Best Remote Shutter Releases for Canon EOS 5DS R
The Canon EOS 5DS R is a 50.6-megapixel beast, but that extreme resolution comes with a catch: it is incredibly sensitive to even the slightest camera shake. To capture the tack-sharp landscapes and studio shots this sensor is capable of, a remote shutter release isn’t just an accessory—it’s a necessity. I’ve tested dozens of triggers on my own 5DS R, and while the official Canon RS-80N3 remains my top pick for pure reliability, there are several wireless and intervalometer options that offer more versatility for modern workflows.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Remote Shutter Releases for Canon EOS 5DS R: Detailed Reviews
Canon RS-80N3 View on Amazon View on B&H
When you are shooting with a 50MP sensor, you cannot afford a “maybe.” The Canon RS-80N3 is the standard-bearer for the 5-series line. It is a simple, wired remote that connects via the 5DS R’s three-pin N3 port. What I love most about this unit is the tactile feedback; the button has a distinct half-press for focusing and a full-press for the shutter, with a sliding lock for long bulb exposures. Because it draws power directly from the camera, you never have to worry about batteries dying in the middle of a shoot. The 2.6-foot cord is just long enough to prevent vibration while standing next to your tripod. It’s weather-sealed to match the 5DS R’s build quality, making it a “buy it once, use it for a decade” kind of tool. The only downside is the lack of a built-in timer, but for pure shutter activation, it’s unbeatable.
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Pixel TW-283 N3 View on Amazon View on B&H
If you need to move away from the camera—perhaps for wildlife photography or self-portraits—the Pixel TW-283 is an incredible value proposition. This is a wireless system consisting of a receiver that sits on your hot shoe and a handheld transmitter. It uses the 2.4GHz frequency, which I’ve found reliable up to about 80 meters in open fields. Beyond just being a remote, it’s a full intervalometer. You can program delay, exposure time, interval, and number of shots, which is perfect for creating high-resolution time-lapses with your 5DS R. The build is definitely more “plasticky” than the official Canon gear, and you’ll need to keep an eye on the AAA batteries in both units. However, for a fraction of the cost of a premium remote, you get nearly every feature imaginable. It even includes the specific N3 cable needed for the 5DS R’s port.
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Vello RS-C2II View on Amazon View on B&H
Sometimes you just need something cheap and effective to throw in your bag “just in case.” The Vello RS-C2II is exactly that. It’s a third-party wired remote that mimics the functionality of the Canon RS-80N3 at a third of the price. You get a focus-lock button and a shutter-lock for long exposures. While the cable feels a bit thinner and the N3 connector isn’t quite as snug as the OEM version, it performs the primary task—eliminating finger-press vibration—perfectly well. I often recommend this to photographers who do most of their work handheld but occasionally set up a tripod for a sunset or a family photo. It requires no power and takes up almost no space. Just be careful not to yank the cord too hard, as the internal wiring isn’t quite as robust as more expensive options, but for the price, it’s a steal.
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Canon TC-80N3 View on Amazon View on B&H
The Canon TC-80N3 is the “big brother” to the RS-80N3 and is widely considered the gold standard for wired intervalometers. If you are serious about night sky photography or long-term time-lapses with your 5DS R, this is the one to get. It features a self-timer, interval timer, long-exposure timer, and exposure-count setting. The backlit LCD screen is a lifesaver when you’re fumbling around in the dark trying to set up a shot. Unlike the wireless Pixel unit, this is a tank; the plastics are high-grade, and the buttons are weather-sealed. The logic is a bit old-school (it’s been around since the film days), but its reliability is legendary. It uses a CR2032 battery that lasts for years. While the 5DS R has a basic built-in intervalometer, the TC-80N3 offers much more control over exposure duration and “bulb” timing, making it indispensable for complex deep-space imaging.
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Pluto Trigger View on Amazon View on B&H
If you want to push the 5DS R into experimental territory, the Pluto Trigger is a fascinating piece of kit. It’s essentially a smart-hub that connects your camera to your smartphone via Bluetooth. From the app, you can trigger the shutter based on sound, light (lightning photography!), or even a laser beam break (great for water droplets or high-speed action). It includes 24 different modes, including star trail and HDR settings. I find the lightning trigger particularly responsive—crucial when trying to capture a split-second bolt with a high-res sensor. The only caveat is that it requires a smartphone to function fully, and you have to ensure you select the “Canon N3” cable option during purchase. It’s a bit more complex to set up than a standard remote, but the creative possibilities it unlocks for a 50MP body are staggering.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Remote Shutter Release
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon RS-80N3 | Landscape Pros | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Pixel TW-283 N3 | Time-lapse/Wireless | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Vello RS-C2II | Budget/Casual | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Canon TC-80N3 | Astrophotography | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Pluto Trigger | Creative/High-Speed | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Canon 5DS R have a built-in remote receiver?
The 5DS R does have an infrared (IR) receiver on the grip, which is compatible with the Canon RC-6 remote. However, IR remotes require a direct line of sight and have a very limited range, especially in bright sunlight. For professional work, I always recommend using the N3 port remotes because they are significantly more reliable and don’t require you to be standing in front of the camera to trigger it.
What is the difference between an N3 and an E3 connector?
The N3 connector is a proprietary three-pin locking plug used on high-end Canon DSLRs like the 5D, 7D, and 1D series. The E3 connector is a standard 2.5mm “sub-mini” jack used on the Rebel series and the 60D/70D/80D line. They are not interchangeable. If you buy a remote with an E3 connector for your 5DS R, it simply won’t fit into the port on the side of your camera.
Do I really need a remote if my 5DS R has a built-in timer?
While the 2-second or 10-second self-timer can reduce shake, it’s not ideal for all situations. A remote shutter release allows you to time your shot perfectly—for example, waiting for a lull in the wind or a specific wave to hit a rock. It also allows for “Bulb” mode exposures, which let you keep the shutter open for minutes at a time, something the standard timer cannot manage effectively.
Can I use a smartphone app to trigger the 5DS R?
The 5DS R does not have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, so you cannot use the Canon Camera Connect app natively. To use a smartphone, you would need a third-party accessory like the Pluto Trigger or a CamRanger, which plugs into the camera’s USB or N3 port and creates its own wireless network to communicate with your phone. This adds complexity but provides a modern interface for an older DSLR.
Will a remote shutter release help with mirror slap?
Indirectly, yes. Using a remote is part of a “stability workflow.” For the best results with the 5DS R, you should use a remote release in conjunction with “Mirror Lockup” mode or the “Mirror Vibration Control System” built into the camera. By using a remote, you ensure that your finger’s physical pressure on the body doesn’t add to the internal vibrations caused by the mirror mechanism.
Final Verdict
If you are a professional landscape or studio photographer using the Canon EOS 5DS R, the Canon RS-80N3 is the essential choice for its fail-proof design. For those looking to experiment with time-lapses or wildlife, the Pixel TW-283 offers the best features-to-price ratio. Finally, if you just want a backup shutter release that fits in your pocket and costs less than a memory card, the Vello RS-C2II is your best bet.
