First impression of the Zhiyun Crane V2
The Chinese company “Zhiyun” has already made a name for itself in the field of semi-professional camera stabilizers. In addition to the inexpensive and functional, as well as qualitatively convincing smartphone stabilizers (e.g. Zhiyun Smooth 3 ), the manufacturer also carries a small range of professional DSLR and DLSM stabilizers. The improved version 2 of the Zhiyun Crane is the manufacturer's current flagship model.
Zhiyun Crane V1 vs. Zhiyun Crane V2
As can already be guessed from version 2, the Zhiyun Crane is also available as version 1. However, both models have only minor differences, which is why the V2 represents a minimal update of the V1 and does not fundamentally change the "Crane" model.
- There are differences, among other things, in the batteries used. While the Crane V1 was delivered with a set of 4 x 18650 lithium-ion batteries including a battery transport case, version 2 only offers two 26500 lithium-ion batteries. Version 2 also includes a new, adapted charger.
- There are other differences with regard to the controls. The entire gimbal control is now located on the front below the joystick.
- Also of interest is the improved version 2 camera mount, which works like a quick release plate and allows faster and more precise camera mounting.
The video review of the Zhiyun Crane V2
What's in the box
The gimbal is delivered in a suitcase-like and above all shockproof hard case with a matching foam insert. In addition to the Zhiyun Crane V2, it also includes two original Zhiyun 26500 lithium-ion batteries, a suitable charger, a micro USB cable, a lens support, two ¼ inch screws and an English-language instruction manual.
Design and workmanship
The Zhiyun Crane V2 consists of two parts that can be screwed together. One part is the camera mount, including the brushless motors and the permanently connected control element. The second part is the detachable handle that doubles as a battery compartment. Both elements are made entirely of aluminum and impress with their high-quality and, above all, clean workmanship. You won't find unsightly gaps, jammed threads or sharp edges on the CNC milled aluminum parts. However, the lack of protection of the two micro USB sockets is to be criticized. A cover would have been desirable here.
The dimensions are 173 x 188 x 405 mm. The net weight of the gimbal is a proud 950g. No wonder that the crane has to be transported in a small case and is less suitable for mobile use.
Preparations and commissioning
It is crucial never to switch on a gimbal without an inserted counterweight, otherwise the brushless motors can be damaged. If you want to enjoy your gimbal for a long time, you should take this advice to heart! This crucial point is pointed out again in the operating instructions. The recommended load capacity is between 350g and 1800g.
The attachment of the camera with the Zhiyun Crane V2 is easy from the hand. For this purpose, the camera is only connected via a ¼ inch screw with the camera mount. As a further step you should balance the gimbal and the connected camera. While not absolutely necessary, this step relieves the strain on the engines and improves battery life. The balancing was also no problem in the test and was carried out in a very short time by the quick release plate-like camera mount. An advantage is the printed scale, which makes it easy to remember the orientation.
Functions and Zhiyun Play
The Zhiyun Crane V2 can be controlled directly via the gimbal, the Zhiyun Play app or via a separately available Bluetooth remote. There are a total of 3 movement modes to choose from.
Pan following fashion
If you switch on the crane, it is initially in "Pan Following Mode". In this mode the tilt and roll axes are locked so that only the horizontal pan movements are followed. However, all axes can be freely moved using the joystick.
Locking fashion
Clicking on the mode button takes you to "Locking Mode". In this mode all axes are locked. No matter how you move the gimbal, it always remains horizontally aligned on a line. The axes can also be moved freely using the joystick in locking mode.
Following fashion
With a double click on the mode button you get into the "Following Mode". In this mode the crane follows all pan, tilt and roll movements. Control via the joystick is retained.
Pressing the Mode button three times automatically performs an 180 ° pan. Somewhat unfavorably solved and already at Zhiyun Smooth 3 is the missing visual indicator of the currently selected mode. Especially when operating remotely, such an indicator would be an advantage. The only indication of the gimbal's LED indicator is the battery level. By a repeated flashing blue LED you can see how much residual battery the Zhiyun Crane V2 is still available.
Zoom, shutter and recording
Anyone who owns a Panasonic GH4 or Sony RX, H, QX, ILDC camera can control individual camera functions directly using the additional control buttons on the gimbal. The prerequisite is that you connect the gimbal and camera to each other via USB. For this purpose, a micro USB socket is located at the height of the tilt axis. For example, the zoom and the shutter can be controlled, and a video recording can also be started directly via the crane.
Zhiyun Play / Zhiyun Assistant
Another control option is the Zhiyun Play app, which allows the Zhiyun Crane V2 to be operated completely via a smartphone or tablet. The app is available in both the Google PlayStore and the Apple AppStore. The connection is established via Bluetooth and did not cause any problems during the test phase.
What is striking, however, is that the app is mainly intended for the smartphone or Action Cam gimbals of the manufacturer. Although all modes and control commands are executable via the app, the additional camera functions, which are mainly intended for the operation of the smartphone camera, the app seems overloaded and almost out of place.
field test
After familiarizing ourselves with the functions of the Zhiyun Crane V2, let's take a look at how the gimbal works in practice. Among other things, the gimbal accompanied me on my trip to the USA. As a camera, I have a comparatively easy Yi M1 with macro lens (total weight 650g) and a Canon EOS 550D with zoom lens (total weight 1200g) used.
The Zhiyun Crane V2 is not a gimbal that you just take with you on vacation. Just because of the transport size and the high weight you should think twice, if you need the gimbal on the way. However, the simple preparation of the Crane hardly matters. Unscrew the camera, balance and you can start filming. The additional scale makes the respective balance points easy to remember.
handling
In terms of handling, the gimbal cuts a fine figure. The gimbal sits neatly in the hand due to the round aluminum handle. All control buttons are easy to reach and the joystick convinces with precise handling. Smooth panoramic images are thus possible without any problems.
On the other hand, the rather high total weight is critical, and depending on the camera and lens, it can sometimes be over 2 kg. The Zhiyun Crane V2 is therefore less suitable for vlogging or even IRL streaming. Again it is interesting that there is a ¼ inch thread underneath the battery compartment, which means that an extension or a tripod can be screwed on without any problems. For even better handling, it is also possible to attach a double handle directly to the gimbal.
stabilization
Of course, the decisive factor is how the gimbal performs in terms of stabilization. Fluid 360 ° pan, tilt and roll movements are no problem for the Zhiyun Crane V2. Roughly, it can be said that up to a load of one kilogram the engines are really under-challenged. Regardless of whether it is fast or slow movements, the stabilization performance is nothing to complain about. The crane still does a decent job with increasing weight, but isolated micro-stutters can occur. However, these are rather rare. There are no unsightly engine noises that could be heard on the recording afterwards. In general, the Zhiyun Crane V2 works extremely quietly, which is why only a slight hum of the motors is noticeable.
The video sample for the Zhiyun Crane V2
The Crane also cuts a fine figure when it comes to overhead filming, the so-called "bottom-up mode". The high hanging weight gives you even better control over the gimbal. The only negative thing is that most camera displays can no longer be seen in bottom up mode.
Battery
The gimbal is equipped with two 26500 lithium-ion batteries. The supplied Zhiyun batteries have a capacity of 3600 mAh. The running time depends on how much you load the crane and how you use it. A good guideline is the manufacturer's information, which assumes a running time of between 12 and 18 hours. After using the crane for 3 hours with the Yi M1 screwed on, the remaining battery was 76%. The charging time using the charger supplied is around 1½ to 2 hours.
Zhiyun Crane V2
Very good build quality
High load capacity
Camera holder with scale
Easy to use
Precise stabilization
Very good battery life
Fast battery charging time
Unprotected USB sockets
No LED indicator for modes
App to be improved
The Zhiyun Crane V2 delivers a completely satisfying overall package and convinces in the first place by its excellent stabilization and easy handling. Due to its high load capacity, the Crane can handle just about any consumer camera with lens. At the same time, the gimbal itself is not a lightweight, which makes it less suitable for vloggers or streamer than for amateur cineasts.
