Nikon VR vs VR II
VR means Vibration Reduction and Nikon already has two lens released with this vital technology, the VR and VR II. The original VR and VR II share Nikon’s latest image-stabilization technology with few yet distinct differences.
Nikon is constantly improving its lens whether in its mechanical attributes or design and engineering to produce a more versatile lens with produces an enhanced image quality. Although, VR II may not improve its sharpness from the original VR but the overall image quality has definitely improved.
Some would swear that the stabilization that you will get from the VR II lens is noticeably greater than its predecessor. VR II claims 4 stops benefit; the reason for this is because VR II’s shifting elements have a greater degree of movement possible. The older VR, on the other hand, seems to provide only 3 stops compensation. Examples of first VR-based lenses are the 80-400/4.5-5.6VR and the 70-200/2.8VR.
The Nikon VR II’s main difference is its new zooming mechanism. The original Nikon VR’s mechanical zooming creeps when positioned vertically. This is found to be very annoying by many photographers particularly when shooting upwards. The new VR, the Nikon VR II, has a lock that prevents this zoom creeping, which is adored by many VR fans. Examples of VR II lenses are the 70-300/4.5-5.6VR and the 18-200/3.5-5.6VR.
The earlier VR is also a bit louder when it is in operation compared to the VR II. Not surprisingly, VR II will command a higher price yet, many VR lens owners will tend to upgrade to the VR II due to its few but rather useful benefits. Many would find that the improved mechanisms and better image quality that the VR II provide is worth the extra bucks.
Summary:
1. The Nikon VR zooming mechanism “creeps” while the VR II had improved on this. The Nikon VR II does not get out of zooming position easily by creeping.
2. The Nikon VR has 3 stops compensation while the VR II has 4 stops.
3. VR is the earlier implementation of Nikon’s vibration reduction technology and it is later improved by the release of VR II.
4. The VR II has better image quality than the earlier Nikon VR.
5. VR II is naturally more expensive than the VR.
6. Image stabilization is better and greater in VR II than in the original VR.