Tether Tools Aero System
We just got our hands on Tether Tools’ Aero System, a modular system of accessories designed specifically for photographers and digital techs who shoot tethered.
Versatile
The Aero System is based around various sized Tether Tables; a nicely built “music-stand” style piece of aircraft grade aluminium. There range of Table sizes are meant to match Apple computers, from the 13″ Macbook up to a 27″ iMac. It is onto these tables that the system of optional Tether Tools accessories are mounted. The Aero series of Tether Tables features the LAJO-4 ProBracket. This bracket allows the use of the three of the most common light stand/tripod mounting options, (1/4″-20, 3/8″ & 5/8″) as well as an Arca Swiss style tripod mount. This modular design will allow you to set up your Tether Table on standard tripod legs, a standard light stand, a C-Stand, or an Arca Swiss Compatible tripod head.
Expandable
The table is nice, especially the versatility of mounting options it provides. But we’ve seen many such tables. What sets this system apart is the completeness of the Aero System accessory line which are easily used with the table to expand it’s functionality and suit it to a particular need, whether that’s a solo shooter in the field or a large-scale studio shoot.
We decided to base our showroom setup around a MacBook Pro 17″. We used a Tether Table mounted to an Induro tripod with a PHQ-series pan/tilt head using the LAJO-4 ProBracket’s Arca Swiss-style mounting plate. We also mounted the Aero XDC Duo, which neatly houses two stacked external hard drives for proper data security while in the field. We added the Aero Cup Holder as well, which can be used to hold drinks (something without an open lid would be preferable of course) or memory cards and other small items.
Safe & Secure
The most appealing accessory for tethered shooters is the Jerkstopper Tethering Kit, which includes Jerkstoppers designed to attach to at both the camera and computer ends of the cable. A cable which is too loose will pop out easily and disconnect the camera. A cable which is too tight (e.g. gaffe taped to the tripod leg) runs the risk of damaging equipment in case the cable is suddenly jerked, pulling over a tripod or ripping the camera out of the photographer’s hands. The Jerkstopper kit helps with both issues by taking the “tension point” of the cable away from both the computer and camera it reduces the risk of accidental disconnects but does so with a connector that should pop loose if given a catastrophic tug (e.g. someone tripping over the cable) or at least help reduce the force.
Accessorize
Tether Tools also has several smaller, yet equally well thought out accessories that can help put the finishing touch on your custom set up, including the USB LED ProLight & SecureStrap
iPad Mounting for Capture Pilot
However, we think most photographers will get excited about the integration of Apple’s iPad into the tethering set up using the Wallee group of accessories. The Wallee system centers around a special iPad case that allows several different mounting options for your iPad, depending on your specific needs. The Wallee Connect Kit includes the iPad case as well as a LAJO-4 ProBracket with the special “X-mark-the-spot” Wallee mount, allowing you to mount the iPad to any of the same grip equipment as the Tether Table.
Combined with Capture Pilot, you can safely set up the iPad to remotely view your work as its shot without having to worry about someone carrying it around. But if attaching the iPad to a C-Stand or tripod doesn’t make sense where you are, theres also Wallee Hand Strap for safe carrying of an iPad or an iMac style stand called the Pivot. This keeps your hand out of the way of the screen. Either way there are near endless ways to mount and integrate the iPad into your workflow.
In Stock!
We have most of the Tether Tools line in stock and ready to ship. Please contact us or call 877.217.9870 to place your order today!