RF Trigger for 5D Shutter Release?

[sapearl]

After posting this in equipment, I thought perhaps it really belongs in weddings. Apologies to the mod up front if I guessed wrong. Does anybody use a radio controlled (RF) remote shutter release with their 5D?

I shoot weddings alone and will often have my second 5D tripod mounted in the balcony, with the telephoto, aimed down at the sanctuary. I'll be on the floor with my main camera covering the action there and go back and forth between the two during the ceremony. The exercise is great, but a little hectic and there's always the danger of missing a shot.

I've seen the following product at B&H, but don't really know much other than what's advertised:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...#goto_itemInfo

Looks pretty similar to a modified keyless auto remote. With something like this I could be near the B&G but periodically trigger the "remote" camera in the balcony. Anybody us a setup like this?

[Hassan2285]

I would say it looks pretty practical, however I know you are able to do it, but how would you compose your shots since you will be using it while you are still on the floor getting closer shots?

If you can manage that, then I say by all means go for it.

[sapearl]

Originally Posted by Hassan2285

........but how would you compose your shots since you will be using it while you are still on the floor getting closer shots?

If you can manage that, then I say by all means go for it.

Good question - I'd certainly be limited in what I could do, as I am now while it's on a tripod. Currently I'll spend some time in the balcony changing focal length a little, but the tripod normally stays in one spot. It would be pre-aimed and focused.

The advantage of an RF remote would be to get a few more shots that I might normally miss when I'm "downstairs." I'm just not sure if a want to spend $100 for some added convenience. But it's an intriguing concept.

[Hassan2285]

Good concept I agree, but the only problem I could see is that your camera on the tripod mis-focuses (not sure if its a word but thought I would use it), while you are assuming it is properly focused. Im sure you would make sure everything is all dandy, but this could eventually become more troublesome in my opinion.

Personally I would go with rather walking back and forth to make sure youre in control rather then getting the RF,

just my .02 cents

[cosworth]

If you own a set of pocketwizards you can mod a $10 ebay Adidt remote to fire your 5D.

You add a mini plug (with soldering) to the remote. In the end it cost me about $20 in gas n' parts.

1000 foot range is nice.

[sapearl]

Originally Posted by cosworth

If you own a set of pocketwizards you can mod a $10 ebay Adidt remote to fire your 5D.

You add a mini plug (with soldering) to the remote. In the end it cost me about $20 in gas n' parts.

1000 foot range is nice.

Excellent suggestion Cosworth - I've seen people do that a lot with success. Unfortunately I'm just not handy with electronics . I also don't own any pocket wizards - yet.

[sapearl]

Originally Posted by Hassan2285

Good concept I agree, but the only problem I could see is that your camera on the tripod mis-focuses (not sure if its a word but thought I would use it), while you are assuming it is properly focused. Im sure you would make sure everything is all dandy, but this could eventually become more troublesome in my opinion.

Personally I would go with rather walking back and forth to make sure youre in control rather then getting the RF,

just my .02 cents

I can see this easily happening - the "misfocus" situation as the bridal party move in and out of FOV. Well, I'm patiently thinking this through and in no rush to dispose of cash on only semi-productive "wedding tools." I got a little rebate money which has been giving me ideas .

I really don't mind walking back and forth - I was just trying to think outside the box a bit.

[picturecrazy]

I have an ADIDT remote, but it CAME with the sub-mini plug on it already! So it plugs right into my pocketwizards and fires my 20/30D reliably. The 20D and 5D use the same 3 prong remote plug, doesn't it? No modifications.

And usually, I set up a remote camera prefocused and precomposed so focus shouldn't really be too much of an issue? I dunno, never has been for me.

[sapearl]

Hi Lloyd - interesting setup. I have the Canon Remote Switch RS-80N3 for my 5D
but no Pocket Wizard. I'm trying to visualize your arrangement which sounds like a possible good solution for me. I'd just have to purchase a pocket wizard?

[picturecrazy]

Unfortunately, you'd have to purchase TWO pocketwizards... one to trigger and one to receive. Or you could use a sekonic light meter with the radio module. This is what I like to use as my remote control...

[sapearl]

Originally Posted by picturecrazy

Unfortunately, you'd have to purchase TWO pocketwizards... one to trigger and one to receive. Or you could use a sekonic light meter with the radio module. This is what I like to use as my remote control...

Thanks Lloyd - wasn't ready yet to run out and purchase 2 pocket wizards. They are fine products but I wasn't ready to make that kind of investment at this time. The Dot Line RF remote at only $99 through B&H doesn't look like too bad a deal.

[CScottMcQueen]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Wireless-Remot...QQcmdZViewItem

Same thing but might be a bit cheaper for you sapearl

[picturecrazy]

yo Stuart. Definitely let me know how that goes. I'm curious to see how reliable it is.