MINI TESTS
On a full charge, the Zhiyun runs for roughly ten hours. If you need more, attach a USB-C power bank with the included cable. These allow you to hardwire your camera to the gimbal, which is claimed to allow the Crane-M2 S to control zoom, shutter and video start/stop functions. The Crane-M2 S has a simple quick-release mounting system that lets you secure and remove the camera with the push of a lock button. It’s rudimentary, but all you need. Scale marks help balance the camera before locking it into position. If you have ever balanced a gimbal before, it’s as easy as it gets. One of the unique features is the small, built-in fill light that’s integrated beside the camera plate. It features a CRI of 90+ and maximum 1000 lumen brightness, adjustable over five brightness levels. You can’t
change colour temperature, but the kit comes with four interchangeable filters that fasten on with magnets. These are basic, but do alter the colour. Two strengths of Tungsten, plus blue and red for creative effects, are a bit gimmicky. But, up close in bright sunshine, the light could remove some contrast or put a catchlight in a subject’s eyes. Like other functions, the light is controlled by switches around the grip – which has a nice rubberised coating. The main buttons fall right under your thumb or fingers, and as there’s no touchscreen, you must navigate by pushing buttons. But it’s all straightforward. After an affordable and simple three-axis gimbal for occasional use on a light mirrorless? Then the Zhiyun Crane-M2 S combo is worth checking out. Make sure your camera and lens are covered on the Zhiyun website, or you could be in for disappointment. PRO MOVIEMAKER RATING: 8/10 It does everything most gimbals do, but is much lighter Pros: Great price, good performance Cons: Very low payload
“On a full charge, the Zhiyun runs for roughly ten hours”
MOTLEY HUE The Zhiyun Crane-M2 S comes with a built-in LED (top), but to change colour, you need an odd selection of clip-on plastic covers. The controls are obvious and simple to work (above)
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