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Zhiyun Weebill S Compact Gimbal Stabilizer for DSLR & Mirrorless Camera Sony A7M3 A7III A7R3 with 24-70MM GM Len Nikon Z6 Z7 Panasonic GH5 GH5s Canon 5D4 5D3 EOS R BMPCC 4K 3-Axis Handheld Weebills
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Purchase options and add-ons
Color | Black |
Brand | zhi yun |
Compatible Devices | Camera |
Product Dimensions | 5.51"D x 7.48"W x 11.73"H |
Item Weight | 926 Grams |
Maximum Weight Recommendation | 4 Kilograms |
About this item
- Tiny but Mighty:Thanks to new High-precision software algorithms and more effective motors, Webill S can be with normal DSLR or Mirrorless cameras and lens set like Canon 5D Mark iii with Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8, or Sony a7 iii with Sony EF 24-70mm f2.8 GM lens
- Muti Modes Equipped: Support PhoneGo Mode, Following Mode, Pan Following Mode, Locking Mode, POV mode, and Vortex Mode
- All In A Glance: LED display gives you more intuitive and direct control over every detail
- Instantly Adjust From Gimbal: You can directly adjust stabilizer motor strength, follow rate, gimbal smoothness, custom buttons and other settings, and the parameters would show on OLED screen intuitionally
- Compact as a Piece of A4 Paper, lightweight and easy to carry arround.
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This Item Zhiyun Weebill S Compact Gimbal Stabilizer for DSLR & Mirrorless Camera Sony A7M3 A7III A7R3 with 24-70MM GM Len Nikon Z6 Z7 Panasonic GH5 GH5s Canon 5D4 5D3 EOS R BMPCC 4K 3-Axis Handheld Weebills | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $279.00$279.00 | $369.00$369.00 | $439.00$439.00 | -15% $219.00$219.00 List: $259.00 | $319.00$319.00 | $269.00$269.00 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 27 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Mar 25 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Quality of material | 4.8 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 3.3 | 4.6 | — |
Image stabilization | 5.0 | — | 4.7 | 3.3 | 4.7 | — |
Ergonomic | — | 3.7 | 4.6 | 3.7 | 4.6 | — |
Value for money | 4.3 | — | 4.8 | — | 4.8 | — |
Stability | 4.2 | — | 4.7 | — | 4.7 | — |
Sold By | FotoPal | FeiyuTech Official | ZHIYUN-TECH Store | Enclitic Digital | ZHIYUN-TECH Store | Haydon Photographic |
compatible devices | Camera | Camera | Camera | Cellphone, action camera | Camera | Camera |
max. recommended weight | 4 kilograms | 5.51 pounds | 195 grams | 2.6 pounds | 3 kilograms | 2.5 kilograms |
weight | 926 grams | — | 1054 grams | 1.73 pounds | 1100 grams | 1.2 kilograms |
Product Description
Tips & Tricks:
- Motor Noise: Please try turning off the function of charging the cameras with the gimbal
- Leveling Issue: Try upgrade the firmware, and if it is the latest one, try do the six-side calibrations
- Balancing issue: Make sure the gimbal is balanced before use, and proper motor strength is selected (High, Medium,Low)
- Video Tutorials: There are lots of video tutorials, we have uploaded them to Amazon, if you can not find them, send us message on amazon
- Please Check Camera Compatibility List for more information.
Supreme Power. Unleash Boundless Possibilities-Zhiyun Weebill S
-Great Upgrade of Zhiyun Weebill Lab
WEEBILL-S comes with the newest motor units and upgraded high-precision algorithm.
With 300% improvement in motor torque and 50% increase in response speed,
WEEBILL-S easily handles mainstream mirrorless and DSLR camera & lens combos with top-notch performance.
Unleashing boundless possibilities with WEEBILL-S!
√ A7M3+24-70mm F2.8 GM and other mainstream mirrorless camera & lens combos
√ 5D4+EF 24-70mm F2.8 or any similar size DSLR camera & lens combos
Standard Packing Includes:
- 1x Storage Case
- 1x Zhiyun WEEBILL S
- 1x Tripod
- 3x Camera Screw 1/4"- 20
- 1x Backing Base
- 1x Quick Release Plate Assembly
- 2x Battery (2600mAh/Unit)
- 1x Charger
- 1x Cable Case
- 1x USB Type C Cable
- 1x Sony Camera Control Cable
- 1x Micro to Mini USB Cable
- 1x Micro to Type-C Cable
- 1x Micro to Micro USB Cable
Tiny Giant-WEEBILL-S
Tiny body and giant power come at once!
WEEBILL S easily handles mainstream mirrorless and DSLR camera & lens combos. Thanks to its neat lightweight body and a unique Sling mode, WEEBILL S brings an effortless shooting experience like never before.
Featuring an upgraded algorithm and stronger motors, an intelligent ViaTouch 2.0 system as well as an ultra-low latency HD image transmission module, WEEBILL S pushes the limit of filmmaking even further.
(Image transmission accessories need to be purchased separately)
Main Features
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Power Your Shoot All DayThe interchangeable batteries with 14-hour runtime will keep you powered up all day long. WEEBILL-S can also keep your camera charged in real-time, ensuring a reliable and effective shooting for long-time task. |
upgraded 8th Instune algorithmThe upgraded 8th Instune algorithm provides high responsiveness and eliminates jittery in fast movement in any environment. Not only that, you can quickly adjust the speed and various parameters of each axis directly through the dial on the handle itself. |
Instant Gimbal Settings Without Using an AppThe all-inclusive intuitive OLED display can show various adjusted parameters like motor strength, follow speed, smoothness, deadband, key customization and etc, all of which can be directly controlled via the handle without having to enter the App.
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More Features
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Ergonomically designed Sling DesignWith the ergonomically designed Sling mode, WEEBILL S provides an effortless shooting experience for anyone. |
Three Axis LockNewly-designed lock switch on each axis makes balancing and storage much easier and convenient. |
Compact as a Piece of A4 PaperThe unique structure and minimum design of WEEBILL-S make it super compact as a piece of A4 paper. |
Two-in-One Quick Release SystemWEEBILL-S adopts the popular two-in-one quick release plates (Manfrotto/Arca-Swiss), allowing easy setup and fast transition between equipment without re-balancing. |
Camera Compatibility List
Notice:
- 1. This table will be updated in line with firmware update and is subject to change without prior notice;
- 2. For Sony cameras, after connecting stabilizer and camera with control cable, power on the stabilizer and then the camera. Make sure the camera has sufficient power to operate. Optical zoom control is available on the stabilizer when used with motorized
- lens. Digital zoom control is available on the stabilizer when used with non-motorized lens. Please select zoom option in your camera’s settings;
- 3. With Panasonic cameras, please choose PC (Tether) for your camera’s USB mode;
- 4. When shooting panorama or timelapse, it is recommended to turn off the camera's auto review (Sony) or image confirmation (Canon) or image review (Nikon) to reduce system latency.
Zhiyun WEEBILL S Standard Packing | Zhiyun Weebill 2 Standard Version | Zhiyun Weebill 2 Combo Version | Zhiyun TransMount Image Transmission Transmitter 3.0 | Zhiyun MasterEye Visual Controller VC100 | |
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Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars
307
|
3.9 out of 5 stars
51
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4.1 out of 5 stars
14
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4.3 out of 5 stars
10
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4.2 out of 5 stars
12
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Weebill S Gimbal | ✓ | Weebill 2 Gimbal | Weebill 2 Gimbal | Compatible with ZHIYUN WEEBILL 2, WEEBILL-S, CRANE 2S, CRANE 3S | Work with Image Transmission Transmitter 3.0 |
Zhiyun Mini Tripod | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✘ | ✘ |
Follow Focus Servo | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Image Transmission Transmitter | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✓ | ✓ |
Carry Bag | EPP Carry case | EPP Carry case | Yes | ✘ | ✘ |
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Product Dimensions | 7.48 x 5.51 x 11.73 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 2.04 pounds |
ASIN | B07YC1F4SN |
Item model number | ZY-WEEBILL-S |
Batteries | 2 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #188 in Professional Video Stabilizers |
Date First Available | September 25, 2019 |
Manufacturer | Zhiyun |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Videos
Videos for this product
4:35
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Customer Review: Perfect gimbal for action sports
Hiromi W. Anderson
Videos for this product
1:17
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Customer Review: Perfect for the bmpcc4k
Eric Worthy
Videos for this product
0:46
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Stabilizes a camera - thoughts from a pro gimbal-er
Adam Mullins
Videos for this product
1:02
Click to play video
Why Wee-love Weebill! (& Why More Stable, Means More ABLE!)
Ali F.
Product guides and documents
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the ease of setup, performance, compactness, quality, and ease of packing of the camera gimbal. For example, they mention that it's easy to set up, very smooth operation, and responsive. They appreciate the small form factor and that it can fit in the smallest of camera bags. That said, they say it'll still hold a lot of weight.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the setup of the gimbal to be easy. They mention that the apps are pretty basic and fairly easy to figure out. They also appreciate the simplicity of use and customization. Customers also mention that instructions are on the zy play app which you have to download. They say the menu system is easy to use, and the learning curve is pretty simple. Overall, customers recommend the product for its thoughtful setup package and ability to produce high-quality videos for novices.
"...on the fly directly on the gimbal, through an easy to use menu system, so you don't have to pull your cellphone out to change any of the..." Read more
"...I highly recommend it just on simplicity of use and customization, features, comfort, build quality, motor power and options, and I haven't used a..." Read more
"...°Solid build, modern connections, and easy to setup...." Read more
"...The setup process is insanely easy. It supports lighter setups and heavier setups with minimal effort for balancing...." Read more
Customers like the performance of the gimbal. They say that it has a very smooth operation, fast movements worked without a glitch, and is very responsive. Customers also appreciate the powerful motors and the smooth algorithm. Overall, customers are happy with the performance and functionality of the product.
"...VERY responsive and FAST motor torque- Motor torque is customizable (including tilt, roll, and pan) via the Menu---..." Read more
"...The app works great as far as I can tell in my limited use, but the remote position/movement mirroring feature is kinda gimmicky... I mean, I'm not..." Read more
"...Weebill S has it all! Small form factor, powerful motors, and a super smooth algorithm that eliminates some of the micro jitters I was getting on..." Read more
"...Now areas for improvement:The function of ZY Play app is pretty dry compared to the DJI Ronin app, and offers very limited adjustment to..." Read more
Customers are impressed with the compactness of the camera. They say it has a small collapsible form factor and can fit in the smallest of camera bags. They also appreciate the powerful motors and smooth algorithm. Customers also mention that the charger is barely larger than the batteries. Overall, customers are happy with the small size and easy to use functionality of the product.
"...sized paper, and it's true, when fully disassembled and folded, it's so compact that I can basically stuff it anywhere in my camera bag where I see..." Read more
"...PROS- Surprisingly VERY small, compact, lightweight design, making it far easier to bring with me on trips-..." Read more
"...The size is still just as small, and while they have lengthened the arms slightly to accommodate for larger setups, it’s almost visually unnoticeable..." Read more
"...Charger is barely larger than the batteries and the build quality is great. LED goes from red to green when finished charging...." Read more
Customers like the quality of the gimbal. They mention it's amazing, incredible, and a great product. Some say that the material feels and looks professional.
"...Material feels, looks, and is packaged far more professionally than the $100 gimbal-..." Read more
"Honestly, the build quality, though there is some plastic, is incredible!..." Read more
"Software is awfull. Feels a bit cheap compared to the ronin sc...." Read more
"...The gimbal is built very well, doesn't feel cheap at all. It's nice and lightweight making it super easy to carry around for hours on end...." Read more
Customers find the gimbal easy to pack. They say it's very light, making it super easy to carry around for hours on end. They also say it provides just as much power as other gyro stabilizers. Customers say the smallest of camera bags make transport a breeze. They mention that the movements and features are in a portable package. The foam case is fair enough for light travel. Overall, customers say it supports lighter setups and heavier setups with minimal effort for balancing.
"...VERY small, compact, lightweight design, making it far easier to bring with me on trips- Stabilization worked VERY well...." Read more
"...°Pros: small collapsible form factor, easy to pack, good battery life(even if not perfectly balanced), locking axis switches...." Read more
"...broken down and can fit in the smallest of camera bags so transport was a breeze. The setup process is insanely easy...." Read more
"...It's nice and lightweight making it super easy to carry around for hours on end...." Read more
Customers like the alignment of the gimbal. They say it's easier than other giimbals they've seen on Youtube, and the axis locks make balancing quick and easy. Customers also say it balances very well for its form factor.
"...engineered a superb product in the Weebill S. My EOS R balances perfectly and with ease, the stronger motors keep my camera motion super smooth no..." Read more
"...I am using this with an A7R III + 24-70GM and so far it balances very well for its form factor...." Read more
"...but after a day of use i found that the pan axis slider lock doesn't have a solid click from lock/unlock...." Read more
"...It supports lighter setups and heavier setups with minimal effort for balancing...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the battery life of the camera. They mention that the motors are powerful and last about 8 hours of continuous use.
"...The battery lasts a very long time, is easily replaceable during the shoot, and can even charge your camera if you connect your camera to the gimbal..." Read more
"...From what I've seen, the battery life is great...." Read more
"...°Pros: small collapsible form factor, easy to pack, good battery life(even if not perfectly balanced), locking axis switches...." Read more
"...Gonna try manually calibrating to see if that helps.The battery life is great and the weebill app is pretty awesome- controlling the movement..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the build quality of the gimbal. They mention that it is a serious piece of equipment that holds weight. They also say that it's easy to set up and can fit in the smallest of camera bags.
"...Tripod handle is solid and has a nice grip surface. Control buttons call be locked to avoid accidental mode or settings changes while shooting...." Read more
"...Charger is barely larger than the batteries and the build quality is great. LED goes from red to green when finished charging...." Read more
"...The gimbal is easily broken down and can fit in the smallest of camera bags so transport was a breeze. The setup process is insanely easy...." Read more
"...The gimbal is built very well, doesn't feel cheap at all. It's nice and lightweight making it super easy to carry around for hours on end...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Let's start with the good:
Some features that I really appreciate, especially when compared with my big and bulky DJI Ronin S, is that the Weebill S comes in a surprisingly small package. They claimed that the area occupied is about a letter-sized paper, and it's true, when fully disassembled and folded, it's so compact that I can basically stuff it anywhere in my camera bag where I see fits.
The next really important feature for me is the ability to easily lock ALL the axis in two positions (one position for transport, one position for balancing) so that the gimbal can be quickly stored away or be ready to use in less than a min when taken out of the backpack. They have included a two-piece design quick release plate, an arca swiss type bottom sliding plate, and a Manfrotto style sliding/locking plate. The Manfrotto plate can be mounted to the camera and acts as a quick-release plate for the gimbal, with a push of a button, you can also quickly mount the Manfrotto plate to your Manfrotto compatible video tripod as well.
The third feature which I think is very helpful, is the ability to change all parameters of the gimbal (speed/tilt/balance/autotune/deadband/follow/button functions etc etc) on the fly directly on the gimbal, through an easy to use menu system, so you don't have to pull your cellphone out to change any of the settings.
The gimbal features a camera style rotating/4 way multi-function dial with the ability to (half-press) focus/(full press) capture and change camera parameters with a lot of mirrorless cameras (except on Sony cameras, which is a pity, on Sony cameras you can only control the recording and zoom on power zoom lenses)
The battery lasts a very long time, is easily replaceable during the shoot, and can even charge your camera if you connect your camera to the gimbal using included cables, however, the battery needs to be taken out of the camera to be charged using the dedicated charging pad, which I found slightly less convenient compared to the DJI, or even the Crane M2, all of which supports charging directly on the gimbal.
There is a wireless transmitter which I did not purchase so I can't really comment on the specific features in that area.
Now areas for improvement:
The function of ZY Play app is pretty dry compared to the DJI Ronin app, and offers very limited adjustment to the gimbal.
Also, the gimbal is pretty much designed for right-hand users, with the AF dial permanently mounted to the left side. If you hold the gimbal with left hand, it's not very comfortable.
The gimbal claims to support Sony A7 III + 24-70mm F2.8 GM lens (which weights a hefty 1550g), in my actual testing, it's a bit stretching at best, because you would need to have the camera mounted all the way to the back of the QR plate, have the lens in non-extended state (24mm), and remove lens hood to be able to barely balance it on the gimbal without counter-weight. If you even just put a UV filter on the front of the lens, the Weebill S will not correctly balance the camera setup without counter-weight. So that's a bit of "gotcha" when I received the gimbal and found out the hard way. But in all honestly, I would not use such a heavy setup and would highly suggest you stick with prime lens offerings that works great with this gimbal, while providing reduced fatigue and versatility for your creative shots. (after all, balancing the gimbal is super duper easy after lens/camera change).
The Crane M-2, however, cannot accommodate the Canon 5D series with my 24-70mm f/2.8L lens. The Weebill S looked like the right gimbal for that camera, and I bought it while on sale for $395.
INCLUDED ITEMS
- Gimbal
- Quick-release plate (same one as the Weebill Lab) with markings
--- Bottom: Manfrotto QR plate. Top: Arca-Swiss
- Mini Tripod
- Two 18650 batteries (2600 mAh each) and a two-battery charger
- Camera backing base (to elevate the camera so the lens won't hit the QR plate)
- Zhiyun ZW-Micro-002, ZW-Mini-002, LN-MBUC-B01, ZW-Multi-002 camera control cables, one of which is specifically for Sony
- USB-C cable for Gimbal firmware upgrade
- Quickstart guide
- Compartmentalized storage, but you will still need to buy a case to hold it
PROS
- Surprisingly VERY small, compact, lightweight design, making it far easier to bring with me on trips
- Stabilization worked VERY well. Bounces and FAST movements worked without a glitch. It works SO much better than the $100 gimbal I had previously purchased!
- Material feels, looks, and is packaged far more professionally than the $100 gimbal
- Lock switch for each of the 3 axes to prevent them from swinging all over, a complaint I have with the cheaper gimbal. This allows me to carry the item without having to first use velcro to lock the arms in place
- Works with my Canon 5D Mark IV with 24-70mm f/2.8L lens and Sony Alpha A6500
- The occasional jerkiness I had experienced with the $100 gimbal is not an issue with this Zhiyun
- Quiet stabilization: you could literally hear the motors operating on the $100 gimbal, but on the Zhiyun, it's fairly quiet
- VERY responsive and FAST motor torque
- Motor torque is customizable (including tilt, roll, and pan) via the Menu
--- Auto-tune function to set the correct power for the mounted camera/lens
- Camera control options via the included control cable and is compatible with Canon, Sony, Nikon, and many more brands
- Depending on the mode the gimbal is in, a double-press on the trigger re-centers the camera, a triple turns it around for a selfie (for narrating yourself in a documentary or vlogging)
- LV button enters/exits the camera's Live Preview mode
--- Double-press it to lock all front side buttons. Triple-press to lock the joystick
- Lasted about 12.5 hours. Took about 5 hours to charge
- OLED display shows relevant information (gimbal mode, battery level, connection status)
- Multi-directional control wheel and joystick make it easier (and with the OLED, quicker) to change modes and access different functions
- 360 degree pan. Can also tilt and roll
- 6 stabilization modes. More on that in the TIPS/NOTES section below
- Batteries are replaceable
- iOS/Android app: "ZY Play" allows for additional control and guidance (must pair gimbal via Bluetooth to use)
--- VERY HANDY: Smartphone can use its built-in accelerometer to remotely control the gimbal!
--- Subject motion tracking via the smartphone (SmartFollow 2.0 feature), but requires the optional TransMount Image Transmission Module
- Full manual can be downloaded from the website, helping to save some trees
- 6-step Calibration (best when done on a clean, level surface)
--- Both the Zhiyun mobile app and Windows software guide you with the steps. Do them enough times, and you can manually follow the steps without any app
CONS
- Very pricey for a point-and-shoot Joe
- Calibration cannot be saved into memory for various cameras, and so if you switch a camera, you should/will need to recalibrate each time
--- Keep in mind that whenever you re-mount the same camera, it is unlikely to be placed in the exact same spot and configuration, and recalibration is recommended regardless
- No one-button push quick release like their Crane-M2 to mount/unmount the camera. As a wedding photographer, quick releases are always appreciated because every second you delay is a potentially missed moment
- Cannot charge the batteries through the grip via the USB-C cable
- For a beginner, it can be a BIG challenge learning how to properly balance the gimbal, especially for multiple camera and lens combinations
- Quick Start Guide is VERY minimal. If you're new to gimbals, search for some how-to videos on YouTube on the Weebill S
- Storage case is included, but to put the gimbal away, you'll have to change everything back to the factory configuration
TIPS/NOTES
The $100 gimbal I have only has 2 modes: following the gimbal handle's movement and staying locked in position. This Zhiyun has six.
3 modes that are standard with the more higher end gimbals. The joystick can be used to manually move the camera around.
- PF (Pan-Follow) where the camera pans as you turn the gimbal left and right. This allows you to smoothly pan the camera for weddings where you reveal the ring from behind the wall
- F (Follow) where the camera points in the same direction as the gimbal handle is pointed to. This allows you to keep the camera pointed at the subject as if you were chasing that person
- L (Locked) where the camera is always pointed in one direction. This allows you to follow a subject regardless of how your body is turned, such as filming snowboarders as you keep moving on your own
3 additional modes:
- POV (Point-of-View) where the camera is able to freely move into any direction to follow a subject. This allows you to film as if you were a bird flying behind someone
- Vortex allows you to film from above as if you were at the top of a vortex/hurricane. This is great for capturing the environment/surrounding areas in relation to the subject
- Go allows you to follow someone in a very fast pan and tilt movement. Think of an action movie where you have to keep moving back and forth between different individuals who are running, ducking, jumping, etc.
Be sure to update to the latest firmware to fix any issues that existed with older versions of the gimbal software. This can be accomplished via the included USB-C cable.
Overall, for a hobbyist, this gimbal is just too powerful and expensive. However, for professional work, this Zhiyun impressed me a LOT. It is leaps and bounds better than the $100 gimbal I have, and the 6 different modes make it very versatile to shoot footage in a variety of ways. Furthermore, the small size/light weight makes it very easy to bring along on trips. It performed just as well as their smaller Crane-M2 model, and the Zhiyun mobile app extends the gimbal's capabilities an extra notch.
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2020
The Crane M-2, however, cannot accommodate the Canon 5D series with my 24-70mm f/2.8L lens. The Weebill S looked like the right gimbal for that camera, and I bought it while on sale for $395.
INCLUDED ITEMS
- Gimbal
- Quick-release plate (same one as the Weebill Lab) with markings
--- Bottom: Manfrotto QR plate. Top: Arca-Swiss
- Mini Tripod
- Two 18650 batteries (2600 mAh each) and a two-battery charger
- Camera backing base (to elevate the camera so the lens won't hit the QR plate)
- Zhiyun ZW-Micro-002, ZW-Mini-002, LN-MBUC-B01, ZW-Multi-002 camera control cables, one of which is specifically for Sony
- USB-C cable for Gimbal firmware upgrade
- Quickstart guide
- Compartmentalized storage, but you will still need to buy a case to hold it
PROS
- Surprisingly VERY small, compact, lightweight design, making it far easier to bring with me on trips
- Stabilization worked VERY well. Bounces and FAST movements worked without a glitch. It works SO much better than the $100 gimbal I had previously purchased!
- Material feels, looks, and is packaged far more professionally than the $100 gimbal
- Lock switch for each of the 3 axes to prevent them from swinging all over, a complaint I have with the cheaper gimbal. This allows me to carry the item without having to first use velcro to lock the arms in place
- Works with my Canon 5D Mark IV with 24-70mm f/2.8L lens and Sony Alpha A6500
- The occasional jerkiness I had experienced with the $100 gimbal is not an issue with this Zhiyun
- Quiet stabilization: you could literally hear the motors operating on the $100 gimbal, but on the Zhiyun, it's fairly quiet
- VERY responsive and FAST motor torque
- Motor torque is customizable (including tilt, roll, and pan) via the Menu
--- Auto-tune function to set the correct power for the mounted camera/lens
- Camera control options via the included control cable and is compatible with Canon, Sony, Nikon, and many more brands
- Depending on the mode the gimbal is in, a double-press on the trigger re-centers the camera, a triple turns it around for a selfie (for narrating yourself in a documentary or vlogging)
- LV button enters/exits the camera's Live Preview mode
--- Double-press it to lock all front side buttons. Triple-press to lock the joystick
- Lasted about 12.5 hours. Took about 5 hours to charge
- OLED display shows relevant information (gimbal mode, battery level, connection status)
- Multi-directional control wheel and joystick make it easier (and with the OLED, quicker) to change modes and access different functions
- 360 degree pan. Can also tilt and roll
- 6 stabilization modes. More on that in the TIPS/NOTES section below
- Batteries are replaceable
- iOS/Android app: "ZY Play" allows for additional control and guidance (must pair gimbal via Bluetooth to use)
--- VERY HANDY: Smartphone can use its built-in accelerometer to remotely control the gimbal!
--- Subject motion tracking via the smartphone (SmartFollow 2.0 feature), but requires the optional TransMount Image Transmission Module
- Full manual can be downloaded from the website, helping to save some trees
- 6-step Calibration (best when done on a clean, level surface)
--- Both the Zhiyun mobile app and Windows software guide you with the steps. Do them enough times, and you can manually follow the steps without any app
CONS
- Very pricey for a point-and-shoot Joe
- Calibration cannot be saved into memory for various cameras, and so if you switch a camera, you should/will need to recalibrate each time
--- Keep in mind that whenever you re-mount the same camera, it is unlikely to be placed in the exact same spot and configuration, and recalibration is recommended regardless
- No one-button push quick release like their Crane-M2 to mount/unmount the camera. As a wedding photographer, quick releases are always appreciated because every second you delay is a potentially missed moment
- Cannot charge the batteries through the grip via the USB-C cable
- For a beginner, it can be a BIG challenge learning how to properly balance the gimbal, especially for multiple camera and lens combinations
- Quick Start Guide is VERY minimal. If you're new to gimbals, search for some how-to videos on YouTube on the Weebill S
- Storage case is included, but to put the gimbal away, you'll have to change everything back to the factory configuration
TIPS/NOTES
The $100 gimbal I have only has 2 modes: following the gimbal handle's movement and staying locked in position. This Zhiyun has six.
3 modes that are standard with the more higher end gimbals. The joystick can be used to manually move the camera around.
- PF (Pan-Follow) where the camera pans as you turn the gimbal left and right. This allows you to smoothly pan the camera for weddings where you reveal the ring from behind the wall
- F (Follow) where the camera points in the same direction as the gimbal handle is pointed to. This allows you to keep the camera pointed at the subject as if you were chasing that person
- L (Locked) where the camera is always pointed in one direction. This allows you to follow a subject regardless of how your body is turned, such as filming snowboarders as you keep moving on your own
3 additional modes:
- POV (Point-of-View) where the camera is able to freely move into any direction to follow a subject. This allows you to film as if you were a bird flying behind someone
- Vortex allows you to film from above as if you were at the top of a vortex/hurricane. This is great for capturing the environment/surrounding areas in relation to the subject
- Go allows you to follow someone in a very fast pan and tilt movement. Think of an action movie where you have to keep moving back and forth between different individuals who are running, ducking, jumping, etc.
Be sure to update to the latest firmware to fix any issues that existed with older versions of the gimbal software. This can be accomplished via the included USB-C cable.
Overall, for a hobbyist, this gimbal is just too powerful and expensive. However, for professional work, this Zhiyun impressed me a LOT. It is leaps and bounds better than the $100 gimbal I have, and the 6 different modes make it very versatile to shoot footage in a variety of ways. Furthermore, the small size/light weight makes it very easy to bring along on trips. It performed just as well as their smaller Crane-M2 model, and the Zhiyun mobile app extends the gimbal's capabilities an extra notch.
Top reviews from other countries
It’s very easy to stabilise and the images you can get are really great. The tripod integrated in the handle is very useful too.
6D+SIGMAの35mm単焦点をジンバルに取りつけて子どものいますがなかなか重いです。
本体にグリップのような物を取り付けますが、ここを持って縦にした状態での撮影はなかなか大変です。
しかし、このジンバルにはグリップを取り付ける場所が2箇所あり、もう一方へ取り付けると吊り下げたような状態での撮影が可能で
とても楽に撮影が出来ます。また、グリップ自体が三脚になっており、撮影の合間で使わない場合はグリップを広げて三脚状態で置いています。
買ってよかったと思います。