Phottix Cleon wireless / wired remote for the Canon 5D Mark II, 50D, Digital Rebel XSi and other Canon digital SLR cameras

The Phottix Cleon and Mega Cleon remote control is sold for all Canon digital SLR cameras, the Canon 5D Mark II, 1Ds / 1D Mark III, 50D / 40D, XSi / 450D, XS / 1000D.

August 8th, 2008 update:
The Phottix Mega Cleon remotes are a newer version of the Phottix Cleon. The main enhancement is a larger transmitter which should provide for a stronger signal strength that works better over larger distances.

Make sure you get the correct version:

1. Mega Cleon C8 for 50D, 5D Mark II, 1Ds Mark III, 40D, 30D, 20D, 5D, 1D and 1Ds-series
2. Mega Cleon C6 for the Digital Rebels, XSi / 450D, XS / 1000D, XTi / 400D, XT / 350D

End update.

Having done a review of the Phottix Cleon N8 2-in-1 remote for my D300 in particular, I was asked if I would help to do an equivalent review for the Canon DSLR cameras.

I agreed and what follows is a writeup on the Phottix Cleon C8 (which is sold on eBay for the mid to higher end Canon digital SLR cameras.

You might want to compare various remote shutter release / trigger options for mid to high end Canon digital SLR cameras before deciding which solution you want to go with.

What is the Phottix Cleon C8?

As I write this, the Phottix Cleon is, as far as I know, the only remote control on the market that combines wired and wireless functionality in one set.

The Phottix Cleon C8 remote set consists of two components, the transmitter and the receiver.

You also get a lanyard and a clip in the package for securing the transmitter if needed.

Phottix Cleon C8 receiver and transmitter

There are two models of Cleon for Canon:

• Phottix Cleon C6 for the Digital Rebel series - XSi / 450D, XTi / 400D, XT / 350D. The C6 is also compatible with Pentax cameras, namely K20D, K200D, K10D and K100D.
• Phottix Cleon C8 for 1Ds series - 1Ds Mark III, IDs Mark II, 1D Series - 1D Mark III, 1D Mark II N, EOS 5D Mark II, 50D, 40D, 30D

This video will give you a better understanding of the Cleon - to view a larger video, click here:

The receiver

Phottix Cleon C8 receiver

The C8 is designed with a connector that will fit into the N3 terminal - you might like to read up on the technical aspects of the N3 terminal.

Cleon receiver connector

Remote control terminal (type N3) on the Canon 40D

Cleon receiver connected to the Canon 40D

The Phottix Cleon C6 is the model you want to get if you're using it for the Digital Rebel cameras. The C6 is also compatible with Pentax digital SLR cameras like the K20D (shown below).

Phottix Cleon C6 connected to a Pentax K20D

At the bottom of the receiver is an adaptor foot that allows you to mount the receiver on the camera's hotshoe:
Cleon receiver hotshoe adaptor foot

Mounting the receiver on the hotshoe is convenient if you're not thinking of using flash. I have to mention that even the internal flash cannot be popped up with the receiver mounted this way.

If you require the use of flash, the receiver cable can be easily coiled around the lens, tripod or simply left to hang loose (be careful not to get it tangled with other objects though).

Full view of the Cleon receiver mounted on the Canon 40D's hotshoe

Rear view of the Cleon receiver mounted on the Canon 40D's hotshoe

The foot on the receiver is non-directional, so you can mount the unit with the status LEDs facing the front or the back. At the risk of stating the obvious, it's best to position the receiver such that the photographer has a clear view of the LEDs. This is especially important when using the Cleon in wireless mode.

Cleon receiver mounted on flash hotshoe with status LEDs facing front

Cleon receiver mounted on flash hotshoe with status LEDs facing rear

Also supplied in the package is a single CR2 battery which is meant to be inserted in the battery compartment of the receiver. The compartment lid is easily removed by sliding it open.

Lithium CR2 battery for the Cleon receiver

The battery is only required if you intend to use the Cleon in wireless mode, and we'll talk about this next.

Wireless mode

As mentioned before, communications between the transmitter and receiver is via 315 MHz radio frequency, so line of sight is not required. You might want to be aware of the fact that RF usage is regulated in certain countries and locations (for instance, in France), so your only option is to use the Cleon receiver as a remote control (or purchase a separate IR / infrared remote) when you're there.

Cleon transmitter with the antenna fully extended

Channel selector switches on the Cleon receiver and transmitter

Half-press on the Cleon transmitter's button

Full-press on the Cleon transmitter's button

Sample photos and applications

I always like to point to this photo sequence as one of the best examples of the Cleon's usefulness to me. Click the image to see a larger version and to get more details.

The Cleon is also an excellent accessory to help you shoot BULB exposures. I don't want to repeat what I've written elsewhere so please refer to the section on shooting with the Cleon N8 in BULB mode. The steps are documented for the Nikon D300, but the principles apply regardless of the camera model.

Where to buy

The Phottix Cleon C8 is sold on eBay.

If you would rather have another kind of wireless remote with less features than the Cleon, check out the Phottix C1 and C3 sets:

1. Phottix Wireless Remote Set C1 for Canon 350D / XT, 400D / XTi and 450D / XSi
2. Phottix Wireless Remote Set C3 for Canon 50D, 5D Mark II, 1Ds Mark III, 20D, 30D, 40D, 1D Mark III, 1Ds series and 1D series

I have written a review for the Phottix Wireless Remote Set N1, which is the equivalent remote that fits my Nikon D300. You might want to check that out before deciding whether to go for the Cleon C8 / C6 or the C1 / C3.