Camranger 2 VS Air Direct

Last Updated on February 2, 2023

camranger 2 vs air direct

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

photo studio with photographer and models

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

tether tools used at studio

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 / X7EOS 200D / SL2 / X9
EOS 500D / T1i / X3EOS 550D / T2i / X4
EOS 600D / T3i / X5EOS 650D / T4i / X6i
EOS 700D / T5i / X7iEOS 750D / T6i / X8i
EOS 760D / T6s / 8000DEOS 800D / T7i / X9i
EOS 1100D / T3 / X50EOS 1200D / T5 / X70
EOS 1300D / T6 / X80EOS 1500D / 2000D / T7 / X90
EOS 3000D / 4000D / T100EOS 50D
EOS 60DEOS 70D
EOS 77D / 9000DEOS 80D
EOS 90DEOS 200D
EOS 5D Mark IIEOS 5D Mark III
EOS 5D Mark IVEOS 5Ds / 5Ds R
EOS 6DEOS 6D Mark II
EOS 7DEOS 7D Mark II
EOS 1D XEOS 1D X Mark II
EOS 1D Mark IVEOS 1D Mark III 
EOS 1D Mark II EOS R
EOS RPEOS R5
EOS R6
Nikon
D3100 D3200 
D3300D3400
D3500D5000 
D5100 D5200
D5300D5500
D5600D7000 
D7100D7200
D7500D300 / D300s 
D610D800 / D800e
D810 / D810aD850
D750D700 
D500D90 
D3 / D3s D3x 
D4 / D4s D5
Z 6Z 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