Review of Zhiyun Motion Sensor Remote Control with Follow Focus - ZW-B03

[@fergdiigital9710]

This is by far one of the best reviews ive seen in awhile. Thank you for your clear and thorough review that was easy to follow. I checked out your website as well and you sold me on getting the gimble amd remite with your handle design and 4th axis system. Keep doing what you do!

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Thanks Haus of Ferg! I'll keep a look out for your order :)

[@JustCallDavid]

1000%

[@NinosCabra]

Best review I saw for this remote. Thaks for the effort. You answer lot of doubts i had. I only need to see attached to zhyun dual handle, and trying to focus with the wheel.

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Thanks Niños, there's so many issues with this remote that I was surprised that nobody hadn't already made a review. I've seen lots of creative ways to get the remote in a useable position with dual handles - some even inverted the remote :) I can access the joystick ok with the follow focus is too far away for me to easily reach. That problem will soon be solved as our dual handle adaptors will be launched this week. They make it so much better to access the remote when using Zhiyun's dual handles.

[@Saph67]

Maybe putting the remote to the left side of the dual handle, so you can reach it with your left thumb might be a good idea? At least if you only want to control your follow focus.

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

true

[@Misstorys]

Got the handle for the FF remote just a week ago. Great thing tnx !

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Glad I could help you with the right knowledge to make the decision :)

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

Damn! I'm gonna follow your site for the rigs. Incredibly useful video! And thank god I'm not the only one who hates the first remote. That thing has a mind of its own.

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Thanks Joaquim, I don't know why but I kept giving that old remote a second chance but every time I'd say never again... now it's just a prop in my videos ;-)

[@njaimes]

thank you for such specific review..most video just mentioned the remote! Could you please share the detailed configuration used at 6:00? that support with external video is exactly what I need to setup.. thank you a lot!!

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Thanks Nelson, I just have my Feelworld 760 field monitor and I mounted it on a quick AC rig I put together from parts from an old over the shoulder camera rig.

[@njaimes]

thanks you. One question: does this remote can control the zoom on a Sony camera? how it works? how easily can you move the gimbal and the zoom at the same time to frame a picture??

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Not without a servo motor attached. You can attach it to the zoom ring instead of the focus ring.

[@davyfbkk]

Nice review indeed. I have been using the Crane 2 for a couple of months and it's definitely a game changer, as-far-as I am concerned. One comment of the remote; I think you should have positioned it to the extreme left on the handles, so that the follow focus ring would have been much closer to your left hand fingers, therefore making it much more easy to use in this way. I will be building some of my own rigs as well in the near future, so let's compare notes forthwith. Cheers from Dave

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Thanks Dave! You're right, that would put the follow focus knob in a better position to use it but being a 'righty' that doesn't appeal to me as much. I've already designed a replacement handle for the left or right handle of the Zhiyun dual handles. These incorporate the remote into the actual handle grip. I'm really happy with them and have a box full of them to be launched next week :)

[@davyfbkk]

So how would I be able to buy from you?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

We have them slated to go on sale on Tuesday morning. You'll be able to buy them then at my website scottymakesstuff.com

[@news-tesla-2023]

can this remote work with Zhiyun Crane 1?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

nope

[@JWard2]

I love Scotty videos. Great review

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Thanks J. Ward! That put a smile on my face :)

[@lucrativestance]

Does this work with crane 3 lab?

[@nikdrankoski8318]

Nope! I just ordered one, and tried it a minute ago. Doesn't even see the gimbal when it scans... Tried it with a usb cable straight to it as well. I can't understand why they handicapped their best gimbal.

[@lucrativestance]

@@nikdrankoski8318 what a shame.... I really wish they would've made it for the crane 3.. or even if they would just update the firmware so its compatible..... the app remote sucks honeslty. It's never as accurate as a analog... if they would've offered something like the ronin m remote.. man this would be the ultimate gimbal.

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Nik is correct. This unfortunately, only works with the Crane 2. Shame they can't make better use of a solid piece of gear.

[@lucrativestance]

@@ScottyMakesStuff yeah sucks! If they could... it would be able to compete with dji and MovI since they use alot of analog controllers

[@CarlosJTG]

Hey Scotty! Nice video, I'm just wondering if the servo/follow focus has autonomy mode, I've seen that you have tried with other gimbals without success, but what I want to know is if it will work independently as follow focus. Thanks!

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Hi Carlos, from what I understand the servo has no Bluetooth and is 'fly by wire' meaning that it has to connect by cable to the Crane 2 to work.

[@CarlosJTG]

That's a shame man, thanks for letting me know and keep it up with your videos!

[@NahYeahMate]

Hey Scotty, THanks for the video mate. Just wondering if you've tried this remote with the newer "Focus pull motor"? I'd like to pair it with the motor to control my lens zoom and set the joystick to control it...

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Unfortunately, It's not compatible

[@DerbJd]

You’re supposed to fit it tocthe left side, so the focus wheel is closest to the handle.

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

That's one option but nowhere near as easy to access the follow focus knob as on my remote handle on a dual grip or our 4th axis:- scottymakesstuff.com/collections/accessories/products/follow-focus-remote-handle-for-zhiyun-dual-handles scottymakesstuff.com/collections/accessories/products/follow-focus-remote-handle-for-pro-2-crane-2

[@BenjaminvonCramon]

Nice job, clear and direct. Say, I'm also shooting with the A7Rii on Crane 2, haven't updated the firmware, nice to learn it now supports remote controlling for the record button and more. I'm curious, does the follow focus wheel on the Crane 2 work with Sony cameras, or still just Canon? Also, I've been recording internally, but would prefer 10-bit DnxHD files. Any rig for that, e.g. can a lightweight HDMI cable hook to something like Ninja Atomos V5?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

It's still just canon but there was a hack a while back where if you used (I think) the canon cable you could actually control some limited features on the Sony but from memory it also had big drawbacks (can't remember now) that made it unusable in most cases.

[@luizpessotto]

Hi scotty! I liked your video, and I have a question about the controller. I use a 7sii and control the camera by the crane. I wish to control the camera by the controller. Is this possible? Tks!

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Hey Rafael! The last I heard with the most recent firmware was that only the start and stop record and take photo were the only features that work with the alpha series. For most that's all they need. I'm yet to hear any news regarding the Weebill doing more as well.

[@SamsBackground]

thank you, is the remote controle works welle with the crave v2? can the remote works with folow focus without using the crane?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

no it can't

[@rudytorres6559]

Thanks for sharing. Well, mine doesn't even work as well as yours. Follow focus doesn't work, G Mode doesn't work, and as you mentioned the Speed button doesn't work. I'm pretty disappointed. I've contacted Zheyun-tech and have not heard back. What is your firmware version on your unit? Mine is v1.32 ZW-B03. Just curious...

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Thanks Rudy, I've heard from a number of other ZW-B03 users who have similar problems to you. The strange thin is that I'm running the same firmware as you so I'm guessing that something went wrong with the factory firmware flashing. Try there FB page as they usually respond to questions there within a day or two. I'm waiting to hear back from them as I just sent a message asking if there's any updated firmware for the remote... fingers crossed!

[@onrbttl]

Rudy Torres follow focus actually works. Go to crane 2 menu. Select priority and select external and boom

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Hi Onar, I was just in the process of replying to your previous comment when I saw that you'd worked it out. That's good.

[@onrbttl]

ScottyMakesStuff yeap. There are a lot of youtube videos that they are mention focus wheel is not working. Mine wasn't too. I just tried that and it worked well. Now I'm writing an email to zhiyun to make it clear. There are a lot of people confused about that. Also mentioning about g-mode. If they fix it with firmware and make it similar with movi's system, that would be awesome

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Currently there's a lot of things that don't work well but the good news is that Zhiyun can fix most of those issues in firmware so let's hope they listen to your email!

[@rashadal-safar1931]

Very detailed review but what about the follow focus? did this work? I didnt see you actually use it apart fromva still image at the end holding it with your left hand. Can the motors be switched to use it with your right hand like most operators? and does it work reliably without lag?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Hi Rashad, I kept the follow focus for a review in a few weeks time. I haven't had the servo follow focus long enough to give a complete review. But, so far it works well with almost no lag. The follow focus on the remote only works on the left side of the remote which to me is a significant oversight. Considering that at least 90% of users thinking of buying this would be using dual handles it's very pointed that Zhiyun doesn't show any marketing with the remote mounted with the dual handles. That's why we've got 3 new products coming out that incorporate the remote into a handle. 2 will launch this week and a third next week. We've also got a 4th axis stabilizer made specifically for the Crane 2 launching this week too!

[@rashadal-safar1931]

Wow! I have been looking at your 4th axis and have to say, it looks really good! Do you know if the motors can be reversed for right handed operation of the remote focus?. I am looking at this as a micro solution for my AC and operator so we can work super fast whilst still attaching a teradek bolt to the rig.

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Thanks Rashad! The FF knob on the remote can't be moved to the right side but we've got some good solutions for that coming out this week. We have an AC rig due out next week that can be used with wireless or wired video. If using the teradeck bolt you need to bare in mind that the effective range of the Zhiyun remote is only 10 meters so your AC may have to be on the move to stay within range of the operator. There's a number of mounts on the rig ideal for a teradeck, recorder, batteries and field monitor but it will definitely be a compact rig that can held single handed and aimed at focus pulling and tilts.

[@rashadal-safar1931]

That's great Scotty, I will be eagerly awaiting your new rig. Mounting the follow focus so that it is on the right hand side is only really a solution of you can reverse the motors direction on the servo as otherwise the AC will be pulling focus in the wrong direction which would be a nightmare for a AC with years of experience. Unless they designed it backwards, which I dont know. Does turning the focus wheel clockwise focus closer, or further on the remote? I am using a small HD (built in bolt 500 reciever and vmount )and a mini noga arm so that the AC can be mobile.

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

The AC rig has a mount for inverting the remote upside down so that the FF knob will be on the right side. The only change then will be to reverse the FF direction in the app so your AC will be able to use it normally. That's a nice compact rig. I didn't know the bolts could come built in, nice. That will fit perfectly on the new AC rig.

[@digitalmagicAR]

Nice review but how about control via USB cable that the specs say it can do? Would this allow for longer distance than the bluetooth? Also, could the Zhiyun Crane 2 be mounted on a vehicle and controlled from inside?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

I didn't check the USB control but yes, we used it to control our Crane 2 while on our tail hitch. Worked a treat as we controlled it from the tailing car!

[@digitalmagicAR]

@@ScottyMakesStuff Thank you. That is actually what I am wanting to do - attach it to a tail hitch and then control from inside the vehicle to shoot the vehicle following behind

[@lipardfilm]

It replaces one of the dual handles. You should hold the remote not a "third handle". That's why it is that big. No need for the basic handle.

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

It may be a well built remote but not that strong. Don't try it with the bottom 1/4-20 attachment, you'll end up breaking it if you do! Maybe with the 1/4-20 attachment on the back might work but I wouldn't recommend it as the lever forces applied to it when used as a handle would likely cause it to break over time.

[@lipardfilm]

Thanks for your thoughts!

[@mechabits197]

I would like the remote to control the follow focus servo directly without the crane2 in the chain by blue tooth or direct USB-C cable, Can it do that? Just Read another comment reply that says NO :(

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

No, it will only work with the Crane 2

[@marcelgavrila5474]

hi, can be connected by wired? Maybe delay is from bluetooth connection....

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

no

[@MrRantWhy]

can you use the the remote and the focus motor with out the gimble? it looks like its only getting power from that cable.

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

No, it only works with the Crane 2

[@raredreamfootage]

Does the follow focus work with a GH5 + active lens without the need for the motor?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

The most recent firmware hasn't added it. I think we won't see any significant updates from Zhiyun so the only solution will be the servo motor.

[@andferreiramain3107]

Hi, i need some help please :,( I just acquired the Zhiyun ZW-B03 controller, but it won't turn on, I'm trying to charge power through its cable in a cell phone plug and even then after a few hours of trying it won't turn on. What could I be doing wrong? I noticed that when I try to turn on a yellow LED inside the joystick it blinks a few times

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Sorry, I've got no idea. That's a question that zhiyun will have to help you with.

[@pckmusic]

Just a shot in the dark: does this work with he Crane 3S? I need a physical joystick, not the mimic system that the 3S uses. Thanks for any leads. I've been searching for years....

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Sorry, it only works with the Crane 2. A great remote but Zhiyun don't seem to believe in making their products compatible, even within the same series. But, to be fair, they never ended up making the sport mode work for the S :(

[@pckmusic]

@@ScottyMakesStuff That's what I figured. Thanks for taking the time to let me know!!!

[@DCifuentesJ]

Has the sport mode been implemented with new firmwares (July 2018)?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Sorry to say but I guess you won't be surprised to hear that the updated firmware doesn't include 'sport mode' functionality or any other of my suggestions :(

[@alejandrocuadra8803]

How can I connect a monitor to it wirelessly?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Hi Alejandro, you would need a wireless transmitter like a teradek but they're quite pricey. We've done it on the cheap with a 10m HDMI cable and an assistant to keep the wire free.

[@ShutterlabCreative]

Here in 2021. Have they improved this device at all?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Unfortunately, no

[@ShutterlabCreative]

@@ScottyMakesStuff Oooo. There goes their trustworthiness score. I guess I should have figured as much when I was able to pick this up for $25.

[@Wisdom2thMusic]

Legend, great review

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Thanks so much!

[@OzzieTech]

Got my remote just today and made sure its got latest firmware. problem I am having is that it keeps randomly disconnecting :(

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Ask Zhiyun for the latest firmware... they usually have a beta available. While you're waiting a week or more for them to respond download the latest firmware and reinstall. If the problem persists then contact Zhiyun with the problem.

[@simondobbins7509]

Feb 2019, has sport mode been introduced ?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

no

[@MeAndMyOpinions_OverYours]

What's the center button suppose to do?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

that's for menu access and camera control

[@kaodavid2316]

Can u use capture button on the remote to shoot video?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

The on/off button also starts recording video.

[@babymachoasic5832]

Is it compatible also for Zhiyun Smooth 4?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

no, just the crane 2

[@jmc732]

sir will this work on zhiyun smooth 4? for my 4th axis stabilizer. I've been contacting the zhiyun tech but got no answer from them. thanks sir

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

no, it only works on the Crane 2 AFAIK

[@juancarlos3989]

Hola amigo: muy bueno el video, tienes el link para descargar el manual?. Gracias

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Thanks, I guess it's available on Zhiyun's website

[@nooptionoptics4707]

Can this pair with the zhiyun lab 3 ff

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

No

[@recfonicaudiovisuales7398]

can i monitor wireless with another person in a atomos shogun?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Yes, but only at a max distance of 10 metres

[@kifkat]

Hi guys, me again ;-) Maybe someone could help me. Just updated the ZW-B03 motion Sensor Remote Control Firmware to v1.33 successfully. But now the Crane 2 Servo Follow Focus (CMF-01) doesn't work anymore, if I use the Remote Control. Seems the Servo Follow Focus also needs a firmware update (currently it's 655.35), right? So strange that Zhiyun has no proper driver / firmware download section on their website, a real pain!

[@kifkat]

OK...sorry for the panic! Seemed the Firmware update "reset" some settings in the ZW-B03. I found a solution, by accident. In the menue "wheel" > "switch" > I have to set "on" and it works ... whatever this "switch" is for ;-)

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

cool

[@calvaryhillfilms3508]

Will this work with the crane 3s?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

no

[@calvaryhillfilms3508]

@@ScottyMakesStuff do you know if there’s any remote for the crane 3s? I would like to rig a controller on a ring I have the gimbal on.

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

@@calvaryhillfilms3508 Sorry, I don't know of any

[@jurgiebaby]

Does anyone know if the follow focus wheel on the remote works the standard follow focus on the Crane 2 as I am a Canon user and don't need to by the follow focus gear kit (I hope that makes sense guys?) thanks in advance

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Yes it does :)

[@jurgiebaby]

Thanks Scotty thats great news I just need to find somewhere selling one at a Great price now :)

[@kifkat]

Very helpful video, thanks for that Scotty! I definitely will buy one of your remote handles, best accessory ever! Anybody could tell me how to update the Firmware of the Remote (right now it's V1.30)? I think the newest Firmware is V1.32 (?). Any help would be fantastic!

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Cheers Kif Kat! I'm extremely happy with these handles... you'll love it :) About the firmware, the gimbal tools 1.3.2 doesn't talk to the new remote or follow focus but Zhiyun is yet to add the most up to date software on their website! There are new versions that Zhiyun Support has passed on to some people and some kind soul has put it in a drop box here so enjoy! :- www.dropbox.com/sh/5ymwcn9d9a7xp8y/AABuG32UOUJfR6wsxEsFFLyOa?dl=0

[@kifkat]

Thanks very much for the tip and fast response! Yeah, no I have to get v1.3.3 gimbal tools!

[@kifkat]

Zhiyun Support answered me pretty fast and send me all the files. There is also a new Firmware for the ZW-B03 (v1.33).

[@DamianSwarlik]

anyone trying using this controller with new Crane 2S?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Great question, I hope so.

[@DamianSwarlik]

@@ScottyMakesStuff ok bad news, it doesn't work at all, last firmware 1.34 didn't resolve this problem. I will be waiting for update firmware or information from Zhuiyn about compatibility this devices

[@DamianSwarlik]

This is official statement of Zhuiyn: Hello, Thank you for contacting us! At present, Crane 2S can't work with the ZW-BO3 remote. Please be noticed, thanks!

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

That is a crying shame as it's such a good, robust remote! Sometimes these companies want you to buy all new gear so they deliberately build in limitations. But, this short sighted approach just infuriates us loyal customers and makes us more inclined to go elsewhere.

[@dummag4126]

You do a movement and gimbal do different or do the same 10 second later...hahahahaha

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

um yeah?

[@billionbites]

that wedding photographer at 14.31 is really distracting and un-professional lol

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Yes, I wonder if he has been hired since that video ;-)

[@pauldefaire]

Why not just replacing one of the handles with the actual remote? o.O

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

It's a rugged remote but it's nowhere near strong enough to deal with the type of lever forces applied to the bottom 1/4-20.

[@ahmad17271]

joystick CRANE 3S

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

not compatible

[@novoch360]

ZW-B03 menu have option for g-mode - "position". But still not working. This is a big bluff from Zhiyun 😡.

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

It hasn't ever worked so they aren't going to put effort into it now.

[@cugan83]

I’m sorry to be the one who has to point this out, but you have the remote on the wrong side of your rig to Be able to operate the follow focus. Your comment about having to reach your thumb around it made me laugh, you’re supposed to operate it with your left hand on the left side of the bars.

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

Yes, that's the way Zhiyun are forcing us to use it but any AC will tell you that the follow focus is controlled with the right hand... Try telling an AC who's been pulling focus for twenty years to go from right to left handed and they'll have a pink fit! I do say thanks to Zhiyun for finally giving us a decent remote but I don't think they really thought enough about the 'use case' when they did their research designing this. Anyway, we're selling a lot of handles that make it work better so I should thanks Zhiyun for their half arsed efforts ;-)

[@nooptionoptics4707]

Does the remote work with the lab 3

[@scottmcpherson6174]

no, just the 2

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

:)

[@ishusharma333]

Does this works with crane 3s?

[@ScottyMakesStuff]

I wish it did but unfortunately no.