• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Hobby Devil.com

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Hobby Devil.com
  • Hunting Binoculars
  • Gimbals
  • About
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Gimbals / Zhiyun Crane 2 Gimbal Stabilizer for DSLR Camera Review 

June 26, 2018 By Hobby Devil

Zhiyun Crane 2 Gimbal Stabilizer for DSLR Camera Review 

Zhiyun Crane 2 Gimbal Stabilizer for DSLR Camera Review

The Zhiyun Crane 2 gimbal is a three-axis model that features an integrated follow focus that’s designed to support any type of mirrorless or DSLR camera. The 2 offers a great payload, durable design, and is very beginner-friendly.

Now, let’s dig a little deeper in order to learn more about what the 2 has to offer. 

Overview and Features 

This gimbal has an impressive payload of seven pounds, making it very versatile. The Crane 1 only had a max payload of two and a half pounds, so this is a huge improvement over last year’s model. The increased weight capacity will allow the user to run small prosumer handy cams in addition to DSLR and mirrorless cameras. However, there is a limit in regard to camera length. 

The manufacturer managed to increase the load capacity by switching to motors that offer better torque. Aside from the increased load capacity, the new motor allows the gimbal itself to feel smoother and more responsive. 

You’re probably thinking since the gimbal’s load capacity has gone up that the physical weight of the 2 is probably through the roof, but it only weighs in at just eight pounds. 

In the past, photographers struggled with the one-handed gimbals because they were difficult to balance and set up, plus you’re not able to keep them level unless you mount it or hold onto it with one hand. 

If you’re looking for a lighter gimbal the Varavon Birdycam 2 may be a better option.

Or, you can click here to read our gimbal buyer’s guide which includes the five top models of gimbals on the market. 

Balance 

The manufacturer has made balancing this gimbal much easier by including a fold up stand that easily screws straight into the bottom of the gimbal. And the result? Balancing is much easier and it also means that you can put the gimbal on a level surface when in use. Even better, you can also make adjustments to the camera when the gimbal is on without worrying about it freaking out. 

You can easily leave the support stand attached and simply fold the legs up during transport.

 As you can see, the manufacturer has really put some thought into the 2’s design, making this innovative gimbal incredibly user-friendly. 

This model also comes with a quick release plate. This means instead of trying to mount the camera straight onto the gimbal, it can mount to the plate and straight to the camera, then just slide the plate into the gimbal. This will make balancing and set up much faster and easier. 

This gimbal is perfect for posed or lifestyle photography. If you’d like to learn more about different styles of photography and shooting techniques, click here to read our article on newborn photography tips.

Follow Focus 

Check on Amazon

This model has a built-in follow focus control that allows you to focus without touching the lens or camera. However, this feature will only work with certain cameras. 

Once you’ve connected your camera to the control cable from the gimbal, all you’ll need to do is adjust the focus wheel located on the handle. There are a few speed sensitivity options for the focus. 

Compatibility 

If you have a Sony camera, the 2 will charge your camera and charge up the gimbal’s battery at the same time. 

Battery Life 

This gimbal uses three 1865 AH batteries which can provide up to twelve hours of runtime. 

iOS and Android 

You can download an iOS or Android app that allows you to control some functions on the gimbal. 

While the Bluetooth range is a little limited, you can use your smartphone to start or stop a recording, flip the camera around, and tilt or pan. 

The app will also allow you to make certain calibration adjustments to finetune the gimbal’s performance. 

Display 

On the display, you can view the stabilizer’s status, battery level, connection status, control mode, and different camera settings. However, because of the location of the display screen, it can be hard to see the display clearly. In order to get a good look, you’ll need to lift the gimbal up high. Ultimately, it’s much easier to check out this info using the app on your phone. 

Pros 

  • Lightweight design 
  • Three-axis 
  • High max payload 
  • Mobile app

Cons

  • The poor location of the display makes it difficult to read 
Zhiyun Crane 2 Conclusion and Rating

Hobby Devil.com Product Rating: (4.5/5)

Zhiyun Crane 2It’s not common for a manufacturer to completely overhaul one of their products, but that’s what happened here with the Crane 2. The lighter, three-axis design makes the gimbal more user-friendly and the included app allows you to easily finetune the gimbal’s performance. We gave this model a rating of four and a half out of five stars.

Check Price
Summary
Reviewer
Hobby Devil
Review Date
2018-06-26
Reviewed Item
Zhiyun Crane 2 Gimbal Stabilizer for DSLR Camera
Author Rating
41star1star1star1stargray

Filed Under: Gimbals, Hobby, Reviews

Primary Sidebar

Zhiyun Crane 2 Gimbal Stabilizer for DSLR Camera Review 

Zhiyun Crane 2 Gimbal Stabilizer for DSLR Camera Review 

Varavon  Birdycam 2 Gimbal Steady Cam Review

Varavon  Birdycam 2 Gimbal Steady Cam Review

The Best DSLR Gimbals on Today’s Market Reviewed & Compared

The Best DSLR Gimbals on Today’s Market Reviewed & Compared

Nicama NC-ST Dual Handheld Stabilizer 5-Axis Brushless Gimbal Review 

Nicama NC-ST Dual Handheld Stabilizer 5-Axis Brushless Gimbal Review 

Newborn Photography Tips for Beginners 

Newborn Photography Tips for Beginners 

DJI Ronin-M 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer Review

DJI Ronin-M 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer Review

Beholder DS1 Handheld Three-Axis Stabilizer Review

Beholder DS1 Handheld Three-Axis Stabilizer Review

Zeiss Victory HT Hunting Binoculars Review 

Zeiss Victory HT Hunting Binoculars Review 

Zeiss 15×56 Conquest HD Hunting Binoculars Review 

Zeiss 15×56 Conquest HD Hunting Binoculars Review 

Nikon Premier 8×42 Hunting Binoculars Review

Nikon Premier 8×42 Hunting Binoculars Review

Meopta MeoStar HD Hunting Binoculars Review 

Meopta MeoStar HD Hunting Binoculars Review 

Brunton Epoch Compact Hunting Binoculars Review 

Brunton Epoch Compact Hunting Binoculars Review 

Binocular Basics for the Hunter 

Binocular Basics for the Hunter 

The Best Hunting Binoculars In 2018 – Guide, Reviews, And Tips

The Best Hunting Binoculars In 2018 – Guide, Reviews, And Tips

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Linkedin
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Footer

Get Social With Us

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Linkedin
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Hobby Devil.com
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclosure
  • GDPR – Request personal data
  • Privacy Policy
© 2018 Hobby Devil.com

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

Powered by GDPR plugin

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.