The Opteka Wireless Remote

Late last week I received my Opteka radio controlled shutter release in the mail. I actually purchased mine off ebay for $49.95 including shipping. Over the past week, I have been trying it out.

The Opteka release uses a CR2 lithium battery in the receiver. A watch type battery powers the transmitter. It has 16 different channels that can be utilized. The unit uses dip switches to change channels if needed.

The Opteka remote both focuses the lens with the camera's auto-focus system, and then releases the shutter. If the camera is set to take multiple exposures, simply hold down the remote button as you would the shutter release on the camera.

I have not tested the long range ability of the Opteka remote. The manufacturer claims a 100 meter range, but frankly, 10 meter range is all I need. One interesting bit of information is that the remote will fire the shutter through glass, through cardboard, and also from within your pants pocket with the camera slung over your shoulder.

Construction of the Opteka remote is generally OK. The housing is polystyrene plastic, with a matte finish. The cord is reasonably heavy, and the plug fits the camera well. There is no need to screw the plug into the camera, but a threaded coupler is on the cord if desired. I placed a bit of velcro on my camera, tripod and the receiver to hold it in place.

When I first bought the radio controlled remote, I almost choked on the fifty bucks it cost. I can say I am pleased with the purchase though. It works well for portraiture, candids, street photography, macro photography, and of course, it saves beaucoup time on self portraits. Like the S&W Model 17, it's a purchase I do not regret.