What are the pros and cons of using mirror lock-up?
Asked 9/11/2012
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I’ve read that mirror lock-up can reduce camera shake. What are the disadvantages of using it, and when does it actually help? I mainly shoot street photography with a 28–70mm lens, sometimes using a wired remote.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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The only disadvantages are that it slows down your shooting (you have to wait a second or two after locking the mirror for the vibrations to subside) and that the viewfinder is black during this time so you can't react to changes in the scene.
Having said that, you only benefit from mirror lookup when using telephoto lenses, or when shooting slow shutter speeds (around a quarter of a second). In these situations you'd be shooting with a tripod so the slow down is tolerable.
If you want to get steadier shots with a 28-70 lens then I would advise adopting a wide stance, locking your elbows, bracing the camera against your face and shooting in bursts.
Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1375
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Mirror lock-up helps by reducing vibration from the DSLR mirror flipping up before the exposure. Its main downsides are:
- slower shooting, because you must lock the mirror up and then wait briefly before taking the shot
- no view through the optical viewfinder while the mirror is up, so you can’t react to changes in the scene
- limited benefit for handheld shooting, where your own movement usually outweighs any mirror vibration
It is most useful when the camera is very stable, such as on a tripod or solid support, and especially at shutter speeds where mirror vibration matters most—roughly around 1/4 second to a couple of seconds. It can also help more with longer focal lengths, where small vibrations are magnified.
For street photography with a 28–70mm lens, mirror lock-up is usually not very practical or beneficial. The delay and blackout make it harder to catch changing moments, and handheld technique matters more. If you want sharper handheld shots, focus on stable posture: wide stance, elbows tucked in, camera braced against your face, and consider shooting short bursts.
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