TetherBoost Pro Lets Photogs Tether at 65 Feet Without Signal Loss

Tether Tools has announced TetherBoost Pro, a product that lets photographers shoot with a tethered USB 3.0 connection of up to 65 feet without any frustrating signal drops.

The company says that a common problem with USB 3.0 cameras these days — including models from Nikon, Canon, Phase One, Mamiya Leaf, and Pentax — is that longer tethered connections often drop or are difficult to establish.

“The core issue is that computer manufacturers, often in an attempt to be as efficient with power as possible, are either under-powering or dynamically-powering their USB 3.0 ports,” Tether Tools says. “These manufacturers are not currently considering the unique needs of photographers and this is causing connectivity issues.”

So, TetherBoost Pro sits between the computer and the USB 3.0 cable to regulate power and ensure that the connection operates at full speeds from 15 to 65 feet. It can be used with or without external power (with an included adapter cable), but powering the unit externally will help save the batteries in your computer and camera.

Here’s an introduction to how the system works:

While a 15-foot USB 3.0 cable and a single TetherBoost Pro is enough to shoot tethered with a distance of 15 feet, you’ll need multiple components if you wish to tether at 65 feet. The recommended 65-foot setup comprises a USB 3.0 cable, a TetherBoost Pro, two Active Extension cables, another TetherBoost Pro, and another Active Extension cable.

The TetherBoost Pro comes with the unit itself, a JerkStopper Extension Lock that keeps cables from disconnecting, the USB-DC power cable, and an AC power adapter. It costs $65 and is available today. A 16-foot Active Extension cable costs $49.