Why No VR in Normal Primes?

[kully]

Why do you think Canon and Nikon do not put VR in their bodies like the other guys. Is in body VR inferior?

I think it's just the road they chose...

The only thing I can think of which makes VR in the lens better than in the body is that you would get a stabilised viewfinder image (unless you're using live-view for the in body VR).

 

[silvalis]

Someone mentioned this before, but I suspect that one of the main reasons lots of fast primes aren't IS/VR is because the element size/weight is too great to easily move with the current IS/VR technology. Compare the size of the moving elements of the slow VR/IS zooms (or even the 70-200/2.8s) to the size of a f/1.4 element

Why do you think Canon and Nikon do not put VR in their bodies like the other guys. Is in body VR inferior?

From what I recall, IS/VR is better for longer focal lengths, in body sensor shift at short focal lengths. You definitely get better stabilisation at long focal lengths (200, 300, 400, etc) than in body sensor shift.

 

[Roger Hicks]

It does nothing to help with subject movement. With practice you can learn to shoot at some pretty slow speeds. Lean against a wall or tree or slouch in a doorway. Keep your feet half a meter apart. Tuck your elbows in against your body but not too tightly or it will get worse again. Practice moving the tip of your arched index finger straigt up and down on the release button while nothing else in your hand moves. . . . .

Dear Al,

Please forgive the edits (bold italic) where I've tried to add a little to your excellent advice.

Another old but useful tip, which others may find handy: shoot while exhaling gently. DON'T hold your breath.

Cheers,

R.

 

[cmedin]

I had the Sigma 30/1.4 when I was using a Canon...I really liked it. I've occasionally longed for the Pentax version...

If you get a good one it's just.. superb.

I can handhold with the Pentax SR down to around 1/4 or so, sometimes slower. At 1.4 and ISO 3200 it allows for some pretty weak lighting. (Note that I generally don't have a problem handholding my GA645 at 1/20th or so, so take that into consideration -- if you have shaky hands obviously things won't be quite as happy)

 

[kshapero]

Dear Al,

Please forgive the edits (bold italic) where I've tried to add a little to your excellent advice.

Another old but useful tip, which others may find handy: shoot while exhaling gently. DON'T hold your breath.

Cheers,

R.

Hey that right out of Roger Hick's Rangefinder book.