How much does Nikon VR impact battery life?

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Randy Howard - 25 Apr 2006 23:55 GMT

I'm curious if anyone has used a lens like the 18-200mm w/VR?
If so, have you done any battery life measurements (formal or
informal) as a result of it?

It's not a big deal, the battery life is already amazing with
conventional lenses, but I'm curious if it is a minor hit, or a
big one.

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cjcampbell - 26 Apr 2006 01:55 GMT

> I'm curious if anyone has used a lens like the 18-200mm w/VR?
> If so, have you done any battery life measurements (formal or
> informal) as a result of it?

I haven't noticed much change at all.

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Ed Ruf (REPLY to E-MAIL IN SIG!) - 26 Apr 2006 02:14 GMT

>It's not a big deal, the battery life is already amazing with
>conventional lenses, but I'm curious if it is a minor hit, or a
>big one.

Just a minor hit with a 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor on a D70
or D200. If power consumption is a concern, turn off any lcd image
playback.
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C J Southern - 26 Apr 2006 05:31 GMT

> I'm curious if anyone has used a lens like the 18-200mm w/VR?
> If so, have you done any battery life measurements (formal or
> informal) as a result of it?

Off memory, Canon quote a 20% hit for their IS lenses (I imagine they're
similar technology) - having said that, the battery life (especially with a
grip and 2 generic batteries) is nothing short of amazing - so probably not
a big issue.

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Paul Furman - 26 Apr 2006 16:31 GMT

>>I'm curious if anyone has used a lens like the 18-200mm w/VR?
>>If so, have you done any battery life measurements (formal or
>>informal) as a result of it?
>
> Off memory, Canon quote a 20% hit for their IS lenses

Sounds about right for my 70-200 nikon.
Noticeable but not a huge deal.

> (I imagine they're
> similar technology) - having said that, the battery life (especially with a
> grip and 2 generic batteries) is nothing short of amazing - so probably not
> a big issue.

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elcoggins@bee.net - 26 Apr 2006 13:31 GMT

> I'm curious if anyone has used a lens like the 18-200mm w/VR?
> If so, have you done any battery life measurements (formal or
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> conventional lenses, but I'm curious if it is a minor hit, or a
> big one.

I have accidentally left the VR on with my D2X off in my bag for four
days and have not seen any obvious reduction in battery life. However,
the manual does tell you to turn it off when not in use. There is
probably a very minor power usage when left on.

Gene

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Ed Ruf (REPLY to E-MAIL IN SIG!) - 27 Apr 2006 02:16 GMT

>I have accidentally left the VR on with my D2X off in my bag for four
>days and have not seen any obvious reduction in battery life. However,
>the manual does tell you to turn it off when not in use. There is
>probably a very minor power usage when left on.

It would seem to only really draw power when focusing. I've left mine on
do to laziness forever and can't see any real difference.
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picachorider@yahoo.com - 27 Apr 2006 03:03 GMT

I shot about 575 images over two days on a D70S with the 18-200mm VR
two weeks ago, without needing to recharge the (oem) battery.

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cjcampbell - 27 Apr 2006 06:42 GMT

> I shot about 575 images over two days on a D70S with the 18-200mm VR
> two weeks ago, without needing to recharge the (oem) battery.

That has been pretty much my experience with the D70. Nevertheless, I
carry two spare batteries with me anyway.

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