Nikon Users... "LiveView"???

[sk66]

I've been trying to do some critical tripod work (mostly superzoom shots @ 1600mm, but applies to macro as well). For these types of things I like to use live view for critical focus.
But It became apparent last night that live view is causing problems....the mirror slap is causing blur.
I don't think setting exposure delay>on will be enough of a delay to let everything settle down when working at 1600mm....(didn't try it though)
Can I switch to Mup after live view? I worry that will cause framing issues (planets move fairly quick at 1600mm)..

Any suggestions? Is there something I'm missing? Anyone try CL w/ liveview, does the mirror move between each pic?
I'll try some of these other options but hoping to get some direction from someone who's figured it out already...


Gitzo 1548 tripod w/o center column and legs extended as little as possible. Big gimbal head locked down solid (Benro GH-2). Remote release.

[Vagebond]

I'm not a Nikon user, but nobody else has responded yet so I hope I can point you in a useful direction.

This page mentions two Live View modes Nikon uses, Handheld and Tripod. I think tripod mode is your answer. Maybe check your manual?

I'm not a Nikon user myself, but Canon has a third focussing option -manual focus in Live View. Nikon should have that too, shouldn't it?

Good luck.

[sk66]

Unfortunately, Nikon wasn't as smart as Canon with live view...Canon keeps the mirror up during live view use regardless of mode...Nikon seems to move the mirror in every mode...I tried Tripod with CL, CH, Single, Manual....... I'm running out of options.

[Photologyst]

I tried it and didn't care for it.

[sk66]

Tried what? live view? I love it for fine tuning focus....but I've run into a roadblock in critical situations....

[ravncat]

You can work around by turning off the AF - once you achieve focus lock, - kindof a pain in the but. I have to check, but I think that it works with the mirror delay mode (in the menus)

[Photologyst]

Originally Posted by sk66

Tried what? live view? I love it for fine tuning focus....but I've run into a roadblock in critical situations....

I think that it's a pain.

[jdepould]

How critical is focus at those distances? I mean, you should be at infinity ... unless I'm missing something.

Yes, the mirror flips with every image in CL.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by jdepould

How critical is focus at those distances? I mean, you should be at infinity ... unless I'm missing something.

Yes, the mirror flips with every image in CL.

One would think you'd just be at infinity, but the lens (most I believe) has the ability to overfocus...that's because the point of focus for "infinity" changes (due to thermal effects and probably because it's a zoom)...so it's fairly critical...

But the problem isn't the focus so much as camera movement due to mirror slap. And my setuo is pretty rigid.... Even if it could be improved, I couldn't justify/afford what it might take.

[mipo]

I have just figured that same thing not a long time ago when doing some after sunset landscape shots.
Live view & MUP are not working togheter on my D700.

Did not tried/tested yet but what about going Mirror Up & Tethered if it is applicable in your situation.