Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G.... should I get the VR or non VR?

[Kay Burn Lim]

I have heard that this is THE best general purpose lens for IR using Nikon cameras, giving very good sharpness and contrast. (please correct me if this is not true).

May I ask if there is a difference between the VR and non VR version of this lens for IR use? Do both give the same IQ and no hotspots? If so, then VR is definetely the choice! Thank goodness both are cheap and plentiful even in the used section.

Can people with experienc please post here?

Thank you!

 

[Kay Burn Lim]

Anyone? I hear the Sigma 18-50 3.5-5.6 DC is not bad too for IR.

I am really hoping to hear from others what their experiences are. After much research and scanning the internet, all I could find is;

Sigma 18-50- No Hotspot. Not a very sharp lens. With visible light has bad CA problems (not sure how this translates in IR)

Nikon 18-55VR - NO Hotspot but starts to get soft when wider than 35mm (this would be an issue as much IR shots are wide/landscape)

Nikon 18-55 (Non VR)- No Hotspot... and strangely no complaints about softness below 35mm


I would really appreciate it if someone who has tried these lenses can confirm these issues or share their experiences. Thank you!

 

[r014nd]

I have a 18-55mm VR lens. No hotspot, I rarely use it at 18mm-24mm, because of chromatic aberration, distortion, and yes, it's soft at the edges, but beside that I'm happy with it.
Never had a non VR version, so can't really tell the difference.
I can send you a pictrure @18mm if you want.