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If you’re looking for a compact and versatile gimbal that’s perfect for vloggers and content creators on the go, then the Zhiyun Crane M2S could be just what you are looking for.
The Crane M2S is a 3-axis handheld gimbal, and if you don’t know what a gimbal does, it’s designed to stabilise your camera and help you capture smooth and steady footage. Gimbals like these are compatible with a wide range of cameras and smartphones up to a particular weight and that includes the lens you have attached to your camera as well.
This gimbal sits perfectly in between the Crane M2 and the Crane M3. The M2 is less expensive and has less features than the M2S and has a smaller weight capacity, while the M3 is more expensive and has more features than the M2S and can carry a larger weighted setup. So knowing this about each of those three gimbals should allow you to make a more informed decision about which gimbal might be suitable for you.
There are two different kits that are available to purchase, there’s the combo kit which in addition to the items you get the standard set, you also get a phone grip, if you want to use a phone on the gimbal, and a nice carry bag.
In the standard kit, you get a storage box with everything in, including the standard documentation, a quick release aluminium mount plate for your camera or phone. A mini tripod that attaches to the bottom of the gimbal, for positoning when stationary or as an extension to the gimbal handle length. A camera lock screw for the mount plate. Three Zhiyun branded USB cables, a USB-C to micro USB cable, a USB-C to USB-C cable, both of these will allow you to connect the gimbal to the camera and depending on which output your camera has will depend on which cable you use, I have the Sony ZV-E10, so with that camera, I use the USB-C to USB-C cable, and the final cable, a USB-C to USB cable for charging the gimbal. Four fill light filters that attach magnetically on to the gimbal light, and the Crane M2S gimbal itself.
The gimbal weighs 549g, is made out of aluminium and plastic and allows for tilt, roll and pan movements. Each of which have to be manually adjusted to balance your camera setup. It has a nice gripping handle on the front and back which gives your hand comfort and access to all of the gimbal’s buttons.
There’s a directional joytick for easy movement around the menus on the 0.66 inch display screen, with a mode button and record button, if your camera is connected to the gimbal. On the side, a menu button and the power switch. On the back, there’s the pan axis lock and the trigger button, which double pressing will reposition the gimbal, triple pressing will make the gimbal rotate 180 degrees for that vlogging orientation and press and holding will put it into Go mode.
On the other side, a switch to activate the fill light and then decrease or increase the 5 difference levels of light intensity up to 1000 lumens of brightness at a colour temperature of 5500K to your close up suject and this can be done with or without those fill light filters attached. On the same side a USB-C slot for firmware upgrades and charging which supports up to 12W PD fast charging of 1 hour 41 minutes for the gimbal runtime of up to just over 10 and a half hours.
There’s two 1/4 thread slot for attaching other accessories, one on the side and the other at the bottom for the mini tripod. To prevent the gimbal from getting damaged when not in use and to make balancing the gimbal easier, each difference axis is locked in place by default with its own easily located red switch which can be unlocked.
The mount plate features a V-shape design and dual safety locks which mean that your precious camera isn’t simply just going to fall out.
There’s a USB-C slot on the arm next to where the camera sits that can be used to connect the gimbal directly to your camera, offering a function to the record button and to charge the camera as well. The menu is very simple; there are calibration options, options to adjust motor speed and thumbstick sensitivity. The display could be a bit brighter but it shouldn’t be an issue as you can easily make out what mode you’re in when you shooting.
With it’s memory lock, balancing the M2S can be (easily!) finished and preserved, saving much trouble of readjustment every time, but to get there you need to balance it first which can be frustrating particularly for someone who is new to gimbals (just like with any gimbal) and remember if you’re using either difference cameras, or difference lenses on a particular camera, then you’ll need to readjust for every difference setup particularly if there’s a significant weight difference.
To balance the camera on the gimbal, all of the axes should be initially locked so that you can focus on balancing one axis at a time (trust me it will help). Unlocking the particular axis you want to balance and then along with the adjustment clamp you will need to slide the camera along the axis until it is balanced. And then repeat twice more. Sounds easy in theory.
The gimbal has 6 modes:
Pan Follow, which the gimbal will follow your pan movements left and right while maintaining the tilt and roll levels.
Lock, which keeps the camera facing the same direction, no matter what the position of the gimbal is.
Follow, where the gimbal keeps the camera level with the horizon while following tilt and pan movements, but will not roll.
Point of View, where the gimbal will follow all of your movements in a steady motion of all axes.
Go mode, which is similar to POV mode but the gimbal will react a lot quicker to your movements.
Vortex mode, where the gimbal will switch the camera angle so it faces upwards allowing you to shoot barrel roll movements. I find this is the mode where the gimbal can struggle and lose balance if you have a setup that is slightly to heavy.
I’ve found that although my regular combined setup of the Sony ZV-E10 and the Sigma 16mm lens isn’t listed as compatible on the Zhiyun list due to the weight of the lens, I’m able to access all of the modes except to the vortex mode.
One of the things I love about the Zhiyun Crane M2S, is its compact size. It’s not too big, compared other more expensive gimbals on the market, but it’s still powerful enough to handle a variety of cameras and lenses.
Another great feature of the Zhiyun Crane M2S is its intuitive controls. It has a simple and easy-to-use interface that lets you adjust the settings and customize the gimbal to your liking. You can also use the ZY play app to control the gimbal remotely and access additional features like motion time-lapse, mirror mode and panorama. To connect the ZY Play app to your Zhiyun Crane M2S via Bluetooth, you need to install the ZY Play app which is available in all the normal places.
The app is handy in situations where you need to keep the gimbal static, possibly because you’re trying to capture footage where you yourself being near the camera might be a hindrance or as I like to do, using the trajectory photography feature for some 10 second b roll that I want to get, I can automate the process where in that 10 seconds or how every long you want it to be, I can ask the camera to start in one place and end in another, allowing me to get those smooth panning shots that I wouldn’t be able to get handheld.
Overall, I think the Zhiyun Crane M2S is an excellent gimbal that’s perfect for vloggers and content creators who are always on the go, after they got past the setup phase, it’s just a shame that it’s not compatible with more camera setups particularly ones with long lenses, but despite this it’s still compact, versatile, and easy to use, and it’s packed with features that make it a great choice for anyone, particularly novices to gimbals, who want to capture smooth and steady footage.
So if you’re in the market for a new gimbal, I recommend checking out the Zhiyun Crane M2S, but remember to check the compatibility of your camera first.
Check out my review video of the Zhiyun Crane M2S on YouTube
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