(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best camera remote shutter release

Hello /r/photography! Camera n00b here. I'm trying to set up a long-duration time-lapse photography unit, similar to what this is describing. I bought a used Canon 1000d (body only) and need a couple things that I'm hoping you all can help me with. First, let me describe the application. This is to document a home construction project (my home, to be exact). I have a tall tree in the front yard that I plan to mount the camera after piecing together the necessary parts as described in that instructables article. This tree is about 80 feet from where the house foundation will start, but I want to capture as much of the 0.6 acre site as possible. The construction will take 6 months or so to complete, and I'll have access to the setup at any time to change/charge the battery (I bought a high-capacity 12V RV battery and will buy this to connect it to the camera), offload images from the memory card, etc. After all the images are acquired I'll edit and string them into a time-lapse movie for all the world to enjoy and marvel. Cough.

1. What kind of lens should I get that would be suitable for this configuration? Some kind of wide-angle lens with infinite focal depth? I'm the type of person who has only bought idiot-proof "point and shoot" cameras, so the terminology I see when browsing for lenses frankly scares the shit out of me. I don't want to spend $1500 on a lens. The final resolution of the video will only need to be 1080 for a YouTube upload, so quality is not of the utmost importance here. A nice (cheap) used lens will be wonderful. Being able to adjust the field of view to get just the right coverage of the yard would be great. Any sources/thoughts? Should I be more precise with measurements to get an exact lens that will suffice? I have a survey of the plot, so I can measure pretty much exactly what the desired field of view is.
   
   
2. I want to capture an image every X minutes only when there's daylight, and to do nothing during night hours. I don't know yet what the best interval will be, but I think every 10 minutes would be nice to make a video from. I'm not against having to edit through lots and lots of images, as I'm adept at programming and can automate a lot of that work. What I need is a programmable intervalometer that will allow me to set the gap between photos and also the hours of operation. I found this one on Amazon, but I'm not sure if this provides the functionality I desire. Is there a better option? Any other way to do these hours of operation simply, other than trying to say wire in a Raspberry Pi and program everything externally?
   
   That's it for now, I'll probably have more questions once I start assembling stuff. I have three weeks before I want to start taking photos, but I want to do some test runs earlier than that.
   
   Thanks for any help!

I'd suggest a light sturdy travel tripod. A steel one is great for studio work, but carrying them around all day is awful - carbon fibre ones are light and strong, but expensive. With landscapes, you often stop the lenses down a lot - for depth of focus - so there is less benefit from using more expensive, faster, lenses. https://shotkit.com/best-travel-tripods/

You might also want to get a shutter release cable. This will allow you to take photos without shaking the camera, you can buy cheap ones on amazon as long as they fit your camera. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pixel-Shutter-Control-Release-PowerShot/dp/B01CJ7UNA8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503069076&sr=8-1&keywords=canon+shutter+release+1300d

You might want to buy an additonal battery too. The off-brand ones are noticeably less good, but much less expensive. I bought two for my pentax which were £4 each, instead of £50 for the branded ones, and they last about 2/3 as long. https://www.amazon.co.uk/TOP-MAX-Capacity-LP-E10-Battery-Digital/dp/B014880ISS/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1503069039&sr=8-1&keywords=canon+battery+1300d

If you want to do lots of night photography you might want a small camping chair. https://www.amazon.co.uk/IDEAPRO-Lightweight-Camping-Fishing-Portable/dp/B00Z68EWH8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1503068995&sr=8-5&keywords=camping+stool

Then just make sure that you have a bag which you can put everything in which is comfy and has enough space for anything else you might want - water bottles, food, string, filters. I bought this a few weeks ago and I love it https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019MI8KF2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Those are my suggestions if you do want any of those things you should check that they will fit your camera. I'm fairly confident that they should. The entry level canon bodies are all pretty good, and even the kit lenses are pretty sharp.

Best accessories, imo:

• Tripod - spend $130ish to get a good aluminum tripod. I own the MeFoto RoadTrip. It's solid has great ball head. Don't waste your money on those cheap tripods.
  
  
• Intervalometer - wired or remote, it will make taking bracketed shots, remote shots, timed shots, etc easier. I use the PIXEL FSK 2.4GHz. You can also get apps for a smart phone that will do the same thing.
  
  
• Sensor Swabs - eventually, sooner rather than later, that sensor is going to get stuff on it. I've seen folks with brand new Sony a63/6500s with spots on their photos. You're going to need a bulb blower and some sensor swabs. It's advanced stuff, but your sensor is pretty hardy and can handle it. Just don't use anything except the swabs, bulb and maybe a sensorpen. (Many folks will warn you off of this, but really, changing lenses you WILL get dust.) Never put the sensor cleaner fluid directly ON your sensor, always put it on the swab and then wipe the sensor. (Learned this the hard way.)
  
  Your kit lens is awesome, best kit lens I've ever had, this is my fourth digital camera.
  
  Grab the Sony PlayMemories app from the iPhone app store, you can transfer your RAW files to your phone wirelessly and edit them easily. Consider Snapseed for your phone (if you're not using it already!) also, the apps by BrainFeverMedia are insanely great.

I would definitely be excited for an actual threaded adapter... The thing is threaded sort of, but kind of in the opposite fashion. The soft shutter release is female threaded and the adhesive mount is male threaded.

IMO this is the best of the stick-on button type things, though. It's solid, feels great, and I like the choice of styles. From what I've seen the other options are:

• this [Gariz one](http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/181148201782?lpid=82
  ), I personally don't like the branding on it, but I've read that people are happy with it functionally. Also lower profile than the Lolumina option
  
  
• ProDot, a glorified rubber foot thing, similar to ebay listing you linked... Just 24 times less feet :)

My wife "surprised" me with a Canon T5 for Christmas, which included the 18-55mm lens and a 75-300 lens as well (it was a kit from QVC, but the deal she got on it was great).

So, bottom line is, this camera was well worth the price we paid. Finally my first DSLR after years and years of wanting one.

Now I know the T5 is the inferior version of the T5i, however, all the lenses are good to go for either.

Now, this is where my quandary comes in.

Accessories... I wanted to pick up a remote shutter for this camera, and all the wireless ones say nothing of the T5, just the T5i.

So, what is a good wireless remote shutter for the T5.

And is this a good wired remote shutter?


Another question:

What are some must have accessories that won't break the bank that every DSLR owner should have?

Thanks for the help.

I think others have mentioned all of the following, but here’s my X100T setup. The thumb grip is a must-have since it makes holding the camera so much easier and more secure. The JCC lens hood is great, and combined with a clear filter means I don’t ever have to worry about a lens cap. The soft release button is nice and adds a bit of flair. And finally, I prefer a wrist strap for this camera, so I made my own (instructions linked below).

https://imgur.com/gallery/bBrfC

• JCC Lens Hood (link)
  
• B&W Clear UV Haze Filter (link)
  
• Lensmate Thumb Grip (link)
  
• Red Soft Release Button (link)
  
• DIY Paracord Wrist Strap (instructions)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004FLE5X8

It says it's compatible. I use it on my t2i and love the shit out of it. Added bonus is that it connects with bulbs as well and can sync with other like triggers for multiple cameras to be used with the bulbs on the same set.

Can anyone recommend a good remote and/or cable setup that will allow me to achieve multiple exposures (i.e., for star trail/astrophotography)?

Currently, I use my 5D3 + Triggertrap (app & corresponding cable), but I'd like to try things on my a6500.

There are still a few Triggertrap cables designed for Sony NEX cameras in the wild, but their compatibility only goes as high as the a6000-- no word if the a6500 will even be compatible. Pricing for those is about $30USD.

There's also the Pixel CL-S2 cable, which is significantly cheaper than the Triggertrap cable. However, the business end of the cable doesn't appear to match what my a6500 can accommodate (a6500 input is the same as input for Android phones, the Pixel cable seems to be...bulkier).

I looked into the Playmemories apps, but they all seem to create videos and don't allow for capture of individual raw frames.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

A cable release is basically like a shutter button that attaches to a cable, and plugs into your camera. It allows you to hold the button down (and lock it) for long exposures (in Bulb mode especially), and provides stability when shooting on a tripod, as you don't have to physically touch the camera. Here's an example...
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CO1TUQI

And yeah, the 18-55 will give you a bit more flexibility with your framing.

Good luck, and have fun!

Wireless remotes can be really cheap and most work the same. Even an eBay one will do fine. For a wired one, you may want to consider one that has a intervalometer function so you can take time lapse photos.

As for accessories, not that many. Get a nice tripod ($100+) and a camera bag. An off-camera flash would be a nice investment if you want to do some portraiture or shoot indoors a lot. The Canon 430EXII is a nice choice, but if you really want to learn lighting, I recommend getting two eBay flashes for about $70 each. The Yongnuo YN560III is good value and reliable, but compared to the Canon, is dumb in that it won't adjust flash power based on the light going through the lens (TTL).

Stop motion is really good fun, and you can animate pretty much anything. I used the most basic cheap shutter release, this one. I don't use an intervalometer, putting a time limit on setting up a frame would end in tears I think :)

Does anyone have a favorite remote trigger for their D800? I was looking at this one which is a Nikon piece. Seems to have good reviews but I'm wondering if there are better solutions out there. I really just need a decent trigger for landscapes and urbex.

I am going to have the house to myself this weekend because my boyfriend and his BFF are going to some Magic the Gathering thing for the weekend. As for myself I am going to do a bit of light cleaning and hopefully finish the quilt top I have been working on this weekend.

I could use some camera gear

1.21 Gigawatts

SHOOT Shutter Remote Release Switch Control RR-90 for Fuji Fujifilm X-E2 X-T1 X-T10 X-A1 X-M1 X-Q1 Finepix S1 Camera https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QWZOHQ0?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

^thats the one I have. But there are quite a few others (some more expensive some less) that are also compatible.
I just got this lens as well! I’ve had my eye on it for quite some time and finally ended up ordering it. This was my very first shoot with it and I absolutely love it! And yes, I’ve found the sweet spot for infinity focus is just to the left of the infinity bracket. No problem at all! I hope the info was helpful.

Are you looking for wireless, or wired? If you can use wired, I find them to be more reliable. I just use a cheap one: http://www.amazon.com/SP-57DUZ-SP-560EZ-SP-550EZ-SP-510EZ-Replaces/dp/B002KDVQXU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1383049763&sr=8-2&keywords=om-d+remote and it works. No clue about wireless ones though.

As far as ND filters it depends on what you want to do. If you just want to shoot wide open during daylight (like, you need bokeh for portraits, but the light is reading F/1.8 1/4000 200ISO as over exposing), and blur running water, a regular set of .6 .9 1.2 should be fine. If you want to take really long exposures during the day, you're going to need a crazy dark one (I use Hoya ND400). As far as split/grad ND filters, I don't use them, I'd rather just combine multiple exposures in photoshop. I use 58mm filters and step-up rings on all of my lenses, which would have accommodated everything at the time, but the new 12-40 is 62mm filter thread, so you may want to get 62mm or larger filters now.

I use the wasabipower batteries. They work well, but don't report their power level to the camera very well, and sometimes you'll go from what looks like full power to very low. I got 6 of them for like $20, so I always have extra batteries on me though.

I have a Phottix Aion just because it was in stock at my local camera store.

A BIG step up in functionality is using a laptop with BackyardEOS or APT to take the pics via USB. The bonus is great file names, and focusing live view while looking on a big screen not the tiny camera screen.

The leather grip sadly they don't sell anymore but you can find one's almost identical! The soft camera release was actually just off Amazon. Nothing crazy probably spent like 15$. Here is an example.

Camera Soft Release Button JJC Red Deluxe Shutter Button for Fuji Fujifilm X-T20 X-T10 X-T2 X-PRO1 X-PRO2 X100 X100S X100T X100F X30 X20 X10 X-E3 X-E2S Sony RX1R II RX10 II III IV Leica M7 M8 M9 M10 M-E M-P M-A https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07D9DDHNM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ShB3Cb3Q371DS

Yes, you attach a plate to the camera and then it goes on and comes off the tripod like that. A decent tripod usually consists of the legs and a separate head. Cheaper tripods will come as one piece.

For 35mm - 4x5, I use a version of this tripod. It gets a little squirrely on 5x7 but it's great for anything smaller. Don't get a fluid head tripod; those are used for video.

To take a shake-free picture, you'll have to get a shutter release cable. It screws into the shutter button that you press to take the photo. It allows you to squeeze it and take a photo without touching the camera.

I'd recommend getting a remote shutter release.

$13 on Amazon.

It can help avoid camera shake or even camera movement when pressing the shutter button during a long exposure. If you're human like us, you can sometimes upset camera position when you reach over to press the shutter. A remote button eliminates this possibility. And besides, you'll look like Mr. Pro Photo Dude with your nifty remote button. :0)

There are a bunch of different ones but what I think you want is one like this where you can lock that shutter button. Ideally if you can get one that’s JUST the shutter release so you’re not fiddling with other settings....

Edit: this

Sony Imaging Edge Mobile can be used for remote control of the camera.

I'd recommend grabbing one of these for when Wifi doesn't work.

https://smile.amazon.com/SHOOT-DSC-RX100M3-DSC-RX100M2-DSC-RX100II-DSC-RX100III/dp/B00ME7N6P8/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=sony+remote+camera+release+a7ii&qid=1564210281&s=gateway&sr=8-7

I have the peak design strap as mentioned below and like it. You can also get a button for the shutter release on Amazon

There's any number of remotes that you can lock the button down on for long exposure.

Here's one I found on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002KDQPU4/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1395293089&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40

Usually you would use a remote shutter which basically holds the shutter for you until you release its button.

You have to be resourceful and do your research. In this case, it took me about a minute.

Nikon USA

B&H

Amazon