Is VR / image stabilisation important/needed?

[Awhat]

Hey All, I've finally decided to expand on my kit lenses and get a wide angle lens for landscape.

I am thinking of the sigma 10-20mm f3.5, https://www.teds.com.au/sigma-10-20mm-f3-5-ex-dc-hsm

my question is, my kit lenshas VR in built but I've had a look at a few wide angles and they don't seem to have it. Is this something that isn't 'necessary' in these type of lenses? Or does it only come in the more expensive ones?

Thanks,

Alex.

 

[mikew_RIP]

I always think VR is user dependent,it shouldn't be needed for the lenses you mention but i know nothing of your age ability or health,if you reasonably fit with steady hands then it most likley isnt essential

 

[BackdoorArts]

Hey All, I've finally decided to expand on my kit lenses and get a wide angle lens for landscape.

I am thinking of the sigma 10-20mm f3.5, https://www.teds.com.au/sigma-10-20mm-f3-5-ex-dc-hsm

my question is, my kit lenshas VR in built but I've had a look at a few wide angles and they don't seem to have it. Is this something that isn't 'necessary' in these type of lenses? Or does it only come in the more expensive ones?

Thanks,

Alex.

Depends on use and the photographer. With this lens, I'd say that if you're always shooting at 1/60s or faster when not on a tripod you'll be fine. Slower than that it will depend on how solid your technique is or if you're willing to use a tripod. Most folks with even decent technique and no problems with shakes will be good down to 1/30 and perhaps even slower.

I only turn VR on when I'm shooting long or in dark situations where I want to keep ISO down. I find shots to be a tick sharper without it when it's not needed.

 

[hark]

VR does add to the cost of a lens so not all lenses have it. Heavier lenses and those of longer focal lengths (telephoto) can greatly benefit from having it. Since the lens you are considering is an ultra wide, it is shorter and not as heavy as many other lenses.

The rule of thumb for shutter speed is not to go slower than the focal length of the lens. Since the longest end of this lens is 20mm, normally you wouldn't want to go below 1/20 second for your shutter speed while hand holding the lens. However, since it is a DX lens and most likely will be used on a DX body, you want to calculate the 1.5 crop factor into the equation. So the slowest you'd want to hand hold the lens would be at 1/30". Some people prefer to err on the side of caution and might say a slightly faster shutter speed should be your slowest limit.

You can always use a monopod or tripod if you are in situations where a slower shutter speed is being used--such as low light photos.

I have an FX camera and use Niikon's 18-35mmG lens which doesn't have VR. It has never been an issue. Good luck with your decision!

 

[hark]

Depends on use and the photographer. With this lens, I'd say that if you're always shooting at 1/60s or faster when not on a tripod you'll be fine. Slower than that it will depend on how solid your technique is or if you're willing to use a tripod. Most folks with even decent technique and no problems with shakes will be good down to 1/30 and perhaps even slower.

I only turn VR on when I'm shooting long or in dark situations where I want to keep ISO down. I find shots to be a tick sharper without it when it's not needed.

You sneaked in while I was writing my post!

I agree with Jake in that it would be better to keep your shutter speed no lower than 1/60" second. As he mentioned, technique has a lot to do with it.

 

[Awhat]

I always think VR is user dependent,it shouldn't be needed for the lenses you mention but i know nothing of your age ability or health,if you reasonably fit with steady hands then it most likley isnt essential

Ok thanks, yeah I'm just a young guy; 22.

Depends on use and the photographer. With this lens, I'd say that if you're always shooting at 1/60s or faster when not on a tripod you'll be fine. Slower than that it will depend on how solid your technique is or if you're willing to use a tripod. Most folks with even decent technique and no problems with shakes will be good down to 1/30 and perhaps even slower.

I only turn VR on when I'm shooting long or in dark situations where I want to keep ISO down. I find shots to be a tick sharper without it when it's not needed.

Great thanks.

VR does add to the cost of a lens so not all lenses have it. Heavier lenses and those of longer focal lengths (telephoto) can greatly benefit from having it. Since the lens you are considering is an ultra wide, it is shorter and not as heavy as many other lenses.

The rule of thumb for shutter speed is not to go slower than the focal length of the lens. Since the longest end of this lens is 20mm, normally you wouldn't want to go below 1/20 second for your shutter speed while hand holding the lens. However, since it is a DX lens and most likely will be used on a DX body, you want to calculate the 1.5 crop factor into the equation. So the slowest you'd want to hand hold the lens would be at 1/30". Some people prefer to err on the side of caution and might say a slightly faster shutter speed should be your slowest limit.

You can always use a monopod or tripod if you are in situations where a slower shutter speed is being used--such as low light photos.

I have an FX camera and use Niikon's 18-35mmG lens which doesn't have VR. It has never been an issue. Good luck with your decision!

That's an awesome tip cheers, wasn't aware of that. yep It's used on a DX. Nikon D3200.