Canon 450D : Remote Release/Tripod Queries

[prafultripathy]

The 30sec exposure just does not cut it, I want to be able to use the BULB mode for taking atleat 10-15 min exposures and for that I need a remote release.

The internet has too much of data about this, so I was hoping that someone with prior experience of using these here would be able to guide me better. Here are my questions :-

1. Remote Release: Canon or a different brand? And which specific model and approx. price range.

2. Wired or Wireless or Both?

3. In case of wired, are extender wires available in the market?


I need the remote release specifically for BULB mode exposures and maybe once in a while to get shots in front of the cam without having to keep it in self timer.


Tripod Queries: I have extremely basic pan/tilt type of tripod. The max payload specified is about 2kgs, and I am well within those limits considering the 450D+(18-55)/(55-250) are just about 1 kg at max.

In slight wind also the camera shakes and the long exposure shot gets ruined? Is there any DIY/Jugaad that I can do to make it steadier in windy conditions too?

Upgrade of the tripod is presently out of the question :D

[KrishnenduKes]

Discussion Approved

[nelson_sanjoy]

Your options :
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/116234-REG/Canon_2467A001_RC_5_Remote_Controller.html#feature s

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12935-REG/Canon_2465A001_RC_1_Remote_Controller.html#feature s

I use RC1 and find it easy to use - not much idea with RC5.

[Deltaone]

Regarding your tripod query: If your tripod has support legs that connect the three main legs, then just weight it down with something. That helps a lot.

If it doesnt, just go for the lowest and widest settings of the legs that you can and try to anchor them in, preferably in soft ground. If neither of those will work, well you're kinda stuck :D.

A couple of things though, in long exposures, really long ones that is, very slight movements will not show much, unless youre going really long/close on something, same applies for people moving through the frame. You can notice that even in 30 second exposures.

That said, i'd say go for a wireless over a wired one, mainly because wireless ones are usually supported by more models, so you can use it longer. That said, if you can afford it, buy an intervalometer, most bang for your buck. Then again, canon's can do that for free with an attached pc anyways, so that is an option i guess. Get a netbook :P.

[surya@64]

U mentioned its a basic tripod with pan tilt....This itself is the basic problem...!!

They are designed to hold small 500gm loads...and the Pan Tilt system are made from plastic parts...

The vibration stems from these ill-fitting parts and also the heavy over hang load which U put on top....

Skinny legs on the tripods adds to the problem...

One solution in sight...is to avoid full extension of legs...try and use the minimal height as close to the Pan-tilt head....!!!

Use Canons Infra-red or wired remote...which is availabe as standard accessories...as per your camera design...

30 Sec exposure...hmm...looks like U want to do startrail photography or available light photography...

Extra long wired remotes are available...on Ebay....but will be expensive.

Last try would be to try and block the wind by using a large Cardboard box around the Camera set-up...on 3 sides ...away from the field of view...

Good luck.

[hitanshu]

too much bla bla everywhere.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5577

use the handsfree jugaad if u wanna do in $1.5 :)

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

regarding remote, buying is one option and making one is another(ie out of those cheapo nokia PTT earpieces)..when you make one you have the ability(sometimes)to put as much wire as you want.so basically DIY stuff..if you want to purchase look at the different options members have posted here.

anvancy

[prafultripathy]

Regarding the tripod, well I am using it at its fully extended height so maybe I will try and reduce the height and give it a shot .

Regarding the remote, in the wireless ones do I need to be front of the cam to click? Or can I 'Click' from any direction?

@Tau: The remote shown is pretty cool, but for BULB mode stuff I would need to keep that button depressed in that, I want something which comes with a button lock, as I keep it click position locked for as long as I want.

@Anvay: DIY sounds interesting, I think I'll buy one 'proper' on and make a DIY one too.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

@Anvay: DIY sounds interesting, I think I'll buy one 'proper' on and make a DIY one too.

buying is the safest option..DIY is if you have the time.:)

anvancy

[hitanshu]

bhai,

check the details. bulb mode afaik what a friend tells me is below (tsk):

With wireless you need to put cam in bulb mode, press button on remote.
this will open shutter.
If you want to close shutter, you just press the button on remote again,
Make sure camera is set to self timer mode(this enables IR on camera)

Otherwise if u have phone with IR - you can use phone to do the job :D Google for more!

[shutterbug]

Can I do a lil hijacking?

What is a cheap tripod I can use for my D200(with 50mm prime and 70-300 sigma), max 2-3k?
Also which model is the wireless remote used for d200?

[Deltaone]

Can I do a lil hijacking?

What is a cheap tripod I can use for my D200(with 50mm prime and 70-300 sigma), max 2-3k?
Also which model is the wireless remote used for d200?

Look for a third party remote. That would be your best option. The only wireless option from nikon for you is the ML-3, which is around 180 USD. Phottix i beleive makes some RF type remotes where there is a slave on the flash hotshoe and you have the remote in hand, should be cheaper.

[hitanshu]

bhai mere,

there are vivitar 3600 for 1000 bucks. its lookalike copycats sell about 100 bucks' lesser. But you CANT take moon shots with this thing - with a 250mm at full tele, this thing loses its weight carrying ability.

sony etc i didnt see.

remote yeh lo - tension bada lete ho:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5483
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5455

[Xavier]

But you CANT take moon shots with this thing - with a 250mm at full tele, this thing loses its weight carrying ability.


This is a handheld Moon shot :P
http://images.orkut.com/orkut/photos/OgAAAOdDHgb8-D-IAhYqTThK2TjWv7KU1gdXquoKkZy2TaWQ-KkJfIr8Fw0DI_padUoB2g9J2H_gNg7qoAb5hP3i8eMAm1T1UKo 7LH_VsGrNIbY7N1CfjC3NtWxs.jpg

[synn]

Trust me on this, Titus; you DON'T wanna get a cheap tripod. Not if you're constantly striving to better yourself. You'll outgrow it in no time and its limitations would start to frustrate you. In fact, it'll become more of a liability than an asset.

This should give you some perspective: http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

[Vicky]

Trust me on this, Titus; you DON'T wanna get a cheap tripod. In fact, it'll become more of a liability than an asset.


+1

This is what i used for 2+ years before I moved up to my newest setup.

Simpex - 61

http://www.simpex-pro.in/images/simpex61big.jpg

http://www.simpex-pro.in/tripods.php

Its an all metal Tripod with geared center column and pretty good build quality. Weighs a solid 4.3kgs. I paid 3k for it at a local photo equipment shop in Kolkata.

Stay away from cheap lightweight tripods with plastic parts:eek:

[shutterbug]

Simpex 61 is something I can afford.
Guys, basically i cant for something which is more 3k, thats absolute max! And I need a tripod, I really need one.
I guess, I ve got an absolute cheap tripod that I can throw away when I outgrow it and have the dough to buy a new one. Or I have to get a sturdy affordable solution like what Synn has. Something is better than nothing, aint it?

[prafultripathy]

bhai,

check the details. bulb mode afaik what a friend tells me is below (tsk):



Otherwise if u have phone with IR - you can use phone to do the job :D Google for more!

Alrighty. Ordered myself one. Lets see if its any good! :)

Only issue is I guess the build quality, guess I can always buy 2-3 of them :D

Trust me on this, Titus; you DON'T wanna get a cheap tripod. Not if you're constantly striving to better yourself. You'll outgrow it in no time and its limitations would start to frustrate you. In fact, it'll become more of a liability than an asset.

This should give you some perspective: http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

+1 to that. I bought myself a simple basic Velbon tripod that costed just about 1.5K INR. While it was excellent for my point & shoot which weighed a measly 2xx gms and had a max 15sec exposure. For my current setup, with the 55-250 snapped on this one just will not do, shakes even in the slightest of wind.

@Synn: I guess there's no middle path for this, if one wants a tripod its gotta be a good one. Sigh! That will take a lot more saving! :(


@Xavier: How long was that shot exposed? Superb shot as it is, but its handheld that makes it awesome! :)

[Xavier]

@Xavier: How long was that shot exposed? Superb shot as it is, but its handheld that makes it awesome! :)
Thanks. Full moons are usually easy to shoot because of the luminosity of the moon. Here's the exif.
ISO 400, f/8, 1/1250 @ 300mm

About the tripod thing, here's my take. Buy a metal tripod like the one that Vicky had. I agree that spending > 5k on something that you might not always need (depending upon your type of photography) isn't easy.

[Vicky]

I agree that spending > 5k on something that you might not always need (depending upon your type of photography) isn't easy.

LOL, everything in life is so relative!

A friend from overseas just thrashed me like sh*t when i told him about my recently acquired Cullmann Magnesit 35 Ballhead (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/511750-REG/Cullmann_CU_40200_Magnesit_35_Nm_Ballhead.html) and a set of Giottos MT-9371 Legs (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/483925-REG/Giottos_MT9371_MT_9371_Aluminum_Tripod_Legs.html)!

He said I should have been wiser and bought this combo instead::eek::eek:


Wimberly Gimball Type II Head (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404536-REG/Wimberley_WH_200_Gimbal_Type_Tripod_Head.html)
Gitzo GT3541XLS Carbon Fiber Legs (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569167-REG/Gitzo_GT3541XLS_GT3541XLS_Systematic_6X_Carbon.htm l)

This combo would almost cost a cool 100k including shipping & customs:eek:

[Xavier]

LOL, everything in life is so relative!

A friend from overseas just thrashed me like sh*t when i told him about my recently acquired Cullmann Magnesit 35 Ballhead (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/511750-REG/Cullmann_CU_40200_Magnesit_35_Nm_Ballhead.html) and a set of Giottos MT-9371 Legs (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/483925-REG/Giottos_MT9371_MT_9371_Aluminum_Tripod_Legs.html)!

He said I should have been wiser and bought this combo instead::eek::eek:


Wimberly Gimball Type II Head (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404536-REG/Wimberley_WH_200_Gimbal_Type_Tripod_Head.html)
Gitzo GT3541XLS Carbon Fiber Legs (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569167-REG/Gitzo_GT3541XLS_GT3541XLS_Systematic_6X_Carbon.htm l)

This combo would almost cost a cool 100k including shipping & customs:eek:

All I can say/do is :rolls eyes: :p

[hitanshu]

This is a handheld Moon shot :P

you would make a fantastic sniper my friend :D

Trust me on this, Titus; you DON'T wanna get a cheap tripod. Not if you're constantly striving to better yourself. You'll outgrow it in no time and its limitations would start to frustrate you. In fact, it'll become more of a liability than an asset.

This should give you some perspective: http://www.bythom.com/support.htm
I agree. My long term budget is around 12k. However, I have bandhavgarh coming up and didn't find the benro series of tripods that sksy recommended, nor any decent steel ones in my limited search. Having screwed up Diwali, I bought the el cheapo vivitar. It did pushkar absolutely well. And owing to some recent personal exigencies - a good tripod purchase has been pushed back into FY11 :(

+1

This is what i used for 2+ years before I moved up to my newest setup.

Simpex - 61

http://www.simpex-pro.in/images/simpex61big.jpg

http://www.simpex-pro.in/tripods.php

Its an all metal Tripod with geared center column and pretty good build quality. Weighs a solid 4.3kgs. I paid 3k for it at a local photo equipment shop in Kolkata.

Stay away from cheap lightweight tripods with plastic parts:eek:

I would agree with the thought process but the advice is not for everyone. I was half dead running around in Pushkar with a desi camera shoulder bag and the lightweight VPT3600 (plastic!!!). A 4.3 kg tripod is sheer suicide for people with persistent back problem

Simpex 61 is something I can afford.
Guys, basically i cant for something which is more 3k, thats absolute max! And I need a tripod, I really need one.
I guess, I ve got an absolute cheap tripod that I can throw away when I outgrow it and have the dough to buy a new one. Or I have to get a sturdy affordable solution like what Synn has. Something is better than nothing, aint it?
My thoughts in bold. I'm already stifled by the VPT3600 in ten days BUT neither can I afford something better asap, nor do I get good deals. In my case, if the PhotoFair in Delhi happens in Jan 2010, I will get lovely deals - worth waiting 2-3 months for (and liquidity should improve too!)


For my current setup, with the 55-250 snapped on this one just will not do, shakes even in the slightest of wind.

Of course. But my friend - for that you want the mid level manfrottos or carbon fiber (nano!) stuffs.

bythom.com/iceberg.htm is my guide. For now, I have a budget. And that means VPT3600.
Start cheap. Have something decent so that you can get ok ok shots, and once a good deal presents itself - then you buy!

[synn]

A 4.3 kg tripod is sheer suicide for people with persistent back problem

2 words: CARBON and FIBER. ;)

[Vicky]

you would make a fantastic sniper my friend :D

Not to take away from his photographic ability, but, for a shot with a shutter speed of 1/1250, stability is the last thing to worry about;)

A 4.3 kg tripod is sheer suicide for people with persistent back problem

Very true. I made the mistake of carrying this along on one of my Zoo trips, and had to leave it at the ticket gate itself:eek:

This one is definitely not something you would like to carry on a hike!

[shutterbug]

Yes, the 4.3kg is an open invitation for back ache!

[Xavier]

Not to take away from his photographic ability, but, for a shot with a shutter speed of 1/1250, stability is the last thing to worry about;)

lol, Vicky replied on my behalf. :p

[hitanshu]

Not to take away from his photographic ability, but, for a shot with a shutter speed of 1/1250, stability is the last thing to worry about;)

Well, I did those as well in pushkar. The lack of details despite the full moon night was quite ridiculous. Maybe there's an issue with technique.

I will retry on Dec 2.
btw, any tips for the Bluemoon?
http://www.universetoday.com/guide-to-space/the-moon/full-moon-2009/ (see dec 31).

2 words: CARBON and FIBER. ;)
Two better words: Money and LOTS of it! :p

[shutterbug]

You said it!