Mirror Lock-Up : Is it worthwhile?

I've always wondered if it's worthwhile using the mirror lock-up feature when taking tripod shots. Personally, I've never seen any detriment to not using it, and always seems to be a fiddle when I do.

The question is, is it a worthwhile feature that gives you better shots, or is "shutter slap vibration" an urban myth to cover up bad technique?

It has come in handy a number of times for me The mirror can slap hard and there are times when you want/need the camera as steady as possible.

Why would you go through the 'fiddle' of setting up a tripod to reduce vibration, then not go the extra yard with the mirror?

It can make *quite* a difference...

Typically for short exposures and for long exposures, mirror lockup doesn't have much effect. It is for the middle exposures where mirror lockup shows up. And by middle exposures I mean things down in the 2 sec to 1/15 sec range, where time for the camera to settle down after the mirror raises is a significant part of the overall exposure time. This has been proven in the past with film SLRs. And this is especially true if you have a marginal tripod and head, as many hobbyists are prone to skimp in this area.

I pretty much use the mirror lockup along with the timer whenever I have the camera on the tripod. I know it might be overkill but if I am taking the trouble to tripod the camera I figure I might as well do everything to maximize stability.

I used to not notice much of a difference. If you're resizing all your shots for web use, you probably won't either. But once you starting printing/displaying full size versions, you'll notice the difference!

Yes it's worthwhile. I just wish Canon would give us an easier way to switch it on.

I find MLU to be useful in long exposures, but the way Canon handles it in the camera can be real pain. Having to delve deep into the Custom Functions to find and activate it is a hassle, and then forgetting to turn it off when I'm finished with it gets very irritating. I'd like to see them add a button for it and have it turn off each time.

JWright wrote in post #2780915
...and then forgetting to turn it off when I'm finished with it gets very irritating. I'd like to see them add a button for it and have it turn off each time.

Yes..yes..yes.. I have more pics of toes, sky, all kinds of things because I forgot to turn off the fearure. I would love for it to work like bracketing.