mirror lockup

[ChrisBlaze]

What is the purpose of using mirror lockup?

 

[Samsat]

I used it to minimise camera vibration when taking pics of the moon with my 70-300 lens on a tripod with remote release.

Normally as you press the shutter release button the mirror needs to move out of the way first, mirror lockup forces the mirror out of the way leaving the camera to settle down before the actual picture is taken.

 

[poind]

At certain shutter speeds (generally done on a tripod -- I believe about 1/60 second to 1/2 second), movement from the mirror can be detectable.

Locking up the mirror separately before taking a photo removes this.

Explanations quickly turn up on the web (or on these boards) with a search.

The following is via a good site to be familiar with:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/mirror-lock.shtml

 

[ChrisBlaze]

is that the purpose of putting your camera on a tripod and using the timer?

 

[ChrisBlaze]

is that the purpose of putting your camera on a tripod and using
the timer?

I meant isn't.

 

[asdfmatt]

in long exposures even the little vibration of the mirror can cause blur in a photo.

 

[Tony SD]

Because if you're photographing flowers in a wind you can choose the exact moment when the wind dies down to take your shot. That's just one example.
--
TonySD

 

[Wayne Larmon]

is that the purpose of putting your camera on a tripod and using
the timer?

I meant isn't.

It is part of the process. The complete process is putting the camera on a sturdy tripod, using the timer (or a remote shutter release) and using mirror lockup.

Wayne