Remote shutter releases for Nikon D90?
I have the ML-L3 remote but I'd really like one I can use without having to point it directly at the front of the camera. Price isn't really an issue. I'm willing to save up to get something that will last for years. Something that's also compatible with higher-end models (like the D700 and up) would be a huge plus, since I will probably upgrade in the next couple of years.
I don't really need specific model numbers… Even a brand name would help tons! All I've found on Google so far is sales pages for the ML-L3.
Nikon makes this manual release
http://www.nikonusa.com/...atibleWith
However, Cameras from the D300 up through the D3x use a different 10-pin terminal for attaching remote shutter releases
http://www.nikonusa.com/...-Cord.html
Actually there are many different remote shutter releases available or the advanced Nikon dSLR's.
Here is a link to all the accessories for the D90
Do you want wired or wireless?
I have a D90, and own the ML-L3, MC-DC2, and RF-603.
The D3100/D5100/D90/D7000 all use the same connector for the wired remote. The higher end Nikons use a different cable.
A wired remote, such as Nikon's MC-DC2, or third party equivalent is not that expensive if you can stand to have a wired cable attached to your camera. You can get the 3rd party wired remotes in just a basic model with just a pushbutton, or one that includes an intervalometer.
The Yongnuo RF-603 is a 3rd party RF wireless remote, which has a range of about 100ft. There are many similar 3rd party RF remotes out there - some really good, and some not so good.
The Yongnuo RF-603 N3 remote for my D90 (make sure it is the N3 version or the cable won't fit the D90) is pretty good for the inexpensive triggers.
I use it when I shoot macro as often I put the camera on a tripod low to the ground, and as you probably found out, the D90 doesn't have a rear IR sensor for the ML-L3, only a front sensor. The RF remote allows me to stand back a few feet so I don't scare the little critters off.
The RF-603 is RF, so it only has to be in range, not pointed at the camera. The ML-L3 is an IR remote.
The Yongnuo RF-603 is also a combination flash/shutter release. Each device contains both a transmitter and receiver, so you can just buy as many as you need. Of course 2 units are minimum, and you can use one as the transmitter, and the other as a receiver, plugged into your camera's remote connector, or use the camera unit as a transmitter and remote control a flash some distance away (only manual, not TTL though).
Or you can add up to 8 RF-603 units for a combination of flash triggers and a camera remote
Once you get above the D7000, the connector on the Nikon DSLR remotes change. Even then, I think with the Yongnuo, all you would have to do is to buy an adapter cable for the remote connector for the different camera.
The reason I like the Yongnuo RF-603 is they appear to be built better than the other cheap triggers. The hot shoe mounts have metal bases, while most of the other cheap ones are all plastic.
Between the ML-L3, MC-DC2, and RF-603, and I actually use all three of them occasionally. Each has their advantages, and the total cost of all 3 is less than $100, so it's not a big deal to have several different options.