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Vibration Reduction: Sport Mode

Compared with earlier models, the viewfinder offers improved stability in burst mode. This combines with the SPORT setting available on some VR lenses to make subjects even easier to track during high-speed burst photography.

Lenses with SPORT VR

As of April 2016, the following lenses featured SPORT VR:

  • AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR
  • AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR
  • AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
  • AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR
  • AF-S NIKKOR 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VR

What Makes Sport Mode Special

Sport mode limits vibration reduction to the minimum needed for subjects that are moving quickly and unpredictably. When the camera is hand-held, the image in the viewfinder remains as stable and smooth as when the camera is mounted on a monopod, making subjects easier to track during panning and high-speed burst photography. When the lens is mounted on a D500, all of this can be accomplished without reducing frame rate or increasing shutter lag.

Sport mode: Image in viewfinder is stable and smooth.

Normal mode: More powerful vibration reduction makes motion in viewfinder seem jerky and unnatural when lens is moved.

“Sport” Versus “Normal”

Sport mode balances vibration reduction with smooth display when you are photographing sports, aircraft, birds, or other moving subjects. Choose NORMAL for more powerful vibration reduction when photographing landscapes and other static subjects. The differences between sport and normal modes are summarized below.

SPORT NORMAL
Suited to Moving subjects Stationary subjects
Motion in viewfinder Smooth Jerky
Burst performance Better Worse