w
› Vanguard VEO Range T 48 backpack › Benro Tortoise TTOR34C+GX35 tripod › WhiteWall RoomView print service › Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 macro lens
PRICE: FROM£509
ZHIYUN-TECH.COM
Shoot rock-steady videos with Zhiyun’s latest gimbal, which has a touchscreen command centre and all-new Infineon chip ZhiyunWeebill 2
SPECS › Prices Weebill 2 £509, Combo kit £599, Pro kit £809, Pro+ kit £979 › In the box Weebill 2, 1x TransMount mini tripod, 1x quick-release plate, 1x backing base, 1x lens support, 1x 1/4in-20 screws, 1x USB cable and 1x camera control cable › Number of axes Three – pitch, roll and yaw › Sensor Infineon › Load capacity 4kg › Connectivity Bluetooth 5.0, one USB › Operation voltage 9.8 to 12.6V › Output voltage 5V › Touchscreen Rotating flip 2.88in HD colour screen › Operation temperature -10°C to 45°C › Tilt angle -80° to 160° › Roll angle range -35° to 35° › Pan angle range -180° to 180° › Battery type Rechargeable › Capacity 2600mAh › Battery runtime Nine hours › Charging time 1.6 hours › Dimensions 35x22.5x23.15cm (with carryng case), 32x22.5x6.2cm (folded) › Weight 1470g › Contact zhiyun-tech.com
THE ZHIYUN WEEBILL 2, which supsersedes the Weebill S, is a pro level, three-axis gimbal designed for DSLR/mirrorless cameras, up to a weight capacity of up to 4kg. The Weebill 2 is available in four configurations: on its own, or in three kits – Combo, Pro and Pro+ – depending which accessories you want. In the £809 Pro kit, for example, you get a TransMount Focus/Zoom Control Motor 2.0, a Sling Grip handle, TransMount Video Transmission Transmitter and case. I had the Weebill 2 on its own, and everything you need – apart from a USB charger – comes in the box. Charging the battery took around 90 minutes, for a nine-hour runtime. I downloaded the PDF manual, then watched a few YouTube set-up videos and reviews. The quality of the gimbal and supplied components is first rate, so it builds into a reassuringly robust piece of kit. Having the mini tripod fitted means you can stand the gimbal upright for set-up. Two mounting plates are supplied: a camera plate, and Manfrotto 501 PL-style plate that attaches to the camera plate, which slips into the gimbal foot. This clicks into place, so there’s no chance of the camera slipping off by accident. The gimbal has locks on each axis – roll, tilt and pan – which helps during set-up and is a great benefit when the gimbal is in use, keeping it from flopping around. I used a Nikon Z 7 with a 24-70mm f/4 lens, and the next step was to plug in the USB-C lead and balance the camera on three axes. This was simple enough and worth spending a little time on. The touch command LCD panel tucks away neatly when not in use to keep it safe – and slides out quickly. It proved very useful, because even though a smartphone app means you can control the gimbal via Bluetooth, having an easy-to-navigate menu on an integrated, decent- sized touchscreen makes life more straightforward. With the optional TransMount Video Transmission Transmitter (£129), you can have the camera view on the 2.88in screen. After a quick auto calibration step and a firmware update – done via
the smartphone app – I was ready to go. The Weebill 2 is excellent in use. The joystick provides slick, precise, intuitive control, while the various motors are really smooth. Motor torque has three set speeds and a customised setting to suit the payload and how you prefer to work. Smoothness, follow speeds and joystick responsiveness can all be fine-tuned via the menu. In terms of physical adaptability, also available is a large control wheel that is customisable, a front trigger, and a mode switch with three settings: Pan Follow (PF), Follow (F) and Lock (L). The Weebill 2 gives really smooth footage as you move around, even during a fast walk and gentle jog – and the joystick makes changing camera position to track your subject really easy. The mini tripod can be used as a handle for undersling shooting, and I tried a brisk stroll with the camera inches from the ground. Again, the gimbal delivered impressively smooth results. WC READYFORACTION The 2.88in touch monitor makes set-up and fine-tuning easy – and it can be used to show the camera image, too, with the optional transmitter
Verdict The Zhiyun Weebill 2 is great to use, highly featured, works brilliantly, and is perfect for the advanced/professional videomaker. As you would expect, it comes at a price – but with its robust build quality, it will withstand regular and heavy use. And you can’t really put a value on the improvement of your footage.
PROS Performance, touchscreen, fast charge, solid build CONS Nothing
TAKE CONTROL The Weebill 2’s right side is its nerve centre, with the on/off switch, mode selector, control wheel and joystick all present. The monitor tucks away neatly when not in use
LOCK ITUP Each axis has a simple lock, which should be employed when you move from shooting location to location, preventing any possible harm to the gimbal
Issue 91 | Photography News 33
photographynews.co.uk
Powered by FlippingBook