GH5 Ronin-S or Crane 2 for FF on vintage/manual lenses

PaPa

PaPa

Major Contributor
Hey gang,

having difficulty figuring something out. Everything I see of the Ronin S tells me this is the unit to go for when compared to the crane 2 from Zhiyun. Better ergonomics, features, etc...

BUT...

To get a setup that will allow me to follow focus on non electronic lenses means a very expensive purchase from DJI ($1300 USD) added to the $700 gimbal. Where as the Crane 2 now comes with it's motorized follow focus....
On the GH5s, the Ronin S will be able to communicate with my camera and 14-140mm lens and will allow me to use the built in follow focus system. This same setup is not true with the Crane 2 as it would require the motorized follow focus. But then on the flip side, the only way I can get my vintage lenses on there and get a FF setup going would be with the affordable Crane 2...


Argh.

Anyone else in the same consideration boat as me? Scratching my head here. Would love some thoughts. I'm definitely leaning towards the Crane 2 given this setup but am not 100% convinced just yet. Discussion?
 
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I don't think you'll ultimately need the full follow focus system to add a focus motor to the Ronin-s to duplicate what you can build up with the Crane 2 and its accessory focus motor...

... DJI has mentioned on their forum a new version of their current focus motor, a "lite" version that will be compatible with the Ronin-s and the thumb wheel. It should be less expensive than the existing focus motor which is 400 US (Here's a video showing one of the earlier Ronin-s prototypes using the current DJI focus motor...

https://youtu.be/aS-DhYvgDkk?t=3m45s

If you're a GH5 or GH5s user, the current focus ability of the Ronin-s via the thumb wheel is quite nice and a true highlight. The thumbwheel is high quality and smooth, and the focusing very precise. I used it today on a shoot both with native glass and a Canon mount Sigma 10-20 and Sigma 18-35 both using the inexpensive Viltrox adapter and it worked perfectly.

Regards,
 
Oh, so I'd only need the Ronin-S and the focus motor? Gotcha.

I've got some vintage Nikon Primes that I want to get on either the Ronin S or crane 2. Just didn't know if they offered similar setups for comparable prices. But from what you're saying, it looks like it's definitely an option.
 
David W. Jones said:
Just an FYI.... Using a lens that extends during focus will throw off your balance during use.
Click to expand...

true, but the motors on those gimbals are strong enough to balance it. I never had any issue with my 24-105 on GH5s and Zhiyun

and about this thread : I am incredibly happy with the motor on the zhiyun. its very quick to setup and suits every lens.
I find it much smoother and precise than those that use the internal lens focus systems. (like using a 5D on the zhiyun)
 
people have complained that the FF on the ronin is not linear like a traditional FF. that's a huge ding. i'ts also heavy, so that means more grip gear (or more bicep curls). i'd consider getting a crane 2 since the price will be dropping due to the ronin s. its lighter and the FF for $100 is a no brainer. the ronin s is more polished yes, but the gimbal tech in the crane and other gimbals is mature and stable (pun not intended, but i left it in there).
 
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