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View Full Version : New lens for my DSLR camera

nerfherder
10-03-2007, 09:34 AM
I took the plunge last week and ordered a new telephoto zoom for my DSLR camera. It replaces my trusty Sigma 70-300mm lens, but has VR (Vibration Reduction - known as IS, or Image Stailisation, on Canon cameras), which I hoped would make it easier to take sharper pictures without them being ruined by camera shake (which is even more pronounced with a long telephoto lens).

It arrived from Hong Kong after 4 days, and I had a quick play with it on Monday night. Here are the results.

Here's a comparison shot I took on the 24th with my old Sigma 70-300mm 4-5.6 APO DG mounted on a tripod.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1053/1469576125_d6c17e1211_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lpmcc/1469576125/)
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/8
Focal Length: 300 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0/6 EV


Here's a shot I took tonight with my new Nikkor 70-300mm 4.5-5.6 VR, handheld with Vibration Reduction switched off.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1022/1470444050_ad817534cb_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lpmcc/1470444050/in/set-72157594338748705/)
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/8
Focal Length: 300 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0/6 EV

Here's a shot I took tonight with my new Nikkor 70-300mm 4.5-5.6 VR, handheld with Vibration Reduction switched on.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1104/1469591717_2a1f588b17_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lpmcc/1469591717/in/set-72157594338748705/)
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/8
Focal Length: 300 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0/6 EV

Needless to say, I'm really pleased with this lens. :thumbsup:
PWD
10-03-2007, 09:59 AM
Image Stabilization is made of win. I love it on the one IS lens I have.
nerfherder
10-03-2007, 10:17 AM
Image Stabilization is made of win. I love it on the one IS lens I have.
It certainly is. Whilst you can do the same thing by carrying a tripod around with you, it's a lot less convenient!

I just wish there was a VR version of the 18-70mm lens that I have on my camera 90% of the time. It's great in every other respect (OK, it would be nice with a constant f/2.8, but you can't have everything!).
Andreas
10-03-2007, 11:07 AM
So, when can we expect pics of your hot neighbour?
nerfherder
10-03-2007, 11:15 AM
So, when can we expect pics of your hot neighbour?
Sadly, sunbathing weather is over in England, otherwise there would be the Portugese lady in the garden overlooked by my bedroom... :fap:
PWD
10-03-2007, 11:43 AM
It certainly is. Whilst you can do the same thing by carrying a tripod around with you, it's a lot less convenient!

IS+tripod can actually improve on a tripod alone for really long lens shots.

Well, that's true for consumer and prosumer tripods anyhow, if your tripod is anchored in cement maybe not.
nerfherder
10-03-2007, 12:01 PM
IS+tripod can actually improve on a tripod alone for really long lens shots.

Well, that's true for consumer and prosumer tripods anyhow, if your tripod is anchored in cement maybe not.
It's definitely something I'll try on the next good moon night. My tripod's pretty cheap and I always use the timer to prevent shake from pressing the shutter release.

I'll do some comparisons with the Sigma on tripod, Nikkor on tripod without VR, Nikkor on tripod with VR and handheld Nikkor with VR.
EhtoZed
10-03-2007, 12:05 PM
Nice!

I just bought myself a new camera with IS (a canon A720IS) but I haven't had a chance to test out the IS on it too much. Not that I expect to get shots like that with it. I'm do enough photography to warrant a SLR.
doc
10-03-2007, 12:13 PM
Which Canon DSLR do you have Nerf ? Nice pics BTW
nerfherder
10-03-2007, 12:47 PM
Nice!

I just bought myself a new camera with IS (a canon A720IS) but I haven't had a chance to test out the IS on it too much. Not that I expect to get shots like that with it. I'm do enough photography to warrant a SLR.
I'm very tempted by the Canon Powershot SD870IS (or IXUS 860IS as it's confusingly named over here!) as my "keep in pocket/at party/up a mountain" camera when I don't want to lug my DSLR around. The combination of a 28mm wide end, good IS (canon implement the technology well) and reasonable noise levels (better than the SD960 - probably thanks to the lower resolution) is very attractive.

Which Canon DSLR do you have Nerf ? Nice pics BTW
Thanks. It's a Nikon D50.