Tether Tools TetherArca Cable Spacer for L-Brackets Review

TetherArca Cable Spacer for L-Brackets is a device that fixes to your L-Bracket and then clamps tethering and other cables tightly so they can’t be accidentally pulled from the camera.

It sounds simple, but cables disconnecting while shooting can be a real issue. The wired connection between your camera and computer is a weak point, and it’s all too easy to accidentally pull the cable from the camera while moving around the studio floor or for the weight of the tether to succumb to gravity and falls out.

The issue is slightly lessened, of course, when the camera is tripod mounted, but it still happens. The real issue is when you need that freedom to glide around the studio.

As you shift into position, the camera movement pulls directly on the small port that holds the tether cable. Manipulating your fingers to hold the cable in position or using gaffa tape is a free or cheap solution; however, it’s far from ideal.

The TetherArca Cable Spacer for L-Bracket quickly fixes to an L-Bracket, such as the 3LT Ellie, and then using the two clamp screws, you can clamp the cables into position.

Once positioned and tightened, there’s no way that the cable can be removed without loosening the clamp. This saves the cable from falling out and removes any strain that would usually be placed on the cameras data port.

Essentially the TetherArca Cable Spacer for L-Brackets is a clamp, and for that purpose, the design works incredibly well. The slots and holes are designed to be universal, and sure enough, attaching to an L-Bracket to the Sony A7 III and Canon EOS R, everything fits snuggly.

While universal, the fit does take a bit of cable wiggling to match the correct position for each camera, but that’s to be expected. My one annoyance was that the loose end of the clamp is only held in place by its clamping action.

This complete separation of this small clamp is required to get the cable to sit correctly within the clamp. After the first couple of times of mounting the cable spacer, you should get the gist, and it’s all plain sailing afterwards.

Once clamped onto the L-Bracket, I used the 3LT Ellie in this test, the spacer proved to be a good fit. The TetherArca Cable Spacer for L-Bracket is designed for TetherTools cables, however, I tested with the AREA51 equivalent, which worked equally well.

When it came to the clamping, the spacer worked well, and the internal design meant that cables could be routed through easily and in the directions required.

One aspect I really like about the design is that other clamps can be added as there is an Arca-compatible side to the spacer.

This means that the other accessories such as the TetherArca Cable Clamp for L-Brackets can be clamped to the cable spacer, further helping to manage your cables in the studio.

I’m often amazed by how some of the smallest accessories can make such a difference to your workflow.

The TetherArca Cable Spacer for L-Brackets gives that extra space away from the camera required to get a good secure fit and the ability to clamp the cables when using an L-Bracket.

The Solid all-metal design means that it’s designed and will last for years, and the fact that it can be secured and released without the need for tools is a bonus.

As a cable management solution, the TetherArca Cable Spacer for L-Bracket is well thought out. The universal design gives you plenty of options if you use different cameras or upgrade your camera in the future.

Ultimately if you shoot tethered, you know you need a solution for securely holding your cables in place. If you shoot with an L-Bracket, then this is an excellent solution that I would highly recommend.