The compact, 3-axis single gimbal segment of our industry has become extremely competitive in the last two years with established manufacturers such as DJI joining the battle for our hard earned cash (they already got mine) with their Ronin-S, giving companies like Zhiyun Tech, who’ve been doing single grip gimbals for some time a run for their money. Zhiyun had the Crane 2 before the Ronin-S, and now are even working on finalizing the successor Crane 3 Lab, which we saw a prototype of at IBC 2018.
The Zhiyun Weebill can support payloads of up to 6.6lbs, and also has an L-shaped handle design, which allows you to grip the gimbal from behind the LCD screen and get low-angle shots really easy (i.e going into Flashlight mode on the Ronin-S). Another cool feature of the Weebill is that it has individual locks for the motors, which is something every gimbal should have, as it helps you with balance, as well as makes transport safer.
Billed by Zhiyun as “Tiny and Mighty”, the Weebill sports 50% more compact, but stronger and motors at the same time, which helps keep the footprint down without compromising on load capacity that much. Still, for larger than 6.6lbs setups you may need the Crane 3 Lab, but for anything like a GH5, Sony alpha cameras or other compact mirrorless like the Fuji X-T3, the Weebill should technically do a fine job.
Just recently, Zhiyun Tech revealed the price of the base package and also opened up the pre-orders. The Zhiyun Weebill Lab will start at $600 you can pre-order yours from major resellers such as B&H via this link here. For more features and details see the paragraphs below.
Zhiyun WEEBILL LAB Features
- Load Capacity: 6.6 lb
- Upright & Underslung Modes
- Individual Motor locks
- Wireless Image Transmission
- Synchronous Zoom & Focus Control
- ViaTouch Control System Touch Panel
- ZY PLAY Mobile App for iPhone & Android
- 10-Hour Runtime
- Runs on Two Included 18650 Batteries
- Includes Tripod
- Price (Standard package): $599.99 at B&H
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Zhiyun Weebill supports live wireless image transmission for real-time monitoring, framing and parameter control over your camera. The Zhiyun app is available both iOS and Android devices such as smart phones and tablets transforming them into external monitors.
Zhiyun have a few really interesting and useful extra optional accessories for the Weebill such as a Focus Wheel and motor (that Zhiyun calls TransMount Servo/Focus Controller Max), a TransMount Smartphone Holder attachment, a multi-function camera belt, and a mini monopod.
Pricing for these Zhiyun Weebill packages has been set as follows:
- Weebill Standard Package – $599.99
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Zhiyun-Tech WEEBILL LAB
- USB Type-C Cable, Micro-USB Cable
- Camera Cable
- Lens Support
- Micro-USB to USB Type-C Converter
- Tripod, Charger, Case
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- Weebill Creator Package – $798
- includes the additional:
- TransMount Quick Setup x 2
- TransMount Servo/Focus Controller Max
- Multi-Function Camera Belt
- Mini Tripod
- Smartphone Holder
- Weebill Master Package – $898
- Includes all the above + a Weebill Camera Bag
Luckily, I got a chance to check out the Zhiyun Weebill Lab gimbal in person at Photokina 2018 at the Zhiyun stand. Huge thanks to awesome filmmaker and Zhiyun ambassador Rah Sharma, who showed us the Weebill gimbal can do.
The Zhiyun Weebill is expected to start shipping November 9th. Are you planning on getting one? What do you guys think? Share in the comments below.
Pre-order via the links below:
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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