Previously used the DJI Ronin-m, then the Moza Air 2; various issues with both (first sold, second returned). Also used Steadicam style stabilizers (e.g. FlyCam Nano for DSLRs).
Was about to try the Ronin-SC then found out the 'old' Crane 2 is about the same weight yet can also fly the 1DX II. I tried to find the Crane 2 without the FF (since I use DPAF), however appears only available with the FF, and it's down to $549 so that's what I ordered.
Short summery: Crane 2 + EOS R (or 1DX II) is awesome!
Power: uses 3 18650 batteries. This is huge, and unlike the Moza Air 2 which has very limited battery size tolerance (18650 batteries have a lot of size variance), the Crane 2 can easily handle different sizes. I had some 'fancy' Samsung 30Q 3000mAh batteries from the Moza Air 2 experience, they were already charged so I tried them first in the Crane 2. The Crane 2 stock batteries are rated at 2000 mAh which might be around 10A max continuous rated (based on another compatible brand's numbers). The Crane 2 manual states 6A max. The 30Q Samsungs are rated at 15A constant and 25A spike, which is excellent considering they provide 50% more capacity. Additionally, I got the Samsungs for $6 each online! ( https://www.18650batterystore.com/Samsung-18650-p/samsung-30q-button-top.htm ). The 2000 mAh batteries (stock or third party) are $30 for 3 ($10 ea). My concern for the Samsungs was that typically the lower Amp-hour batteries can supply more current, and that the gimbal might request more power than the batteries can deliver, hurting gimbal performance. After almost a week of testing the Samsungs are at 50% indicated power and they work great!
Performance: I purchased the $25 1DX II arm and the Crane 2 works well with the 80D, EOS R, and 1DX II. I was having a high frequency vibration issue with the EOS R + EF => R adapter + 16-35 F2.8 II + ND filter. It's really long and somewhat heavy. I could only use this set up on the Low motor setting even though it was well balanced. After getting unusable footage shooting walking around Santa Monica pier, once back home I tried balancing the gimbal with a slight 'low' bias and also added the lens support which I didn't think was necessary. That combo solved the issue- can now use the max motor strength and even running around it's super stable. I removed the Tiffen ND + 77-82mm adapter, making it unbalanced, and it still worked OK, so it's the lens support that solved the issue.
I also picked up one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MPGQNYS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01 . The handle is easy to add/remove and helps with low shots. I haven't found the strap to be useful yet. Shooting all day at the beach carrying also the Crane 2 case and Canon camera bag, didn't need the strap for support: the Crane 2 + EOS R + lens + ND is reasonably light (switching hands as needed).
Ease of use: balancing is super easy, and having legs and an included carrying case make for a much better experience vs. the Ronin-m and Moza Air 2.
Support: Zhiyun's website was down when I needed the latest firmware + tools. They weren't aware and told me it was OK: I suggested they check the EN (English) site and they verified it was down; got fixed a couple days later. They did email me everything within a day or so.
App: I haven't found it very useful and as a software developer of mobile apps... needs a lot of work.
Features: it's pretty much a no-frills gimbal compared to the latest offerings, however for the price it's an amazing deal since it can handle 1DX II mass yet still weighs about the same as DJI's latest slimmed down Ronin-SC (with their proprietary batteries).
Follow focus: I figured I'd try it out just to see how it works, then realized I could also use it to control zoom. Tested on the 16-35 2.8 II for zoom and it works great- need to get upgraded firmware for the FF to set A/B stops (only available via email apparently). So DPAF + wheel-on-handle zoom is super cool. Will also try with lenses that extend when zooming, by balancing at the mid point.
In summary, getting an older gimbal that can use super high capacity off-the-shelf batteries and had most of the bugs worked out is pretty cool.
Was about to try the Ronin-SC then found out the 'old' Crane 2 is about the same weight yet can also fly the 1DX II. I tried to find the Crane 2 without the FF (since I use DPAF), however appears only available with the FF, and it's down to $549 so that's what I ordered.
Short summery: Crane 2 + EOS R (or 1DX II) is awesome!
Power: uses 3 18650 batteries. This is huge, and unlike the Moza Air 2 which has very limited battery size tolerance (18650 batteries have a lot of size variance), the Crane 2 can easily handle different sizes. I had some 'fancy' Samsung 30Q 3000mAh batteries from the Moza Air 2 experience, they were already charged so I tried them first in the Crane 2. The Crane 2 stock batteries are rated at 2000 mAh which might be around 10A max continuous rated (based on another compatible brand's numbers). The Crane 2 manual states 6A max. The 30Q Samsungs are rated at 15A constant and 25A spike, which is excellent considering they provide 50% more capacity. Additionally, I got the Samsungs for $6 each online! ( https://www.18650batterystore.com/Samsung-18650-p/samsung-30q-button-top.htm ). The 2000 mAh batteries (stock or third party) are $30 for 3 ($10 ea). My concern for the Samsungs was that typically the lower Amp-hour batteries can supply more current, and that the gimbal might request more power than the batteries can deliver, hurting gimbal performance. After almost a week of testing the Samsungs are at 50% indicated power and they work great!
Performance: I purchased the $25 1DX II arm and the Crane 2 works well with the 80D, EOS R, and 1DX II. I was having a high frequency vibration issue with the EOS R + EF => R adapter + 16-35 F2.8 II + ND filter. It's really long and somewhat heavy. I could only use this set up on the Low motor setting even though it was well balanced. After getting unusable footage shooting walking around Santa Monica pier, once back home I tried balancing the gimbal with a slight 'low' bias and also added the lens support which I didn't think was necessary. That combo solved the issue- can now use the max motor strength and even running around it's super stable. I removed the Tiffen ND + 77-82mm adapter, making it unbalanced, and it still worked OK, so it's the lens support that solved the issue.
I also picked up one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MPGQNYS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01 . The handle is easy to add/remove and helps with low shots. I haven't found the strap to be useful yet. Shooting all day at the beach carrying also the Crane 2 case and Canon camera bag, didn't need the strap for support: the Crane 2 + EOS R + lens + ND is reasonably light (switching hands as needed).
Ease of use: balancing is super easy, and having legs and an included carrying case make for a much better experience vs. the Ronin-m and Moza Air 2.
Support: Zhiyun's website was down when I needed the latest firmware + tools. They weren't aware and told me it was OK: I suggested they check the EN (English) site and they verified it was down; got fixed a couple days later. They did email me everything within a day or so.
App: I haven't found it very useful and as a software developer of mobile apps... needs a lot of work.
Features: it's pretty much a no-frills gimbal compared to the latest offerings, however for the price it's an amazing deal since it can handle 1DX II mass yet still weighs about the same as DJI's latest slimmed down Ronin-SC (with their proprietary batteries).
Follow focus: I figured I'd try it out just to see how it works, then realized I could also use it to control zoom. Tested on the 16-35 2.8 II for zoom and it works great- need to get upgraded firmware for the FF to set A/B stops (only available via email apparently). So DPAF + wheel-on-handle zoom is super cool. Will also try with lenses that extend when zooming, by balancing at the mid point.
In summary, getting an older gimbal that can use super high capacity off-the-shelf batteries and had most of the bugs worked out is pretty cool.
