Lenses. to VR or not?

[d3mckinl]

I have a D90 with the kit lens and an looking to supplement for an Alaskan cruise mid August. I think i want a zoom in the 300mm range.

But the question I have is to rent one or buy one? And in the long range zooms is VR (or whatever the manufacture of the lens wants to call it) really worth the higher price?

A third question is where do you all tend to get your lenses? ebay B&H or lesser name stores. There are some amazing prices on line for the stores that I've never heard of.

Thanks,
Dustin

 

[ssanders79]

Dustin,
If you plan to shoot with a tripod or monopod the majority of the time then VR is not really worth the extra $. Now if you will be shooting hand held it would be worth the extra $ in my opinion.

Rent or Buy? Only you can answer that based on the lens, rental price and purchase price and if you think you want this in your arsenal in the future.

I've purchased from B&H, Amazon, craigslist, eBay, and local camera shops. I've not been burned by any, but keep in mind if a price is too good to be true then buyer beware.

B&H, adorama, ect have a great reputation. Amazon has a good return policy and I typically only buy camera gear from amazon not a 3rd party.

 

[handicap18]

For wide angle or standard zooms I don't think that VR is necessary. For telephoto lenses I like having the VR. I have used both a non VR and a VR 70-300mm lens and I get better results from the VR version. It most definitely helps with keeping the lens steady especially at the longer focal lengths.

I have the Nikon 70-300mm VR lens and love it. For the price it is very sharp. The Nikon 70-400 VR is pretty expensive and has been out for a while and needs some upgrading. Not sure about some of the 3rd party lenses, though if I were going to Alaska I might seriously consider renting the Sigma 50-500mm. No VR (or Sigma's equivalent), but that focal length, IMO, would be great to take to Alaska.

I almost always buy my lenses from amazon. Like their prices and they have a GREAT return policy.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I can't comment on the VR question since I shoot with Pentax which has in-body stabilization (SR). I use the stabilization all the time except when on the tripod. When it comes to any of my camera equipment purchases, I will always go with B & H, Adorama, Amazon and sometimes Newegg. I had a very bad experience with one of the "bargain" vendors and have sworn, "Never again!!". I want a reputable vendor who stands behind their products.

 

[Phil'sFrontier]

I like the 18-200vr I sent to nikon for repairs. Especially when I was on the ferry from Skagway to Juneau.

IMHO unless you are going to Alaska specifically to take pictures of animals, I would rather have a nice wide angle dx lens.

 

[photo_chick]

I can live without it but I can certainly appreciate the advantages. You have to figure out if the advantages are worth it to you.

 

[TannerO]

If you plan on needing slow shutter speeds while hand holding, DEFINITELY! Camera movement blur is not appealing.

If you can instead keep the shutter speed faster than 1/60 for most of your type of shooting, you can pass on VR and use the saved money to get a sweet prime lens or something.

 

[d3mckinl]

Thank you all for your input. I'm leaning towards keeping the shutter speed faster to avoid the need for the more expensive lens. There are just way too many options out there.

 

[OKW Lover]

Can't see why you wouldn't want VR. You can turn it off if the situation dictates. The initial price only hurts once, but not having it can hurt many times.

 

[traylorc]

Can't see why you wouldn't want VR. You can turn it off if the situation dictates. The initial price only hurts once, but not having it can hurt many times.

Totally agree. The first time you realize the motion blur present in your once in a lifetime shot could have potentially been avoid with VR....is when you will wish you had VR.

That being said, to each their own. IMHO I feel there are more advantages to VR than disadvantages.

I would also add that in regards to where I purchase lens, my number one pick is Amazon. There return policy is great, and I have yet to receive any push back on any of the lens I have returned.