Zhiyun-Tech CRANE 2S Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer

The Crane 2S features Zhiyun’s latest 9th generation Instune Algorithm to help ensure smooth and reliable performance for a more stable shot in a wider array of circumstances. It has all of the expected shooting modes, such as Follow, Pan Follow, Lock, Full-Range POV, Vortex and Go as well as panoramic, timelapse, motion lapse and long exposure timelapse modes through the ZY Play smartphone app.

It uses newer, more optimised motors to handle larger cameras and offers without the need for cages or offset plates to make wide cameras like the Pocket 4K fit onto the gimbal head a wider range of balancing movements to help you balance them. And, yes, the Crane 2S will even let you mount your camera vertically for when you want to get serious about your Snapchat, TikTok or Instagram Stories.

To see how small a camera I could balance on the Crane 2S, I mounted the Panasonic G80vertically. It needed the assistance of the Godox  Xpro troigget to act as a counterbalance and give it a bit more weight on the left side, but it balanced flawlessly and handled rather well in my brief test.

While the form factor of the Crane 2S remains largely the same as the original, it does have some notable differences. For a start, the metal handle that covers the battery compartment has been switched from metal to carbon fibre. This helps to reduce the weight a little, but it also means it won’t turn to ice when you’re shooting out in cold weather conditions.Buy the Zhiyun-Tech CRANE 2S Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer  Best price online from CELLULAR KENYA,Nairobi

The Crane 2S has a new 0.96″ OLED display to help show information back to the operator more clearly and a new, smaller wheel on the side for adjusting your focus or zoom. It rotates much more firmly than the giant wheel on the original Crane 2 for smoother and more purposeful movements. Each of the axes now has a 2-way locking system, which lets you either move the arms freely during operation or lock each tight during balancing or transportation.

As well as new locking mechanisms for each axis, the mount to which you attach your camera has also seen a pretty significant redesign. Gone is the thumbscrew, replaced with the one-touch quick release lever that’s also present on the Zhiyun Crane 3S. The quick-release lever is also adjustable via a lock button underneath. So, if it’s a little too loose or a little too tight, you can quickly and easily adjust it.