Introduction

I would like to thank Zhiyun for supplying the review sample.


Zhiyun has made a name for itself by offering a wide range of gimbals for all sorts of users. Today, we get to take a quick look at their latest higher-end model aimed at professionals who shoot commercial video, but require a higher payload limit than the original Crane 2 without quite the specs, size, and weight of the Crane 3S. On top of that, for the most flexibility, the Crane 2S comes in three different bundles with a varying range of accessories. Also, unlike the Crane 2, the S variant allows you to directly connect various powered accessories, like an auto-focus motor.

Specifications

Packaging and Contents

The box is pretty unassuming, with a different image of the gimbal on either side. The handle is actually part of the storage box the unit and all its extras come in.


That box is made out of sturdy formed foam, and as it comes with space for additional accessories as well, it isn't meant to only hold the Crane 2S—you should be able to keep it all nice and tidy even after expanding things over time.


To accommodate all kinds of cameras and use cases, you will find every kind of USB cable ending with USB-C on one end, much like what you are used to with the bigger Crane 3S. A little set of manuals is also included, which is quite helpful for those using Zhiyun units for the first time. That said, it would be easier to read if bigger.

A Closer Look

Naturally, you will receive several mounting screws which are meant to be tightened with Allen keys. While the biggest of these is for the silver screws, the smaller ones potentially allow you take apart more specific elements of the Zhiyun Crane 2S Gimbal. In regards to the parts around the gimbal itself, there are the mounting plates, which allow for various primary and secondary setups, and a support piece for long or heavy camera lenses. The battery setup is also another element now utilizing a USB-C-based charger, just like we have seen with the Crane 3 series, along with the same three 18650 batteries of the original Crane 2.


Out of the box, the Crane 2S resembles the original Crane 2 in many ways, but one of the more noticeable differences is the carbon-fiber-equipped handle to slightly reduce the weight.


Once assembled, it becomes apparent that the collapsible stand has also been redesigned to provide a wider, sturdier base, which is needed as the unit needs to handle the 4.5 kg payload as opposed to the 3.2 kg of the original Crane 2. Because of its added texture, holding the whole unit with two hands should also feel much nicer. All the adjusting elements are locked in place with larger flip levers instead of rotating mechanisms, which also makes it far less likely to collide with the mounted device. The lens support bracket is also much larger, giving you more flexibility there as well.


On the main side of the Zhiyun Crane 2S gimbal are three USB-C ports, which does not only allow for direct camera control, but the ability to directly connect accessories, like optional focus and zoom motors.


On the main grip is a fourth USB-C plug for you to charge and power the device on the road via USB, thus forgoing the battery charger. Here are also two mounting possibilities for additional accessories, like a phone mount, which was lacking on the original Crane 2. While the mechanical interface has not changed much overall but for a bit of a visual upgrade and a larger, better OLED screen, you will find a large trigger button on the opposite side of the gimbal on the Crane 2S.


To mount the camera, use the included base and silver mounting screw. The largest hex tool will fit perfectly, but you may also use a flat-head screw driver to tighten it. We used a Canon 5D Mach II with its default lens as it represents a nice, large camera for such a gimbal.

Software

The software for the gimbal is quite similar to what we have seen before with the Crane 3S Lab and Crane 2. In order to utilize it fully, you first have to select your device, log in, and register/activate it.


Firmware updates are also delivered directly through the application, and you simply leave your phone close to the unit while the update is progressing, which takes around 10 minutes to complete.


While the app offers plenty of secondary functions, like video upload, tutorials, and many community features, we will just focus on what matters to operating the Crane 2S gimbal itself. On the main screen, you are shown the battery charge of the gimbal as well as the camera, and are able to move the gimbal around with a virtual 4-way pad, rotate it, or activate the shot/video. On top of that, you may select between a panorama, time lapse, or trajectory mode right in the main menu.


These allow you to set a starting and end point, for example, or set up the shot and then trigger its execution. Thanks to the median 10 hour battery life—Zhiyun no longer communicates a maximum—you should be able to create some pretty powerful and long shots while on the move.


Another button on the main interface in the app allows you to set different modes for how the gimbal itself acts, but the by far coolest and funnest way to utilize the Crane 2S in stationary mode is through its phone follow function. It mimics the phones axial position in space, so all you have to do is twist and turn your mobile device—the gimbal will follow in real-time without any tangible lag.


Naturally, there are plenty of settings that may be adjusted in the app and are then stored on the gimbal itself, so you won't have to always use the application while on the move.

In Use

The Zhiyun Crane 2S is a little more expensive than the original Crane 2, but a little cheaper than the Crane 3S. That said, the latter presents a very different format, so there is more to consider here than simply price and functionality. Those who have used the Crane 2 will instantly feel familiar with the Crane 2S. During use, the larger payload and better grip will be welcome since the complete setup is quite hefty after all.

Using the Crane 2S is just as immersive and useful as we have seen on the Crane 2 because of the similar interface and function. Connectivity between the Crane 2S and my Google Pixel 3 was rock solid at all times, and the new feel of the dial on the 2S is a nice step up from the slightly more jagged dial of the original as it instantly feels like you are able to adjust the focus more readily.

Shooting with the Crane 2S is just as smooth and effective as with the original, and even though the Canon 5D is quite heavy, it never felt cumbersome after I got the hang for it. In fact, the stronger motor in the Crane 2S has quite the kick to it if you are shooting fast scenes, which do require the gimbal to react quickly.

The small price increase in comparison to the original nets you several extras, including functional upgrades. With a higher payload for more flexibility alongside the additional connectivity, the Zhiyun Crane 2S easily bests its slightly less beefy Crane 2 sibling.