Getting SHARP Photographs - Nikon Shutter Releases Compared

During close-up (macro) photography as well as using a telephoto lens, you will likely use a tripod.  For any photography that requires the camera to be as steady as possible, we grab our tripod.  A shutter release cable is as important as our tripod to ensure our images are as sharp as possible.

When I got my first SLR camera, the Minolta X-700, we use to take our cameras, tripods and our shutter release cables out to a clearing in the woods to take photos of the stars in the sky.

Back then, the shutter releases were very basic, spring-loaded cables.  They worked great for the most part.  We did have some aggravation, like when a hour into the exposure the lock ring would give way and the shutter would close.  Cameras even went to the repair shop when we forgot to wind our cameras and we pushed the cable down too hard while waiting on the “click.”  The “click” we heard was not the shutter.

Shutter Release Devices For A New Generation

It is the scope of this guide to list some of Nikon’s popular shutter release devices as a quick reference.  Hopefully, the information provided here will help you will be able to decide on the one (or two) that will meet you needs.

 Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control

Compatible With:

Nikon D80
Nikon N65
Nikon N75
Nikon D70
Nikon D70s
Nikon D50

This slim, wireless infrared remote control instantly triggers the shutter without disturbing your camera.  I will have to say that I have found this to be one of my favorite gadgets and have two of them (I like a spare).

For those who want to get in the photo with their friends and family, or just alone, this device will allow you to stand almost 16 feet away and remote trigger your camera. 

I use mine right behind my D80 and slightly point it toward the top right (when standing behind the camera).  This allows me to compose my scene and let my camera settle on the tripod for a second or two then trigger the shutter with the remote.  My images are crisp and sharp, more so than if I put my big finger on the camera’s shutter release button.

It uses a single CR2025, 3V lithium button cell.  They are easy to find.

You will get a small, handy pouch with this device when you buy it new.

For the price and the awesome results, you should consider one of these remotes as important as having a memory card, hands down.  Even if you use a high-dollar cable release, this is a must-have.

Nikon MC-30 10-Pin Cable Remote

This is a very simple, easy to operate device.  It is as easy to use as the old spring-loaded cables.

For exposures taken using "B" mode or Bulb mode, the MC-30 is equipped with a trigger-lock function.
 
Designed for use with Nikon SLR cameras equipped with a 10-pin remote terminal
Compatible With:

Nikon D300
Nikon D200
Nikon D100 When used with the MB-D100 grip attached
Nikon D3
Nikon D2H
Nikon D2Hs
Nikon D2x
Nikon D1
Nikon D1H
Nikon D1x
Nikon F100
Nikon F6
Nikon F5
Nikon F90x
Nikon F90

All settings are done on the camera.  This release works almost exactly like the shutter release button on the camera.  When pressed down slightly, the auto focus cameras will focus.  When pressed down all the way, the shutter fires.  It is just that easy.

MC-20 Remote Shutter Release with Timer

I purchased the MC-20 shortly after I purchased my MC-30.  I was looking for some extra bells and whistles.  The MC-30 cost me more than $50 when I purchased it new.  The MC-20 cost about that much used on eBay.  The bad thing about this device is its complexity.  The used one I purchased did not have any instructions and I could not find any on the Internet.  So, I got back on eBay and bought another one with instructions so I could figure it out.

Compatible Cameras Include:

Nikon D200
Nikon D100 When used with the MB-D100 grip attached
Nikon D2H
Nikon D2Hs
Nikon D2x
Nikon D1
Nikon D1H
Nikon D1x
Nikon F100
Nikon F6
Nikon F5
Nikon F90x
Nikon F90

I did not list the Nikon D300 or the D3 even though I have seen reports of people using the device on their D300 and their D3.  Until I am convinced of the compatibility, I will suggest D300 and D3 users invest in the MC-36.

With a fancy LCD display and a row of buttons, there are a few neat features this device has over the MC-30.  It has a basic shutter release button as on the MC-30, but for long exposures you can set the preferred shutter speed on the remote up to 10 hours (less a second 9:59), then press the button. It also supports a timer mode that will count up to the shutter being fired starting when the shutter is pressed.  This is useful if you would like to get in the photo with friends and family or shoot a self portrait shot.

Nikon MC-36 Remote Cord

This 33.5” Remote Cord replaces the MC-20 with many enhanced features. With an Electric Sound Speaker, Shutter Release Active Lamp, Interval Timer, Long Exposure (it can use Interval Timer and Long Exposure at the same time), Self Timer, TIME Exposure and a Release Hold Mechanism, it shows promise for being a device to meet the needs of a new D3 or D300 user.

Compatible With:

Nikon D200
Nikon D2Hs
Nikon D2Xs
Nikon D300
Nikon D3
I know that it may very well be compatible with Nikon’s other 10-pin cameras like the F5 and the F90, but will not list them in fear that complete compatibility is not ensured.

The new price for this item is about $125 to $150 dollars.  I have seen this item on eBay for $110 listed as new, but after questioning the seller I found out that it was a grey market item.  This is not bad, unless it breaks.  Nikon Service Centers will not touch a Grey Market item is what I have heard.

Nikon MC-DC1 Remote Cord

The MC-DC1 is a 4 pin Remote Control that makes it possible to release the shutter from a distance; very useful in preventing camera shake during shutter release. The shutter can also be locked in Long Time Exposure (Bulb).

Compatible With:

Nikon D70s
Nikon D80

This item sells for around $25 to $30 dollars new.  My suggestion is to purchase the ML-L3 Remote and get two of them for a little more than one of these.  It will free you up from having to set the device up.  Granted, the ML-L3 will require a button push or two, but that is all.

Now, the difference is the MC-DC1 will allow you to take shots in “B” mode or Bulb mode.  If you have any experience with the D70s or the D80, you will realize that exposures longer than a minute or two will cause a purple vignette in the top corners of you image from sensor heat.  For more information on this, read my guide, “Nikon F5 Film Camera -- All You Wanted To Know – PLUS.”

So, to reiterate, this device is good for exposure longer than 30 seconds.  For exposures less than 30 seconds, use the ML-L3 and set the camera’s shutter speed to the desired setting.

Nikon ML-3 Remote Control Set

The ML-3(10 Pins System) offers remote control for two separate channels via an infrared LED beam, enabling automatic camera operation from a distance of up to about 26 Feet (8m). Auto triggering, delayed shutter release, single and continuous shooting are possible.

Shooting Modes: S for single-frame shooting, C for continuous shooting, DELAY for 3 sec. delayed shooting, and TEST for operation check in A. TRIG mode

Continuous standby time: Approx. 200 hours with F5, approx. 190 hours with F100 or F90x

Power source: Transmitter: Two AAA-type alkaline or high-rate manganese batteries; Receiver: Supplied from camera body.

Enables remote control up to 24 to 26ft via an infrared ray.
 
Can also fire the camera remotely when a subject moves between the transmitter and receiver, for surveillance or wildlife photography.  This is SUPER cool.  However, keep you camera where it can’t be stolen.

Compatible Cameras:

Nikon N90S
Nikon F100
Nikon F5
Nikon F6
Nikon D1
Nikon D2
Nikon D200
Nikon D100 with MB-D100
None of the current literature mentions the D3 or the D300, but I am guessing that it should work just fine with these two cameras.  However, I can't make any promises or guarantees.

This device will set you back about $175 to $200 dollars.  In order for this device to be worth it, you would have to have a specific need.  The surveillance feature is pretty nice, but if you are trying to take photos of thieves trying to steal you stuff, your camera may very well be what they end up taking.  However, it would be nice to get far away from the camera and trigger it without using cords or cables.

Nikon WT-4A Wireless Transmitter

Compatible With:
Nikon D300
Nikon D3

The Nikon WT-4A is a wireless transmitter for D3 and D300 that allows WiFi remote operation (with optional Camera Control 2 software) and image transfer.  Transmission range when wireless LAN is used is approx. 590 feet to 850 feet depending on the connection.

I don't know too much about this item, and will probably not purchase one due to the near $750 sticker price.  I am assuming this device will allow you to put your camera in a location and remote fire the camera from a location far away using your laptop.

As you can tell from this guide and the others I have written, I am a sucker for gadgets that help me take crystal, sharp, clean photos.  A shutter release device is ESSENTIAL!!  Do not underestimate its potential.  I even use one on my HOLGA.

If this guide was helpful, let me know by clicking the “YES” down below.  If you would like to provide your input, I will be happy to add the information to this guide.

Show The World Your World; Share A Photograph TM

Sulae--