Based on a recent thread on the
Minimum shutter speedI did some related tests, with some surprising results (at least for me) as far as the VR feature is concerned.
Nikon D5300 (APS-C, 24 Mpx), AF-S 3.5-5.6/16-85 G ED travel zoom,
shot at 16 mm, handheld, AF-S (non Life View), Exposure Delay Mode off, VR off or on
With
VR off: the results are essentially in line with the below quote. Proceeding from slow to high shutter speeds, from 1/60 on there is a good / increasing chance to get sharp image details (ca. 50:50 at 1/60). There is some dependency on the (my) human body’s motion per shot. Based on a large number of shots, the results suggest that shutter speeds of 1/250 or shorter are needed for reliable good results - within the limitations of the lens of course.
Situation changes with
VR on: there is a relatively higher chance to get sharp results at slower shutter speeds of 1/25 to 1/60. The 1/60 are now a quite safe choice. But –
big but – further proceeding to higher shutter speeds there is a "bad shutter speed" of 1/200 where the image details almost always go south (see attached image, from left to right: 1/60, 1/200, 1/320). At 1/200 it more looks like a double image than just blur. Shutter speeds shorter than 1/250 are needed to overcome this effect again.
The VR-on behavior @ 1/200 seems to be a technical flaw here,
not sure though if and what it means "in general" for other devices / units.
Any similar experiences around here ?
Peter
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The 1/FL rules was never good for critical work, IMHO. Ansel Adams, in The Camera (from the second series), on page 116, talks about handholding a normal lens camera -- he doesn't specify which one -- and says that he needs 1/250 second for critical sharpness. On a 35mm camera, that's 1/(5*FL).
I've done testing to find out how well I can handhold various cameras and lenses, and I advise you to do the same…
Here are some test results that show that 1/500 is pretty good with a 58mm lens on a D800E, and 1/250 isn't quite as good..
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Attached image, VR on,
from left to right: 1/60, 1/200, 1/320