An excellent intervalometer and remote timer are a significant tool in almost any astrophotographers’ camera bag. Not only does this give you more exact control over your own camera, but in addition, it enables you to be more imaginative when making your pictures.
An intervalometer and remote timer connect right to a DSLR or Mirrorless camera, allowing you to control your camera shutter by means of a range of unique functions. So, why is an intervalometer and remote timer an important piece of gear for your astrophotography?
Advanced techniques such as long exposure and time-lapse photography demand the usage of these tools, as most cameras do not have the built-in performance required to execute this kind of photography. In this guide, we review the best intervalometer and remote timers available today. There’s something for everybody — and for each budget — and all of them say their case for being the best in class.
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Top 4 Best Intervalometer
#1, LRTimelapse PRO Timer 2.5
- The Time-lapse Pro Timer 2.5 is one of the most advanced and flexible camera intervalometers ever developed. It was created and “Made in Germany” by Gunther Wegner, a pioneer of time-lapse photography and designed especially for the discerning Time-lapse and Astro photographer.
- It offers the fastest shutter releases possible without unnecessary delays caused by autofocus signals. This allows for the shortest of dark times, which are key to creating successful time-lapse photos.
- Intervals can be adjusted in 0.1 second increments. Interval ramping allows for smooth adjustment of the interval over an adjustable period of time. Interval values, number of shots to be taken, etc. can be saved in the settings of the LRT Pro Timer.
- Operation is easy (even with gloves and mittens) thanks to the rotary knob and the high contrast OLED display which is easy to read in all conditions. All lights on the timer can be switched on and off.
- The LRT Pro comes in a small and lightweight case which can be attached directly to the hot shoe of the camera at different angles or with eyelets on your tripod.
Why is this intervalometer stand from the bunch is how receptive it is. Similar devices can often delay shutter releases whenever they attempt to assist your own camera to find focus. The LRTimelapse, however, has almost no flaws when finding attention, making sure it is precise and consistent when taking several exposures.
Depending on what you are trying to accomplish, you can program the unit to get shutter intervals from 0.3 seconds to 12 hours (longer intervals will be best employed for time-lapses, for instance ). Allowing one to be as exact as you can, you can program the intervalometer in increments of 0.1 seconds.
The unit is very simple to use directly from the box, and it functions simply by attaching it to a camera’s hot shoe. It is possible to use it in differing temperatures ranging from -4°F to 104°F. It is important to notice, however, the unit is not weather-sealed and must be used with care when shooting in harsh weather conditions like rain or snow.
Among the downsides is the LRTimelapse Pro does not include a normal camera release cable. Being the most expensive in the listing, we’d anticipate this to be included, particularly since it is an significant part an astrophotopher’s creative process. Another benefit is the flexibility of the unit. Rather than being committed to a single manufacturer, it is compatible with a variety of brands.
#2, Neewer LCD Timer Shutter Release Remote Control for Canon 700D
- The timer remote is used to trigger the camera shutter with Delay shooting/Self-timer, Bulb shooting/Long exposure timer,Interval timer, Exposure count control, Remote switch function.
- Delay time and Exposure time: 0 s to 99 hrs 59 mins 59 secs in one-second increments，Interval time:1 s to 99 hrs 59 mins 59 secs in one-second increments，Shooting amount:1to 399 and unlimited，speaker on/off.
- The remote release button is pressed halfway for autofocus, and fully pressed to trigger the camera shutter.
- The remote control has an LCD screen, short press the Lighting/Lock button to light up the backlight, long press the Lighting/Lock button to lock the screen operation.
- Compatible with Canon EOS Canon 760D(T6s)/750D(T6i)/700D(T5i)/1300D(T6)/1100D(T3)/1000D(XS)/650D (T4i)/600D(T3i)/550D(T2i)/500D(T1i)/450D(XSi)/400D(XTi)/350D (XT)/300D/100D/80D/70D/60D/60Da/300/50/30/33/G10/G11/XD/X2,with Pentax K7/K5/K10D/K20D/K200D/K100D/K100DL/IstD/IstDL/Ist//MZ-6/ZX-L/MZ-L/K2000D/645D, Samsung GX-1L/GX- 1S/GX-10/GX-20/NX10/NX100,Contax 645/N1/NX/N
The timer may be set anywhere from 1 second to 99 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds. The buttons may be operated using a single principle. The LCD panel can be illuminated. The remote comes with a fashionable and ergonomic design. This timer remote cable allows the camera shutter to be released in the space and prevents the camera from shaking
*Two-stage release button halfway pressing for auto-focus, finish pressing for taking photos.
*Power supply: 2 AAA-type batteries (2XAAA Batteries not included)
*Battery life: Approximately two months of continuous shooting with a delay of 5 min, an exposure period of 4 min 56 s, along with an interval of 5 min.
#3, The Pixel FSK 2.4GHz Wired or Wireless Timer
- Using FSK module, its reliability and stability are improved. The application of 2.4GHz glabal free frequency range enables 30 channels for options.
- LCD screeen displays channel, battery level and function model which is easy to comprehend and simple to handel.
- Ultra-low power consumption under stand-by mode. The transmitter powered by AAA batteries. Interchangeable connecting cable for different brand's camera models.
- Supports simple single shooting, 1S continuous shooting, [BULB] shooting, delay shooting and itmer schedule shooting.
- Available to set timer schedule shooting by setting related parameters.
In our opinion, the best intervalometer for Nikon d3100 cameras now on the industry at this time by far is the Pixel FSK 2.4GHz Wired or Wireless Timer. That can be due to it having been especially designed to function as optimally as you can with numerous cameras along with the Nikon D3100 is just one of these. In addition to this, the intervalometer has managed to make a few of the best reputations in the marketplace amongst the neighborhood and shows no indication of slowing its growth speed.
As you’d expect from an intervalometer packed with performance, each the center modes and settings are fully supported. You are able to use the Pixel FSK for time-lapse photography, as a remote control, as a timer remote, for a variety of kinds of delayed picture capture, as well as various kinds of timer. Furthermore, it’s totally wireless compatible allowing you to use it in either wired or wireless manner removing the necessity to touch with your camera during a time-lapse and risk spoiling the entire thing by knocking its location.
The picture to the right indicates the interface and control platform for the Pixel FSK. As you can see, it’s based around a small number of buttons and a directional pad to help keep the tool as simple to use as you can. This very straightforward layout makes it the perfect product to select up if you aren’t confident with technologies or haven’t used an intervalometer before.
Also, the LED display on the tool is completely backlit. This really is a total godsend when trying to utilize it in low-light or night conditions for something such as an astrophotography time-lapse. There are many intervalometers available on the market at this price point that lack this simple feature and may ruin your session in case you need to use a torch or something to tweak settings and your camera captures a picture while the torch is still on.
The battery life of the Pixel FSK is likewise excellent. While researching the tool we really found a variety of reports out of photographers mentioning how they have not ever had to change the battery in the intervalometer and they have used it countless quantities of time without difficulty. All in allwe believe that the Pixel FSK intervalometer is likely to make a fantastic addition to your own camera accessories and also make a fantastic companion for the Nikon d3100. Its standing alone ought to be sufficient to convince one to test it out and give it a go and its low cost is merely a bonus.
#4, The Pholsy Timer Remote Control
- ✔ Compatible with Canon EOS R6, EOS R, EOS RA, EOS RP, 850D, 90D, 80D, 70D, 77D, 60D, 60Da, 250D, 200D, 200DII, 100D, 800D, 760D, 750D, 700D, 650D, 600D, 550D, 500D, 450D, 400D, 1500D, 1300D, 1200D, 1100D, 1000D, 2000D, M5, M6, M6 Mark II; PowerShot SX50HS, SX60HS, SX70HS, G1X Mark III, G1X Mark II, G1X, G3X, G5X, G10, G11, G12, G15, G16; Rebel: XT, XTi, XS, XSi, T1i, T2, T2i, T3, T3i, T4, T4i, T5, T5i, T6, T6i, T7i, T8i, SL1 etc.
- ✔ Compatible with Fujifilm GFX100, GFX100S, GFX50R, X-Pro3, X-T3, X-T4, X-T30, X-A7, X-E1, X100V; Olympus OM-D E-M1X, E-M1 Mark II, E‑M1 Mark III, E-M5 Mark III ; Pentax 645Z, K-1 Mark II, K100D, K110D, K200D, K-500, K100D, K20D, K10D, K-30, K-50, K-7, K-5, K-5II, K-5IIs, K-3, K-3II, K-1; *ist D, *ist DL, *ist DS, *ist DS2; Samsung GX-1L, GX-1S, GX-10, GX-20, NX100, NX11, NX10, NX5; Contax 645, N1, NX, N Digial; Sigma Sd1
- ✔ It sports an electric sound speaker, shutter release active lamp, interval timer, long exposure (it can use interval timer and long exposure simultaneously), self timer, TIME exposure and a release hold mechanism. Take photos without touching your camera and take pictures at regular intervals for time-lapse projects
- ✔ Timer functions can be set to 99 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds in one second increments. Number of shots can be set from 1 to 399; Double dash ( - - ) unlimited. LCD display with backlight and status LED with alarm. A locking two stages shutter button (BULB)
- ✔ Replaces RS-60E3, Fujifilm RR-100 and Olympus RM-CB2
The only other intervalometer we would even consider using with your Canon 70D is the Pholsy Timer Remote Control
Again, it’s a favorite intervalometer that’s been able to carve a core customer base in the marketplace since its release whilst at the same time managing to make itself a good reputation among the neighborhood due to its performance, build quality, and acceptable cost.
As you’d expect, the Pholsy Timer Remote supports the core capabilities like a remote shutter, a timer remote, a lengthy exposure remote, and also to some extent that a overall camera remote. It makes an perfect addition to your own camera accessories if you’re planning to try you hand in time-lapse photography and it works seamlessly with your Canon 70D.
The picture to the right indicates the user interface and control platform for the Pholsy Timer Remote. Again, since you can see, it’s based around a really simple system which enables you to rapidly change between any settings which you need on the fly allowing you to remain focused on your photography session.
Even though the shutter button at the Pholsy Timer Remote is somewhat small, it is outside, simple to press on layout makes up for it by allowing you to easily press on it as and when needed to activate your Canon 70D. Again, the LCD display is totally backlit making it effortless to use in low light conditions or at night so it is possible to use the Pholsy Timer Remote for astrophotography mode time-lapses or taking time-lapse photographs of the celebrities without any difficulty.
The handle of the Pholsy Timer Remote can also be comfortable and though you probably will not be holding on to it for lengthy periods of time during your photography shoot, even if for any reason you want to, it may be achieved with no discomfort in your own hand.
All in all, the Pholsy Timer Remote is a good selection of an intervalometer for the Canon 70D plus a wonderful addition to your photography accessories apparel. It’s cheap, simple to use, dependable, and contains a decent build quality for its price so we’d advise picking this up.
How to use an intervalometer?
Intervalometer Buying Guide
What Does An Intervalometer Do?
An intervalometer is a particular kind of timer which permits you to shoot many pictures using a set time-frame involving the onset of every shot.
For instance, if you would like your shutter to start every 2 seconds, it is possible to dial this time into your intervalometer and it will do precisely that. This is ideal for creating time-lapse videos since it permits you to shoot hundreds of shots within a specified period of time, creating diversity and movement in your final project. Some cameras have an intervalometer built into them. So check to find out if yours does before you choose to invest. But a committed intervalometer can be accurate and reliable compared to a few of the ones built into today’s cameras.
Wired Vs Wireless Remote Timers
The ideal connection is dependent upon your type of shooting. If you do not have to stand a few meters away from the camera, then you will do more than fine with a remote timer which connects to a system using a cable. But should you have to stand further back or wander away from the camera, a wireless remote is a wonderful alternative. Be mindful that you are going to have to pay more for a wireless remote timer. Therefore, in the event that you don’t require it or have a small budget, stay with your wired connection.
Cheap Vs Expensive
Bear in mind, more expensive does not necessarily equate to greater quality. Much like the Canon TC-80N3, you are mainly paying for the new, rather than what it could do. Nevertheless, cheap third party apparatus can often be badly made or lack lots of the features of a few of the premium accessories. If you are going for a cheaper alternative, it is always much better to read reviews or refer to our website to find out if we’ve reviewed it.
Conclusion
Intervalometers are surprisingly affordable. You may buy one for as cheap as 30$. That is cheap, especially considering what it could do. If you are thinking about learning long exposures, consider getting one of these devices. It’ll definitely make your life a bit easier while taking photos.