55-200 VR on a D200

[margems]

I just bought my first VR lens, the 55-200 and use it on a D200. I have some questions:

1. In the instruction for the lens, it states: "With AF cameras featuring an AF start (AF-ON) button, such as D2-Series and D200 models, vibration reduction will not operate even if the AF-ON button is depressed." What does this really mean? Does this lens' VR not function with the D200? Which relates to question #2:

2. How can I tell that the VR is functioning? I can't seem to tell the difference between having the VR on and having it off. (I have the camera AF Activation setting (A6) set to ON.)

Thanks,
Margie

 

[Bman202533]

This means that the VR will not work with that function (AF start). It will work fine with the camera. To see if it is operating, set the camera to single AF and hold it in your hand. Depress the shutter button halfway to focus. You should feel a slight whirring. It can be very low audibly. If you let off of the shutter button, you'll hear and feel it click as the VR turns off.
--
Bman

 

[BruceEvans]

That's very interesting. There have been a number of debates over the use of the AF/ON button here and currently on Nikon Cafe. I wonder how many of those who use the AF/ON button know it's cancelling their VR function.

Bruce (who has always considered VR a gimmick)

 

[Ray A]

I've had A6 "on" since I got the D200 and I know my VR lens works just fine.

Ray

 

[lordbeau]

Well done - the 55-200 VR is a very good lens. Sharp and at 55mm has just about no distortion, unlike the 18-70 and 18-200.

The 55-200 VR works very well on the D200 and D200. Make sure you have VR switched on on the lens itself and set to normal rather than active, press the shutter button down halfway, listen out for the crunching and whirring, WAIT for the picture to stabilise in the viewfinder, and then take the pic. If you don't wait, it might come out blurred though I only have that problem on my mis-behaving 18-200 VR. My 55-200 is better.

 

[glhid]

I wonder how many of those who use the AF/ON button know it's cancelling their VR function.

Question of terminology, I suppose--strictly speaking, it's not "cancelling" the VR function--it just isn't activated by the AF/ON button. It still works when you take the picture. You aren't going to see any effect of the VR in the viewfinder when you push the button (not that I ever notice it anyway), but after all, VR is not tied to autofocus--it works in manual focus as well.