D80: Wired remote or Wireless?

Bayer-Z28

I about to order a simple wired remote for my camera. They also offer a Remote transmitter... I just want something I can use to lock the shutter open for long periods of time.. -Going to be taking Star Pics soon. I take it the transmitter would only be good for quick shots, right?

Thanx..

Remote
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/381577-REG/Nikon_25326_MC_DC1_Remote_Cord.html


Transmitter
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/207373-USA/Nikon_4730_ML_L3_Remote_Control_Transmitter.html

D'Buggs

Good Q.

I don't have my camera available right now but tomorrow I'll check it out.

Chris H

I have the Nikon ML-L3 remote for my D80. If you set the camera to bulb you can use this remote to open and close the shutter when you like.

Art Scott

Chris H wrote:

I have the Nikon ML-L3 remote for my D80. If you set the camera to bulb you can use this remote to open and close the shutter when you like.

Since the D80 has a bulb setting.......I'd go for the WIRELESS ML-3......I have used both wired and wireless and I really prefer the WIRELESS .......nothing to get tangled with.....I've had my wired remote cord wrapped around my feet and the tripods control knobs.....GO WIRELESS DUDE!!

Chris H

Art Scott wrote:

Since the D80 has a bulb setting.......I'd go for the WIRELESS ML-3......I have used both wired and wireless and I really prefer the WIRELESS .......nothing to get tangled with.....I've had my wired remote cord wrapped around my feet and the tripods control knobs.....GO WIRELESS DUDE!!

Agree, the only problem with the ML-3 is I keep forgetting which pocket I've put it in!!

Art Scott

Chris H wrote:

Agree, the only problem with the ML-3 is I keep forgetting which pocket I've put it in!!

Should not be hard to make a lanyard for it or to glue a piece of velcro to it and a place on the pod or camera back or some where....I'd probably go with a lanyard......

Bayer-Z28

My question about the wireless remote is, can you lock the shutter open for long exposures??

And 'Bulb', is that just the setting for the remote in general? Or is that the IR remote function? I can still use a wired remote for that, right?

Chris H

Yes, you can lock the shutter open. 'bulb' setting is the generic term for a shutter speed setting on a camera where you determine how long the shutter stays open. On the D80, simply spin the wheel to increase the shutter speed, when you see '--' you've got bulb. Then set the camera to remote release mode and press once to open the shutter and once again to close it when you like.

Bayer-Z28

Ok.. Mine actually says BULB. I used it on my last moon/lake shot.. I held the shutter open with my finger for 60 seconds.. I ordered a wired remote last night from B&H.. The IR one was cheaper, but I was thinking I don't feel like replacing batteries and I was unsure of the overall performance of the device.

Chris H

It's performing a very simple operation so should last for a long long time. Mine's still fine after 18 months of abuse.

D'Buggs

Chris H wrote:

I have the Nikon ML-L3 remote for my D80. If you set the camera to bulb you can use this remote to open and close the shutter when you like.

Late in responding; Sorry.


I've tried mine and it operates just like Chris outlines.
As for batteries..... don't worry about it. They seem too last forever.

dlscott56

D'Buggs wrote:

Late in responding; Sorry.


I've tried mine and it operates just like Chris outlines.
As for batteries..... don't worry about it. They seem too last forever.

Ditto. Works as outlined. I've had mine for a year and use it frequently. Also the D80 shows "bulb" when in normal camera shutter mode. If you set it for the remote trigger it will show "--" for bulb. In the normal mode you hold the button down to hold the shutter open and release it to close. With the camera in remote mode one click of the remote to open and one to close.

dlscott56

Also, I've read posts where people say that it will work from up to 25 feet but the best I could get is 10 to 15 feet from the camera. Not that it would be important for what you're trying to do, just thought I'd mention it.

dlscott56

One last comment, I haven't had a battery problem but if you did wear it out it's a snap to replace. A small slide out tray is all there is to it.

Bayer-Z28

^ The distance was the main thing and I didn't want to lose it... I got the wired remote and I'm using it now.. I think it may just STAY on the camera from now on..

Bayer-Z28

yeah............. I should have gotten the wireless remote.. I went to Carlsbad Caverns and did some shooting.. That cord got in the way a lot..

Art Scott

I really need to be more explicit when I say wireless.....I dislike anything IR except for film or photos or converted digital cameras......remotes or slave triggering devices should be RF...radio frequency triggers and remotes......even with my cheapies when the cam is set to bulb and press the button on the remote the shutter stays open until the button is released.........
All my wireless RF trigger and remotes are 16 channel......if they come out with a 20 or 24 channel I will upgrade.....