Can This Small Gimbal REALLY Hold a Full Frame Camera?? Zhiyun Crane M3 + Sony 14GM a1 a7S III Test!

[@JasonVong]

FEB 2022 UPDATE on Quick Release System Looks like they came out with a universal base plate sold separately now :( store.zhiyun-tech.com/collections/accessories-for-crane-m3/products/quick-release-plate-for-crane-m3

[@yassersaeed2010]

I ordered 2 of this Universal Quick Release Plate and I discovered they are not compatible with Sony ZV-1 😔

[@ozzode9820]

For me it will be universal when it will be compatible with arca Swiss. I can’t imagine to have to unscrew my peak design socket each time I want to use the Crane M3.

[@QGX0000]

Will this work with the new sony 24-70 gm ii

[@AJCoReTV]

@@yassersaeed2010 how is it not compatible with zv1?

[@AJCoReTV]

Jason, does this mean that I could use any arca swiss camera connection to slide onto the M3 release plate?

[@olegvorkunov5400]

I am currently in Paris with Crane M3 Sony a7iv and tamron 28-75mm 2.8 lens and magnetic nd filter. Gimbal is holding that combo very well. No ability to do all movements, but normal pan follow, lock and follow modes are working fine with no overload on motors. 6 to 8 hours a day-no problem.

[@MarioSoMedia]

Great review Jason! The M3 looks really sleek!

[@riodasperolas]

I’ve just placed a seed in my mind in order to immediate start the process of considering the pros and cons of buying one.

[@nathanni954]

Just placed an order of this. Dude, you are really a fan of Huntington Library.

[@JasonVong]

we pay for the monthly membership so we gotta make the best out of it lol

[@CharlieVN]

Membership makes it affordable

[@GeniusFreak]

Is it compatible with Nikon Z30 Mirrorless Camera?

[@katherinepetrova1976]

I was wondering ronin SC or M3,now I found the answer,of course M3 is the better choice,the fill light will help a lot in the night.

[@Visual_Notes]

I tried the Crane M3 with my Sony ZV-E10 + Sigma 16mm F1.4, thinking this gimbal could be a replacement for the very solidly built DJI RSC2, but with that setting I also immediately came to the limit of the Crane M3's performance. The Sony with the Sigma can just be balanced, but in certain positions (e.g. flashlight mode) the motors already start to vibrate. Also, ND filters can no longer be attached to the Sigma 16mm F1.4, because in this case the lens becomes to top heavy and the camera can no longer be balanced. I therefore stayed with my DJI RSC2 and returned the Crane M3.

[@DrMahadiTheTraveler]

This is also happening for me. You are right. I made a wrong decision watching such type of videos. 😰😰

[@Visual_Notes]

@@DrMahadiTheTraveler Yes, you have to watch a lot of different videos on the same subject to get a reasonably realistic picture of how the product might fit your needs. Regarding gimbals, I spent a lot of time researching because I always wanted a lightweight travel gimbal that was as small as possible and could be quickly and unobtrusively put into action. The result was that I stuck with the DJI RSC2 even for the Sony ZV-E10 with the relatively lightweight Sigma 18-50mm F2.8. And I learned that if you want a gimbal to work well even for mirrorless cameras with a zoom lens included, it always has to be relatively large and bulky. This is simply due to physics, which cannot be tricked.

[@DrMahadiTheTraveler]

@@Visual_Notes Hi, This is a good news for you. Just, I have fixed this problem. I am very pleased, becasue i fixed this with 3 days hard work. Actually , this is a great gimbal. For Sony ZV e10 + Sigma 16mm lens like me, just set motor torque in medium in parametar setting. It will be OK. Actually crane m3 can load more weight than this set up.

[@TheGirlyGirlsBd]

Hello Sir !! is it Compatible with Sony ZV-1?

[@TofferKim]

Hello Jason, I was wondering if this could balance the A7Siii with a Sony 24-70mm GM 2 lens? I know it's alot but I really loved the compactness of this gimbal! Hope you can answer! Thank you!

[@chatzida]

Would it work with a6400 + sony 18-105 PZ ? This lens does not extend while zooming and seems ideal for gimbal use. I wonder whether M3 could handle this combo....

[@reecemcdaniel8207]

I just weighed out my Sony a6300 w/ the 18-105 and a shotgun mic and it weight about 900grams. Going off the weights that Jason is showing in this video, it should be fine! I also weighed the exact same setup but with a meike battery grip and was about 20 grams less than his a7iii w/ 24mm setup. So this gimbal looks like it freaking rocks! Hope this helps😁✌🏼

[@AIishereFOR]

test shots are taken in slow motion. in slow mo, everything looks good, even handheld shots.

[@eriktred]

Very informative Jason. I always enjoy your enthusiasm.

[@adrianvanleeuwen]

The M3 also works great with the Nikon Z5 and Z6 cameras and short lenses with primes and short zooms like the Z 16-50mm (apsc) and the Z 24-50mm (FF) and the Z 28mm f2.8 SE. Great review and demo!

[@TuckerPearce]

Best review of this yet. Nice to know it would work with a A7C.

[@EnricoOmodeoAtelierProduzioni]

A7c and Tamron 28 75 do you think It works good?

[@gigirizzi9611]

@@EnricoOmodeoAtelierProduzioni lol I was gong with the same setup as you. It is lighter than the stuff that he put on it so I think yes

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thanks

[@DanFandelli]

My dream is exactly this gimbal-camera setup but with a tamron 17-28 wide lense, the dream travel vlogging setup

[@georgea8809]

Great review. And love your work-around by using the 14GM lens on your A1 even if they are not on the list of compatible devices. Now it makes me think of getting this M3. Do you think the Sony A7c or A74 with the Sony 16mm-35mm F4 G would work on the M3?

[@majidalavi5031]

i test it.... can not use this lens in gimbal crane m3.becuse very big lens for device

[@ido_is_here]

Really?? The 16-35 g is only 353grams it’s pretty lite

[@KennyLeFilms]

The custom quick release plate for Sony a7s series I got when ordering is defected and Zhiyun can only give me the universal plate now that it has been almost a year since the release. Is there an alternative?

[@markstevens6682]

Jason, what’s the best gimbal for my Sony ZV-1…. and why?

[@Hugozen]

The song you chose had made my year!

[@cooler1master]

m3s or m3? which one is better? and can m3s hold sony a7iii with 16 35 gm>?

[@VanchrisBigBike]

I didnt see the camera put on bottom for low angle video is it possible?

[@pf4773]

just needed a small gimbal for my a6600 sony apsc camera. just got it today i expect it will work well and save me room in my travel bag

[@joebeck0]

About to get this for my a6000. Any reason I shouldn’t?

[@LindaSueGarland]

Hi. What about the Sony a7S iii and 24-70 mm GM II? Will this gimbal be able handle that load?

[@AJCoReTV]

Yes

[@majidalavi5031]

14 f2.8 g master with a7r4 ...can use this gimbal? Please help me

[@llIlllllIll]

I had the M2 and it couldn't carry my 700g X-T30 + 18-55. This might finally be a good alternative to super heavy ones

[@joshuachubbphotography]

So should be no problem using the a7iv with the Sony 20mm 1.8 or the 35mm GM?

[@skotfreedum3292]

hello, thought M3 on the combination of ZV-E10 and Tamron 11-20mm? Or do you think the Sony 10-18mm is better?

[@_imteeyaz]

Looks great! Would it take the A6400 with the Tamron 17-70? Or do you think that would be too big a lens 😅

[@JasonVong]

im gonna go ahead and say that's not gonna work out too well 😅

[@_imteeyaz]

@@JasonVong aha figured, no worries, thanks for the reply!

[@larrymannino444]

That was my exact question, thanks! Love my 6400/17-70, but works best on a fluid head tripod for me. Does kinda sorta work on my SC, but Jason's spot on (as usual) - don't zoom ;) COuld be nice with a sigma 56 though...

[@theattitude1212]

Hi, I was just curious if can you compare this Zhiyun M3 vs Moza aircross s?

[@charlesnorwich5932]

Thank you for the video, Jason. Will this gimbal be able to work with Sony A7rii (625 grams) and the prime Sony 55mm f1.8 Zeiss Za, it is a 281grams lens. 906 grams in total. Thanks in advance.

[@UltratecJS]

Thanks for the great video, the link for the free quick release base does not work any more, do you know if they stopped giving it for free?

[@DiscoverWithDima]

Awesome video, thinking of picking up one of these for my own travel setup. I'm getting tired of using warp stabilizers, and since I'm shooting everything in 4K, I really need this smooth stabilization. Great review Jason

[@MarlonKingShow]

Thanks for mentioning about emailing them. Wondered how that worked with the plates. If you have multiple cameras I hope there is an option to buy them

[@adrianchaney1513]

Awesome videos man, I’ve just purchased the Sony a6400 a month ago and watched the setup video you did 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥! What is the product you’re using for shoulder strap?

[@DCC2105]

Will this balance the ZV-E10 or A6600 with the Sigma 16mm f/1.4?

[@nurulazhar8462]

Surely, if I am not mistaken Young 360 did this

[@luciferdraconia2868]

cant wait for mine to arrive in UK Do you guys know when they are being released and sold to the public

[@BlackCatFamily]

Can i use this with Canon 80D with 50mm prime lens?

[@Nogi-aka-DJNugz]

Awesome review! Answered all my questions! Subbed!

[@metal_sandwich]

Where can I get the wireless camera control module for this gimble...?? No one seems to talk about it..

[@IkechiOnyenaka]

Would it balance well if I use an A7C with a 16-35mm F2.8 G Master Lens?

[@jeffreylawrence6928]

Been using the M3 crane for a couple of months now, and with any camera there is still a very low background hum of the motors - using the rode directional mic helps…

[@krane15]

Solutions: 1) move the mic away from the gimbal 2) get a more directional mic 3) cancel motor hum in post via software Motor noise is a very old problem that goes back since the beginning of digital. Maybe Crane can work on quieter motors. In the meantime, maybe the mentioned solutions will help.

[@allstarbury]

There is one user which told me that there is Universal plate for Sony cameras that allow us to swap battery and sd card without removing camera from gimbal .Is this for m3 only or also for m2 ? Do you know anything about ?

[@gabo_gamer8594]

I love your videos and I'm really interested in this gimbal, great review!

[@schoeferfilm]

Great review Jason 👏 for my FX6 I have the crane 3s ne for my ZV1 and A6500 I bought the crane 3m 😉 a perfect small gimbal for holidays

[@niki6852]

Nice video Jason! Did you check the crane 3 M with Sony alpha 6500 with 6-70 mm Carl Zeiss and Rode Microvideo? Does it work, can the gimbal handle the combo?

[@KaioshinAemi]

Will this gimbal be good for Canon 80D?

[@michaelday2583]

At 6.00, what size PD Everyday Backpack is that? 20 or 30L? I have the 20L and really want to be able to get the folded M3 in the side like in the video, with a Sony A7C still mounted up. I currently have the Crane M2 and can get an A7C + Crane M2 setup in the height of the PD EDB 20L, but the M2 will only really support the weight of those small Samyang lenses.

[@JagjitSingh-wt9kz]

Hi Jason, Really liked this review by you! I just have a question regarding about the M3's baby brother, the Zhiyun Crane M2S, i was wondering if that specific gimbal is compatible with the Canon Rebel SL2/200d? Would like to get your opinion on that, Thank you!

[@jayfire7460]

Jason, does the gimbal come with the attachment plate or dies that have to be purchased separately?

[@jml5039]

Jason I love your videos. Could you tell me what’s the best backpack you use for your gear

[@DDM_JAYAPURA]

your video is very clear...Greetings from Indonesia Bali

[@sajgamer1826]

Hi, Few days ago I'm buying Ronin RSC2 Gimbel, it's good. But after some days my Ronin RSC2 Gimbel charging percentage not showing !!! It's a big problem. Cause, I can't properly charging my Gimbel. How can I fixed it ?? Please ! Answer me soon. I'm waiting for your answer. Thanks in advance.

[@ernsthiessleitner8222]

Hi Jason. Thanks for your reviews. Got a question. I have a Sony FX30 with a 18-135 lens. Could the Crane M3 handle this. The lens weighs 326g, less than the 14 GM you are using.

[@metal_sandwich]

Where can I get hold of a quick release plate for a Sony ZV1 to use on the Crane M3...?? Thanks

[@meldajeanphotographyfilm3543]

Great video Jason. What is the maximum load the M3 can carry? I can't find an answer anywhere on their website.

[@HviteVinger]

Think it can support the A7 IV and the FE 24-240mm?

[@apurposeprodigy]

What would you say is the max payload (in grams) for the M3?

[@aayushgurungvlogs]

Can we flip the screen of Sony a6400 while taking low angle and high angle shot?? Does the screen touch the gimbal??

[@DeanBKK]

Man... I thought I was solving all my gimbal issues with the RSC2 + A7iii + Tamron 17-28mm, but I found it annoying to travel around with even though the RSC2 is marketed as a lightweight gimbal. Quality and features are great don't get me wrong, but it gets heavy after a while. Not sure if the Crane M3 will be a good replacement.

[@nelsonngu]

I am in the same boat as you right now mate, but I am with sony 16-35 F4 & 24f1.4 GM. I am petite and my lower back started to hurt with the RSC2. Unsure this Crane M3 will be able to carry my settings or not...

[@dancho9733]

I don't think so that the crane m3 will be able to replace rsc2 even if it does I'm sure that this will affect the stabilization because the motors will be under big pressure.

[@DeanBKK]

@@dancho9733 Yea, I agree. RSC2 build quality is much nicer than this Crane M3 just by looking at it in this video. And it's weight capacity is more than enough for most mirrorless set ups.

[@lg.studio]

The lack of available follow focus makes it a no-go to me. I usually use it to zoom, and it works great on my ronin sc with a6600 & 16-55 2.8. Unless someone makes a proper usable f2.8 powerzoom lens, I need that follow focus motor system.

[@JJZacatecas]

Totally.

[@SllLVIIUS]

Which do you recommend for the a7rIII i was looking into the weebill 2 do you reccommend?

[@lg.studio]

@@SllLVIIUS It will definitely work. Just look up some tutorials, and if you like the features, go for it. I think there is no bad gimbal these days if it can handle the setup, you like using it (it is individual) and gets the job done.

[@paulchiu]

How about Sony A1 or A7R5 with 50 1.2 GM?

[@giftbox-e]

Can the Zhiyun Crane M3 hold α6600+Sigma 16mm F1.4+ RØDE VideoMicro easily? Or it will be like the upper limit payload ?

[@yiranliu4895]

This is the stabilizer I have been dreaming of for a long time. Compact body with large playload

[@bryanbarajasBB]

Not hold my Sigma 18-35😁

[@princyenterprises5694]

Hey Jason I just love the way you present, Love from India. Just bought Sony A6400 WITH kit lense, I am Makeup Artist and I mainly Bought this to Click Picture and Video's for SOCIAL MEDIA Content and streaming Now my Concern I already have Video light Godox SL60W with me with 120cm Octa box, but for Outdoor I don't have any thing. Do you Think I shall Invest in Godox AD200 Pro. Or Shall I Go for Sigma 56mm f1.4 / Sony 60mm f1.5 to balance? Most of my Shooting will be Indoor 80% and green rooms, 20% with my personal portfolio shot outside now since we don't have time in hand it could be in Afternoon time only. Will be Greatful to you if can Please Guide. Majorly my Shoots are like to fashion shoot like showing more of makeup

[@psysword]

Will the quick release work with the Nikon zfc? Or do I have to write to zhiyun? Hope not. Thanks.

[@KyngMoon]

Would you use this for vlogging or a mini tripod like the mantispod?

[@JasonVong]

Solo vlogging with a gimbal is hard. I've seen many people who tried and quickly stop and went back to using a mini tripod. I use a gimbal for cinematic aspects only.

[@edwinlopez6626]

Amazing, thank you Sir!

[@MattDo]

Damn, the lack of PD plate compatibility is a bit of a dealbreaker. I use the plate with my PD sling and backpack way too much to change everything up just for this gimbal.

[@paulmaul007]

The Zhiyun Crane M2 never ever worked on Android only on Apple IOS Iphone despite all the complaints on Android Google Play Store to fix this problem. Does this Zhiyun Crane M3 work on Android??

[@drscut2983]

Heyy Jason wonderful video as always, been ur subscriber for a while now, enjoy ur videos & needless to say they are super informative, 👌🏼 thank u. I have a query regarding a gimbal purchase - I have a sony ZV-e10 & the sigma 16mm,30mm&the 18-50mm lenses..I don't see this camera listed as compatible on dji's website..also wud u suggest the ronin sc or the zhiyun weebil s (as weebil s 's payload is higher, I'm hoping it would be future proof in case I rent or upgrade to fullframe set up).

[@SkiwithmeNorway]

does the zoom button on gimbal work with zoom on sony camera?

holy moly you must have the best ninja walk of all tim that looked ultra smooth

[@HoangTran-ii7iu]

Hi bro, I am newbie and am using Fuji XS10 + Crane m3 + Android phone. I don't know how to connect the ZyPlay app to my camera, Zyplay only connect to the Crane M3. What I need is Live view and Tracking Focus on my phone. Hope you will help me pls!

[@epopsony]

I don’t understand what happens with the camera adapter !!! What exactly you say ?

[@agghafur3632]

What about if I use kit lens with this gimbal?

[@mmtv4608]

What about sigma 35 1.4 with a7iii sir ..can handle it ?

[@gwm-btdbattlesagar.ioandmo9988]

can you put a mic on top of the camera without putting it out of balance?

[@johnnvlog3441]

Bro what is the best crane for Sony a7iii?

[@FrancoDiPaola1978]

hy, can this jimbal take photo with sony a7rIII or can it only take videos? thanks

[@geek-elite]

How do you think it would handle the Tamron 17-28 on an a7c? That's the kit I'd toss on it right now, and I figured the Tamron lens would work well on a gimbal since it's entirely internal zoom. What do you think?

[@CC-gt3ro]

From other review Apparently it is working well with a7c and 17-28. It just don’t work with 28-75 because the a7c is too lightweight to compensate the 28-75. Maybe it would work with the smallrig 3212 which add 192g. But concerning a7c + 17-28 tamron, it is working great. I have seen video of this duo.

[@geek-elite]

@@CC-gt3ro Awesome! Thanks for the reply. Any idea where I could find that video?

[@CC-gt3ro]

@@geek-elite this guy is using a7c and 17-28 tamron and the new crane m3 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ2VeoakacSiedU

[@geek-elite]

@@CC-gt3ro Fantastic! Thank you!

[@CC-gt3ro]

@@geek-elite i have a7c and 17-28 as well. The crane m3 seems interesting for the weight, the led light and the mic feature. However it is not working with 28-75 g2. At least not without a counterweight. I would like to know if we can fit the smallrig 3212 cage that add 192g to allow fitting front heavy lens. I plan to buy the cage so i will know maybe next year when i find the budget for the gimbal.

[@djrightonbeat]

If I bought on Amazon, how do I get plate for Zv-e10?

[@zenza7120]

Can someone please tell me the name of the right angle adapter? I am looking one for my Zv-1. Gimbal's arm is too close to use multi and 3.5 mm ports of the camera.

[@mjchiquito]

Does anyone know if The Crane M3 would work with the Canon Eos R with the RF35mm f1.8?

[@sneakingelephant]

The quick release link isn't working for me. Not sure if it's due to my location (Canada)

[@earl.cuevas]

Will this work on A6400 + Sigma 16 1.4 and/or Sigma 30 1.4?

[@JasonVong]

It should! That’s light enough

[@aergl]

do you think this combination (sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 + a7c + Zhiyun Crane M3) is possible? even i zoom the lens?

[@bulcub]

will it work with canon APS-C and full frame cameras?

[@lhutton1]

Hey Jason🤟🏾

[@TheThaiLife]

I’m honestly a bit confused. You’re saying that because this is slightly smaller than a Ronin option, that’s a good idea to use cameras that really don’t fit on it for the portability? The convenience of saving an inch or two on the size is worth removing the eyecup and having your camera body hit the motor with any kind of motion other than going straight forward? I’m sorry man, this is really weird.

[@JetBen555]

What do you mean ''slightly'' smaller than a Ronin option? The m3 is half the weight and size of the entry level Ronin-SC. This caliber of gimbal is best used with small mirrorless camera like the A6400, M6 Mk2 or Z50. It can handle bigger setup with limitation (like it was demonstrated in the video) but it's really not recommenced or marketed as such by the manufacturer.

[@TheThaiLife]

@@JetBen555 Yea, but that size works right? It doesn't bang all over your camera. Dude, go buy this and have a good time. Or maybe, just tape your camera to the top of an Osmo 4.

[@CMOOREDESIGN]

Shout out to Cantina!! A good model is hard to find.

[@eugene1927]

I have been using Dji om5 together with my iPhone 13 pro max for shoots. I find it hard to get stabilised shots, wondering if upgrading to m3 would give me better stabilisation? Any advise around here?

[@ScottyInVancouver]

Really ? I use fine on 14 pro max but now having gen 6 it even better

[@olegvorkunov5400]

I wonder if M3 will work with A7IV and Sony 24-70mm F4 lens. Have anyone tried it?

[@majidalavi5031]

i test in.can not use... becuse thid lens very big and can not balance it in crane m3

[@dionthacreator3499]

So I have a Sony A7iii with a 50mm and a 24-70mm lens. Would this work or should I go with another gimbal ?

[@AlanStokesProSurf]

Hi just wondering if you went with this gimbal for your a7iii? And did it work? Thanks x

[@dionthacreator3499]

@@AlanStokesProSurf went with the dji ronin instead

[@bokbokeh]

Arca Swiss support is ESSENTIAL for my workflow 🥺

[@DangLeProject92]

I'm looking for back up gimbal for my RS2 but the QR plate is different and I wondering if they are deal breaker to get the arca swiss QR attach on top of this plate? My combo is FX3 + 20 1.8 do you reckon it work?

[@JasonVong]

Honestly, no. You might want to look for a slightly bigger gimbal. Like I mention in the video, it works for me because I do basic movements. Once you start doing complicated movements, esp with a camera like the fx3, the footage falls apart.

[@KoffeeCat]

I use a Sony a7c and Sony G 20mm prime. would this gimbal be good for my setup?

[@mdmahmudul]

i need to know this as well

[@bracecaleb]

could this hold a 6400 with the tamron 17-70?