Home > Consumer Reviews > NIKON MC30 Remote Cable Release (31.5 in)

I bought an alternative Chinese-made brand on a popular auction site for $9. It does the same thing and is flawless on my D300. I do not see the purpose of paying $50 more for a piece of plastic that triggers a shutter. While I am willing to pay for quality products when necessary (hence, the D300), I don't see the need for a Nikon branded product in this case.

I am very satisfied with the release - BUT I had to discover that switching to manual focus will give instant reaction to pressing the release button. When I used autofocus it took forever for the process to initiate. I take 3 images at different exposure and use blend them using HDR so being able to take pictures quickly is a must. I walk carrying the tripod with camera attached. I wrap the cable around my neck strap (attached to camera)and that helps keep it from dangling. I find it difficult to screw on the locking collar but I'm willing to live with that and am looking for some kind of lightweight plastic "wrench" to help. Haven't had it long or used it much so I can't testify to longevity. I would buy it again.

I recently upgraded from a Nikon D100 to a D700 and was shocked to see that my fancy new camera does not accept a mechanical shutter release. I do a lot of close-up and long exposure work, so I consider a shutter release very important. I tried to get by on the cheap with a $10 third party substitute for the Nikon MC30, but it fell apart after only a couple of days of light shooting. So, with gritted teeth, I parted with $60 for this model. It is heavy duty, with a solid feel and sure action. This baby is the way to go if you need one. Is it actually worth the cost? For $60 there really should be more to it, like an interval timer or LED flashlight. However, it is a simple, heavy duty mechanical swith, no batteries required, that should last a lifetime.

A remote cable is an important camera accessory. When taking low-light time-exposure photos using a tripod, it's important to use mirror lockup and a remote shutter release cable. Why? Because even though you have mounted the camera on a tripod, when the shutter is open for a long time, even a tiny amount of shaking will cause blurring.

Another use for the Nikon MC-30 cable is to lock the shutter open while cleaning the digital sensor.

Finally, many portrait photographers use a remote cable shutter release so they can get closer to the subject, especially when taking photos of infants or small pets.

The Nikon MC-30 cable release is built by Nikon to the same quality standards as their cameras. Before the MC-30, I used an "ADIDT" cable release, purchased from an internet auction site. The ADIDT release failed during an important assignment, making it appear that the camera itself was malfunctioning. After a few minutes of panic, I removed the ADIDT cable release and the problem immediately went away.

The Nikon MC30 is an important accessory that is always in my camera bag.

If you are serious in any fashion in photography, you seriously need a cable release. Whether it is this one or a different one, you need a cable release. This one was simple and easy to use on the Nikon D200. Plug and play practically. No battery required, no special instruction required. The only thing is it would be nice to be a bit cheaper. But neitherless, was helpful on numerous occassion