Wireless remote: Star Trail help!

[Alex.K]

Okay, so I'm really wanting to try my hand at shooting some star trails.

I own a canon 5D classic. I'm trying to find a wireless remote(I assume wireless is better?) but on this blog I saw they recommended also getting one that locks the shutter. Is that needed? What do y'all use?
I'm not going pro in it, so I don't want anything super $$$, but something that will be good and get the job done.

I really know nothing about this type of photography(going to try and do some research before I go out!) so just looking for some help here!
thanks all!

Alex

[cyberon]

Wireless is not required. You want a timer release as it's better to take multiple shots then stack them to reduce background light especially if you live in a less than perfect light polluted area.

[Alex.K]

Originally Posted by cyberon

Wireless is not required. You want a timer release as it's better to take multiple shots then stack them to reduce background light especially if you live in a less than perfect light polluted area.

Okay. Do most have a lock shutter ability? I was planning on shooting 30sec exposures(or so) and stack in photoshop, but I don't want to stand next to it and hold down the button for who knows how long.....

[SteveInNZ]

Even though I have numerous means of holding the shutter open, I tend to use the super cheapest cable release and lock the shutter button on 30 sec exposures. Don't forget to put the camera in repetitive shot mode.
If you want to be even cheaper, you can use a small wad of paper and a rubber band to hold it on the shutter button.

[Tschnitker]

I bought a $45 timer from BH photo (their website is down otherwise I'd get the brand) that does everything I need it to. It's got a manual button with lock. It's backlit and I can adjust the following.

Exposure time.
Time between exposures.
# of exposures to take
Delay before first exposure

Personally I hate wireless, I had one on my old nikon that was IR only and it was a huge PITA.

[cyberon]

All generic ones with timer does that, you don't have to pay $45 most on ebay sells for around the $20+ mark!

[Alex.K]

awesome! Thanks all! I got one off of ebay. Wired, works with the 5D locks the shutter...it was like $15 so if it doesn't work I didn't waste toooo much money. haha.

Now I'm off to do some more research on how best to shoot startrails....at a beach!

[Tschnitker]

Originally Posted by Alex.K

Now I'm off to do some more research on how best to shoot startrails....at a beach!

If you mean ocean beach you might get some problems with mist in the air and ruining the shot, it can also coat your lens after a while too. Really depends on conditions but it's something to consider.

[Alex.K]

Originally Posted by Tschnitker

If you mean ocean beach you might get some problems with mist in the air and ruining the shot, it can also coat your lens after a while too. Really depends on conditions but it's something to consider.

Fresh water beach. I'm 6miles from Lake Michigan. Hopefully mist isn't bad. :-\

[calypsob]

I got a wireless vivitar for 6 bucks and its all you need.

[Tschnitker]

Originally Posted by Alex.K

Fresh water beach. I'm 6miles from Lake Michigan. Hopefully mist isn't bad. :-\

If the waves are crashing and you are shooting Michigan expect some mist, but if it's just an average lake you shouldn't run into any problems other than insects.

If you are shooting on the beach, make sure to dig down where the tripod feet will rest, then jam them into the sand well and re-bury them for stability. Don't be near the camera when you are taking pictures on a beach as the vibrations will travel a little ways. Afterwards just give your tripod a quick rinse in the lake or whatever your choice is to get the sand out. I've done this for years with a cheap tripod and saltwater with no ill effects yet.

[Alex.K]

Originally Posted by Tschnitker

If the waves are crashing and you are shooting Michigan expect some mist, but if it's just an average lake you shouldn't run into any problems other than insects.

If you are shooting on the beach, make sure to dig down where the tripod feet will rest, then jam them into the sand well and re-bury them for stability. Don't be near the camera when you are taking pictures on a beach as the vibrations will travel a little ways. Afterwards just give your tripod a quick rinse in the lake or whatever your choice is to get the sand out. I've done this for years with a cheap tripod and saltwater with no ill effects yet.

The lake has been very calm these past few weeks, so I expect a calm night, but well...Michigan can be a bit unpredictable. haha.

Thanks so much for the tips!

[SteveInNZ]

Originally Posted by calypsob

I got a wireless vivitar for 6 bucks and its all you need.

Not if you have a 5D.