The original AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED, which I discuss next
in terms of its role in the Nikon lens menagerie’s ideal “Magic Three” (discussed below)
is typical of the VR lenses Nikon offers. It has the basic controls shown in Figure 11.17,
to adjust focus range (full, or limited to infinity down to 2.5 meters); VR On/Off; and
Normal VR/Active VR (the latter an aggressive mode used in extreme situations, such
as a moving car). Not visible (it’s over the horizon, so to speak) is the M/A-M focus
mode switch, which allows changing from autofocus (with manual override) to manual
focus. There’s also a focus lock button near the front of the lens (see Figure 11.18).
I often use the rotating tripod mount collar as a grip for the lens when shooting hand-
held, and, as you can see in Figure 11.19, I’ve replaced the factory tripod mounting foot
with Kirk’s Arca-Swiss-compatible quick release mount foot.
Chapter 11 ■Working with Lenses 379
VIBRATION REDUCTION: IN THE CAMERA OR IN THE LENS?Sony’s acquisition of Konica Minolta’s dSLR assets and the introduction of an improved
in-camera image-stabilization system has revised an old debate about whether VR belongs
in the camera or in the lens. Perhaps it’s my Nikon bias showing, but I am quite happy
not to have vibration reduction available in the body itself. Here are some reasons:
■Should in-camera VR fail, you have to send the whole camera in for repair, and cam-
era repairs are generally more expensive than lens repairs. I like being able to simply
switch to another lens if I have a VR problem.
■VR in the camera doesn’t steady your view in the viewfinder, whereas a VR lens
shows you a steadied image as you shoot.
■You’re stuck with the VR system built into your camera. If an improved system is
incorporated into a lens and the improvements are important to you, just trade in
your old lens for the new one.
Figure 11.17
On the Nikon
70-200mm VR
zoom you’ll
find (top to
bottom): the
focus limit
switch, VR
on/off switch,
and Normal/
Active VR
adjustment.