When professional photographer and content creator Kevin Deal first encountered Tether Tools five years ago, he purchased a tethering cable that, as he puts it, “spent countless hours connected to my laptop on either a Canon R5 or a Fuji GFX… I bet it could last another 5 years with ease.” But as camera technology evolved—demanding faster speeds, more power stability, and better performance—so did his workflow needs.
In a recent review video, Kevin dives into Tether Tools’ newest innovations: the All-In-One Portable Studio Tethering Kit and the TetherPro Optima 10G Cable. Both products were put through real-world studio and on-location testing, and Kevin’s honest, independent take showcases why these tools are becoming essential for working pros.
A Studio-Grade Workflow, Anywhere: The All-In-One Kit
The second half of Kevin’s review focused on the All-In-One Portable Studio Tethering Kit, a modular rig built for mobility, flexibility, and studio-level organization. Known for admitting his setups are often a “hot mess,” Kevin saw immediate value in the kit’s organization features:
“Could this be the solution to keep my workspace organized during shoots? I certainly hope so.”
After assembly, which took him just 5 to 10 minutes, Kevin was impressed by the kit’s thoughtful design and configurability:
“You can configure your setup based on your preferred workflow… Whether you’re left-handed, right-handed, or just have a preferred shooting direction, this kit adapts to you.”
Kevin said.
Some key features that stood out to him:
- Symmetrical crossbar design with four mounting points
- Quick-adjust vertical sidearm for top-down product photography
- Secure tripod roller, laptop table, and cable management system
- Robust machining and high-quality materials
“The build quality is superb. The machining, the durability—it all feels exactly like what I’d expect from a $600 product. It actually exceeded my expectations,” said Kevin.
He especially appreciated the real-world convenience:
“Before I had it, I’d often end up putting my camera on the studio floor while adjusting a light… This solves that.”
Doubling Down on Speed & Stability: The Optima 10G Cable
Kevin also upgraded to the TetherPro Optima 10G Cable—a product line designed to meet the increasing demands of high-megapixel cameras and modern workflows. After years of using the original Tether Tools TetherPro cable, Kevin noticed the significant upgrades in the new model:
“It looks like they’ve doubled the speed and improved power management,” says Kevin.
Using a Canon R5 Mark II, Fujifilm GFX100S, and Fujifilm X-H2, Kevin tested for power consistency and transfer reliability.
“I’m happy to report there were no power dropouts or power management issues… I rip off several shots and they’d spit out on the monitors so my models could receive quick feedback and make adjustments on the fly,” Kevin continued.
But speed wasn’t the only highlight. Kevin also praised the physical durability and construction:
“The construction is robust… think about how robust your C-stands are—I want a cable that matches that. My original Tether Tools cable did, and so do these newer 10G cables.”
While the increased stiffness made tight studio setups a bit trickier, he found the rigidity useful:
“I love this because I find it easier to keep the winding of the cable neat… Losing control over the winding of a 31-foot cable can cause serious organizational problems.” Kevin stated.
For any photographer working with Capture One, high-res cameras, or extended studio setups, Kevin calls the Optima 10G cable a “flawless” companion.
A Setup That Delivers
Kevin’s verdict? Both the Optima 10G Cable and the All-In-One Kit deliver on performance, durability, and practical value for working photographers and hybrid creatives alike.
Whether you’re shooting high-res fashion in the studio or organizing an on-location product shoot, Tether Tools’ latest innovations help streamline your tethered workflow, without compromise.
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