Time for some Q and A. Believe it or not, this is a common one…

Q: I have an f5.6 image stabilized or vibration reduction lens that gives me two more stops of brightness because of the (IS, VR, or whatever). So it’s just like having a f2.8 lens, right?

A: Not exactly. Remember that, while image stabilization is a great thing that can help reduce image blur due to camera shake, it can’t help you stop the motion of objects outside the camera (i.e. your subjects). That f5.6 aperture is still an f5.6 aperture when it comes to letting light onto the sensor, regardless of any VR/IS function.

When compared to a f5.6 VR/IS lens, an f2.8 lens actually lets more light onto the sensor. The magic of VR/IS, is that even though it may have a smaller aperture than a comparable f2.8 lens… it compensates for any movement you might have made while taking the picture at a longer shutter speed.

Am I bashing VR/IS lenses? Absolutely not. Image stabilization technology can come in very handy in low-light situations where camera shake is a problem and it has personally saved me from having to throw countless shots in the trash. But, as with any piece of technology, VR/IS can be rendered pretty much useless if you don’t understand what it is trying to do for you. I hope this brings a little light to the misconception that surrounds these lenses.

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