How good is the VR on this thing?

Ok, so I was out and about last night taking some shots and one in particular surprised me. At first glance the shot is nothing special, it's actually quite soft, but considering how it was taken I expected it to be unrecognizable. It was a hand held test shot to see how the light and colors came out, just to see if I wanted to setup my tripod there. The exif is all there, shot was taken on a D610 with the Nikon 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 and the shutter speed was 3 seconds!!



Shot Raw, no PP, just re-sized.

Has anyone pushed the limits on these lenses, how long can you leave the shutter open and get a decent image?

Nikon VR is very good, but as with all equipment the differentiator is the operator more times than not. VR can certainly save your butt, and will do so more times than not when you have great technique. Lousy technique, lousy photos.

Even with VR, for a hand-held shot at 3 seconds that has come out very well! Were you kneeling, resting on a bench or support at all?

SteveH said:

Even with VR, for a hand-held shot at 3 seconds that has come out very well! Were you kneeling, resting on a bench or support at all?

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Thanks Steve, no the shot was just standing normally , nothing to lean or brace against or anything like that.

Even I am surprised at time with my kit 18-55. Some of the low speed shots are absolutely clear. Must be VR favouring me.