Leaving VR turned on with my Nikon 18-200 zoom

[Grandpaw]

Is it OK to leave the VR turned on all the time with my 18-200 Nikon zoom or should it be used only with slower shutter speeds? Also when it is on can a picture be taken as soon as the picture is focused or does it need a little longer for the VR to work properly? Jeff

[freygr]

Well I don't have a VR lens but it has been said not to have it on when using a tripod. For hand held I just would leave it on.

[racedraper]

I have your lens also but I leave it on all the time for added measure. I figure I paid for the extra feature might as well use it. I had a UV filter on it but I took it of because it gave me more crisp pictures.All of my photos is with this lens, I really like it.
I was told that it takes a second for it to kick in so I focus on the subject for a bit to make sure is good to go.

As for tripod I still leave it on , never know when a gust of wind will sneak up on you

[PhotoTrucker_37]

Hi Jeff, I have a Nikon VR lens and you should turn off the VR when it is on the tri-pod or you will mess up the VR system while on the tri-pod. Only turn on the VR system when hand-holding shots. Yes, once you have focused your shot; you are ready to snap away. The VR doesn't need time to work. Once turned on, your ready to go. When your done taking pictures, turn off the VR system. It's not good to leave it on all the time.

Regards, Erik

[Frog]

Why does having it on a tripod make a difference?
Does that mean one should turn it off iff braced against a wall or something?

[mwfanelli2]

Is it OK to leave the VR turned on all the time with my 18-200 Nikon zoom or should it be used only with slower shutter speeds? Also when it is on can a picture be taken as soon as the picture is focused or does it need a little longer for the VR to work properly? Jeff

If VR works like Canon's IS, the mechanism only turns on when the shutter button is pressed. I have never seen any difference in battery power, film or digital, when using my IS lenses.

I don't know enough about VR but second and third generation IS can be used on a tripod. As VR is used on the better lenses, I'd look that tripod stuff up on the Nikon web site or read the manual that came with the lens. It may not be a problem.

[deckcadet]

Erik, you are partially incorrect. VR needs time to acquire vibrations and compensate appropriately. The thing is the camera can often focus faster than this 'settle time'. Just try and take picture with a VR lens prefocused with VR in 'sleep'. The camera won't take the photo for nearly a second after you press the shutter because it has to wake up the VR mechanism. Also, activating VR like that can cause poor results since it has very little time to accurately monitor vibrations. I usually run VR for about 2 full seconds before I take the shot at minimum for best results.

Frog, when the camera is too steady, VR can compensate for vibrations that just aren't there. This is usually an issue on solid tripod setups and the like.

[Grandpaw]

Thanks to everyone for responding to my question. It is nice to be part of a community that can help each other with answers. Thanks again, Jeff

[polarbeardiggers]

i second that,i have the vr lens on my 55-200 lens and i leave it on,most of my shots are strickly hand held,but i appreciate the full explanation on this system,thanks guys.