Choosing your tether cable: Technical specifications

Tether cables are USB cables designed specifically for professional photographic applications. They are essential for ensuring the connection and transfer of data between your camera and computer when shooting in tether mode.

There are many different types of tether cable, depending on the camera and computer connectors you use, the desired data transfer speed and the flexibility of the cable and its length.

You should also consider, when choosing your tether cable, whether you want a bi-directional or unidirectional cable. In some cases, cables can also be used for video transfer between the camera and an external monitor. In some cases, cables can also be used for video transfer between the computer and an external monitor.

Find out everything you need to know in this article about choosing the right cable for your camera, computer and workflow.

Data transfer speed

Tether cables are designed for high-speed data transmission, with transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps, and even up to 20 Gbps depending on the model.

Data transfer speed is essential in a medium like photography, where you need fast transfer of sometimes large files.

Power supply

Some tether cables feature a power supply, allowing you to charge your camera while shooting in tethered mode. Other cables don’t have this option, and are only used for data transfer from camera to computer.

Right-angle connector

Some tether cables are equipped with right-angle connectors. They offer a practical, ergonomic solution for configurations where shooting space is restricted or where straight connectors can be problematic.

Unidirectional or bidirectional cable

Bidirectional cables can be used in both directions. They transmit data whichever way you plug them in.

Unidirectional cables, on the other hand, allow data transfer in one direction only.

Cobra Tether offers both bidirectional and unidirectional cables. Their unidirectional cables are easily identified by integrated repeaters and clearly marked connectors. The connector for the computer can be identified by a laptop symbol, while the one for the camera bears the Cobra Tether brand logo.

Video data transfer between computer and external display

Tether cables are mainly used to transfer data between a camera and a computer. However, in some cases, the tether cable can also be used to transfer video data between a computer and an external display.

Typically, these are bi-directional cables and/or cables with a transfer speed of 10 Gbps using DisplayPort technology.

Length and flexibility

Available in different sizes and colors, tether cables adapt to different working configurations and photographers’ workflows, whether in the studio or out in the field. Sometimes you’ll need a longer cable for greater mobility.

For example, Cobra Tether offers 5-meter and 10-meter cables in yellow and black. The TetherTools brand offers 4.6-meter orange cables.

The flexibility of tether cables makes them easier to handle without compromising signal quality.

2. The most important USB standards

There are different types of USB standards. In the table below, we summarize USB cable types, their names, connector types and maximum transfer speeds.

3. Connector types

• USB-A: The most common, rectangular, on hosts like computers.
• USB-B: On peripherals such as printers.
• USB-C: On cameras, for transmitting data, video and power.
• Micro-A: Mainly designed for use on hosts (like computers) to connect to peripherals.
• Micro-B: Mainly used on peripherals such as a camera to connect to hosts (such as a computer).

In the context of tether cables, as shown in the table above, the most widely used connectors are USB-C and Micro-B, as most of today’s cameras and computers are equipped with these two types of connector.

For example, you’ll find USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to Micro-B cables.

Choosing the right tether cable

Choosing the right tether cable is crucial to ensuring fast, reliable data transfers during studio photography sessions.

Cables available on the market offer a variety of specifications such as transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbit/s with USB 3.1 Gen 2, various connector types such as USB-C and Micro-B, and bidirectional or unidirectional options depending on specific needs.

It’s also important to consider length, flexibility and compatibility with the latest USB standards to optimize performance.

By choosing reputable brands like TetherTools, Cobra Tether or Area 51, which generally align with the most advanced standards, photographers ensure robust and efficient connectivity in their photographic workflow.