So i went through this last year when i started getting more serious with my 7D Mark II. Basically, that N3 connector is way more heavy-duty than the little jacks on the rebel series, but the downside is that Canon charges a premium for it. Honestly, i was sooo paranoid about using non-Canon stuff at first cuz i didn't want to break those tiny pins inside the camera port. But the price of the Canon RS-80N3 Remote Switch is literally $50 for just a button!! In my experience, over the years I've realized that as long as you're careful, the third-party stuff is totally fine. I actually tried an ultra-cheap $10 one first and the plastic was so thin i was terrified it would snap off. After some research, I decided to try a more reliable mid-range option. I ended up getting the Pixel TW-283 N3 Wireless Remote Control for about $38. It's been a lifesaver because it gives you wireless freedom for macro stuff (totally eliminates vibration), but you can still use it as a wired release if you forget to charge the batteries. The intervalometer works great for timelapses too, tho the menu is kinda confusing... i definitely had to look up a video to figure it out lol. If you want a more "pro" feel for around $50, the Vello ShutterBoss II Timer Remote for Canon N3 is super solid and holds up better in the field. Just be gentle when plugging them in! gl

I would suggest not overthinking the brand name stuff tbh. I’ve been using the 7D Mark II for years and I actually had an official Canon cable fail on me during a freezing sunrise shoot once... seriously frustrating. Since then, I’ve stuck to cheaper gear that works just as well. Here is what I've found holds up:
- Vello ShutterBoss II Timer Remote for Canon N3: This is the best value imo. It’s got a solid intervalometer for timelapses and costs way less than the Canon version.
- Pixel TW-283 N3 Wireless Timer Remote Control: If you wanna go wireless, this is a great budget pick. It’s reliable and the range is actually decent for landscape work.
- JJC MA-A Wired Remote Switch for Canon N3: I always keep one of these in my bag as a $10 backup. Just make sure to pack extra batteries... some of these off-brand screens are highkey thirsty. gl!

I've spent way too much time looking into the market for these N3 accessories because honestly it’s just wild and it seems like half the brands are basically selling the exact same hardware with a different sticker slapped on it... I remember doing a deep dive when I first got my 7D II and realized that while Canon wants a fortune for their stuff the mid-tier market is where it's at. I was looking at the Phottix TR-90 Digital Timer Remote for a while because they’ve got a reputation for being a bit more 'pro' than the bargain-bin stuff and it’s actually pretty solid in terms of build quality. But then you have brands like JJC which are everywhere and I'm pretty sure they make the internals for half the other brands anyway! I ended up picking up the JJC MET-A Timer Remote Control for my intervalometer needs and it’s been surprisingly durable for such a cheap piece of gear. It’s funny because you can find sooo many versions of these that look identical but the quality control is reallyyy what you’re paying for when you go slightly above the bottom-tier generic stuff. Just check the reviews to see if people complain about the cable thickness because that's usually where the cheap ones fail first!

In my experience, I totally get why ur hesitant about the official Canon stuff—it's seriously so expensive for what it is!! I’ve had my 7D Mark II for years and honestly, I stopped buying the brand-name accessories a long time ago. I actually ended up getting a wireless setup from Vello for that N3 port and it’s been amazing for my macro shots! It basically gives u so much more freedom to move around without worrying about tripping over wires in the dark... or knocking ur tripod in the middle of a long exposure. Plus, the one I have has a built-in intervalometer that works great for timelapses! I was kinda worried it might be flimsy but it’s actually held up really well in the field. I'd definitely say go for a third-party brand like Pixel or Vello instead of overpaying. Have u looked into those wireless ones yet? They're such a game changer! gl!

Same setup here, love it

I have been shooting with the 7D II for a long time now and honestly, my favorite DIY-style workaround for timelapses isnt even a remote. I usually just tether it to my phone using a basic USB OTG cable and qDslrDashboard. It gives you a massive interface for macro focus and way more intervalometer settings than those cheap plastic remotes ever could. If you really want a handheld unit tho, dont waste your money on the Canon logo. I have had great luck with the JJC MET-A Multi-Function Timer Remote. It is built surprisingly well and handles the N3 connection perfectly. Another solid budget pick is the Neewer LCD Timer Shutter Release. Honestly, the electronics inside these are so simple that you are basically just paying for the plastic shell. Pro tip: if you go with a cheap one, just wrap the cable ends in some electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing to prevent fraying and it will last you for years.