nikon VR unable to handle 1/80 - 1/100 shutter speed on long tele?

Not sure what you are experiencing, but at 400 mm and 1/80 of a second shutter speed could it be that the shutter speed is just not fast enough? Using the general rule that shutter speed should be the reciprocal of the focal length you would need 1/400 and if you assume that VR gives you two stops, you are at the equivalent of 1/320 with a 1/80 shutter speed. If there is any vibration that might not be enough.

Here is one I just took with my 80-400 VR from a tripod with VR on. Looks pretty sharp to me.

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Thanks,
Mark
http://markburgess.zenfolio.com/