Need suggestions on a remote release for D300

[drkranger]

Any suggestions on a remote shutter release accessory for the Nikon D300?

There's the MC-30 and MC-36 from Nikon. DotLine has one for a less than the MC-30 and I think I've seen a few others.

I'm not sure if I want wired or wireless. I have a wireless for the D50 now and have used it, although the range isn't that great. The simple DotLine is about $15 less than the MC-30 although the cord is about 8 inches shorter. But for around $50, is the MC-30 worth it or should I look at spending a bit more, maybe $30-40 for a wireless option?

Thoughts? Thanks,

[cyclohexane]

I've owned both the MC-30 and MC-36. I ended up keeping the MC-30 as I didn't really use the automated controls of the MC-36 enough. They were great to play with when I had the remote, but I rarely shoot time lapse, and the limited in-camera controls are enough for me.

Really though, it's an overpriced button with a lock on a 10-pin cord; the cheap knock-offs you can find on eBay and in some camera stores probably work about as well, though they're not always that well-constructed. A friend of mine has a knock-off one and it works perfectly, but I don't know which one it is.

I don't know of any good wireless options for the D300, other than maybe the Calumet radio trigger or a Pocket Wizard with the appropriate remote cords, and you can get a lot of MC-30's for that money.

[oldphotohand]

I use the Phottix unit from a Chinese company via Ebay. $28 delivered. This works fine on both my D300 and D2h. It is a radio unit with a claimed range of 300 feet. I used it yesterday for over 200 shots and it functioned flawlessly.
Kevin

[Nikonfreak]

A buddy of mine bought some of those cheaper knock offs. He bought two since they were so inexpensive when the MC30 and MC36 were difficult to find. Both no longer work.

It's a price difference of a few lunches. My suggestion is to get the Nikon. They are overpriced and nothing more than a button but they'll work, all the time, regardless. The MC30 is $54... I bought the MC36 and seldom use the interval timer feature. The MC30 is fine. It's worth the peace of mind IMO. IF you get a Chinese or other knockoff, you will always be wondering if and when it's going to fail on you. If a failure doesn't bother you, get the knockoff. If a failure will cause you problems during a shoot, then you surely know what the right thing to do is.

Julio

[drkranger]

Thanks all for the info. Since the money to be spent on this item is already spent (it's a rebate from another purchase), I'll most likely get the MC-30. I just need the button.