GEAR MINI TESTS
We try out the Leofoto Manba tripod, a Sigma 14mm ultra wide-angle lens, Audeze LCD-X cans, a softbox from Astera and lots more
WORDS ADAM DUCKWORTH
ZHIYUN WEEBILL 3S COMBO £359/$319 zhiyun-tech.com
improved low-angle shots. The wrist rest is adjustable and designed to make handholding for a long time even more comfortable. We found that, like the original, the wrist rest and sling work well in flashlight mode with the main body horizontal. In normal upright mode it gives extra support, too, but it’s not night-and-day different from the older model. The gimbal weighs 1.1kg/2.4lb – the same as the old model – so is actually fairly light compared to similar models from other manufacturers. Zhiyun doesn’t state a maximum payload because it depends on factors like the weight and length of the lens rather than pure mass. We tested two cameras – the first a full-frame mirrorless Sony A1 with a 24mm f/1.4 G Master lens, and it handled the bulk perfectly. We also used a smaller and lighter Sony A6300 APS-C mirrorless with a 16-35mm f/4 zoom and it was not an issue for the motors to manage. The bottom sling grip and wrist rest attach via a quick-release clamp on the bottom of the gimbal handle. You can then screw in the included mini tripod which is ideal for balancing or using as an extra-long handle. The top of
Zhiyun’s Weebill 3S gimbal is an evolution of the older Weebill 3 rather than a revolutionary redesign. Though that’s not a bad thing, since the older version was already a great performer at an affordable price, with some truly unique features. The 3S is even better in several ways. The Weebill 3 was a totally new design with unique ergonomics and a focus on being lightweight and compact. It comes with a built-in microphone and fill light. The new version dispenses with the mic, but few serious filmmakers used it so it’s not a huge issue. This new 3S is slightly cheaper than the original version at launch, and comes in a combo kit inside a useful backpack. It retains the Weebill 3’s radical design called the Sling 2.0 system – an L-shaped handle, wrist rest and extendable grip. But these have been revamped in the newer version, with Sling mode now allowing for left and right tilt. Plus the gimbal’s centre of gravity has been lowered for
SOCIAL STAR The camera plate can be removed and re-fixed in vertical mode
the sling grip has a standard 1/4in-20 thread to attach things like monitors or a light – such as Zhiyun’s Molus range. If you don’t use the sling grip then remove the QR plate and screw the mini tripod into the gimbal handle; then you have a super-light set-up for one-handed operation, or use the folded-up tripod as a second handle. One of the prominent alterations is the camera-mounting plate system, which allows for a quick change of the camera from conventional horizontal to vertical mode. Slide the camera plate – with the camera still attached – off the end of the main arm and it slides into a vertical channel at the end. A quick rebalance and you’re ready for social media-style vertical video. The Weebill 3 had a quick-release plate with embedded magnetic
SPECIFICATIONS Axes: Three
Battery: 2x 2600mAh Runtime: 11.5 hours Charging time: Two hours Display: Fixed touchscreen OLED Connectivity: 2.4GHz RF, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, ZY Play app Dimensions: 305x210x72.5mm/
PULL THE TRIGGER The main control buttons fall easily to hand
12x8.3x2.9in folded Weight: 1.1kg/2.4lb
68
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