now, but I'm really loving it. I was just trying to figure out why there's some kind of danger in using it with a tripod. Freehand, it's nothing short of amazing!

...just trying to keep my baby happy, healthy and warm...