idigi wrote:

I use Phottix Mega Cleon on my 50D.

1) When you press the button on the wireless remote halfway – it initiates autofocus.

2) On the wired remote you can switch to the ‘bulb’ mode that will hold the shutter open until you move the switch back. You don’t have to hold the button down. However, it does not have the timer.

I shot some fireworks a week ago with Phottix in ‘bulb’ mode. I used different timing to get different effects for fireworks. I was able to preview the image quickly on a screen, which helped me to decide on the timing for the next one. I set the lens to manual focus.

chevysales wrote that the best remote for the 50D was …

phottix on ebay…best deal out there… wired or wireless.

i love mine worked great with fireworks.

You might like to refer to the following posts on DPNotes that talk about the Phottix remote units:

• Phottix Cleon wireless / wired remote for the Canon 5D Mark II, 50D, Digital Rebel XSi and other Canon digital SLR cameras.
• Remote Shutter Release / Trigger Options for Mid to High End Canon Digital SLR Cameras.
• Phottix Plato Review.
• Phottix Nikos Review.

Shooting around 4-10 seconds long with F11-22 should deliver the quality that you want. Obviously, you’re not using a flash as your flash will do nothing to help your images from that range. To get the cleanest image quality without banding or grain, you may want to go for ISO 100-400. Additionally, use the method of focusing that video professionals use: zoom in, focus perfectly on the subject and then zoom out to compose your shot.