This post was written by Weston Maggio, photographer, Sr. Evangelist of Creative Products for Wacom Technology Services Corporation.
At the heart of the AeroTab’s simple, yet effective design is Tether Tool’s versatile bracket system…which makes it possible to mount it to just about anything!
– Weston Maggio
With the launch of the Wacom Cintiq Companion, I was totally stoked to hear of Tether Tools’ plan to make a mount for it. Already a fan of the Aero Table for efficient tethered shooting in the studio, I wondered what it would be like to shoot tethered to the Cintiq Companion in a similar fashion. I got my hands on the new AeroTab L4 a couple of weeks ago and gave it a go. And how cool it is!
Wacom Cintiq Companion
Let’s start by answering the question, “What is a Cintiq Companion?” The Cintiq Companion is a mobile version of Wacom’s Cintiq interactive pen display. To be more specific, it’s a full-fledged computer combining the features of a Windows 8 tablet with the premium quality and features of a Wacom’s Cintiq. The Cintiq Companion enables you to run your favorite creative applications, such as Photoshop and Lightroom. And it includes Wacom’s unrivaled pressure-sensitive pen and multi-touch input: Everything that you need in a creative mobile workstation.
Tether Tools AeroTab Universal Tablet Mount
So what is an AeroTab? The AeroTab is a universal tablet mounting system that enables you to mount and position a tablet device in an infinite number of scenarios. At the heart of the AeroTab’s simple, yet effective design is Tether Tool’s versatile bracket system which makes it possible to mount it to the most common support types, such as the quick release Arca-style mount, 1/4″-20 tripod thread, 3/8″ tripod mount and a 5/8”(16mm) Baby Pin. This makes it possible to mount it to just about anything!
In my case, I used the AeroTab to conveniently set up to shoot tethered to my Cintiq Companion. The AeroTab fits securely around two diagonal corners of the Cintiq Companion, tightened by a circular bracket on the back.
What’s in the setup
With the Cintiq Companion in the AeroTab, I attached it to a Magic Arm via 5/8” pin. The Magic Arm was then inserted into a Master Clamp which was fastened to a Manfrotto lateral side arm. All this sat atop a Gitzo tripod. Incidentally, featured in this photo is the Aero Table, which I have been using for a couple of years. Whereas I place my laptop on the Aero Table, in this set up, I simply used it as, well, a table. The Aero Table and ball head are attached to mounts on the Manfrotto Accessory Arm.
Finally, my camera was attached to the Cintiq Companion via a USB 3.0 cable. From there I shot “tethered” directly into Adobe Lightroom. This set up was extremely convenient, as I was able to easily glance at the Cintiq Companion at eye-level to check my lighting and my models look throughout the shoot. Additionally, I was able to take advantage of the Cintiq Companion’s multi-touch support to navigate throughout Lightroom.
Here’s my final shot!
Final Thoughts
Tether Tool’s AeroTab is a welcome addition to their already kick-butt line up of workstation and support products. If you have a need to mount, view or use your tablet device in your photo or film workflow, I recommend checking out the AeroTab.
See more information on the AeroTab Universal Tablet Mount.
