I only have a Nikon D80 with AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens.?

Yes but turn the VR off when it's on the tripod and get both and see which one you like better. You can get one that has a timer to take a pic like 1 a minute or such. Or just use the cameras self timer. Use low ISO and use aperture priority and set it to f/11. Or just use landscape mode. You're smart getting a tripod. You should look at the vanguard 263 (or 264) ab100