I have an Phottix knock-off (got on eBay) and that one seems to work well for me in the few times I've used it. Puzzled why Canon charges an arm & leg for this stuff.
I use the actual Canon TC-80N3. I'm sure the Aputure functions identically, except it does not appear to have the retractable collar on the plug. The Canon plugs have detents which positively engage, locking the plug, which then must be manually retracted to unplug it from the camera. This one appears that it would just slide in.
This may not seem like a big deal, but here's a story I can pass along. I use RRS plates and clamps on all my gear. When I first started using their stuff, I had a lever release clamp on my tripod. One day, I set my 40D with a 24-105L on the tripod and engaged the lever, not realizing that the dovetail clamp wasn't properly seated in the clamp. Naturally, as soon as I let go, the camera tipped forward and started towards the pavement. Fortunately, I had the TC-80N3 plugged in and the cord looped around the tripod. The cord stopped the camera about 2" from the cement, and the LOCKING FEATURE kept the camera safely suspended from harm. I am convinced if I had an aftermarket timer without the locking plug the outcome would have been very different.
Now, is this a common occurrence or something one should factor in when buying a timer? That's for each to decide. I just thought I'd share FWIW.
I've also since changed all my RRS clamps to the screw-knob types BTW!
lucky story with a good ending and Yeah, you're quite right, the knock off in question don't have that retractable collar.
I guess thats the price you pay for saving a large chunk of wedge !!
Alek Komarnits wrote:
I have an Phottix knock-off (got on eBay) and that one seems to work well for me in the few times I've used it. Puzzled why Canon charges an arm & leg for this stuff.
lucky story with a good ending and Yeah, you're quite right, the knock off in question don't have that retractable collar.
I guess thats the price you pay for saving a large chunk of wedge !!
Regards
Does it stay in during normal use though (i.e. do have to hold it in, or does it slide out fairly easily
I had the unfortunate experience of owning the knockoff version. I found it to be less than reliable -- only firing after "encouragement." After a few days of spurious performance, I ordered the canon version, and it has not missed a beat since the day it arrived
I agree that the lack of a locking collar on the plug end for N3 connectors is a big deal. I've got a bunch of these cheapies and a couple real ones, and the ones with locking collars (from Canon or not) work reliably, whereas the friction fit ones are always screwing up.
JohnR84740 wrote:
I had the unfortunate experience of owning the knockoff version. I found it to be less than reliable -- only firing after "encouragement." After a few days of spurious performance, I ordered the canon version, and it has not missed a beat since the day it arrived
Which knockoff are you referring to? Was it the Aputure brand?
Phottix version here. Works like a champ, even in "extreme" cold (5F / -15 C)... so long as you program it while it's still warm (the LCD flakes out once cooled.. the camera body top LCD also flakes out in the cold, so it's not unique to the timer). No issues in normal operating conditions.
Glad I saved the ~50 bucks. Used on 40D, 5D and 5DMkII.
I am convinced if I had an aftermarket timer without the locking plug the outcome would have been very different.