Buying Guide: Best camera remote shutter releases

There are many reasons why you might want to trigger your camera's shutter remotely, and there are a range of wired and wireless remote releases enable you to do this.

Wireless remotes are particularly useful when taking group shots with yourself in the frame, or when it isn't practical to stand directly behind your camera at the time of capture, such as with certain type of nature photography.

Cheaper wired remotes, meanwhile, are just as suitable as wireless types when you want to trigger the camera without touching the shutter release button, such as for macro photography where camera stability is vital to achieving a sharp image.

So here's our selection of our favourite camera remote releases, all of them available for under £100.

Canon RS-80N3 - £45

This Canon controller connects to popular EOS models like the 5D Mark II, 7D and 50D via an 80cm cable, and replicates all shutter button functions, with half or full presses, along with a Bulb lock. The RS-60E3 does the same for the 1000D, 450D and 550D, but is cheaper at £14.

Hama Wireless Remote - £30

Hama says this remote has a 30m range, but in our tests it was good for up to 50m. Half and full press shutter functions are replicated and there's a Bulb function, too. There are multi-channel communication options and versions available for Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras.

Hahnel Combi TF - £50

With fitting options for Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Panasonic DSLRs, the Combi TF can operate as a wireless remote with full-ranging shutter functions at up to 100m, or as a wireless trigger for a flashgun or studio flash head. Additional receivers are available for multi-flash setups.

Hahnel Giga T Pro - £65

As well as replicating shutter functions at up to 100m, programmable features include a self-timer, interval timer, long-exposure timer and total exposure count settings, which you can use in any combination. Time-lapse intervals range from one second to 99 hours. Available for Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Sony bodies.

Nikon MC-30 - £59

This remote control attaches to any Nikon camera that features a ten-pin socket, like the D300s, via an 80cm cable. The MC-30 replicates light-press and full-press actions on the shutter button and includes a locking mechanism for Bulb exposures. Build quality is good, but it's very expensive for a basic model.

Secureline Twin 1-R3 TRC/TRN/TRS - £60

Available for up-market Canon, Nikon and Sony SLRs, this remote includes a receiver for wired and wireless shutter release, the latter with a 100m range and selectable communication channels. A half-price, wireless 'UT' version is available for SLRs with infrared receivers.