Remote shutter release vs Intervalometer: Hello Technohogs, I have been looking around for a remote shutter release for my Canon 7DII to do some light painting and "light wand"...

photodoc16

Hello Technohogs,
I have been looking around for a remote shutter release for my Canon 7DII to do some light painting and "light wand" painting. All of them have some downsides and some sound awful. Then I read a comment that I should forget about buying a remote shutter release and get an Intervalometer - it can do a lot more and is not more expensive. Any comments on that theory and any recommendations?
Thanks,
Photodoc16

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

In intervalometer can do more in as much as be set to take pictures periodically at a set interval in addition to using it as a remote shutter release.

Remote releases (wired or wireless) are simply extension of the shutter button.

photodoc16

Thanks Longshadow,
Do you like any particular brand or model? Does the intervalometer have all the functionality as a remote shutter release as a dedicated remote release?
Photodoc16

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

photodoc16 wrote:

Thanks Longshadow,
Do you like any particular brand or model? Does the intervalometer have all the functionality as a remote shutter release as a dedicated remote release?
Photodoc16

For my Canon I have a Vello Free Wave wireless I purchased from B&H. It does NOT have an intervalometer function. To date I have not needed an intervalometer.
With wireless, there is no need to be next to the tripod (I'm never far from mine) or the cable getting tangled. Infrared only works facing the camera, wireless works in all directions, over 30 feet.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

You can find genuine used Canon brand remote switches. I bought mine for $10. Biggs Camera in Charlotte.

Have you played around with bulb setting for shutter for long exposures and light painting?

manofhg Loc: Knoxville, TN

If you want something that does far more than just an intervalometer, there are many triggers available. They can trigger off of light (or motion), sound, or other inputs and can also do the intervalometer feats of timed shutter release and multiple shots, etc. Many can also be paired to a phone for more function and remote control. I have a MIOPS, but there is also Pluto triggers and probably many more. They are far more expensive than just an intervalometer though.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

photodoc16 wrote:

Hello Technohogs,
I have been looking around for a remote shutter release for my Canon 7DII to do some light painting and "light wand" painting. All of them have some downsides and some sound awful. Then I read a comment that I should forget about buying a remote shutter release and get an Intervalometer - it can do a lot more and is not more expensive. Any comments on that theory and any recommendations?
Thanks,
Photodoc16

Yes, intervalometers are very nice. It's like hiring a kid to press the shutter button all day long - only more reliable. I also use a remote release - wireless at times, though.

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

I recently got a Vello wireless remote for my D810. You can auto focus with it ( after disabling my AF on button and enabling shutter focus. You can use continuous shooting as well as bulb and self timing. Great little unit. From Amazon about $80 if I remember right.

TonyF Loc: Bradenton, FL

Recently picked this up from B & H. Easy manual, 10 minutes, and you're good to go.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/840096-REG/Vello_rc_c1ii_Shutterboss_Version_II_Timer.html?sts=pi&pim=Y

Ny5y Loc: Mississippi

The 7D II has a built in intervalvometer, so you should not need an external one!

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

photodoc16 wrote:

Hello Technohogs,
I have been looking around for a remote shutter release for my Canon 7DII to do some light painting and "light wand" painting. All of them have some downsides and some sound awful. Then I read a comment that I should forget about buying a remote shutter release and get an Intervalometer - it can do a lot more and is not more expensive. Any comments on that theory and any recommendations?
Thanks,
Photodoc16

Should you want to fire a camera, flash, or a combination of one or many, check out the Aputure Trigmaster Plus II 2.4g. I've only used them for the length of a football field but they advertise 500 meters. If more distance is needed, get another for a relay unit and go 1000 meters.

That's nearly a half mile away!

For my Pentax dslr's, I have the type made for Canon. The only hassle is the Canon model comes with a cable with 3.5m plug on both ends. Getting a simple cable to fit Pentax and U was all set. Kind of neat watching your flash go off from goal post to goal post away.

One time I set up at both ends of the football field. Then I fired them off independently using zones), all while setting in the bleachers.

I can imagine a landscape shooter setting up something a half mile away and coming up with some "far out" shots!

williejoha

I use a Yongnuo interval Peter with all of My Canon bodies and it has never let me down yet. I think they sell for a little less than $50.
WJH

williejoha

It is obviously not an interval Peter but an intervolameter
WJH

williejoha

For the last time intervalometer. I hate those auto correction modes.
WJH

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

GENorkus wrote:

Should you want to fire a camera, flash, or a combination of one or many, check out the Aputure Trigmaster Plus II 2.4g. I've only used them for the length of a football field but they advertise 500 meters. If more distance is needed, get another for a relay unit and go 1000 meters.

That's nearly a half mile away!

...

Why would someone be that far from their camera??? Unless it's a field camera.