Using a cable release to capture the right moment

Tuesday 28 April 2026, 14:07 by Nando Harmsen | 1,003 views | 0 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

When using a long shutter speed, a tripod is essential. The camera stays steady, so anything that needs to be sharp is captured sharply. Use a remote control or cable release when the moment you take the photo matters.

When photographing with long shutter speeds from a tripod, the camera must not move. Pressing the shutter button can be enough to cause a slight movement. Especially if the tripod is not particularly sturdy.

The danger is greatest with shutter speeds between 5 and 1/8 of a second. In that case, it is best to use a self-timer or remote control. Nikon users can also use exposure delay.

Four minutes of exposure time. A self-timer is perfect for this because the exact moment does not matter.
A self-timer does mean there is a delay between pressing the shutter button and taking the photo. Even a short delay of two seconds is quickly too long, especially when the moment matters.

With genuinely long shutter speeds for a smooth water surface, waterfall or mountain stream, the exact moment does not matter. You can simply use a self-timer. This changes when, for example, you are photographing in the surf.

Half a second exposure. You have to take the photo at the right moment. Half a second later is too late. Half a second too early is too early.

In the surf, the timing matters a great deal. You want to take the photo when the wave breaks, or when the water recedes. You can try to anticipate the two-second self-timer. But that is particularly difficult, or even impossible.

A cable release or remote control is essential in that situation. You press the button and the photo is taken immediately without touching the camera. It is simply a remote shutter button. This makes it possible to take the photo at the right moment.

There are all kinds of remote controls and cable releases available. I prefer a cable release.
A wireless remote control has a transmitter and receiver, and needs batteries. You can also use a smartphone via Bluetooth. It does take time and effort to set up and maintain a connection.

A cable release is much simpler and fail-safe. It works with a cable, and connecting it is all that is needed. It works immediately, and you do not have to spend time and energy switching it on and establishing a connection.

Do you use a remote control or cable release? Why did you choose one over the other? Or did it simply work out that way? Tell us about your preference and experience in a comment below this post.

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