Zhiyun from Guilin, China, has existed since 2014 and, together with DJI, pioneered affordable three-axis gimbals. The Crane 2, Crane 3 and the current Crane 3S and Crane 4 carry heavy mirrorless and cinema cameras, the Crane-M2 and Crane-M3 are compact all-rounders for light cameras and phones, the Weebill series (Weebill S, Weebill 3) is built to work low and close to the body, and the Smooth line is for smartphones. Zhiyun also supplies the Molus and Fiveray LED lights. The gimbals are controlled via the ZY Play app and support focus and zoom motors.
Gimbals have motors, bearings and batteries that wear. We test every unit for balancing, motor strength and vibration, the axis locks, the batteries for capacity, the Bluetooth link to the app and the firmware. Included quick-release plates, cables and handles are checked for completeness. It is all in the condition notes.
Check the payload: a Crane-M3 is great for a compact mirrorless camera with a pancake lens, an A7 IV with a 24-70mm f/2.8 needs a Crane 3S or Crane 4. We help you choose and buy your old gimbal.
