Digital SLR Reviews Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Opteka’

Opteka Remote Release Cord for Sony Alpha A900 A700 A350 A300 A200 and A100 Digital SLR Cameras

These new remote releases from Opteka allows the camera to be released from a distance. All electronic, just plug-in and use. Has a momentary release, as well as a locking position for time releases.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Cheap and easy to fix when it breaks
I purchased this remote one year ago and have used it many times. It works as advertised and didn’t give me any problems until about 3 months ago. The camera would still get the half press signal but wouldn’t trip the shutter. A quick removal of two screws shows how the remote works and after bending one of the contacts it started working again. Even though the remote quit working it was easy to fix and is less then 1/4th the cost of the Sony model. Even if you’re worried about reliability you’re still better of buying a couple of these than the Sony. I’d still buy it if I had to do it over again.

5 Stars cheap and it works!
Great product, and it works with my sony a350. Love it, for the price!

4 Stars Good for the Price
I got this for an animated music video project to be shot on a Sony A300. From some of the reports I’d read I was worried about it lasting long enough for our shoot, since time was of the essence and yet, of course, we didn’t have the money to spring for a more expensive model (very, very low budget music video hehe). The connection to the camera never gave us any problems at all, it fit quite well. It seemed to be quite reliable and the triggers worked perfectly for the first couple of weeks. The unit still works, but seems to not be quite as consistent now when the trigger is slid to continuous mode, it will occasionally stall for a few moments during shots. We will probably use it for more projects, but for reliabilities sake we will probably get a different model remote if we get a better paying project. Still though, for just about $12, this item saved our a**!

3 Stars Difficult to connect, but works
This cord looks like a professional, molded, product. It does work, but it is difficult to connect and doesn’t make a very good connection. For occasional use, it’s fine. If you rely on your tripod, and use a remote cable all day, spend the extra for the OEM item.

5 Stars Good value
Quick delivery and works perfectly. I did not have any issues with the fit of the connector with my A200 and it seems to be fairly well built. At a fifth of the price of the official remote this is a great product.

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Opteka HD 0 20X Professional Super AF Fisheye Lens for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT XTi XS XSi T1i 10D 20D 30D 40D 50D Digital SLR

Nothing changes the way you see the world like High Definition

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

The new Opteka XL remote releases from Opteka allows the camera to be released from a distance of 10 feet (120″). All electronic, just plug-in and use. Has a momentary release, as well as a locking position for time releases.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Vastly improved product
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.

4 Stars Something I need
A good item, shipping is a bit steep but this is something I use all the time. I already reviewed this and some other things I bought at the same time but I keep getting bugged to review again. Somewhere scattered on the lost review room floor is my review. I hope they find it and post it.

1 Star You get what you pay for
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

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

1 Star Save your money
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

4 Stars Opteka remote with 10′ used with a Canon 50D
The quality of the cord and connector seem to be great, but the button doesn’t have the same reassuring feeling as the Canon cords. Still, I’m glad I purchased this one instead of the overpriced Canon version.

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Opteka Digital Camera Camcorder Lens Cleaning Kit Tabletop Tripod and LCD Screen Protectors

With an Opteka 5 piece Lens/Camera cleaning kit it contains everything you need to maintain your Digital Camera! It cleans hard to reach lenses, protects battery contacts, and is very easy and safe to use. Works excellent for lenses, cameras, filters, and it also easily cleans LCD panels. The lens cleaning solution is specially made for removing oil and dirt. The Opteka tabletop tripod is ideal for backyard observation or anywhere – an ultra-compact tripod is all you need! The LCD Protectors fit all screens up to 3.5″ X 4.25″ and offers protection from scratches, wear and damage. Also reduces screen glare and enhances view.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Nice little bundle…
This came free with a lens purchase I made. Not sure I’d buy this, but it’s a good little bundle!

5 Stars A good freebie
I received this product as a freebie through another purchase. I have already used several of the items contained in the package although the tabletop tripod is worthless unless you have a inexpensive point and shoot camera. I bought one of these at a retailer for a dollar sometime previously and could not even get it to stand stable with a small camcorder. The lens cleaning equipment and the bulb brush have already come in handy!!!!

2 Stars Looks and feels cheap, but..
got it for free from 47th St., and no additional shipping charges, too. Tripod is not very reliable – I feel like the camera might tip over anytime. Of course if you have the smaller ones (I have DSLR), this might actually work better. Haven’t tried the cleaning solution yet – it might take some more to convince me to try them on my lenses.

4 Stars Handy
Came free with the purchase of my flash, but the kit is handy if you don’t have cleaners. The screen protectors are flimsy and cheap but what do you expect for the price.

1 Star Read like it was free but charged me anyway

This item came up and said it would be free with the lens I was purchasing.It said the price would show up but come off at the end of purchase but did not.will not buy from this company again!!!

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Opteka Premium Reference Color and White Balance Grey Card Set With Quick Release Neck Strap for Digital Photography

The color values of Opteka Digital Grey Card set have been tested under varying light conditions and show a high degree of spectral neutrality. Using the industry-standard X-Rite spectrophotometer, LAB values of L* 63.8, a* -1.6, b* -0.4 are measured from the surface of the grey card under D50 standard illuminant. For optimum color correction, the black card achieves truly deep blacks (RGB 16,16,15). The grey card displays superior spectral neutrality with measured values of 162, 162, 160. The white card has a tested RGB value of (220, 224, 223). All three cards have excellent uniformity across a range of light sources.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Perfect
This is SO EASY to use! I get some of the best photos when I use these cards before taking photos. Inside or out… I now try to always use these to get the white balance perfect.

5 Stars Great Product! Fast Shippping!!!
It was shipped quickly! I have no problems, I would recommend this seller and this product.

1 Star Not a exposture setting grey card
It is a white balance grey card, and it is not for setting exposure. So guys beware of that.

3 Stars Does not seem totally accurate, slow shipper
I got this card recently, although I was surprisedd how long it took to ship. I got it due to the low price, but I guess low service goes with that too. I wish I had checked 47th streets photos’ ratings cuz i guess there have been quite a few bad experiences. The delay caused me to miss a graduation photo shoot I wanted to have the card for.

Since I got the card I have used it at a friends wedding, I have to say this may not be the most accurate card out there. My colors were a bit off – there seemed to be a bit of a yellow cast to a bunch of them, especially the ones taken indoors. I have to check the card under controlled lighting to be sure, but so far it’s just a bit off. Under daylight this card seems to be OK.

The cards came with a lanyard which does the trick and keeps them easy to find. I did find the cards a bit small at first but then I noticied I can still get a gray card photo even if the card is not focussed perfectly. So if this card seems small it may still work for you. I think I’ll get one of the larger cards to play with and see if the colors are any better.

I didn’t get instructions or anything but I know pretty much how to use one of these cards. If yur not a real photo bug you should get one of the cards with detailed instructions.

Overall, this was OK for the price, but the shipping delay was an annoyance. I’d maybe spend a few dollars mare for a slightly better card for the accuracy.

5 Stars Portable and Useful
A very helpful photography tool for setting white balance & compensation exposures. Glad I got it. The compact size (the cards fit in my Tamrac 515 camera case) and ease of wearing around my neck on the provided lanyard means I carry the cards with me anywhere I take my camera; without inconvenience, bulk or a lot of extra weight. It’s a great product design. Glad I bought the set – it’s useful to have the white and black as well as the 18% grey cards.

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