Zhiyun Crane 3 LAB Camera Gimbal

[crmaris]

The Zhiyun Crane 3 LAB is $899, which is the price of a decent camera lens, and can handle payloads up to 4.5 kg, so it supports the popular Panasonic GH5 and Sigma 18-35 mm Art lens combo. It is richly featured and if you buy the full package, you will get everything that a cinematographer needs to start creating.

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[Ferrum Master]

Is this thing weather sealed?

 

[crmaris]

Good question! Nope. It has openings from where water can pass through.

 

[Wavetrex]

Wow these things are progressing fast.

Only two years ago I got the Crane (1) refresh, and it looks like a toy compared to Crane 3 ;-)
But it's good, works fine after 2 years, does what it's supposed to.

Nice to see they are pushing the tech !

 

[Ferrum Master]

Good question! Nope. It has openings from where water can pass through.

That's pretty damn sad. It should be marked as a huge minus. The could at least give some sort of tailored coat, have clips in certain areas to put something. And have plugs for the unused USB, charging ports. Not only moisture but sand with wind... this thing is meant to be used outdoors. To me it is an important point really.

I have an α6500 also. But a grand for thing so fragile... I am kinda not that enthusiastic about it.

 

[Wavetrex]

Zhiyun's gear is for the common folk shooting with a mirrorless hybrid or a video-enabled DSLR.
It's not for the pro's that do war movies and naval disaster movies where everything is wet...

If you want something robust, waterproof, that allow heavy cameras, etc... there's always DJI Ronin 2...

Ronin 2 - DJI

DJI Ronin 2 professional 3-axis stabilization system is built to excel in high-stress environments. Powerful, higher torque motors allow for bigger payloads and advanced power management. Ronin 2 empowers filmmakers to capture any scene their mind can create.

www.dji.com

But prepare to sell a few kidneys.

 

[Valantar]

Wait, did TPU suddenly become a photography site?

 

[crmaris]

We cover from time to time such stuff in our own way. Actually this is the second gimbal review that we did. From the moment in all of our reviews we have to shoot not only good photos, but videos as well, we have vast experience in this field.

DJI Ronin 2

Indeed the Ronin 2 is awesome. Had the chance to check it in person during last CES and I liked it, a lot. Unfortunately it is out of my budget, by far.

 

[Ferrum Master]

It would be good comparing to some Feiyu gimbals, those are much cheaper, yet really those are much worse?

 

[Valantar]

We cover from time to time such stuff in our own way. Actually this is the second gimbal review that we did. From the moment in all of our reviews we have to shoot not only good photos, but videos as well, we have vast experience in this field.

I get that, I just wonder how big the actual audience overlap is. I have more than a passing interest in photography, and my partner owns the 1st-gen Crane, but even for me gimbal reviews are of very little interest (and stopped being so once I understood that they're pretty much just an expensive tech novelty unless you actually have a reason to use one, such as doing video production). Then again, I suppose a lot of people in the PC/gamer space might be growing into photography and videography given how everyone and their dog (almost literally, yes) has a YouTube channel and wants to burn out at 21 by becoming YT famous.

 

[crmaris]

True, YT brought huge attention in such accessories (gimbals, lighting etc.) If there is enough interest in those reviews to justify our time and effort we will do some. If not, we will stick to PC hardware. Personally, I do want to work on something out of the ordinary from time to time, offering this distinctive TPU view and attention to the slightest detail. In a world full of wannabe influencers there are so few true reviewing sites left, so we try to shed more light in every area that we are familiar with.

It would be good comparing to some Feiyu gimbals, those are much cheaper, yet really those are much worse?

They were supposed to send one for a spin, but at the last minute they backed out

 

[gamebynight]

Wow! Looks great. Did they send you guys a sample to keep for video production or was this a purchase for you?

 

[crmaris]

Don't know yet to be frank. Hope we will keep it because we plan to make lots of video with its help

 

[gamebynight]

Don't know yet to be frank. Hope we will keep it because we plan to make lots of video with its help

That's what I was hoping! That thing will give you some buttery smooth shots for b-roll!