Essential kit no 5…

Remote shutter release

Strictly speaking, there are a few ways to get around not having a remote release – setting the self timer is probably the best – but a good remote shutter release will make a huge contribution towards capturing that great landscape shot. You really shouldn’t be without one.

I purchased a Chinese third party manufactured version of the factory Nikkon item and have had no problems with it at all. There are plenty of options on Ebay for all camera brands and at substantial cost savings over the original equipment versions. Mine is very similar to the one above and is suitable for Nikkon and Canon, but cost me only a thirs of the OEM version. The only down side I’ve found is a lack of an on/off switch, so I have to take out the 2 AAA batteries at the end of each shoot – no biggie, but a bit of a faff.

Of course, if you want the assurance that own brand goods offer, go for the more expensive branded version. Either way, the ease of use that a remote release offers will allow you more time to compose your image to perfection and get pin sharp results every time (combined with a tripod of course).

The main issue when using your camera mounted to a tripod, is that you waste the stability advantage that a good tripod offers, by introducing vibration when you depress the shutter. By using a remote, there’s no need to touch the camera body at all, so your images will be immediately crisper.

Many camera manufacturers also offer infra-red remotes to trip the shutter – these are good, but are far less flexible than a good programmable cable release, where you can access your camera’s bulb setting for really long exposures. Also you can part-press the shutter button to activate the auto-focus if needed.

Top tip - the cable on these is usually pretty long and you don't want it swinging around or falling into the sea/mud/cow poo/snow etc. that you're standing in, so I've tied a loop into mine near the remote end so I can hang it over the pan adjuster arm of my tripod. Keeps things up and out of the way!

If you’re regularly using a tripod and don’t have a cable remote, I would seriously consider it your next kit purchase!

As always, please let me know if you're enjoying these posts - I see there are a lot of followers from the USA, so I'd love to hear your feedback!