VR vs VR-II

Gobae

Senior Member
To keep a long story short, I've got to replace a damaged Nikkor 18-55mm VR kit lens. But after reading some reviews I'm still unclear if it's worth the money to get the VR-II version of this lens. Is the VR-II that much better to warrant spending an extra $70 (used)?
 

Eyelight

Senior Member
It's an advertised gain of 1-stop with the newer VR.

There's a couple of other differences. The newer version is lighter and overall smaller and built similar to the Nikkor 1 lenses with the retractable barrel design.
 

Gobae

Senior Member
Since the VR (I) already claims a 1 stop gain over the non-VR version, does that mean the VR-II is effectively claiming a total of 2 stops over the non-VR 18-55mm?
 

Eyelight

Senior Member
Since the VR (I) already claims a 1 stop gain over the non-VR version, does that mean the VR-II is effectively claiming a total of 2 stops over the non-VR 18-55mm?

Looking specifically at the 18-55 Nikkors, the first VR version touted a 3 stop gain and the latest VR touts a 4 stop gain over non-VR. I have the earlier version and can't say that it gives me 3 stops.

One thing VR definitely improves is handheld video.
 

aroy

Senior Member
The VR-II lens is slightly better on all counts than the older versions, and it can focus closer too. Definitely worth buying.
 

J-see

Senior Member
Since the VR (I) already claims a 1 stop gain over the non-VR version, does that mean the VR-II is effectively claiming a total of 2 stops over the non-VR 18-55mm?

Just keep in mind that there is such a thing as sales-talk and another called reality. My cam can shoot at 25600 ISO too but in reality, that's advertisement ISO. It sounds better than it looks.

The same is true for 3 stops VR. Sure it'll have sharp shots but only if... and if...

On a 55mm they can get away with those claims a bit easier. For that length I'd pick the sharpest/widest and would ignore VR. If it's included; fine but a sharper lens without I'd still prioritize. If that's the VR II, pick that one. If it's not, I'd not bother too much about the loss of some VR stop.
 
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