Tethering is a big part of most shoot setups, and the cable you use matters more than you’d think. Tether Tools is the go-to for most people, but there are alternatives worth knowing about, especially if you’ve dealt with connection drops or slow transfers.
Not All Cables Are Created Equal
The market is dominated by Tether Tools, but their cables aren’t your only option. There are solid choices available.
Tether Cable Brands to Consider
- Area51 Tether Co
- Cobra Tether
- Nine-Volt
- LVNA
- Jebi/ Rayout
Essential Tips for a Stable Tethered Workflow
1. Always Have Backup Cables
Carry at least two spare cables to prevent mid-shoot failures. A cable failure at the wrong moment can derail an entire shoot. Also consider extensions and pigtails, it’s a lot easier to replace a pigtail if damaged.
2. Turn Off USB Charging in Your Camera
Disable USB Power Supply settings in your camera menu to prioritize data transmission over charging. Not all cameras offer this setting so picking a cable that has USB-C PD disabled helps. Most cables produced in the last year have this disabled but it is good to check the specs. This can significantly improve connection stability since the camera is not trying to charge and tether at the same time.
3. Introduce a USB-A Connection When in Trouble
Switch from USB-C to USB-A connections if you’re experiencing dropped links. Sometimes the older connector type provides a more stable connection while trading speed.
4. Use an Externally Powered Dock
Use externally powered hubs to prevent bandwidth and power conflicts when connecting multiple peripherals. An underpowered hub can cause intermittent drops.
5. Consider Optical USB Cables for Long-Distance Tethering
Fiber-optic USB cables eliminate interference and allow longer tether runs without speed loss. Ideal for situations where you need extra cable length without signal degradation.