I
have had the occasion of observing in many forums, people thinks
about the question of the correct use of lens or camera that incorporate the
VR function (Vibration Reduction, Nikon) or IS (Image Stabilizer,
Canon) and the true efficiency is sometimes questioned.
The system VR or IS are formed by a couple of gyroscopes isolating
the lens or sensor from camera angular movements and therefore from our hand
shakes.
Basically, a VR allows you to shoot handheld 3 or 4 steps lower, compared
with you could make under normal conditions. That is to say, according
to the telephoto shot rules, at 200mm. you would have to shoot at
1/200 sec. as minimum to avoid blur. With VR you could make it up
to 1/30 with identical results.
Now then, VR reduces the shakes of your hand, but to stop the subjetc's
movement what we need is speed, that is to say, luminous and fast
lens.
They are some techniques that improve handheld shot, such as holding
correctly the lens, the position of arms and legs, having the typical
beans bag by hand, leaning on what we can, pressing the shutter with
softness and not with the tip of the finger but with the yolk of this,
since the first cause an involuntary movement, having a monopod, etc.,
etc.
I have made a small test, shooting with an 18-200 VR from Nikon to
its maximum length, that is to say, the most critical condition, and
I have used the following configurations:
1. - Handheld, VR off
2. - Handheld, VR ON
3. - Tripod and the function Mirror Up, VR off.
The results are:
Hotel
@ 18 mm.
Hotel
@ 200 mm
Handheld,
VR off
Handheld,
VR ON
Tripod
shot, Mirror Up function, VR Off
They have not been software
focusing techniques applied, neither image improvement, only reduction
for web.
We
can see that VR or IS systems improve images notably, mainly if they
are still subjects, like a building, or low light conditions. But we can also
understand that the quality of a good tripod and if our camera has
mirror vibrations reduction system, or mirror up function, this is unbeatable.
With more professional lens than 18-200 VR maybe the sharpness results
had been better, but the example is enough illustrative to understand
the VR kindness.
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2008 Juan Parménides. Derechos Reservados. All Rights Reserved