[Randy]

The kit lens, Nikon 18-55mm, has a couple of things on it for which so far I can find nothing in the manual. On the left side there's a sliding switch with two settings, "A" and "M." I assume they stand for the usual, automatic and manual. But what are they for? Should I make the switch when I change the selector on top accordingly or what?  The other switch says VR. I guess that has something to do with the lens's vibration control or "VR" feature. Why would you ever want to turn it off? What's the advantage in turning it on or off in different situations. Any advice is appreciated as always.

[msteindler]

On the lens, the A setting is for Auto and M for Manual focus selection. There is no correspondence with the Auto and Manual exposure settings on the camera body. Yes, VR is the Vibration Reduction setting for the compensator mechanism in the lens. Other brands that accomplish image stabilization at the sensor may have their selector on the body.

[Goosepond]

Hi,
Although I'm a Canon man, I'll give it a shot.
The A/M switch on the lens itself should mean Auto or Manual focus. There are times when may not wish to use autofocus of the camera. If the Nikon lenses are like most modern Canon lenses, even though you leave it on Auto, you can still override and manually adjust the focus. Can be handy at times.
And there are times when you may not want to use the VR feature such as on a tripod. Although, again if the Nikon lenses are like the Canon lenses, there may be a setting of the VR expressly for tripod use.
And I'm assuming by the selector on top, you are referring to the wheel where you choose the exposure mode. In this case, A means the camera is in fully auto mode setting both F/stop and sutter speed for you.
M mode means you don't want the camera to do anything for you, so you set both F/stop and SS, looking in the VF to get the correct exposure.

HTH

Gene

[Randy]

Thanks, guys.