Zhiyun Crane

For local shoots, I put the Crane together, mount the DSLR, lens and if shooting outdoors, variable ND I will be using. I have a 1/4" 20 to 5/8 male spud adapter I screw into the bottom of the Crane and a 5/8" receiver that I mount to a light stand. Balance the whole thing, then pack the built rig and the stand with the adapter. When we arrive at the location, I take out the light stand with the adapter and set up the Crane and DSLR so it is ready to go at a moments notice. To drive, I just lay the Crane/DSLR on the floor of my car, wrapped in some towels or sound blankets. That way, when I arrive at location, the Crane is already balanced, all I have to do it turn on the camera and start shooting. I hate messing with building cameras on location unless I absolutely have to.
 
Does anyone else have trouble switching modes? It's really driving me bananas. At least half the time I push the button, it doesn't do anything. I'm not sure I can reliably use this in the field. And lack of joystick control in tilt-pan follow mode makes it difficult to get the camera in the position I want it in. Looks like I'm using my CAME-TV Single from now on. :cry:
 
brettsherman said:
Does anyone else have trouble switching modes? It's really driving me bananas. At least half the time I push the button, it doesn't do anything. I'm not sure I can reliably use this in the field. And lack of joystick control in tilt-pan follow mode makes it difficult to get the camera in the position I want it in. Looks like I'm using my CAME-TV Single from now on. :cry:
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As long as I deliberately press the joystick, mine switches fine. I agree that Zhiyun could use a better grade joystick with a more deliberate throw and feel to let you know when you have switched modes.
 
I would have liked a separate button for switching modes, because when I try to click the joystick I sometimes also move it in some direction, but for me it's working fine.
 
Samuel H said:
I would have liked a separate button for switching modes, because when I try to click the joystick I sometimes also move it in some direction, but for me it's working fine.
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I'm guessing I have a defective unit. I just got the remote control and don't have any trouble switching modes with that. Now how the heck do I get this one replaced???
 
How is the new firmware update which increases max load size? Does the crane perform better now with cameras that were previously near the upper threshold? Does it actually work well on heavier cameras?
 
There was some talk about it a few pages back (I didn't pay much attention, it's supposed to be a bad idea for light cameras like mine)
 
Thanks everyone. I've read this whole thread and learned quite a bit. If it weren't for this forum I would never had even known about the Zhiyun Crane.
I may get one in the future for my A7Sii and A6000.
 
Ok, to get back to the original post of this thread, outside of the additional cost how does the Pilotfly H2 compare to the crane? On par, better, worse ? The extra payload seems a plus, but I also definitely like the looks of an integrated remote in an external handle for two handed mode on the H2...
 
yoclay said:
Ok, to get back to the original post of this thread, outside of the additional cost how does the Pilotfly H2 compare to the crane? On par, better, worse ? The extra payload seems a plus, but I also definitely like the looks of an integrated remote in an external handle for two handed mode on the H2...
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Start reading at post #25 on page 3.
 
brettsherman said:
B&H, but of course in my end of the year cleaning frenzy I threw away all the packaging and case. I'll probably try to deal directly with manufacturer at this point.
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If you like the unit, But think you got a bad copy, order another one from say B & H and use that packaging to return the one you have. Anyway, just a thought.
 
Hey all--I'm getting the crane later this week but I have a couple questions: Is it possible to change the speed of the panning/tilt function used with the joystick? What about ramping up/down acceleration/deceleration?
 
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The DJI mobile app is pretty good. Simple and logical unlike Simple BGC for the other small gimbals which is anything but Simple.
 
So I estimate my rig weight will hover around 1600 Grams (A7S + 35mm Contax Zeiss lens + fotodiox adapter + Rhino mount rod + Redrock Motor + QR plate assembly + motor cable). It appears that the Crane update goes to 1800gr, but I have the impression that people give mixed reviews on it. I need to clarify before buying. With the weight upgrade of the Crane, is it performing properly or not ? Is it sluggish, less responsive or will it burn out the motors as people have suggested in the past ?

By the way, what happened to the Zhiyun Shining ?
 
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Got the crane yesterday and had a bad omen when the Google Play store web site said the Zhiyun Assistant app is incompatible with my phone (Android 6.0 Marshmallow). It's a cheap $50 phone I bought just to use the app. I e-mailed Zhiyun about it.

I use Minolta lenses with an LA-EA4 adapter. The adapter prevents the camera from sliding back towards me enough on the mounting plate enough to balance. It will only balance if I put a small thumbscrew or two on the opposite side of the mounting plate to act as a counterweight. No big deal.

I screwed a bracket onto the 1/4" bottom of the handle and mounted a Tascam DR100 mkII recorder and a Sennheiser MKH 40 pointed upwards a little and walked around. It's not too heavy and having some weight at the bottom evens things out. Sounded good as general ambient sound. For dialogue it might be best to use lavs or have a separate boom operator.

I like it fine with my A7SII and 24mm but the 35mm and 50mm are a little too shaky unless I'm almost standing still.

DSC01803.jpg
 
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IIRC, on my Nexus 5x it said the same, and I had to download the app from zhiyun's website, put it on the phone, and install it from the file.
 
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