Guide
Quick photo tip: Why the image stabiliser should not always be switched on
by David Lee
Quick photo tip: Why your shots are blurred despite a tripod
15.4.2019
Translation: machine translated
Tripods are designed to prevent camera shake during long exposures. But they don't always succeed. Here are the reasons.
In my last photo tip, I wrote that there are built-in image stabilisers that have a negative effect when shooting with a tripod: they blur the image.
I don't know whether the problem still exists with current devices. But what I do know for sure is that if a shot is blurred on a tripod, there may be other reasons than an activated image stabiliser.
Aftershake
Even the most stable tripod is not a concrete block. When you press the camera's shutter release button, you cause the camera to vibrate slightly. This is noticeable on the image with longer exposure times
You can easily remedy this by using the self-timer. To avoid having to wait too long between photos, set the shutter release delay to 2 to 5 seconds. This is usually enough to minimise vibrations. An remote shutter release is even faster and safer. Many cameras can also be triggered via a smartphone app.
Mirror flare
This problem only affects SLR cameras. When the shutter is released, the mirror spikes upwards and causes a small vibration. This may cause the photo to become slightly blurred.
Almost all SLR cameras today have a mirror lock-up function. The camera allows a brief moment to elapse between the mirror shake and the shutter release. This allows the shock to subside before the image is captured.
The floor
The floor of our open-plan office vibrates when someone walks past. And someone always walks past. But even supposedly stable floors vibrate: For example, the station platform when a train passes by or the bridge when a lorry thunders over it.
There's not much you can do: wait until it's quiet or change your location.
The tripod itself
Shocks have a stronger and longer effect if your tripod is not very good. A sturdy tripod also pays off in strong winds or with heavy lenses. Lighter is not better here. Tripods do not become obsolete - so don't save money here.
By the way, there is more than one good tripod. I've seen it with my own eyes.
David Lee
Senior Editor
David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.chMy interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.
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