[Skean]

So in general we have cameras that offer VR. You can turn it off or turn it on. I think. What I would like to know is do you think it can affect the picture quality. Point is if it does not why have it as an option to turn it off or on? Can VR affect the pic quality if you have a rock steady setting?
Richard M.
AKA Skean

[Paul Corfield]

I suppose the option to turn it off and on is to save battery power if you aren't going to need VR. It probably has more use for low light hand held stuff than anything else.

Paul.

[Fozzybear]

VR will actually increase vibration if you have the camera on a tripod and can drain batteries more quickly, hence the on/off switch, but handheld it's all good. I use a Nikon 70-300mm lens with VR and it's a godsend, it really does help a lot. I was sceptical in the past and only bought this lens really because optically it was said to be pretty good (a lot better than the cheapy Nikon I had already), but as soon as I started using the VR I was a convert. Photographing birds in less than perfect light, either on dull days or in thickets, the VR helps me to get shots that otherwise would be spoiled by shake. It won't work miracles, but it definitely is beneficial.

VR can't help with subject motion, but technique can and with VR I stand a much better chance of getting a detailed shot than without it. A recent walkabout with my 300mm f/4 prime really showed that - it's a superbly sharp lens but handholding in the low morning light I struggled to get the levels of detail and clarity that I could when using the 70-300VR.