Last Updated on February 2, 2023
Air Direct And Camranger 2 Compared
Tethering systems have improved dramatically in recent years. You now have many great options available and depending on your needs and budget the Camranger 2 or the Air Direct from Tether Tools can be just what you are looking for. Check out the comparison review below and check for camera compatibility at the end of this article.
CamRanger 2
The Camranger 2 has continued the amazing wireless tethering of it’s predecessors the Camranger original and the mini. You still get flawless wireless tethering with control via a modern smartphone app.
The Camranger 2 comes in a larger size than the first generation. It is now compatible with far more DSLR cameras. The original CamRanger was only able to tether with Canon and Nikon cameras.
You can find the full list of Camranger 2 compatible cameras at the end of this article.
The newest Camranger provides a tripod mount which allows for more attachment options. It also has a slot for an SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card. This is particularly great for cameras with limited storage options.
The Camranger 2 also comes with a beefed up battery but the Air direct does have a longer battery life.
Another big improvement is the Cam ranger 2 comes with an improved wireless speed. You can now view RAW images quicker than before. It also includes advanced image rating, cropping, video downloading, and advanced image rating.
Tether Tools Air Direct
Air Direct from Tether Tools is a great option for wirelessly tethering your camera to a tethering software. The Air Direct system allow you to do this without the need for hot folders or middleman apps. The compatible camera list for Air Direct is extensive and covers most popular DSLR models.
The old Tethering Tools Air Case only allowed connection with Canon and Nikon cameras but the Air Direct has added compatibility with Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, and FujiFilm.
Basically as long as your Camera is compatible with the software you want to use, such as lightroom and Capture Pro, the Air Direct will work for you.
The Air Direct features twin antennas that communicates between your camera and smartphone, tablet, or laptop at speeds of up to 5GHz. The speeds between the Camranger 2 and Air Direct are comparable but I noticed a slightly faster speed from my Camranger 2 but it was barely noticeable.
The range of the Air Direct is up to 200 feet and it is capable of sending both JPEG and Raw files at the same time. It runs off your camera battery but is not a major battery drain when in use.
CamRanger 2 Compatible Cameras
Canon
- SL1 / 100D
- SL2 / 200D
- Xsi / 450D
- T1i / 500D
- T2i / 550D
- T3i / 600D
- T4i / 650D
- T5i / 700D
- T6i/T6s / 750D/760D
- T7i / 800D
- 40D
- 50D
- 60D
- 70D
- 77D
- 80D
- 90D*
- 7D
- 7D II
- 6D
- 6D II
- 5D II
- 5D III
- 5D IV
- 5DS / 5DSr
- 1D III
- 1Ds III
- 1D IV
- 1Dx
- 1Dx II
- 1Dx III
- 1Dc
- EOS R / EOS RP
- EOS R5
- EOS R6
Nikon
- D5000
- D5100
- D5200
- D5300
- D5500
- D5600
- D7000
- D7100
- D7200
- D7500
- D90
- D300
- D300s
- D500
- D600
- D610
- D700
- D750
- D780
- D800 / D800E
- D810
- D850
- D3
- D3s
- D3x
- D4
- D4s
- D5
- D6
- Df
- Z6
- Z7
- Z50
Sony
- A7R IV
- A7 III / A7R III A7S III
- A7 II / A7S II / A7R II
- a9
- a9 II
- a99
- a99 II
- a6100
- a6300
- a6400
- a6500
- a6600
Fujifilm
- XT-2
- XT-3
- XT-4
- X-Pro 2
- X-H1
- GFX 50S
- GFX 50R
- GFX 100
Air Direct Compatible Cameras
| Canon | |
|---|---|
| EOS 100D / SL1 / X7 | EOS 200D / SL2 / X9 |
| EOS 500D / T1i / X3 | EOS 550D / T2i / X4 |
| EOS 600D / T3i / X5 | EOS 650D / T4i / X6i |
| EOS 700D / T5i / X7i | EOS 750D / T6i / X8i |
| EOS 760D / T6s / 8000D | EOS 800D / T7i / X9i |
| EOS 1100D / T3 / X50 | EOS 1200D / T5 / X70 |
| EOS 1300D / T6 / X80 | EOS 1500D / 2000D / T7 / X90 |
| EOS 3000D / 4000D / T100 | EOS 50D |
| EOS 60D | EOS 70D |
| EOS 77D / 9000D | EOS 80D |
| EOS 90D | EOS 200D |
| EOS 5D Mark II | EOS 5D Mark III |
| EOS 5D Mark IV | EOS 5Ds / 5Ds R |
| EOS 6D | EOS 6D Mark II |
| EOS 7D | EOS 7D Mark II |
| EOS 1D X | EOS 1D X Mark II |
| EOS 1D Mark IV | EOS 1D Mark III |
| EOS 1D Mark II | EOS R |
| EOS RP | EOS R5 |
| EOS R6 |
| Nikon | |
|---|---|
| D3100 | D3200 |
| D3300 | D3400 |
| D3500 | D5000 |
| D5100 | D5200 |
| D5300 | D5500 |
| D5600 | D7000 |
| D7100 | D7200 |
| D7500 | D300 / D300s |
| D610 | D800 / D800e |
| D810 / D810a | D850 |
| D750 | D700 |
| D500 | D90 |
| D3 / D3s | D3x |
| D4 / D4s | D5 |
| Z 6 | Z 7 |
Conclusion
When comparing the Camranger 2 to the Air Direct tethering system they honestly perform similar to each other. The main differences beyond compatibility is that the Camranger transfers files a little faster but the Air Direct offers a longer effective range. Either tethering system will work well so you really can’t go wrong with either option.
For more guides and tips check out these articles