Today I tried out the new Nikon 55-200mm VR or vibration reduction lens. I spent a couple hours comparing it to my older non-VR lens.
Overall I found them to perform comparably. The newer VR had a bit more pep in it's auto focus, was an internal rather than external focuser (means it doesn't physically 'grow' larger/smaller as it zooms), and at slow shutter speeds did manage to compensate for some of my hand shake. Image quality was sharp and overall clear.
My intent however was to use this to shoot high speed action, and when I tried it on that, it didn't seem any noticeably different than my standard lens. So, back to the store it went.
A good lens, and if you don't have an older 55-200mm, worth the money, but if you already have one, save your cash and put it towards something a bit longer like the 70-300mm VR.
Overall I found them to perform comparably. The newer VR had a bit more pep in it's auto focus, was an internal rather than external focuser (means it doesn't physically 'grow' larger/smaller as it zooms), and at slow shutter speeds did manage to compensate for some of my hand shake. Image quality was sharp and overall clear.
My intent however was to use this to shoot high speed action, and when I tried it on that, it didn't seem any noticeably different than my standard lens. So, back to the store it went.
A good lens, and if you don't have an older 55-200mm, worth the money, but if you already have one, save your cash and put it towards something a bit longer like the 70-300mm VR.
