Wireless Remote - Nikon

[CNCO]

I am looking for a wireless remote for my Nikon D80. I read that the ML-L3 was good but you can only use the remote when you are in front of the camera; which isn't going to work.

Can anyone suggest a reliable remote?

 

[chmille]

I have the nikon one. It's a little remote that you set off. I love it!

 

[CNCO]

I read you can only use it if you are in the front of the camera, is that true with all remotes?

 

[Amocholes]

The receiver is built into the front of the camera and operates on IR light. It's like a TV remote. It won't work from behind the camera unless you're pointing it at a mirror.

 

[12sndsgood]

The receiver is built into the front of the camera and operates on IR light. It's like a TV remote. It won't work from behind the camera unless you're pointing it at a mirror.

your right it doesn't work from behind the camera, but i havn't had much problem just sliding my hand up around the front while i stand behind it. may want to with a wired remote though if you for some reason need to be further back behind the camera and can't get up near it.

 

[ann]

there are wireless remote devices that don't need line of sight to work.

Check out Adorama or B&H and you will find quite a few available for Nikon cameras.

 

[Studio7Four]

There are two basic types of wireless remotes: IR (infrared) and radio wave. IR remotes use infrared light and therfore require line-of-sight to the receiver to operate. Technically this doesn't mean you have to be in front of the camera (as we all know, light bounces), but to get decent reliability on the trigger you realistically want to be in front. For a radio wave remote the signal is sent out pretty much omni-directionally, and the signal passes through most materials, so you don't need line-of-sight.

I personally use a cheap radio remote I found on ebay...I think it cost me $5, including shipping from China (unfortunately I don't remember the exact make/model and don't have it handy). Mine is a two-piece system. The wireless transmitter is nice and compact (fairly easy to conceal in your hand if you are using it to be in the picture yourself). The receiver plugs into your camera's wired remote jack, has a button so it can be used as a wired remote, and has a mount for connecting to your camera's hotshoe to keep it out of the way (or you can let it dangle, or strap it to your tripod).

Bottom line - the branded remotes are certainly nice, but for (maybe) giving up a little functionality you can save a bunch of dough by going off-brand.

 

[syphlix]

you can use pocketwizards... they're pretty rock solid though you'll have to pay a pretty penny for them... (minimum $300/pair)...

but don't have to worry about line of sight or range issues...

 

[ann]

the op said wireless

 

[Destin]

The nikon remote is ok, I have one. Doesn't have enough range for my liking, think of it as a cable release more than anything.

If money is no object, pocket wizards all the way.

Otherwise, there are (much) cheaper ones on ebay that work pretty well.

 

[CNCO]

i bought it on ebay for 2.70$ shipped, i guess no starbucks today.

 

[Shane Anderson]

The ML-L3 is great. If you are using it to reduce camera shake then you would normally be in close proximity to the camera anyway e.g. shooting a landscape, in that situation it works just like a cable release. You just have to move your hand to the front of the camera so the remote pickup will see the signal - easy.

It also works for bulb mode - press once to open the shutter, then press a second time to close.

That's on the D5000 at least.

 

[rocdoc]

I love the Nikon one. Never tried from behind, but from all other angles, including acute side angles it worked nicely. The range is decent.

 

[CNCO]

well i tried it yesterday and to be honest its slow, ill keep it to reduce camera shake for long exposure shots but does anyone know if there is a way to speed it up? i am trying to use this on a monopod over the glass on a hockey rink to get an aerial shot of players. i could always turn up the shutter speed and go from there.

 

[kundalini]

I've used the Phottix remote for a couple of years now on my D80, D300 & D700. No problems. You can see my review HERE.