Are there any recommended remote shutter releases for Canon EOS 6D?

Question

Honestly I am so fed up with this cheap generic remote I bought off Amazon last month. Its some brand I cant even pronounce and it has failed me for the last time. I was out trying to get some long exposure shots of the city skyline last night and the stupid thing just stopped triggering halfway through a 2-minute bulb exposure. Like it just disconnected for no reason? And then the button got physically stuck down so my camera just kept firing off shots until I literally had to rip the cable out of the port. Its so frustrating when youre trying to be precise and your gear just decides to quit on you in the middle of a shot.

Im using an old Canon 6D—the original one not the Mark II—and I really need something reliable for a trip I have coming up to Joshua Tree next weekend. Im planning on doing a lot of astrophotography and I cannot have my equipment failing when Im miles away from home in the middle of the desert in the dark. I tried using the Canon Camera Connect app on my phone but honestly that app is absolute garbage. It takes forever to sync and then the signal drops if I even look at my phone the wrong way.

Here is what I am looking for specifically:

Must have the N3 type connector because the 6D doesnt use the simple 2.5mm jack like the Rebels

Budget is probably around 50 to 80 dollars tops but I might go a little higher if its actually built to last

I prefer a wired one just for simplicity and reliability but a wireless one that actually stays connected would be a dream

Needs a solid lock for bulb mode because holding a button down for several minutes is just not happening

Something with a cable that isnt gonna fray after two uses

I looked at the official Canon RS-80N3 but it feels like a lot of money for just a button on a wire? Is it actually worth the extra cash or are there third party brands like Vello or Neewer that people actually trust? I just want something that clicks when I press it and doesnt feel like a cheap plastic toy. Does anyone have a specific model they swear by for the 6D? Im honestly ready to throw this current one in the trash...

ezra.boyd · Accepted Answer

Just saw this and I gotta say, Joshua Tree is gonna be amazing for astro! The dark skies there are absolutely stunning. Before I give a full recommendation tho, are you planning on just doing single long exposures or are you looking to do time-lapses and star trails too? That makes a huge difference in what gear you should pack for the trip. If you want something that is actually built to last, you should definitely check out the Vello ShutterBoss II Remote Switch with Digital Timer for Canon with N3 Connection. I have used this one for years on my own gear and it is a total workhorse! It feels way more solid than those cheap generic ones and the N3 connector fits perfectly snug. It handles bulb mode like a pro and lets you program everything precisely. If you have the budget and want the absolute best, the Canon TC-80N3 Timer Remote Controller is the industry standard for a reason. It is incredibly reliable in the field. But honestly, the Vello is fantastic for the price and fits right in your budget range!

AccidentalGenius · Answer

I went through the exact same struggle with my 6D a few years back when I was just starting to get serious about night photography. I remember standing in the freezing cold trying to get some shots of the Milky Way, and my five-dollar eBay remote literally snapped in half in my hand. It was a total nightmare. After that, I decided I wasnt gonna spend a hundred bucks on a basic Canon cable, but I also couldnt trust the bottom-barrel stuff anymore. I ended up picking up the Vello ShutterBoss II Remote Switch with Digital Timer for Canon N3 Connection and honestly, its the sweet spot for budget vs quality. It has that N3 plug you need and it doesnt feel like its gonna crumble. The screen is backlit too which is a lifesaver when youre stumbling around in the dark at places like Joshua Tree. I used it for a three-hour star trail session once and the bulb lock never slipped... which was a huge relief after my previous gear failures. If you want to save even more cash and just want the basic button without all the timer settings, the JJC Wired Remote Shutter Release S-C2 for Canon N3 Connection is a solid bet for way less than the OEM version. Its basically a sturdy clone of the official Canon one but the cable feels a bit thicker. Tbh, as long as the connection is tight, you dont need much else for long exposures. Just make sure the N3 pins are straight when you plug it in... seen plenty of people bend them by forcing it when they are tired.

Knox Alexander Gonzales · Answer

I feel your pain on this one. Ngl, I have been burned by those generic remotes too many times to count. It is so disappointing when you hike out for a shot and a five dollar piece of plastic ruins everything. I tried to save money once on a knockoff and the bulb lock failed mid-exposure... absolute nightmare. Honestly, the Canon RS-80N3 Remote Switch is overpriced, even if it is built like a tank. If you want something reliable that fits your budget, I would go with the Vello ShutterBoss II Remote Switch with Timer for Canon N3. I have used it on my 6D for years and it has never let me down. The N3 connection is solid and the cable feels way more durable than those thin generic wires. If you just want a basic button without the screen, the Vello RS-C2II Wired Remote Switch for Canon N3 is a great budget pick that actually lasts.