Review: Generic IR Shutter Remote for Nikon (ML-L3)

W hen you buy the brand name, you know what you’re getting. When you go off brand, you’re never quite sure. I needed an IR shutter remote for my Nikon D5000 a few years back for a shoot with a model friend of mine. I wasn’t making money on the shoot, and didn’t want to plop down any real money for it. I looked at the Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control and couldn’t justify the price tag, knowing I could buy a generic ML-L3 Nikon shutter release remote for a fraction of the cost. I was only going to use it once, and if it didn’t work, then I was only out a few bucks.

Works on my D610 too.

I bought the inexpensive version of the ML-L3 wireless remote. And have used it a number of times. Not only for my retired D5000, but also for my Nikon D610. It works like a champ. I have a photographer friend of mine who shies away from generic products, because he’s afraid of it breaking in the midst of a shoot (especially something fast paced, like the bride throwing the bouquet or a rally or event) and I think that’s a legitimate concern. But this is a product you are not using in a face paced environment. And honestly, you can buy a backup and have a spare ready to go if you are on a shoot. He also wants something that lasts. I hardly believe the brand name is going to last 3-5 times longer than the generic. And at the price difference, that’s what it amounts to.

So I’m quite happy with my lesser known brand name version of the Nikon ML-L3 remote. I keep it in my camera bag, because you never know when I might want to throw my camera on the tripod and take a picture of my smiling face … or take multiple pictures of something where I don’t want the camera to move at all. (that’s probably the more likely scenario).