Testing VR for those new to buying Lens

[Luminare]

I thought i put up this tread for new photograhpers who might be buying a second lens for their DSLR.

These days, almost every Nikon lens comes with VR. Yet sometimes, because Quality Control do get through loop holes (usually quality checks are sample checks than 100% check), or if one maybe buying 2nd hand, it is important to check if the VR is working or if the lens have focus issues before buying. The latter needs a simple gage of some form to test but can be fixed by focus tuning. If the VR is spoilt, then it is more troublesome and costly to repair.

VR is so common these days, that it sometimes get under rated. VR is an important feature of a lens, even at short focal lengths like on the 16-35mm f/4 VR.

A few simple steps on how to test if the VR is working

Method A

Preparation
1) Zoom the lens to its maximum focal length
2) Point at an object, Signboards or an object that have aplhaberts is best. Testing on indoor objects is normally better as outdoor objects can be very bright and if using Pre-set modes (Like Auto, Portrait), the shutter speed might be very high and it becomes very difficult to spot the difference.

Testing
3) Turn off the VR, focus, hold for 2~3 sec then take a shot
4) Turn on the VR, focus and you should hear the VR motor working (normally at the rear lens element) and hold for 2 ~ 3sec. You should see the image stablize if the VR is working.
5) Take a shot with the VR On
6) Compare the 2 photos and you should see some blurring due to camera shake on the photo without VR especially on the Alphaberts and significantly less blurring on the second photo if the VR is working.

Method B (Table method)

Preparation
1) Zoom the lens to its maximum focal length
2) Place the camera with the lens on a stable platform (Like a counter top or table)
3) Point at an object, Signboards or an object that have aplhaberts is best.

Testing
4) Turn off the VR, focus, then take a shot
5) Turn on the VR, focus and you should hear the VR motor working (normally at the rear lens element) and hold for 2 ~ 3sec.
6) Take a shot with the VR On
7) Compare the 2 photos and you should see some blurring due to vibration on the photo WITH VR especially on the Alphaberts and significantly less blurring on second photo without VR.

** To beter explain results of step 7, it is better to see FAQ on how VR works.

Hope the above helpes

[DemonicAngelz]

I think it is wrong to say that there will be NO blurring with the VR working. VR doesn't do magic, users please be aware.

[Luminare]

To say NO blurring as a result of VR maybe misleading, so changed wording to "Significantly less". The effects are pretty obvious, with or without VR if the VR is working.

[Ansel]

TS, the effect of the VR is actually visible in the viewfinder. Once activated, ie, half press the shuttle, you will notice that the image in the viewfinder is "held", or stuck, and as you move up and down, the image will kind of float a little, and move very slowly, very cool to observe.

[Cowseye]

On a 16-35mm, the effect could be very hard to tell by looking via viewfinder. Might even need a less than steady pair of hands to test or you might even get good results with or without VR.

Would adding a 2 to 3 stops slower shutter speed (or +2EV in aperture priority mode) to the overall test also test the efficiency of the VR? Just suggesting.