The Tether Tools TetherPro Right Angle Adapter USB 3.0 to USB 3.0 Micro-B 5-Pin Pigtail Cable (20", Orange) is a specialized, short cable designed to solve a common problem in tethered photography: a fragile and easily-strained camera port.
Here's a detailed breakdown of its features and purpose:
Key Features and Functionality
Right-Angle Connector: This is the most important feature. The Micro-B connector on one end of the cable is angled at 90 degrees. This design allows the cable to route neatly down the side of the camera body, reducing strain on the camera's delicate port. It also makes for a cleaner, more organized setup.
"Pigtail" Design: At 20 inches (approximately 50 cm), this cable is intentionally short. It's meant to be a "pigtail" or adapter that connects to your camera's port and then to a longer, more robust cable, such as a TetherPro USB 3.0 Active Extension. This setup provides a quick-release point. If someone trips on the long cable, the connection breaks at the junction of the two cables, protecting your camera's port from damage.
USB 3.0 SuperSpeed: The cable is built to USB 3.0 specifications, offering data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbps. This ensures fast and reliable image transfers, which is crucial for a smooth tethering workflow.
High-Visibility Orange: The bright orange color is a Tether Tools signature. It makes the cable easy to see on a busy set, reducing the risk of people tripping over it and causing damage to your gear.
Durable Construction: Tether Tools is known for building high-quality, professional-grade cables. This cable is fully shielded to protect against signal interference, and the durable materials are designed to withstand the rigors of a professional shooting environment.
Compatibility: It is compatible with a wide range of cameras that use a USB 3.0 Micro-B 5-pin port for tethering.
Benefits for Photographers
Port Protection: By far the biggest benefit. The right-angle design and "pigtail" concept work together to minimize the risk of damage to your camera's USB port, which can be expensive and difficult to repair.
Enhanced Cable Management: The right-angle design allows the cable to hug the camera body, leading to a cleaner, more streamlined setup. This is especially useful when using a TetherBlock to secure the cable to the camera.
Flexibility and Quick Setup: The short pigtail cable is designed to be paired with a longer extension cable. This allows you to quickly connect and disconnect your setup without having to fiddle with the connection directly at the camera.
Reliable Performance: The high-quality construction and shielding ensure a stable and consistent connection, preventing dropped transfers and other connectivity issues that can slow down a shoot.