Nikon 80-400 lens: help needed with VR settings

Zeus1

I have recently acquired a Nikon 80-400 lens for my D200. Apparently there are two different VR settings (VR, not the newer VRII as on the 18-200). Can somebody explain the difference between these two VR settings? Which one to use in which situation? Is it normal that the lens makes a rather loud clicking noise when focussing? is it normal that the image "pops" in the viewfinder?

Reason I'm asking is, I can obtain sharp images only about 50% of the time...

Art Scott

if it is still in that time zone of CAN RETURN TO STORE for a replacement ...... then do so....if not send it in for repair..... I do not own this lens but I would be beside my self if my lenses ever got noisy like that......

Mitchell

Well, I don't own that lens, but my other VR lenses have a "Normal" and "Active" setting on the lens. I assume this is the setting you are questioning.

If you read the instructions that came with lens, the normal setting is used for normal handheld shooting situations. The active setting is recommended for when you are on a moving platform such as from a car, boat or train. It is also recommended that you turn VR off when shooting with a tripod.

As to the sound you hear, I can only say that my VR lenses emit a minimal sound when VR is activated. There is a jump in the viewfinder as well. Be sure to allow the VR to "settle" after you activate it with the shutter button half depressed.

Hope this helps.

Brascole

Mitchell wrote:

Well, I don't own that lens, but my other VR lenses have a "Normal" and "Active" setting on the lens. I assume this is the setting you are questioning.

If you read the instructions that came with lens, the normal setting is used for normal handheld shooting situations. The active setting is recommended for when you are on a moving platform such as from a car, boat or train. It is also recommended that you turn VR off when shooting with a tripod.

As to the sound you hear, I can only say that my VR lenses emit a minimal sound when VR is activated. There is a jump in the viewfinder as well. Be sure to allow the VR to "settle" after you activate it with the shutter button half depressed.

Hope this helps.

Mitch is 100% spot on. First RTFM not to be to bold and yes VR, IS OS, VC make noise and yes #3 the image jumps as the VR locks the shake.

Mitch I'm just up the road from you, Palm Harbor.

Zeus1

If you read the instructions that came with lens...

Perhaps I should have made clear that this is a second hand lens that came without manual.
So, again, what is the difference between the two VR settings? Which one to use in which situation?

Harryb

Use the normal setting for the VR. The active should only be used when you are in a boat, etc, I've owned the lens for 5 years now and I have never had need for the active setting.

Its a good lens once you get used to the sounds of the AF. You get the best IQ when you step the aperture down. The AF needs a second or two to lock on to your subject.

Mitchell

Zeus1 wrote:

Perhaps I should have made clear that this is a second hand lens that came without manual.
So, again, what is the difference between the two VR settings? Which one to use in which situation?

As usual, the internet is your friend. You can download the manual pdf file from the nikon site. Here is the link.

http://www.nikonusa.com/pdf/manuals/lenses/AF/AFVR_80-400mm.pdf

The Mack

Zeus1 wrote:

Perhaps I should have made clear that this is a second hand lens that came without manual.
So, again, what is the difference between the two VR settings? Which one to use in which situation?

Or you could have just read the rest of Mitch' post.

Zeus1

You can download the manual pdf file from the nikon site. Here is the link.

Aaaah! TXS, Mitchell, that's what I needed and didn't find.

Mitchell

Zeus1 wrote:

Aaaah! TXS, Mitchell, that's what I needed and didn't find.

Enjoy your reading. Glad to help.