Pros: Cheap, allows you to see the benefits from that sharp glass you have invested in.
Cons: Could use a way to secure the remote to keep it from dangling.
The Bottom Line: A simple and cheap way to get the most from your expensive lenses when used on a tripod. I would say it is a must have for the tripod shooter.
ncphototrekker's Full Review: Canon RS-80N3 Remote Switch for EOS-20D
OK, you've spent the money to get that top quality tripod to mount your Canon camera on. You are all set to get razor sharp images...or so you thought. Unless you are using the self timer, you are introducing a bit of camera shake just by pressing the shutter button. If you are using the self timer, you might miss the moment that you wanted to capture while the camera is counting down.
The RS-80N3 Remote switch is a great alternative that gives the same response time as pressing the shutter button directly, but without the camera shake. For the landscape photographer, the remote shutter release should be considered mandatory equipment.
This is a proprietory Canon remote and will work on many of their bodies. Check for compatibility with your particular camera before purchasing. I am using it with the 40D, and love it.
This is a very simple item which includes a single button with a slide lock. The unit itself is plenty big enough to get a good grip on while you are waiting for that "perfect" moment to release the shutter. The button is a two stage affair just like the shutter button on the camera body. At half-press, the auto focus kicks in, and the complete press releases the shutter.
The slide lock that I referred to is used with the bulb "B" shutter setting which allows very long exposures. To keep from having to hold the button down during what could be several minutes, to several hours, you can slide a panel over the button to lock it down keeping the shutter open until you release the lock.
Another nice feature that is included on this product that works with the 10D, 20D, and 30D is a storage hole for the rubber plug that protects the remote jack on the camera body. The 40D does not have this plug due to a redesign of the weather proofing. This storage hole will help you keep track of the plug so you can replace it when you are done with the remote.
The cord is a bit short at under three feet, but you can purchase extension cords for this switch. I have not had a problem with the length, but I have noticed it is quite a bit shorter than the six footer I used with my previous Sony.
The only negative I can think of with this remote is the lack of any securing facility so that you can connect it to the tripod, camera, or its own cord. This is pretty easy to rectify though by using a small strip of Velcro on the remote body, and the other side on the tripod head. I have found this fix to be quite effective at securing the remote and keeping it from dangling from the camera. The best part is this fix is cheap, or free if you already have the Velcro as I did.
Final Thoughts...
The only way to achieve tack sharp images is to keep the camera perfectly still during the exposure. The tripod is only the first step. Using the remote is the other part of the equation as it keeps you from shaking the camera just by pressing the button. Using the mirror lockup feature is the last part of the puzzle.
For around $50.00, the RS-80N3 remote is an affordable addition to your camera bag. It will also have a profound affect on your larger prints when it comes to sharpness. Hey, if it take $50.00 to reap the benefits from a thousand dollar lens, then I'm all over it.
I would highly recommend a remote to any tripod shooter out there, and if you are using a Canon body that is compatible, this is the remote for you.
This remote switch come with a 2.6' (80cm) cord to prevent camera shake for super telephoto shots, macrophotography and bulb exposures. The remote swi...More at Calumet Photo
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