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Tethered or Wireless Shutter Release?
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Mar 4, 2017 10:05:09   #
RPSteiner
 
I'm looking to buy remote shutter release for my Pentax K-5 camera. Since I've never used one, I'm looking to folks who might know the pros and cons of tethered (cable release) or a wireless IR remote for some advice.

Thanks in advance,
Richard

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Mar 4, 2017 10:08:52   #
monzi Loc: Mesa, Arizona
 
They both accomplish the same task but wireless allows you to set up the camera a lot further away and still operate the shutter release. Great for wildlife. You would be surprised at how far most of them will work! I have both and use the wireless for more remote camera operation and the tethered for landscape and photos of that nature (especially with the mirror up function.
:-)

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Mar 4, 2017 10:09:45   #
DebAnn Loc: Toronto
 
Wireless offers more versatility but for most I think you have to be in view of the camera's pick-up sensor. I find mine works sometimes and not others. I never had a fail with a wired remote but I haven't been able to find a really long wire. So it's good when you want to take a shot with a slow shutter time but not if you want to be in the photo yourself.

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Mar 4, 2017 10:10:34   #
RPSteiner
 
Thank you, monzi, for the quick and helpful reply!

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Mar 4, 2017 10:11:57   #
RPSteiner
 
Thanks, DebAnn!

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Mar 4, 2017 10:11:59   #
londonfire Loc: NY to NC
 
I've found some of the wireless to be quite directional, meaning you have to really aim the remote at the camera sensor. Tethered are more forgiving in that respect but make sure you get one with around 10 ft. of cable otherwise you're stuck right on top of the tripod. Wireless are easier to pack, obviously, and tethered are usually cheaper. 5 or 6 bucks on eBay.

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Mar 4, 2017 10:13:45   #
RPSteiner
 
Appreciate the advice, londonfire.

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Mar 4, 2017 10:16:30   #
JohnM Loc: Springfield, Illinois
 
RPSteiner wrote:
I'm looking to buy remote shutter release for my Pentax K-5 camera. Since I've never used one, I'm looking to folks who might know the pros and cons of tethered (cable release) or a wireless IR remote for some advice.

Thanks in advance,
Richard


I went with wireless for the safety of no wire to trip over and pull the camera and tripod over. The real down side is the wireless remote is one more battery to tend to but in a crowd ( fireworks displays for example and large gatherings for wildlife displays) I am always leery of someone falling over the tripod, let alone a wire on the ground or where ever it ends up. Just me thinking but like always who knows whats best? In the grand scheme of things and cost of equipment maybe one of each is best :-D

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Mar 4, 2017 10:24:12   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
I have both.
The wireless is less restrictive in as much as you don't have to be real careful with the cable around the tripod. The wireless also gives you more "roaming" space if you need to adjust the subject. My wireless is a radio transmitter, not infrared which has to be pointed towards the camera.

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Mar 4, 2017 12:25:44   #
DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area
 
I'd recommend wireless, but radio, not IR. IR requires line of sight to the receptor. Radio doesn't. Radio triggers don't have to cost much more than IR, although the high-end wireless triggers do.

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Mar 4, 2017 12:45:41   #
G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK
 
Check the wireless allows open shutter.
the cheap Sony remote I bought only activated the shutter.....it had no long exposure ability.(even when set on bulb.)
The canon tether has two button functions, one activates the shutter the other when pushed and slid forward opens the shutter allowing long exposure and then when you slide it back it closes the shutter.

There will be a price difference!

have fun

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Mar 5, 2017 05:07:22   #
RPSteiner
 
Thank you all for your advice. I hadn't thought of the risk of me, or someone else, tripping on the wire and causing a disaster. Also, I didn't know that there were radio wireless remotes, and appreciate learning about these. Perhaps getting both is the best option. That way there is the cable backup if the batteries die in the wireless and I forget to pack extras--which of course would NEVER happen :-). And finally, I appreciate knowing that some wireless remotes are very spartan, and I need to be sure the one I select has all the features I need.

It's great to have the UHH with so many knowledgeable folks willing to help.

Richard

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Mar 5, 2017 05:37:08   #
philphotog Loc: Perth, Scotland
 
Hi. I have just purchased two wireless shutter releases (Nikon d5100/d7000 and Canon EOS 5D from Nicole on Ebay UK. Called 20 Metre Burst Remote Release (made in Australia) these rel;eases are absolutely first-class - small, compact and does what it says on the tin. The seller is excellent and after-sales/advice from her is second to none. Fast delivery and remote is just over 12 Australian Dollars, Check out her on Ebay as I am sure she will have a remote for your Pentax. Best wishes. Philphotog, Perth UK

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Mar 5, 2017 05:55:57   #
RPSteiner
 
philphotog wrote:
Hi. I have just purchased two wireless shutter releases (Nikon d5100/d7000 and Canon EOS 5D from Nicole on Ebay UK. Called 20 Metre Burst Remote Release (made in Australia) these rel;eases are absolutely first-class - small, compact and does what it says on the tin. The seller is excellent and after-sales/advice from her is second to none. Fast delivery and remote is just over 12 Australian Dollars, Check out her on Ebay as I am sure she will have a remote for your Pentax. Best wishes. Philphotog, Perth UK
Hi. I have just purchased two wireless shutter rel... (show quote)


Thank you for the buying advice, Philphotog.

Best wishes to you, too,
Richard

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Mar 5, 2017 07:33:04   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
RPSteiner wrote:
I'm looking to buy remote shutter release for my Pentax K-5 camera. Since I've never used one, I'm looking to folks who might know the pros and cons of tethered (cable release) or a wireless IR remote for some advice.

Thanks in advance,
Richard


A lot depends on your angle to the camera. If you're in front or in back of the camera, and there are sensors front and rear, wireless is good. If you're standing on the side of the camera or you're out of range, wired would be better. I've used lots of those cheap, generic wired remotes, and they work fine and have many features.

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