Mirror Lock-up

Digital_Clarity

Digital_Clarity

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Dave
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I am looking to increase how sharp my long exposures are on my 400D, and one suggestion has been mirror lockup function. Does this make a massive difference on a camera such as my own or is it not really worth doing?

On the same note, is it worth using the lockup on faster shutter speeds (in excess of 1/50th for example)?

Thanks in advance

Dave
 
The text book answer is that mirror lock up is always a good idea when working off a tripod, in the same way that a lens hood is always a good idea. It will help in lots of cases, not all and will rarely if ever lose you any quality.

It will have the biggest effect when the exposure is the same as the time that any vibrations last in the camera, from the mirror movement. Shooting at a 50th, you're unlikely to see any difference and for really long exposures, it's makes little difference either. In the same way that you can walk through a one minute exposure and not be in the picture.
 
:agree:

Often the main problem with vibration issues is how you release the shutter!

Some people tend to 'stab' at the release button, others' hands shake as they do so even when it's on a tripod - the two ways round this of most use are:

  • use a shutter release cable, or
  • use the self-timer

Also worth considering is the tripod itself - buy a heavy one (failing that - add weight to it by hanging your camera bag from under it) and don't use it at max height, if poss. don't raise the centre column at all

DD
 
Thanks for that advice guys.

It will have the biggest effect when the exposure is the same as the time that any vibrations last in the camera, from the mirror movement. Shooting at a 50th, you're unlikely to see any difference and for really long exposures, it's makes little difference either.
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Ahh that makes sense, the vibrations wouldn't be noticable if they were only for a second or so...:bonk: :thumbs:

Some people tend to 'stab' at the release button, others' hands shake as they do so even when it's on a tripod
Click to expand...
I bought a cable release for this very reason, also the camera beeps like mad when using the self-timer.

Also worth considering is the tripod itself - buy a heavy one (failing that - add weight to it by hanging your camera bag from under it) and don't use it at max height, if poss. don't raise the centre column at all
Click to expand...
I only noticed the hook centre of my tripod a few days ago so will give that a go. I'll also avoid fully extending the thing too.
 
My personal choice is mirror lock-up and self-timer. On my camera (5D) the self-timer counts down only about 2secs. By the way-have you tried turning off the bleep.
 
Turning the bleeps off means it doesn't beep when the AF locks; rather frustrating.
Unfortunately I can't set 10 or2 sec timer on my cam, its ten or nothing :|
 
Digital_Clarity said:
Turning the bleeps off means it doesn't beep when the AF locks; rather frustrating.
Unfortunately I can't set 10 or2 sec timer on my cam, its ten or nothing :|
Click to expand...

Hi use the RC1 remote it has a instant or 2 second delay :) don't use IS if available and if using bulb setting the IS can induce errors i find the remote good for these kind of shots as you can have a good clear view of whats happening to the subject....ie if a cloud is looming over the sun to take the precious light, with the timer you do only have 10 seconds and thats a long time for somthing to happen to spoil the shot,

regards Mark.
 
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