Review of the Phottix N8 (previously known as N1) Wireless Remote Control Set and my Nikon D300
Latest update: A new, updated remote, the Phottix Cleon is now available. Read my review of the Phottix Cleon N8.
Just like the Phottix Wireless Remote Set N8 (previously known as Phottix N1), the new Cleon is compatible with all Nikon cameras such as the D3X, D700, D3, D2X / D2Xs, D300, D200, D80 and D70s.
Get the Phottix Wireless Remote Set N8 on eBay instead of the Cleon if you prefer the lower cost unit and don't require the more advanced features on the Cleon.
After examining various options for remotely controlling my Nikon D300, I finally decided to buy the Phottix N8 wireless remote control set off eBay.
It's hard to argue with having to only pay $37.00 USD (shipped, and the remote is cheaper for other makes of cameras - see the Where To Buy section towards the end of this article) for the Phottix Wireless Remote Set N8 which
December 13th, 2007 at 3:52 am
Thanks for the review. I think you've sold me on the N1, since my ML-L3 doesn't work on the D300. You mention using it for group portraits - do you use the N1 with the Self-timer delay on the D300?
December 14th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Hi Thomas, I actually haven't tried including myself in a group portrait yet. Deciding which mode to use the remote with is probably a just a matter of preference. Having said that, yeah, the first thing I'd try would be to use the N1 to start the timer countdown.
19-Jan-2008 update: Thomas, I've included myself in a few group shots and found out that leaving the camera in the normal 'S' mode was enough to do the trick. I keep the remote hidden in the palm of my hand and just fire of multiple shots by pressing the button a couple of times. See these sample photos for an example.
December 22nd, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Thank you for your thorough review & pretty photos.
December 23rd, 2007 at 3:01 am
I think its just silly Why does nikon just built in the unit inside the camera really how much space would the divice take ? mabe it will be in the next model
December 27th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Nice review! I just bought a Phottix N1 for my Nikon D200 and have only had time to do some basic tests, but it seems to work fine both inside with flash and outside in daylight up to at least 50 yards (which is all the room I had to do a quick series of test shots). It seems to work fine and in my opinion is much better than the Nikon ML-3 infrared remote which I used with an earlier model Nikon (D70). The IR remote was a bit fussy about line of sight to the tiny sensor and also seem to be questionable beyond about 15 feet. Sometimes it fired, sometimes not. So far the Phottix has fired on every shot.
Have you tried looking a battery changing in the transmitter? It says on the box (only instructions) to open the back of the transmitter to change the 23A 12-volt alkaline battery in the transmitter?
It looks like this involves removing the two tiny Phillips head screws at top and bottom of the transmitter. Not too difficult but it looks a bit scary not knowing what's inside or how things are secured. I decided not to open it until necessary or learning more from someone else. Both this battery and the receiver CR2 3-volt lithium battery seem to be used in a lot of garage door remotes so should be easy to find and are not expensive.
Thanks again and please let me know if you have looked inside yet.
December 28th, 2007 at 8:57 am
Follow up to yesterday's question about changing transmitter battery: on another Nikon discussion forum today I got a reply from a user who had opened the transmitter by removing the two small screws at the top and bottom of the transmitter back cover.
He said it was an easy operation and that there is a standard battery holder inside similar to those you see for AA or AAA batteries, with metal clips and a spring. Nothing fell apart upon opening.
So I will feel more comfortable about replacing the 23A battery when it dies.
Thought all would like to know this.
December 30th, 2007 at 1:10 am
The written review was extremely impressive.
It was clear, to the point, covered the bases, and easy to read.
What lens did you use to shoot the close-up lettering?
January 1st, 2008 at 9:06 am
Does it work with the self timer mode of camera like canon 20d ?
I dont want remote to be visible in the shot, a shot using a timer can solve this can you please tell us that,,,:) thanks.
January 1st, 2008 at 10:29 am
@Ahmed - yes, it works with the self timer mode ... at least it does on my D300. It really just acts like a remote shutter release button - whatever modes the actual shutter button on the D300 can be used with, the Phottix can too.
January 13th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Just ordered one from ebay $30 with shipping. I have had my D300 for about a month now and feel I could use one when I get my 50-400. The zoom lens I have is also equipped with VR and is a Nikon 18-200 and only when I use the 2x teleconverter do I feel I need a remote to take the shot.
January 18th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Hello,
I received it yesterday, first try was ok with my D300.
This morning I reconnect it, remote control signal is well received on the receptor, but no action on the camera ( no AF, no shoot).
I 've controled the connection witn camera, and connection is good and screewed.
What's your opinion ?
January 18th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Lampion,
From the same camera position, are you able to AF and take a photo using the camera's shutter button? Even with the receiver connected, normal shutter button operations should continue to be available.
Please give us an update on your further tests.
I continue to get excellent performance with my copy of the Phottix N1 remote control - good luck to you!
January 21st, 2008 at 6:55 am
Excellent review. You've covered all the bases. I use a Phottix on my (cough, cough) Canon, as well as the Phottix High Capacity Battery Grip. Both are solid pieces of gear.
January 21st, 2008 at 9:59 pm
I've been looking for a replacement for my ML-L3 now that I've upgraded from a Nikon D50 to a D300. These devices are actually quite a lot cheaper than I thought. Thanks for the thorough review!
January 24th, 2008 at 8:36 am
it seems i'm having the same problem as lampion with my d300. and yes, i am able to af and take a picture using the camera's shutter button while the receiver is attached. the receiver and transmitter both seem to be working together (the receiver light blinks when the transmitter is activated)it just doesn't af or take a picture. camera is on program mode, and single shoot mode
January 27th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I bought the Phottix wireless remote approximately 3 months ago. Has worked like a charm until recently. Everything seems to function perfectly EXCEPT the shutter release. Half press will still autofocus but full press simply will not work anymore. The camera (D200) is not reporting any errors. Batteries have been changed in both units and different frequencies have been tested.
January 27th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Hi all,
Received a second email confirming that the Phottix was shipped last week. I shall let you know how it turns out after I had a chance to test it. I live in Florida USA, so it might take a while for it to arrive... If I encounter the same problems as some users claim they have eg half pressing is working etc. but no shutter release?! I shall attempt to find out which component(s) in the transmitter/receiver has failed...
January 28th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
@CMB - I wish you all the best with the remote - do keep us posted!
February 1st, 2008 at 12:14 am
I too wary about the Phottix unit until mine turned up from HK recently. What can I say: it just works and for that price, if it stops in a year I shall still consider it good value for money. I especially like the half-press AF capability too.
February 5th, 2008 at 8:37 am
today I received the Phottix remote that we ordered. After I had read the included letter and the information on the box. I proceeded to try it out.
Everything worked wonderfully, as advertised in a Review at http://www.dpnotes.com/phottix-cleon/). And yes I did read the news shortly after I ordered the Phottix N1 and was very pleased indeed to find that I've received the upgraded Phottix-Cleon. It is a great product besides there is nothing out there that can touch it...
Thank you for the nice reviews...
February 14th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I bough 2 Cleons Remotes, 1 had a bad Battery, I replaced the Bat.... and it worked just fine.
March 4th, 2008 at 7:29 am
HI just recieved mine today it doesnt seem to function in bulb mode when i turn it to b on the reciever the shutter opens i can push the transmitter button nothing happens any ideas
March 4th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Bret, the B position on the Phottix Cleon receiver is meant to only be used in wired mode, that is, without having to use the transmitter. If you wish to use the transmitter, then you slide the receiver switch to the On position, not B. With the camera in BULB mode, press and hold down the transmitter button for 3 seconds - this opens the shutter and keeps it open. To terminate the BULB exposure, half press the transmitter button and then let go. Read the BULB Exposures section of my Phottix Cleon review for the details.
April 14th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Just received the N1 today and I must say i was a bit sceptical at something so cheap. It seems to work an absolute treat and at that price £9.99 plus postage a bargain.
Nice review by the way.
May 25th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Hi, will the remote work as just a standard wired cable release. Ie if the battery goes flat will the cable release mode operate. thanks
May 25th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
@Victor - yes, the remote will work in wired mode even if the battery goes completely flat.
June 17th, 2008 at 11:54 am
[...] what you need, and how to use it. Oh, and why not use one of the cheap 3rd party remotes (e.g. Phottix N1 or Cleon N8), a real remote like a ML-3 or a MC-DC1 Remote cord? Well if I can DIY I’d [...]
June 21st, 2008 at 11:13 pm
[...] for my Nikon D200 on ebay that is one third the price of Nikon’s wired version. Here is a review of the remote.The Phottix remote can be used wired or wireless, and is very useful for photos of [...]
July 31st, 2008 at 7:26 am
Does this remote release screw into My Nikon D300 or does it slip in? I just wanted to be sure of how well it stays on the camera itself.
July 31st, 2008 at 8:56 am
@Jeff Thurman - you can do it either way - plug it right in, or plug it in and then screw it tight.
I normally just insert it in without screwing the collar as the fit quite snug.
November 13th, 2008 at 8:12 am
I just ordered the Phottix Cleon for my Nikon D300. I just hope it doesn't bother the camera's circuitry. Here's hoping!
Bill