Review of the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3 for Timelapse Photography

Modern cameras have an interval option built in. Set an interval time and wait until you have enough footage for a timelapse video. However, with the right equipment, it is possible to take it to the next level. I reviewed the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3, which might be the right tool for the job.

I’ve been making timelapse videos for some time now. I’ve been using the built-in interval option of my camera on most occasions. It works great for regular interval settings. The minimum interval is one second, and I accepted this as inevitable.

I also have a selection of timers and intervalometers from both Canon and third-party manufacturers. Each offers the same minimum interval of one second. Some offer the ability to set a timelapse in combination with a bulb timer, which extends the flexibility a lot for nighttime timelapse sequences.

When I came across the LRTimelapse software, I also learned about the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3. This intervalometer is aimed at the professional market, offering many possibilities other timers lack. After careful consideration, I decided to order this timer.

I’ve been using the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3 for some time now. I like it a lot, and it offers some huge benefits over the regular intervalometers and timers, including the built-in timer of the Canon EOS R5 I’ve been using for years.

The Benefit of the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3

One of the key features of the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3 is the reduced autofocus signal time. It turns out every timer, including the built-in interval option of a camera, sends a separate autofocus signal prior to the shutter release signal. Even if the lens is set to manual focus, this signal is sent. After all, the timer is not aware of the manual setting and presumes it needs to focus before the actual shutter release is triggered.

For timelapse photography, ideally, the autofocus has to be turned off. Therefore, the autofocus signal isn’t necessary. Since the signal always results in a short delay, it can cause timing problems when the exposure time almost equals the interval. This problem can occur with a holy grail timelapse when the exposure needs to be corrected while shooting from daylight until nighttime.

The LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3 solves this problem by reducing the autofocus signal to the shortest possible time. As a result, shorter time intervals become available, with a minimum of 0.4 seconds. The LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3 also offers the ability to increase the interval time by 0.1-second increments. Every other timer I’ve come across only allows a minimum of one-second intervals, with one-second increments.

Six Different Functions

Although the autofocus signal time is one of the key benefits of the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3, this little device offers six different timelapse functions. Obviously, the regular timelapse function is an important one, but it also offers the TL/Astro (B) function. This allows for timelapse intervals with a bulb setting. If you just want to capture a single long exposure with bulb mode, the timer can also be used as a bulb timer. This is the third function.

The LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3 offers two programmable timelapse options. The first is a timed one, delaying the start of the timelapse by a certain amount of time, or a periodic timelapse, which offers the possibility to start and end a timelapse sequence on certain days of the week during a programmable duration. This is perfect for long-duration timelapse recordings of construction sites, for instance, where you can program the timer to shoot an interval from Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Last but not least, a custom timelapse function is available, offering a combination of the aforementioned functions. If needed, a timelapse program can be saved as a preset, which makes it easy to recall without needing to set the timer on location.

How It Handles

Much effort is made to keep the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3 as simple as possible. This makes it easy to use on location. The box has two hot shoe mounts and a simple OLED screen. One large knob is used for scrolling through the options and interval settings. A short press on the knob accepts the setting; pressing it long returns to the previous setting.

The knob is large and easy to operate, even with thick gloves. Next to the knob is the power switch. Two 2.5 mm jack connectors are located on the opposite side of the box for the shutter release cables. You can also find the USB-C charging port there.

Almost every setting in the tools menu can be kept at default. However, it enables you to fine-tune settings like the autofocus time, DSLM standby time, decouple time, and some other options.

Using the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3

Setting up the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3 for each interval option is pretty straightforward. The interval time can be chosen in 0.1-second increments, along with the number of shots. The timer displays information on the screen about the number of shots taken and the remaining amount. It shows the elapsed time and remaining time unless you’ve set the timer to unlimited shots. It also displays the duration of the timelapse video captured, based on the framerate you’ve set in the tools menu.

The timer stops automatically after the designated number of shots is taken. If the amount is set to unlimited, a long press of the knob offers a set of choices. One of the options is ending the timelapse, but it also allows you to ramp up or ramp down the interval.

Another feature is the flashlight option. The screen of the timer is set to white, which can be used to add a touch of light to the foreground. It only works in truly dark situations at night or with long exposure photography using the bulb setting.

I haven’t used the delayed timelapse function or the periodic timelapse function. As long as the clock of the unit is accurate, it will work automatically. I noticed that the clock has a small offset of a few seconds every few weeks. Be sure to check the clock settings every now and then.

Just like every other timer, it starts counting the moment the shutter is released. This is important to know when setting the interval with long exposures or the bulb timer. If the interval is shorter than the bulb exposure, the interval becomes unreliable. Fortunately, the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3 prevents you from making this mistake. The maximum bulb exposure setting possible takes the interval into account. Just make sure you add at least 0.4 seconds to the desired bulb exposure and use this as the interval.

The timer has two connectors. You can use it to connect two cameras, just as I have done. Or you can use the second connection for a dolly slider. In that case, the timer can be used to regulate the motion of the dolly slider. Since I don’t own such a device, I wasn’t able to use this function.

My Conclusion

After using the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3 for quite some time, it has started to grow on me. I prefer this little but powerful device over any other intervalometer. It also offers a lot of benefits over the built-in interval option of my camera. The real-time timelapse information on screen is more valuable than I initially thought.

Another benefit is the ability to connect two cameras. I love shooting a timelapse with two cameras, each with a different focal length. I would advise choosing a long second shutter release cable. This way, you get more flexibility for positioning the second camera. If you use a dolly slider, this will come in handy as well.

It would have been nice if the option for a separate timelapse setting per connector was possible. This would make the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3 even more versatile. However, it would also make the use of the device a bit more complex.

The two hot shoe connectors on the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3 allow for two positions on the camera: one with the screen facing upwards, and one facing to the back or front, depending on whether you use the flashlight option. There is a loop for attaching a lanyard or a Velcro strip. Unfortunately, there is no 1/4”-20 thread available.

I noticed that the rechargeable battery of the timer can only be charged with a USB-C/USB-A cable. This came as a surprise. Regarding the battery, on a single charge it will last a very long time. I have used it for more than nine hours in freezing temperatures, and it still has a 40% charge. If by any chance you need to replace the battery, this is possible. However, you need to dismantle the device in order to do so.

What I Like

• Offers six different timelapse functions
• Easy to use with a no-nonsense and minimal design
• Can be operated with gloves thanks to the one-knob operation
• OLED screen is simple but provides all the necessary timelapse information
• Two hot shoe connections for different orientations on the camera
• Two 2.5 mm jack connections for remote trigger cables
• Possibility to use the second connection to operate a dolly slider
• Minimal interval time of 0.4 seconds and 0.1-second increment settings, with a maximum of twelve hours
• Offers the shortest time delay possible for the autofocus signal
• Knob rotation direction and screen orientation can be changed
• Long-lasting rechargeable battery

What Could Be Improved

• Only a USB-C/USB-A cable can be used for charging the battery
• Built-in battery replacement requires dismantling the unit
• Hot shoe mount can be a little loose
• No 1/4”-20 thread
• No separate timelapse setting per connection possible
• Flashlight has limited use
• A simple pouch or storage box would have been nice

The LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3 comes with a simple USB-C/USB-A cable to charge the battery. Use the USB charger you probably already own. However, you need to buy a separate camera trigger cable. This prevents you from ending up with a bunch of different and useless cables. It also allows you to choose the right cable for your brand, with the desired length.

If you’re serious about timelapse photography, I can recommend the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3. At $239, it might feel expensive, but it offers a lot of benefits over the cheap third-party triggers and intervalometers on the market. However, it is not perfect. But the things that can be improved are just minor issues and are, for the most part, nice to have.