Zhiyun Crane v2 Gimbal: Review + Test Footage

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Test footage @8:41

[@syamsularief8515]

do you ever have trouble gimbal motor suddenly die because i experienced it?

[@sinestesico1715]

Does it support the weight of a DSLR?

[@syamsularief8515]

only Zhiyun crane V1 & V2 support dslr

[@kardanski]

Great! What city is this?

[@TomAntos]

Would have been better if you did all the tests with the IBIS off and on longer lenses. Like you showed in your last shot with the IBIS off and at 85mm it shakes... it shakes just as much as all the other gimbals I've tested out including the Moza Air, the Feyutech a2000 and Nebula 5100 Slanted or the FosiCam. None of them are perfect but they do work great with a great camera that has internal stabilization. This is regarding a comment you left on one of my videos... I always test with all the camera and lens stabilization off and not on a full frame camera with a wide angle lens. This really shows if the gimbal performs well or not. Otherwise somebody who owns an older camera without IBIS will buy this gimbal and then end up disappointed because they can't get as smooth of a result as your video shows. Otherwise it's great to see you do quality videos. Keep it up!

[@TheyCallMeCotton]

Tom Antos Tom for president!

[@Simon-tt2kl]

Tom Antos lol passive aggressive

[@WillEndSeraFin]

Then the Dji Ronin M its better? With my a7s (so no IBIS) and the 24-105 f4 L (@157mm in APS-C mode) stabilize perfectly... I will stick to the ronin m

[@jonyclintonxD]

some people say that the IBIS interfere with the gimbal, so i dont think that it will make any difference, do you know if that´s real? i haven´t tried it yet with the IBIS off

[@peterk9398]

Hi Brandon As a newcomer to video filming from shoulder and tripods to gimbals at the beginning of the year, I firstly purchased the Shiyun Evolution for my GoPro Hero 4 to find out if they are really what the rave was all about. Now after countless hours of practice I know that they can vastly improve the filming but the principals still apply. I would like to upgrade now to a higher level and apart from reading tech magazines I also rely very much on KZbin clips like yours for practical information. I’d like to thank you for the detailed and clear description which I find easy to understand and follow. At times, it is still difficult to compare all the technical cons and pros and adding to that there are constantly new models that come on the market. Only with the info from persons like you that have “Hands on” practical experience in the field, one is reasonably assured to make the right decision what to buy. I can imagine that sometime it may be difficult to remain unbiased when you are being asked which is the best product, as you ultimately do not know the person’s preference and purpose of use. Please continue with this great job. Subscribers will be looking forward to your next report.

[@rcs_8014]

I just picked one of these up as my first gimbal to use on my A6500. Can’t wait too get started.

[@cpacoop]

I feel like a kid in a candy store! 3 videos in a row. Thanks, Brandon!

[@timvepsa10]

Best gimbal reviews in youtube. Im a filmschool student and I'm very pleased with your reviews. You're an inspiration to me! Keep doing what you do!

[@MotionDogsLH]

Great review! Was very impressed on how quick and easy getting this gimbal set up was. Hats off to Zhiyun for such an affordable and functional production tool. We just released a custom cheese plate for mounting additional accessories to the Zhiyun Crane v2 to get our follow focus mounted up. Looking forward to working with a Crane 2 very soon.

[@MichaelNgvyen]

3 videos back to back! Love it man! Keep it the great content Brandon.. I think this series is going to help a lot of people who are getting into gimbals! Can't wait for you to test out the Crane 2

[@EvanThomas]

I can attest to what you said at 1:15 about the Zhiyun v2 being small enough to fit in a backpack while traveling. I took it all around Spain with me while shooting my most recent video and it fit perfectly in a standard Manfrotto bag.

[@ThisWayUpTravel]

Thinking of getting this. I am planning to also travel with this but I am worried about any damage to the gimbal. What's your experience cushioning it and did you put it into your main backpack? Just curious about which camera/lens setup you used with it as well.

[@EvanThomas]

Hi, I put it in my main camera backpack, which has pretty good cushioning. I was traveling around Spain, on ferries, planes trains etc. The length of the gimbal is a little awkward, but in general I found it OK to travel with. It wasn't damaged in anyway. It does get heavy though, carrying all the gear around all day. The camera and lens setup I used was a Sony A6500 + 10-18mm. You can see the types of shots I was able to capture if you watch the "Summer in Spain" video on my channel. Thanks, Evan

[@Rocklee186]

When I was traveling in Portugal it also was no problem in the camera backpack, I have a a6300 with a 24-105 and the 35mm 1.8f

[@EdVel]

Recently bought the Crane v2 and I'm in love with it. I'm still doing some training to get use to it since I've been using a handheld stabilizer for years.. Thanks for this review to see some of its weakness. Keep up the good work!!

[@helafelagaming]

As a starter videographer, which one do you prefer? This v2 or crane plus? Because, after I see all your gear the crane plus seems a good and worth upgrade to the crane v2.

[@lalrinmawia4929]

Great review there. What would you prefer? The Zhiyun Crane v2 or the Zhiyun Crane 2? For the Sony A 6500 mirrorless camera with 18-105 lens. The price difference doesn't seem much.

[@SureshKumarMajhi]

Got a mild stroke when flip that lense at 1:43 :D

[@313WhiteCoat]

That was ninja, he didn't even look at it, just kept on talking into the camera.

[@Schmavie]

Thanks Brandon. I ordered one from the Zhiyun site last night. It was a few dollars cheaper than Amazon, and they presented a 10% off coupon which really made it a great buy.

[@markshirley01]

Thanks Brandon - one important thing I've learned here is to buy the A6500 over the A6300 for the steadyshot it certainly seems to makes a difference

[@Unakayboating]

Ugh. Thanks Brandon just making harder to choose from now lol. I will say this your videos are far better than some others for reviews on this matter so thank you for hitting all the key points and testing all limitations of each gimbal.

[@n.michaelh4726]

Great review Brandon! Do you think its worth upgrading my Crane V1 to the V2? Thanks.

[@mgr5550]

It doesnt come with the tripod base right ? Yet your opening shot shows it standing beautifully with that. Makes me believe im getting a V2 with a tripod base.

[@TRAVELINGMATHIEU]

hello brandon..what i did to differentiate the button.. i took some nail polish and color the power button red.. quick and simple.. once again thank you for all your tutorial.. please keep them coming

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Good idea but I want to be able to tell by texture also. Maybe if I make a scratch on one button or something.

[@AydinOdyakmaz]

Upgraded to the v2 and really only thing I noticed for myself was the quick release that made it easier to deAl with but I added another plate so once I've got it lived in place I just pull it off and place back on with no changes in balance . Bought the smaller one for the iPhone! And it works well too. Easier to pack for those really short trips I don't want or need to pack too much.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

My v2 doesn't have a true quick release plate...is yours different?

[@AydinOdyakmaz]

Well it has that plate that removes with a quick twist of a knob. I just added an arca Swiss plate base to it and adjusted balance. So now when I snap in the A6500 with 10-18 it sits exactly in place.

[@ThisWayUpTravel]

Loving this series on the different gimbals. Keep it up Brandon!

[@IanWong]

Was just about to buy one today - perfect timing!

[@tammysypniewski1891]

This gimbal is now $200. That’s the gimbal for me. Thanks Brandon.

[@MrDhunviper]

thanks brandon. i'm sold. this will be my first gimbal for my a6500.

[@MrDhunviper]

also brandon, what quick release plate do you recommend for the Crane V2?

[@dannyomie]

can't wait for crane 2 review

[@TheyCallMeCotton]

dannyomie check my video with the crane

[@Bezstopy]

Brandon should be the first one to get new 2 and for free ;-) he has done lots for Zhiyun by filming with it all the time. I would love to hear his opinions about brand new 2 as well!

[@dannyomie]

TheyCallMeCotton I already got the crane1, been using it for 10month now, but sure every video is a knowledge btw :)

[@dannyomie]

Bez stopy 100% agree with you, he is the most suitable guy for the job

[@bimmercrazy1]

Thanks for all your great videos. I really enjoy them. Have you had any luck with the 16-35GM on the Zhiyun Crane v2? I have balanced it with my a7RII multiple times before turning on with no issues. But when it starts up in pan follow mode, it goes into a crescendo panic vibration after a few seconds. Double tapping to full lock mode, it's just fine. Pressing once again to go to pan following mode and it vibrates again. I know it's a semi-heavy lens but my a7RII + 16-36 GM + Oben QRA-R2A Quick Release are under the published limit if B&H specs are correct. I bought it before the Crane 2 came out and am now regretting the Crane v2 purchase at this point. It never had any issues with a Panasonic FZ-1000 on it. Any advice would be most appreciated.

[@KennethTangCF]

Wow, such a huge difference with steadyshot on!

[@burstongreye7090]

Boss review once again..no filler all killer!!

[@JohnCassity]

Keana Reeves does camera reviews?

[@robinmetzler]

Thank you for your great review Brandon! What is your camera setup on gimbals? Do you shoot AF?

[@KennyRonkainen]

Zhiyun Crane actually does support switching motor to the left side. Other than that, great video, and agree on the reliability (why it's also my favourite).

[@yannispapanastasopoulos]

Moza Air is the best in terms of stabilisation. Thanks for these videos Brandon! Looking forward to the motion timelapse review of each one!

[@aaronvilarino]

What do you think is better for a canon80D: The Zhiyun crane v2 or the Moza air?

[@AntoineLamarre]

Aarón Vilariño Figueiras Zhiyun have announced a new Crane-2 to be released in November it is made to be better suitable for DSLRs with a heavier load capacity and a focus control wheel

[@aaronvilarino]

Antoine Lamarre thank you, but it seems that it is going to be more expensive than the two options I have said. However, I'll wait for it

[@johnhmaw]

Some great moves with the gimbal. I need to practice doing something similar. Great review as always.

[@grafpez]

@Brandon Li, I need your help: I also had the Crane V1 for about a year. I'd like to use it assembled on a tripod, for example when you do a quick interview, etc. But the PAN movement behaviour is atrocious, it doesn't stop for ~8secs. Doesn't happen for Tilt, that's all fine. Has nothing to do with setup or calibration, this is IMO a firmware movement bug..(have done a vid about this) Also, when using the Joystick/Remote Controller or App, small deflections result in Abrupt movement, not smooth at all, no matter what your settings are. Are these problems still there with the new Crane? PS, I agree with 'programmable control axies setting' choice would be best (choose movement type/smoothness/enable-disable for each axis)..have suggested that for some time but still no improvement..I always end up Rolling the camera which is very annoying...

[@ron.studio-o]

I like how u explain n review. please review crane 2, what do you think about grip size changed? is it bothering u? is it splash proof?

[@chrisbrown8748]

Thank you Brandon I have stumbled across several of your videos and each one of them has been super informative which is why you got a follow from me. Please keep up the amazing work.

[@παναγιώτηςτσετσέκος-μ5ι]

I just received the Crane V2. Might have an issue with the batteries or the charger. I get only red blinking lights on both sides. I don't know if the batteries are charging. It's the first time I charge it actually so I don't know if it's normal. After 5 hours, the charger still blinks red light both sides & the batteris are not even warm. I don't believe they are charging at all. I have installed the batteries the correct way. ("+" to "+"). Any ideas ?

[@jankoman]

Brandon, will you be reviewing Feiyu A2000 any time soon? It seems Moza and A2000 are on top of every chart these days....

[@danielsilva9502]

Hey there, just wondering if you find the dual handle or the grip worth the price? If I buy from the shop in aliexpress, it'll take almost a month to get here, so I'd like to order all at the same time, instead of ordering and realizing I should get a grip for it. In all your videos I never see you use anything other than the actual crane, so...

[@gam3sh]

Hey Brandon what is your experience between this and beholder ec1. I am thinking about getting one of these for my xt20 for travel and fun, and not sure which one to get. I saw you had both of them, and from your reviews both are good, but if you would have to choose from these, now, with all your experience which one would you get?

[@Chilcutte]

I just got this TODAY I have a JIB so being able to use this WITH that and remote is a DREAM come true the 12 hour life is fantastic. GOT to get more batteries because I have some 5 day events and limited charges AHhhhh yeah on the Unlock the motor controls I can already see a couple shots that MAY come into play for me on BUT that is a while... SMARRRRRRT phone -look i have a couple CRAP on 5 phones that are assigned to diffrent tools My Tablet controls that Camera... so its Really a Nice set up. Old cell phones FOR the WIN

[@computacioncero]

I have the A7R with a Battery Grip....can I use it with the GRIP or is too much weight??? Thanks for any info.

[@joinjanis6986]

@brandon Li which stand do you use for the gimbal? great review, and filning, as always! keept it up. really helps me

[@johnserviss]

Awesome vid. Thanks for sharing. Have you used the feiyu tech gimbals ? I’m sure your viewers would totally appreciate your thoughts. Thanks again for the great content.

[@ImGallagherr]

I have the same one, but i cannot seem to get the a6000 hooked onto it with out everything clipping each other, could you show how to set it up as every other tutorial is the v1 thanks!

[@hangahliong4746]

I like the little tripod that you use on the bottom of the gimbal. Do you mind sharing what tripod that you use for the zhiyun crane v2? Thanks

[@christhepotato]

Hey Brandon, I got this gimbal based on your recommendation. I have the a6500 with a the 18-105pz. How are you able to have your camera in flashlight mode? my gimbal will only tilt so far before the motors break and release the camera. It wont tilt beyond 45 degrees

[@LifeWithWill]

Big fan here, would love to see you shoot live someday.

[@genin69]

the test area you shot this in in felt like a mid 2000s 3D shootem up game.. memories..

[@mdg936]

Just ordered it and bummed to see how shaky it looks with steady shot turned off because I have the gh4 and mostly lenses without any image stabilization, which is why I was getting the gimbal..

[@ReanStar]

You're gonna make the decision which Gimbal to buy harder and harder, if you put up a new review everyday! : ) I always wanted to go for the Zhiyun crane, as I have made good experience with the Zhiyun Smooth Q for smartphones or the Zhiyun Z for the GoPro. But then your reviews came up and now I'm totally stuck in between Moza Air and Zhiyun Crane V2! Even though portability in my eyes is pretty important, as most of the times I use this gear when I'm outside instead of "at home"! I also probably don't need the handles, the Moza Air comes with... It is hard to tell by your footage, because all of your footage with those gimbals look great, as you are experienced in working with them... So maybe anyone else can help me to find the right answer, which Gimbal to decide for: Moza Air or Zhiyun Crane V2?!?

[@viejournal4107]

I had a bad experience with the Zhiyun Smooth 4 for mobile so this time I have decided to go to the DJI Ronin S.

[@123-s6e]

Should I buy the Crane v2 or the Crane 2 for my panasonic g7 (800g)?

[@BiancaOnYoutube]

Thanks for the tips Brandon. Anyway I live near there the place where you shoot the footage. I hope to see in action someday.

[@nikolaynaumov3902]

Love your channel! All of your footage looks perfect, no matter what gimbal you are using. Very usefull video, still try to achieve the same resulth with my Sony A6500 + kit lens. But still notice some bobble while walking...its not a jitter. With running is more notiseable...like small earthquakes.Not sure how you eliminate this on your video. Firmware updated, motors set with app, steady shot on...still need to test. If someone can give me proper advice will be appreciated. Great work Brandon! KEEP GOING! GREAT INSPIRATION!

[@OceanBoyJj]

Im going overseas for a few weeks, got a A7III and a Tameron 28-75. Will this work or shake?

[@satishcentury8687]

Could you please make video on focusing and also about when to use different types of focusing system..........

[@daleelliott5187]

I know you use native Sony lenses with your a6500 because of the good auto-focus but on an a7sii where you're more likely to rely on manual focus do you still use native Sony glass despite focus by wire feeling kind of flimsy? Also would you typically only use the gimbal with a wider angle lens so that pulling focus is less of a concern and what aperture would you typically use

[@kenyee88]

put a piece of gaffer tape on the power button for a quick hack...nice review. Interesting that the crane has less micro jitter than other gimbals.

[@robertgutierrez9409]

I've come across posts of firmware being update for some other versions of the crane. Have you found the need to update from the standard firmware for your v2?

[@tomleefilms]

Have you seen the feiyu tech a2000 gimbal? Looks promising. Potential review?

[@Positivitrip]

Thanks for your precious reviews Brandon, still haven't decided which one to buy though as don't wanna spend that much as the moza costs but yeah it's a tough call lol loving your work mate!

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Moza is really good. I recommend it.

[@oasean]

It's crazy to me how well it works with IBIS and running. I want one! Yet I don't understand why it looks about the same-just slightly jittery-with IBIS and walking. Anyhow, I figure that video processing could fully stabilize the footage.

[@AlessandroCarpentiero]

Hey Brandon, nice vid! I've a little question :) How do you manage not scratching your camera when on a gimbal? I have the Crane-M with the RX100IV on it, and my camera got really scratched when I put it in my backpack (not unmounted). Do you unmount it everytime? The gimbal itself got scratched for the same reason, as the upper part touches the lower end when it's balanced...so I guess the only way would be placing it into its bag everytime, but this would slow down shooting a lot. Thanks!

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Usually I hand-carry the gimbal while I'm shooting. I only put it away when I'm taking a break for a while. And then I remove the camera usually. But I scratch the hell out of my gimbals anyway, I don't care what they look like.

[@SEKOLAHANDROID]

What buy ?

[@BarefootMediaTV]

can you do a talking head review of the 85mm? I am debating buying that for my interviews

[@hamimannn]

WHATS THE STEADY SHOT?? IS IT AN OPTION IN CRANE OR IS IT IN THE CAMERA, BCZ IT LOOKS HORRIBLE WITHOUT STEADY SHOT

[@BlackMusicRecordProd]

@BrandonLi nice video I like this video and it help me to set my gimbal crane V2

[@musicmachineplayer]

Good test I have the Smooth Q and I love it for smartphones cheap at £129

[@barney2x4]

I have a Zhiyun Crane V2 and I'll be getting a Sony A6300. Is it possible to power the camera via the gimbal? Is it possible to use just any micro-to-micro (male-male) USB cable or is it a proprietary one? Thanks!

[@robinmetzler]

Thanks for sharing Brandon :) Do you have a video on camera settings when filming on a gimbal? I'm wondering whether it's best to film in AF-C or Manual? Thank you in advance.

[@dinhnhunguyen1986]

Thanks a lot for your clip. I have a set as follow: Crane V2 with Sony A5100 (lens 16-5-mm). I don't know if I have done my homework good to balance it. But as long as I turn my camera up/down or vertical, it will comeback to balance point. In other youtube clips, it has been said that it should stay exact the position that you turn it into. What I have don't wrong? could you maybe help with some tips?

[@joinjanis6986]

Do you use fixed focal length (focus) when filming objects and only follow focus, when filming a person?

[@christhepotato]

bought mine over a year ago, started having problems 8 months in, buttons sticking/unresponsive, even the shutter cable broke. and it finally died. would turn on fine but after 10 seconds would go limp.

[@adrianbuckvideo]

Any reason this gimbal would perform less well the closer you get to max payload? Is there a sweet spot, or weight range, the Zhiyun gimbal (any gimbal for that matter) performs best? I'm Only asking since need to use gimbal with full frame DSLR in the next few weeks. Torn between this Zhiyun and the Feiyu tech A2000. Can't justify cost of Zhiyun Crane 2.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

All gimbals work better with lighter payloads

[@adrianbuckvideo]

Yeah figures. Thanks. Kind of quashes any trust we might have in max paylod ratings then. Just seen a review with an 80D which (with lens) came in at around 1300g and the reviewer had problems using the V2 not so much with weight but the form factor of the camera.

[@MOTOMOOD]

Hi, what do you think of Zhiyun Crane M, have you tried it? Thanks

[@ExploringAndMe]

Is there setting to slow panning speed?

[@DavidKatz]

This is awesome! Any chance you could recommend which mini tripod you use on the base of your gimbal?

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

I got it with the moza air so I'm not sure how to buy it individually

[@jaysun070476]

Hi do you shoot with auto focus on or a locked focus i use action cameras and iam trying to graduate to something more advance.

[@ShaneMontrealCanadiens]

was going to get v2. Should I wait for the crane 2 for the follow focus? whats your suggestion?

[@mattcarlson12]

Depends what camera you are using. The follow focus does not work with the Sony Alpha cameras as they don't support it as well as the gimbal powering the camera I don't believe will work on the Sony Alphas either unfortunately.

[@ngzonghee]

steadyshot on does remove all the small jitters! great feature from sony!

[@JeffMurphy]

Would you recommend this as a first gimbal?!

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Yeah it's a good one because it requires no special tuning. Simple and stable.

[@officialcentrificproductio7594]

Is the Zhiyun V2 better than the newer 2? I'm using a a6300 with a 18-105mm from sony.. I feel like it's too bug for the v2... am I right?

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

It will work with v2 but crane 2 will be steadier for faster movements, running etc

[@officialcentrificproductio7594]

@@BrandonLiUnscripted I ordered the Crane Plus:) I think its better than the V2 and enough for my needs.

[@jamers73]

Great review! What mini tripod do you use/recommend for the crane?

[@MarkBarners]

Moza air or Crane v2? Thanks so much for awesome Videos

[@ConchitaProductions]

Any tips for shooting with manual focus lenses on gimbals?

[@evilynox4411]

I can’t seem to balance my v2 right. -.- its supposed to stay at any angle you put it but then it just slides back a little to the front(balanced).

[@deeber35]

is the steady shot feature of the gimbal or the camera?

[@monabhullar9696]

hi brandon- can you tell me the audio you use? It would be really helpful

[@think2mucheh]

my crane v2 wont look straight up.. after 45 degree it looks like the motor didnt strong enough to do that.. im using a5100 with 50mm and 16-50mm.. other than that it works just fine.. pls help

[@deeber35]

do you know if it matters if the tilt motor, when looking from behind the roll motor, is on the left or right?

[@Marco-zp7nb]

Hi Brandon, i am marco from germany. In my opinion your videos and reviews are quite perfect. Really god job you did. Have you done videos about "how to focus manually, especially on gimbals"? THX

[@joeblowphiri6148]

please any recomendations for new battries for this gimble

[@martinputra8884]

Hi Brandon thank you for sharing. I'd like to ask compared to what do you mean that the handle is shorter? Do you mean compared to the v1?

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Yes

[@jorgebylego55]

The position of the motor also blocks the use of a dummie battery?

[@NikolajFHalberg]

Yes, but if you use a small quick release plate like a cheap Arca Swiss solution, it's not a problem (& it's quicker to remove the camera to change battery / SD card as well :) )

[@joinjanis6986]

did u use manual focus at fixed distance or AF?

[@AntoineBorzeix]

Hello Brandon, when will you test the new Zhiyun Crane 2 ? in hope see your test quickly because i m looking for change my Zhiyun Crane 1 (because 24-70mm GM).

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

I've tried it out a bit and I don't like it. Handle too big, has motor vibration issues sometimes.

[@AntoineBorzeix]

Aïe ("outch" in French). Thanks for your fast answer. I was planning to switch on it. I had the Feiyu before the Zhiyun Crane and it was a good and smooth stabilization and no fast return back of gimbal in the end of the movement as on my Zhiyun Crane 1 v2. I looked many times your reviews of gimbals and don't know what to choose :/ ..... i will look again. Thx for your work and all your videos they are very instructive. Have a nice. Antoine (form Bretagne in France)

[@ThisVSThat]

Love this series man! Keep it up!

[@jolintruong6263]

Thank you for sharing this video.

[@xvxcarmona8990]

Hello everyone I have the Lumix G7 and I have the problem with the Tilt Axis(Up or Down Stabilization) and I found my solution. I bought two “SmallRig removable Counterweight” with 200 g each. I used one as a quick release place( since it has a 1/4 screw and a 1’4 hole so you can attach it to your camera and to the crane) and I attached the other one on the lens mounting screw to add weight to the front. Now it works perfectly! I bought the counterweights on eBay