Category: Reviews

Product Reviews

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REVIEW – RFN-4s Wireless Remote Shutter Release for Nikon DSLR with MC30 – Transmitter and Receiver Set

If you’ve been following our blog for any length of time you’re already aware that we’ve been doing some experimenting with light painting. For this type of photography there are a few tools that you’ll want to have in your tool kit.

  • Camera & lens
  • Tripod
  • Continuous light source
  • Shutter release

Today we’re going to be reviewing the RFN-4s transmitter/receiver set (www.smdv-usa.com). Since we primarily shoot Nikon (D200, D700 and D810) this particular set fits the bill nicely because they all have the MC30 connector.

The transmitter is a small remote control device that uses two AAA batteries and a series of dip switches to sync to the receiver. The receiver itself uses power from the camera for operation.

FEATURES:

  • Compact Wireless Remote Control Shutter Release for Professional Nikon Cameras.
  • 16 channels in 2.4GHz frequency.
  • Maximum range of 320 ft (100 meters).
  • Fully supports Bulb shooting mode.
  • Transmitter conveniently uses AAA battery (not included).
  • Receiver unit is powered by the camera.
  • 3rd generation RFN-4s (available starting in July 2018) features an even smaller receiver unit.
  • 3rd generation receiver unit also features more robust pinsand more flexible antenna (compared to the 1st generation).
  • For Nikon MC30 type connection.  Replaces Nikon ML-3.
  • Compatible with Nikon D850, D810, D800E, D800, D700, D500, D300s, D300, D200, D6, D5, D4S, D4, D3S, D3X, D3, D2Xs, D2Hs, D2X, D2H, D1.

PROS:

  • Small lightweight devices
  • Connects nicely to camera with not additional cords or hotshoe mount
  • Excellent range

CONS:

  • As with any electronic device that you’re not using often you’ll want to remove the batteries from the transmitter

SUMMARY:

We couldn’t be happier with this set. At a mere $58 on Amazon this is a quality device that you’ll want to keep handy in your camera bag. Whether you’re doing light painting, shooting with a 10-stop filter, or you want to be in that group shot this is the tool you need.

SAMPLE SHOT:

Here is a shot of a little cabin, “The Love Shack” that was too hard to pass up for doing some light painting.

The LOVE SHACK, yeah baby! 🙂

Using a tripod mounted camera along with the RFN-4s and the YOUKOYI light wand, we were able to light different areas and remotely trigger the camera. This provided us with instant shutter activation without any induced camera movement. When doing light painting any camera shake will make image alignment more challenging.

Thanks for checking out this article and keep checking back to keep up with our adventures.

Sharon & Doug

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Review – YOUKOYI Handheld Light Photography Portable LED Video Light Wand

When it comes to light painting for photography you’ll find yourself looking for light sources that make the job easier. Such was the case when I was approached about photographing the interior of a car.

Because of the limited space in a car I had to assess how I would light it correctly. The look that I planned on was not just a simple shot of the interior but something more classy like a light painted imaged.

My first thoughts were to grab a with a continuous light source with a small soft box or some means of defusing the light. Not wanting to deal with cords or since I really don’t have a soft box that lends itself well to this environment my next option was a flashlight.

While the flashlight form factor would be more conducive to the environment it would very difficult to control the light beam and intensity. After doing some research I started reading about light painting with a light wand.

A quick search gave me a myriad of options many ranging from $100+ up to the premium Wescott Ice Light 2 which cost $379 at B&H Photo. While I’m sure that these are all fine lights I just wasn’t quite prepared to lay out that kind of money at the time. Continuing my research I found the YOUKOYI Handheld Light Photography Portable LED Video Light Wand which is what I’ll be reviewing today.

REVIEW

Features:

  • Memory function and Dimmable
  • 2 colors temperature and 6 brightness modes
  • Emit 36 different levels total, 1000LM(max).
  • USB rechargable and can work up to 4 hours continuously after full charge.
  • Remote Control allowing you to control the light easily at the distance of 7 meters
  • 1/4″ thread in handle base to allow mounting to light stand or tripod

First impressions:

Coming in under the $100 mark I wasn’t expecting much in the way of quality, however I was pleasantly surprised. While not extremely heavy it definitely has a solid feel to it. The light itself has a soft diffused cover over it that 1″ wide x 15″ long and has a brushed aluminum cover on the sides/back.

Switching between the two color temperatures (3000k and 5700k) is as simple as a double press of the power button. Just below it are two arrow buttons where you can adjust the light intensity.

The ability to attach to a light stand is a nice bonus, but for my intended purposes not sure how much it will be used.

COST:

$59 on Amazon

PROS:

  • Lightweight yet sturdy
  • Good light temperature range and color
  • Long battery life
  • Light stand mountable
  • Carrying strap
  • Remote control
  • Storage bag
  • Cost

CONS:

  • Only 2 colors of light

Summary:

Well that pretty much wraps up this review. All in all I’m extremely happy with this light. While the addition of additional colors for the light might have been nice, honestly I’m not sure how much I would have used them. My primary purpose for this light is to light painting of car interiors. If I was hard pressed and needed to add color I could always add a gel to the diffuser. I would rate this light a good buy for someone looking to do light painting or want a nice portable portrait light.

SAMPLE:

This is a car interior that I light painted with the YOUKOYI.

Thanks for checking out our blog.

Doug