Vibration Reduction (VR for short) is a technology by Nikon to reduce unwanted and unnecessary movements or “vibrations” that may cause image blur. Canon uses Image Stabilization (IS). Take note that VR is not available on all lenses so be sure to check while making a purchase.
To put it simply, VR allows the user to shoot in darker places with slower shutter speeds without a tripod (hand-held). In case you have not noticed, there is switch at the side of the lens that says “VR On/Off”. When using a tripod, it is recommended that VR is turned off. Why would I want to turn off VR if it is so useful? This is because with VR turned on in tripod mode, there is a possibility that the camera may incorrectly identify vibrations cause by the flip of the mirror to be that of hand movements and carry out vibration compensation, resulting in a slightly blurred image. This is especially obvious in telephoto lenses.
A point worth noting is that VR can reduce unwanted movements on the photographer’s part, but if your subject is not stationary, there’s no way VR is going to help. The only way would be to increase your shutter speed or increase the ISO value.
For more information on VR technology, read this.
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[...] a fairly sturdy tripod as any shake will result in a failed attempt. Even the best VR (refer to Vibration Technology) technology cannot substitute a good tripod for such long [...]
[...] seems like there is a patent filed for AFS Nikkor 18-135 VR around the end of 2009. There is also a AFS 18-105 VRII. It is said that Nikon might be announcing [...]