Pro Secrets For AMAZING RESULTS with Nikon VR, Sony Steady Shot, and Canon IS - A Must See!

[@JayBlue2U]

I watched this video last week before a weekend of shooting shorebirds from a pontoon boat with my Z9 and 180-600 lens. I was debating whether to turn off VR or to use VR Sport to help me get the sharpest photos. Shooting handheld on land, at the shutter speeds I typically use to freeze motion (1/2500 to 1/4000), I've found VR off allows getting a higher percentage of sharper images and forces me not to get sloppy with my handholding technique. Once we were underway, the boat was rocking and rolling quite a bit. I found it almost impossible to keep the viewfinder on my subjects without VR. Having reviewed some of my images, VR was a necessity. To try to ensure getting highest quality, I captured longer bursts than I normally would have on land. Your guidance in this video was very helpful as I thought through my options. Your experience makes my hobby much more fun. Thank you so much!

[@abhijnanchaturvedi8234]

Brilliant content that I was and surely many were looking for. As always Steve your content n delivery has come to help . Cannot thank you enough 🙏

[@monaburch9163]

Just brought my new Z9 home today, I will be buying your set up guide tomorrow 😁

[@housebruiser]

I like your videos so much because they help me understand my camera and equipment better. That knowledge helps with the decision making. Thanks Steve!

[@nealschneider6554]

Thanks for another video with great content. I appreciate all of the great insight you provide.

[@dr.dilipdesarker8118]

Brillant Steve , no one in the photographic fraternity has said so meticulously. Thanks a lot

[@ernreeders5583]

Thanks Steve. An important topic. I found with an A1, FE400/2.8 and TCs that comparing handheld bursts of BIF at 1/3200s with OSS off and on, off yielded a few more sharp shots. A key influence on my shooting though is that with such a heavy rig I tend to hit the shutter button too hard (cos I'm excited!) and that's a hard habit to unlearn.

[@patricksmith2553]

I haven't shot with Sony enough to comment, but Nikon and Canon are pretty comparable. Both work great, but not quite as advertised. I get a solid 4.5 stops for Nikon and 5.5 stops for Canon, at least on the R3. Both claim higher, but I have very steady hands I can usually get more than most people, but regardless technique is important. However technology is definitely getting better, however Nikon has had excellent VR for many many years, despite Canon having it first...Nikon not only caught up, but actually surpassed Canon in the end. With Nikon's latest VR III or lenses with "Sport" VR you can just leave VR on at all times. I've also tested this and turning it off has no effect one way or the other, so I do prefer Nikon super-tele's. Since I almost always handhold my 500FL and 180-400FL, I love Sport VR and being able to just set it and forget it, Sport mode is awesome and I can leave it on without penalty. I have D6's but I've shot the Z9 and it maybe adds a 0.5 stop...but you definitely see the most benefit from IBIS on wider-angle lenses. This is where mirrorless and the larger mounts and shorter flange distance really come into play. So to speak, and all three brands have excellent stabilization. Great video Steve, as always I appreciate learning from you, and you definitely help so many people. Thank you!

[@sinetwo]

Yay you did the video!! Thanks Steve

[@SamW604]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@captandy34449]

Thank you Steve. I learned a lot!

[@jwalinrami.photos]

Steve, I really love your informative vids and am sure all of your followers including myself would love to see more frequent uploads :) Thank you for all you do for this community !!

[@backcountrygallery]

Just a matter of having enough time. I also run the BCG Forums and always have book projects going :)

[@brucegraner5901]

Very helpful. Much thanks for the time you take to produce these videos.

[@brucesummers7448]

The problem with Nikon lenses is that one does not know which generation of VR is provided. A lens with VR II may have an older version of Nikon's OS than another lens with VR. With Nikon there are newer mirrorless lenses with Synchro VR and this helps with shooting video.

[@selianboy8508]

Great to listen to while I await the promised Z(ed)8. Trust all goes well with you and your England rose...

[@moritz_86]

What a coincidence, I was just about to take my new Z8 and the 180-600 to the dealer tomorrow and ask if such a wildly jumping viewfinder is normal! I can see from your video that it is. The good thing is that nothing is broken on my camera, the bad thing is that it's extreme. Thank you Steve

[@adiringer1959]

Steve, thanks for the video! From a pragmatical standpoint, am I doing myself a discervice by always keeping VR on? I've been shooting with a D500 and D4, and I ordered the Z8. Thanks

[@HR-wd6cw]

When it comes to stabilization (in-lens or in-body) I've found taht people should take this number (the rating) with a grain of salt. Most will give you 2 stops in most cases but when we start getting into the 4-5+ stop territory, I tend to not quite believe the claims or feel that they will only work in a very small number of "ideal" cases. But I think a lot of people rely too much on their IS systems and end up disappointed. They are not meant as a crutch for poor technique (being, raise your ISO if you have to to get a faster shutter speed and trying to observe shutter speed "rules" given the subject matter and conditions -- light and focal length). So basically I go one the basis of up to 2-stops of actual effective stabilization in any combo I use, and I've found this "assumption" to work probably 80% of the time. Sometimes I can get 3-stops but that may be pushing it in some cases, especailly if low-light (sunrise/sunset). The argument about stabilization on a tripod, mainly applies to landscape I believe. Yes, in those instances you probably would be better turning it off, but also, at those instances, generally your shutter speed (And thus risk of blur from movement of the subject) is not a concern as you likely will be shooting longer shutter speeds (or longer than you would shooting wildlife that is). But when you're actively moving the lens around, and even in windy conditions (even with landscape or whatever) you may be better off turning on stabilization after all, because it can help combat small vibrations in the case of eextreme wind, and is helpful when shooting, even panning.

[@marc5279]

great one steve. It's cool to start watching a vid thinking it'll all be about pretty basic stuff and then finding out some super usefull highend tips hidden aswell. It happens frequently with you, and that's why you're one of the best teachers in this platform

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much!

[@akhileshverma3801]

Why do we need high megapixel cameras for wildlife photography ? I think 33 MP or, 45 MP is more than enough

[@Ivor_Nastyboil]

Thanks Steve. Very informative.

[@w.n.3090]

Nice video, and sure to try some things Steve! Do you find there's a much difference in IBIS Z6ii and the Z9? Any chances that you've already got some info on the future Z8 and/or Z6iii? Getting much in doubt on buying the 9 or just wait a bit...... Shooting 500PF, 800PF and the 400 4.5S. And all of the lower mm's as well;)

[@backcountrygallery]

The Z9 seems to have better IBIS and Nikon says as much. As for future stuff, even if I knew I couldn't say (I don't know though for real). FWIW, I really like my Z9 - firmware has really helped :)

[@markkephart3046]

I’ve been frustrated with the jumping image in the viewfinder of my Z7ii, assuming it was just a glitch in the AF system. Never crossed my mind to switch to the Sports VR mode and try! Thank you for that suggestion, Steve. Much better tracking!

[@MsFxtrdr]

Coming from a D850 to a Z9 and experiencing that "clunk" when turning it on with an F mount VR lens plus the image jumping in the viewfinder, focus points and all got me spooked at the beginning. I thought I had a faulty unit. Even with Sports VR mode, it still jumps. I guess the longer the glass, the more it compensates, the more it jumps. I can't say I've gotten used to it but it is what it is. Any idea if this happens with Z mount lenses too?

[@kunal726]

Thanks Steve! Your videos are always v insightful

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much!

[@B-kl8vj]

Hi Steve, will you be making a video about your Africa trip?

[@backcountrygallery]

My next isn't planned till early next year. But, we have talked about doing a video of one of those trips.

[@B-kl8vj]

That would be awesome!

[@Forestfalcon1]

I use a 500mm pf with a D850 and find the image stabilization slows down my AF very significantly.. I miss a lot of shots using image stabilization.. So consequently it's always turned off for moving subjects.. I almost never use it because I always forget to turn it back on..

[@backcountrygallery]

In some cases that can happen. Does it do it in both sport and normal VR modes?

[@tomubashir]

Informative, as always...

[@TonyHedges]

What you say about lens acuity is very interesting and something I had never, until now given any thought to. I don't think you have tried the Nikon Z400/4.5, but I would be interested in your opinion on it. Future video?

[@soniad3241]

Thanks Steve i have both Sony A7r4 -really wanted a nikon mirrorless with dual card but they weren't available at the time, and a Nikon D850. I like the fact that you covered the 3bmain camera brands. A very useful video.

[@mazenhamdoun8448]

Thank you Steve! I just started using my adapted 300PF on my Z7ii and ran into the jumping focus point issue with Normal VR. Turning off VR was such a nuisance on an electronic viewfinder. I didn’t try Sport as I had never used it, but now I know this is the solution. Thanks ! I am thinking of going for a Z 400 f/4.5 … it will be my longest telephoto if I do. But maybe I will just keep with the 300PF with 1.4TCIII for the time being. It is a nice and light combo. Probably a bit less image quality. Any advice there ? I am getting more interested in wildlife as there are some more opportunities to do that here in Ontario but it is a 50-50 split between that and nature landscape photography

[@flemmingmorgan1929]

Thanks Steve for another excellent video. Thanks for enlightening me on Sports mode 3 (I use Sony A1) which I haven’t used before.

[@lescobrandon3047]

I’ve enjoyed Nikon 3D focus tracking since about 2006 or 2007.

[@merkin22]

So useful, as always. Thanks, Steve. Now to go play with this so I don't forget it all in 15 minutes :) Cheers!

[@macimages4215]

Great video as usual! I’m going to try turning off stabilization when my shutter is over 1/1600.

[@jorgeflores9714]

Muchas gracias por este video, hace una semana que pase al modo Sport en mi Z9 justamente para evitar los saltos en el View Finder.

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks for sharing another wonderful video like always 👍👌

[@adamturner9061]

Does IBIS on the Z9 with S lenses affect sharpness in the same way VR on DSLR lenses affected sharpness or has Nikon reduced or removed the affect with a fully Z/S setup?

[@backcountrygallery]

I believe so - but - keep in mind that as a wildlife photographer I'm always using lenses that have VR / stabilization too. I've not done any tests with IBIS only. (However, the principle is the same - keeping the image circle still by moving it - so I would guess that it would potentially be subject to the same kind of issue)

[@adamturner9061]

@@backcountrygallery Thanks Steve.

[@thebinpustey6497]

On my Sony, with an OSS lens, the option to toggle the IBIS is greyed out in the menu. I figured this means that the lens is overriding the IBIS, and is doing all the work…??

[@backcountrygallery]

With Nikon and Sony, when there's a switch on the lens, that's what's in charge (instead of the menu).

[@thebinpustey6497]

@@backcountrygallery So…when you switch the lens ON, it turns on OSS in the lens AND IBIS in the body at the same time? 🤔

[@backcountrygallery]

@@thebinpustey6497 Yup, that's it.

[@dr.dilipdesarker8118]

Brilliant

[@georgk255]

The things are getting complicated. Need to work hard to find out. I leave all the time on normal. Z9 and 500 f4

[@backcountrygallery]

Yup. It seems my most common phrase is, "It depends" anymore!

[@KevinMcClave]

Thanks, Steve. Helpful as always.

[@dougcoxon5596]

Thank you Steve! I have generally always kept my VR on in sport mode at all shutter speeds on my Nikon DSLRs. I just hit 70 and I’m not as stable as I used to be. The VR really helped in viewfinder stabilization and my keeper rate seemed to be higher, as I primarily hand hold. I now use F glass on a Nikon mirrorless and your video has prompted me to go back and rethink that method. While generally happy with results, I’m just wondering if I’m missing something. Thanks!

[@backcountrygallery]

Go with whatever gives you the most keepers. Everyone is different. If someone is really steady, they are probably going to get more keepers with VR off at higher speeds. However, someone not as steady may find the opposite is true. I'd say find some non-critical subject and try both ways :)

[@malcolmstephens9999]

I shoot with the z9 and 600e fl and normally keep mine on vr sport for bird photography. I think you mentioned this at the last of the video.

[@backcountrygallery]

That's where I usually keep mine when I'm using VR

[@Rubi747HVY]

Blurring in post is an awesome help

[@pepanguera2921]

Interesantes consejos... gracias !!!

[@douglashaag1127]

I appreciate that you included a situation that I often encounter in my photography genre' that is not related to wildlife photography. At the seven minute point you mention shooting handheld from an unstable platform, namely a bobbing boat. In my situation the subject may be stable but I am being buffeted about and no tripod is possible. Further, this motion is less vibration than it is wider swings. Because my DSLR Nikon does not have in-body stabilization, I am uncertain if the advice you gave applies to me. I try to counteract this motion of the bobbing boat by using very high shutter speed (say, 1/2000 for example). Am I interpreting your advice correctly in thinking that in this situation I should have in-lens vibration reduction turned ON even though I am using a high shutter speed?

[@backcountrygallery]

It's a give and take - but on a boat I tend to get a higher keeper rate with stabilization than without it.

[@douglashaag1127]

@@backcountrygallery Thanks for the reply, Steve. I will certainly have it turned on for the Mills Trophy Race in June. Doug, from Ottawa Hills.

[@Bryantfstephens]

Thanks a lot! Like and subscribed! This may be the issue I have been having lately with my sigma 170-500 apo and my new R7. Odd shaking around the eye. Maybe this was mentioned and I just missed it but is this the same principle with in body stabilization (ibis) or only lens? The above mentioned lens does not have stabilization but the camera does(first real experience with stabilization) and coming from the 7D I see some odd issues with pics sometimes when I’m at very fast speeds. Sorry this was long, thanks for the video.

[@backcountrygallery]

IBIS can, potentially, cause the same issue. The problem is when stabilization is moving "out of sync" with the camera. Basically, the stabilization system can't calculate / measure fast enough at the shutter speed used. I'm sure it applies to IBIS and normal stabilization. In addition, the sigma's stabilization and camera's IBIS may not be working together as well as a dedicated Canon lens would.

[@Bryantfstephens]

@@backcountrygallery that makes sense thanks

[@lancepolcyn3444]

Steve, excellent thank you!

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

Thank you. What I learned was to shut VR off at high shutter speeds. I had some classic VR shimmer artifact on some of my flight images recently with a 500mm PF lens on a Z9 and in normal mode. Shutter speed was either 1/1600 or 1/2000. I have never experienced that before with that lens, but usually use Sport mode.

[@backcountrygallery]

Yeah, if you don't need it, shut it off IMO. It's a balance to be sure. In Normal mode, I think it works harder / moves more since the VR group re-centers with each shot. That might be why the artifacting seems worse than Sport.

[@jakesdewet3567]

Hi Thomas, I use the same combo and find that in normal mode the lens jerks in Sport mode is is "smooth". I still use my 80-400 and find with the VR is normal mode that it is almost unusable and in active mode it is better at low frame rates. So with the 80-400 I keep it off. with 500 pf I only use it is sport mode. So the decision over time is do I change to the S lenses? 400 f4.5 or the 100-400? I love the 500 pf and 80-400 combo. So maybe upgrade to the 100-400?

[@Mike-126]

Steve, great info.

[@richardcohen8769]

When shooting birds hanheld, I struggle with the viewfinder jumping around using mode 3 with a canon rf 600f4 lens. Much harder to keep the subject where I want it, which for me negates the benefit of the mode 3 IS. So I stick with mode 2 most of the time, even though it isn't technically the correct mode to use. It basically doesn't seem to stabilize the viewfinder much if at all.

[@backcountrygallery]

That's interesting. Mode 3 on Canon basically should act like Mode 2 when you shoot and not really do much at all when you're not shooting. At least, that's what I seem to recall Canon saying.

[@ranjankmsphotography]

Excellent as always ❤ Steve, I would request you to increase the sound volume output of your videos to some extent. Specifically while watching in smartphone it sounds low....in Desktop we can increase volume to good extent but in phone the maximum volume too seems not as per requirement and it is difficult to listen very clearly unless we are in a very calm and peaceful area😊

[@backcountrygallery]

Will do,

[@mikedarren6658]

I can't seem to find the answer to this question: When using an F-mount VR lens adapted to a Nikon Z9 does the VR in the lens work in concert with the IBIS of the camera?

[@birdinginsingapore4884]

it dose not.

[@backcountrygallery]

It does, but not fully. The sensor helps with roll, the lens with pitch and yaw. However, it's still one more movement than we have without IBIS :)

[@birdinginsingapore4884]

@@backcountrygallery Thank you for your correction, which I didn't realise before.

[@backcountrygallery]

@@birdinginsingapore4884 Happy to help. There's a lot to the VR system :)

[@mikedarren6658]

@@backcountrygallery Thanks, Steve! THIS is why I love your channel and what you do.