I just got off my tripod soapbox and now here I am discussing image-stabilizing equipment again. I promise not to mention the word tripod in this blog. Rather, I’m here to focus on alternatives to the traditional three-legged device. They’re designed to eliminate the dreaded shaky shot minus the inconvenience of toting around a bulky accessory.
The first device is a zoom lens. Yes, I know, you’re wondering how a lens is going to help stabilize your shots. This particular lens features technology that does the work of a tripo… (You get the idea). It’s called the Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED. Got that? It’s important to view the entire name so you take note of the VR in it. The VR stands for vibration reduction. Canon and Olympus call it IS, as in image stabilization. Sony calls it Super SteadyShot–regardless of its name it does the same job.
In regards to this specific Nikon lens, its technology allows the internal optics to slide slightly to the left if your hands slip to the right or up if your hand slips down, and so forth. It’s very easy to attach and once it’s secured to your camera and you turn the VR switch to “on,” you’ll hear a soft whirring sound as you point the camera at your subject—-that’s a sign the lens’ inner mechanism is compensating for your shaky hands.
But, does it work? The answer is a resounding YES–even when the lighting is compromised. The manual that describes the lens’ features notes that you can shoot hand-held when the light is a fraction as bright as before and the pictures prove it. (If your shot was iffy when your exposure was one-sixtieth of a second the lens helps you get a frame worthy photo at one-eighth of a second.)
Of course, this high-tech attachment comes with a hefty price tag. The AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED costs about $500. (Pricey to me, but if you buy professional lenses then you’re used to paying for lenses that tend to run in the four digits.) If the $500 price tag is too steep, Nikon also sells a 55-200mm VR zoom for about $225 (and it works more than decently for the amateur photographer).
A final note: If you tend to buy Sony or Olympus brand cameras you’ll find that they place image stabilization mechanism into the bodies of some of their SLRs, which, they claim, saves you money. As I mentioned earlier, Canon and Nikon put the image-stabilizing equipment in individual lenses, which costs more, but the companies argue, their way works better.
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