Do you own a DSLR Camera? Is it Nikon brand or Cannon? However, if you own a DSLR, then I believe you are familiar with the term VR that stands for “Vibration Reduction.” It is also known as “Image Stabilization” to Canon camera users.
You might have seen; when you are going to purchase a lens for your camera, the cost creates a significant difference. And do you know? lens price varies because of this VR option and lenses which have VR option, they are much more expensive than regular lens.
In this article, I am going to share a piece of in-depth knowledge about the VR lens. Stay with me; you will learn a lot from this article.
What is a VR lens?
Vibration technology or Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology used in the Nikon camera. This technology stabilizes the movement of the lens that happens due to the shake of the hands.
While capturing a photo, your hand may shake due to different reasons. And because of this, your captured image becomes a blur one. Using this technology, the camera reduces blurry photos that happen due to any shake.
Even, your images will not become a blur if the shutter speed is too slow. It works similarly to the noise-canceling headsets that counter the noise; this technology counters the motion and balances it.
How do VR Lenses Work?
VR lenses are a perfect way to give you an impressive picture without blur. This VR technology works at only zoom or macro lenses.
If you look at the aperture options of prime lenses, you will find that the aperture option is wide enough (1.8/1.4/1.2). And with this comprehensive aperture option, vibration reduction technology is unnecessary. Because this full enough aperture is confirming, your lens will get enough light, and the shutter option will be fast enough to avert blurry options.
Nikon addressed that, a vibration reduction lens will reduce the shutter speed 4X times slower than a non-vibration lens. And you will get a sharp image through this VR technology.
There are 3 types of vibration technology available. They are optical, dual, and internal gyroscope stabilization. All these systems ensure that the sensor of the lens will remain in the same position to remove blur from your photograph.
Integral gyroscope assists the sensor in floating on a mechanical system similar to a gyroscope. The sensor doesn’t change its position. An integral gyroscope takes all the responsibility to let the sensor float at the same place. To remove the shake from images, optical stabilization takes help from the hardware.
Digital stabilization, the name itself gives you an idea that it removes camera shake using the software.
Also, Dual stabilization is when you combine a lens with image stability and a camera with internal stability.
All systems focus on keeping the image stable.
Nikon lenses glasses use above all systems in different lenses. Can you compare the above systems and tell which one is the best? Generally, all of them are better than others and are perfect for giving you a non-blur image.
What is the difference between VR and Non-VR lenses?
Many people feel confused while purchasing lenses. Many questions play on their mind about whether they will buy a VR lens or a non-VR lens.
However, below are a few differences to assist you in making a precise decision.
| Criteria | VR | Non-VR |
| Static situations | VR lens will take advantage in terms of static situations. | Equivalent to the VR lens, but it stopped down to f/8, it doesn’t perform well. |
| Moving subjects | You will not get a better result if the subject is moving. | Due to the faster shutter, a non-VR lens will get an advantage at this point. |
| Autofocus | Not a good performer if your lens is continuously looking for the focus. | Even in low light, a non-VR lens can focus on the subject ideally. |
The Difference in Camera Brand
Nikon VR camera lenses are a great option to capture images under low light conditions. Generally, vibration reduction technology works when a camera and a lens creates a good partnership in a DSLR camera.
To diagnose the diagonal movements, Nikon VR lenses have 2 sensors to sense the movement.
One sensor detects vertical movement, and another sensor senses horizontal movement. Together they are diagnosing the diagonal motion.
The lens contains a small computer inside it, and it receives a signal from both sensors. This will determine how much the stabilizer needs to be moved to deal with the vibration of the camera.
To pay off for the movement, the signal gets to the motor that runs the stabilizer features. Thus, your movement doesn’t create any effect on the sensitive inner elements. Finally, you are receiving an image with no camera shake.
Image stabilization of Cannon is similar to an extent. Canon first introduced this system in 1995. It stops all the outer movement and creates an opposing movement inside the lens. Thus, the Canon DSLR camera is providing you an image without blur.
Sony introduces a gimbal system-based Balanced optical steady shots in their DSLR camera. Using the VR technology in Sony DSLR’s will give you a new experience because it works differently from other DSLR cameras. The company is attempting to be more productive with this feature until the time.
How and When to Use Vibration Reduction Technology?
Every DSLR camera has a built-in stabilizer option to let you enable or disable the vibration reduction technology. It is advisable to keep the feature turned on. The stability of the image is best for specific conditions or resistance for certain variables.
Let’s say; you are holding a telephoto while capturing an image. Undoubtedly, your hand will quiver due to weight. VR technology is confirming that there will be no issue in your photo after you quiver a lot.
In a windy condition, the vibration reduction option will give you the best benefit. Due to the heavy wind, your equipment is facing enough motion, and finally, it is impacting on the final output. You can get rid of this problem using the stabilization option.
If your hand shakes a lot, vibration reduction technology is letting you say “GoodBye” to your worries related to a handshake. Moreover, you can do lower light photography, night photography using this VR technology. Vibration reduction technology allows a photographer to capture images in multiple stops slower with the speed of the shutter.
Disadvantages of Vibration Reduction
You may find vibration reduction as a perfect system to capture an ideal image, but like everything, it has few drawbacks too.
People have assumed that if you turn on the vibration reduction feature, it will remain dormant until you feel the movement. Based on the camera, lens, and camera brand, the vibration reduction feature will not be turned off even if there is no motion.
When you are turning on the VR feature, the lens continuously searches for the motion; due to this, you may find some blurry areas in your image. To get rid of this problem, at daytime, turn off the VR feature and snap beautiful photographs.
Moreover, your shutter speed is good enough to pay damages for any shake.
Also, the vibration reduction feature eats away battery life. So, pay attention to your battery life when you are working with a VR option to avoid any embarrassing situation at a wedding party.
Final Words
Finally, I would like to say that vibration reduction is necessary, but you need to understand what you are photographing. You can’t deny the importance of VR while you are capturing an image in a concert or under low light.
However, purchasing a camera and lens that is compatible with the vibration reduction system is a bit expensive. The VR feature will open a new window in your photography career. You will find a new meaning of capturing photographs.