Customer Reviews

Opteka XL Remote Release Cord for Canon EOS 1D, 1Ds, 5D, 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, & 50D Digital Cameras (10 Foot Cord)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

This Opteka XL shutter release cable is a 100% compatible replacement for Canon's RS-80N3 remote. It's actually superior to the RS-80N3 in two ways: it features a whopping 10 foot cord length (vs an inconveniently short 2.6 foot cord on the RS-80N3), plus it's significantly less expensive than the RS-80N3 despite offering identical functionality.

While in theory it might not be quite as durable as the official RS-80N3, I've owned several of the Opteka releases for years without any malfunctions. Given the price difference vs the RS-80N3, most reliability concerns are solvable by just purchasing a backup Opteka XL (always a good idea for any equipment of this nature, brand or generic). Just be aware of the longer cable - my previous Canon remote was damaged when I accidentally severed the cable by closing the tripod legs onto it (albeit through no fault of the remote itself).

Note that there's another version of the Opteka remote that only has a 3 foot cord - avoid that one, as it's way too short for effective vibration isolation or group self portraiture, and appears to have a lower build quality than the Opteka XL.

Works perfectly. The Opteka remote feels well constructed and the two-stage button and shutter-lock slider are firm and smooth. Great price, excellent value.

I bought this item in January of 2009. It looked exactly like the photo at the top of the page. It worked fine for several months. But eventually it started performing erratically. Some times I could get the focus lock, but I couldn't fire the shutter. Other times it wouldn't work at all. At first I thought there was a short in the cord near the plug, because moving the cord would occasionally restore proper function.

However, I discovered that the real problem was that the plug was coming apart. I removed it from my camera and part of it stayed in the socket exposing three metal contacts. I was able to put it back together and restore intermittent function. When it stopped working, I would wiggle the plug or push it securely into the socket and eventually it would start working again.

I decided that I needed a reliable replacement, so I considered the Canon brand. But I read reviews complaining about the quality of its construction as well. I concluded that I could afford to buy this cheaper release and treat it more delicately until it started cutting out again.

When the product arrived, I was in for a surprise. It had been completely redesigned. The cord was considerably thicker. And the plug now has a silver-colored hard-plastic component that snaps into the outer rim of the camera socket, holding the plug securely in place. (It looks just like the plug on the Canon brandCanon RS-80N3 Remote Switch for EOS-1V/1VHS, EOS-3, EOS-D2000, D30, D60, 1D, 1Ds, EOS-1D Mark II,III, EOS-1Ds Mark II,III, EOS-10D, 20D, 30D,40D, 50D, 5D.)

This is a vastly superior product than the one pictured. Opteka needs to update its photo.

If you are looking for a simple shutter release, you want to buy this one. I anticipate that it will outlast my camera body.

Bravo, Opteka, for improving the quality of your product.

I was looking for an inexpensive shutter release for by Canon 50D. After all why should I spend over $40 for the name brand cord when it's not much more than a switch and some wire. I came across this remote, and it sounded good. It has a 10' cord and a switch, what more could I want. The remote came quickly in the mail, and I tested it that same night. Everything was going well. I took some nice pictures of some fireworks. The next night I went to use it again, and it didn't work right. It would focus the camera, but would not release the shutter. I tried it again today, but I still had the same result. This one is going in the trash, and I'll spend the money on the real remote.

UPDATE: I found a good quality remote at my local camera shop. It's only a couple of dollars more, but the build quality is apparent as soon as you open the package. Check out ProMaster RS80/N3 Connector Remote Cable for Canon

I purchased this remote to use with a Canon 50d that I had recently purchased. I did not get out of my own backyard before this thing stopped working properly. The camera shutter release works fine. I have a canon remote that I have used with a XTI for sometime, no problems. For the 50d I have now ordered a canon RS-80N3 through Amazon. It was 33% off, but still over double the price of this one. But I am betting on it working, making it worth the money I am retired and like photograph birds and animals. As this remote does not work it does not rate a star. I would not recommend this it to anyone.

Nothing wrong with this item. Works just fine and he's greatly needed if you want to take your photography to the next level. Price is right and quality is fine!

I bought this cable for my Canon 50D really without reading many of the other reviews. The first cord I received would continuously auto focus but not activate the shutter when presses 1/2 way. The second cord (they just replaced by sending a new one in the mail) would focus just fine but not activate the shutter. Probably just worth buying the Canon shutter remote.

The OPXL-C3 remote switch made by Opteka looks good, heavy duty looking, with a 10 foot cord but did not work in my Canon 50D camera. There were no instructions for how it is oriented to be plugged into the camera. Once plugged in, it never worked the first time, no matter what setting the camera was on. It was so hard to remove it from the camera, I thought it would break something. I was hoping to buy an item that would work as a remote for my camera at 1/3 the price of the Canon brand item, now I'm angry that I have spent money on shipping for a piece of junk that should not be on the market. I hope Amazon pulls this POJ as it will compromise their intregity as a place where I buy all my photography products!

Stopped working in about a week or so.... Had mixed luck with another cord bought from a different store.

I've had the remote for about a week and it worked fine for the first few days, now it's giving me nothing but trouble. I've tried my friends remote in my camera so i know that works. It doesn't always take pictures, not sure why.

But hey the long cord is nice :P

Anywho, spend the extra money and get a nicer one. Wish it would have worked for longer