Zhiyun Weebill 2 Review

The Zhiyun Weebill 2 is a follow-up to the successful Weebill-S (beginning at $549). It’ll work with APS-C, Micro Four Thirds, and full-frame mirrorless cameras, and it’ll give you handheld footage that’s nearly as stable as a tripod. Menus are now much easier to navigate thanks to a new flip-out touch display. Although there are accessories available to increase the core functions, the Weebill 2 does a good job of keeping handheld footage level and stable even in its basic setup. It’s pricier than our Editors’ Choice winner, the $499 DJI RSC 2, but it’s simpler to put up and operate.

Zhiyun Weebill 2

Buy this item

The Zhiyun Weebill 2 uses gimbal technology to steady handheld footage, and its color touch screen makes it a little easier to configure and operate than others.

Stabilization in a little package

At least among models that allow interchangeable lens cameras, the Weebill 2 belongs under the category of compact gimbals. It measures 12.6 by 2.4 by 8.9 inches in height, width, and depth (HWD) and weighs 3.2 pounds. The tripod feet that come with the package add a little extra height. They fold in to offer a bit of extension for handheld use and separate for storage.

It’s lighter and easier to carry and pack than the Crane 2S, without sacrificing support for larger setups. The Weebill 2 supports full-frame setups, including ultra-wide zooms that open to F2.8, such as the Canon RF 15-35mm, according to Zhiyun. For testing, I used a Panasonic Lumix S5 with a 20-60mm lens, as well as a lightweight APS-C mirrorless system.

It accomplishes all of this without folding in half, as DJI’s small Ronin RSC 2 gimbal does. As a result, it’s not as simple to find a spot for it in every camera bag. I carry the photo gear I’m examining in the Peak Design Everyday Backpack on a daily basis. I was pleased to see the Weebill fit into its side pocket, however I have a number of backpacks that won’t accommodate the gimbal.

Configurations of the Kit

You can add Zhiyun’s accessories carrying case if you like to carry your gimbal independently. It’s $89 on its alone, but it’s more cost effective to buy it as part of a package. The case and a quick-release sling grip for low-angle use are included in the $649 Weebill 2 Combo, which can be purchased separately for $59. It’s shaped to accommodate your hand and is a superior alternative to employing folding feet for low-to-the-ground video.

The Pro edition has everything in the Combo plus a follow focus motor and a wireless video transmission kit, which we obtained for review. The ability to view video from your camera on the Weebill 2‘s LCD and utilize the gimbal to keep the lens focused at a certain subject are just two of the benefits of adding the transmission kit.

The Pro package costs $899 and is a suitable choice if you need manual focus control or don’t have a camera with a flip-out LCD for monitoring.

The Pro+ costs $1,099. It’s perfect for on-set use or other tasks where you’ll be working with a crew. Everything from the Pro kit is included, as well as the MasterEye VC100 portable video monitor. The display features a large 5.5-inch monitor with 1,000cd/m2 brightness and integrated buttons for adjusting camera settings and gimbal tilt. On its alone, it costs $349.

Stabilization on three axes

The Weebill 2 stabilizes your camera on three axes, just as most other powered gimbals. To begin, make sure your camera is properly mounted at its center of balance. If you’ve used other gadgets like this, you’ll be familiar with it, and the flip-out display comes in handy for fine-tuning balance.

Mounting plates for your camera are included with Zhiyun. For the Lumix S5, I used a little riser and a long base plate—you can get away with just the base plate if your lens doesn’t extend above the bottom of your camera, but I need it for this setup.

Screws are used to secure them, and a lightweight hex tool is given. It’s not nearly as convenient as the DJI Ronin RSC 2’s thumb screws, but the tighter fit provided by installation tools makes the Zhiyun plates less likely to slip. For the greatest experience, I recommend replacing the included Allen wrench with a nicer one or a decent flathead screwdriver.

The plate is fitted into the gimbal’s main mounting point. It comes with a distance scale and a visual assistance to help you balance it. Move the plate back and forth until the camera stays in place on its own. Lock the lever in position, tilt the camera straight up, and repeat on the vertical mounting arm.

You can then repeat the operation along the roll axis after those two are set. After all three are in place, the camera may be oriented in any direction and will remain in place even when the gimbal is turned off. Each axis also has a lock switch.

The on-screen display comes in helpful if you’re experiencing problems. It displays visual indicators to identify where the system is out of balance and allows fine-tuning calibration along any axis.

Be advised that Zhiyun has chosen to use its own mounting plate system in this instance. Plates for the Weebill 2 and other Zhiyun gimbals can be swapped. Consider the DJI RSC 2 instead of tripods or other supports with dovetail Arca-Swiss plates, as its mounting plates conform with the standard.

When the gimbal is properly set up, the footage from your camera seems smooth and steady. Vloggers can film walk-and-talk footage and focus on the content rather than the camera. Long handheld takes, such as the famous Copacabana sequence from Goodfellas, can be accomplished without a large Steadicam equipment for cinema projects.

Side-by-side controls

The thumb stick and other camera controls are usually mounted on the handle of most gimbals so that they may be manipulated with the same hand that supports the system. They are moved to the left side of the Weebill 2, just above the handle grip.

The joystick is still held in the thumb, although there is a learning curve. It’s also not able to invert the y-axis response, which is something the Crane 2S and DJI RSC 2 can accomplish, which is worth mentioning if you’re used to that sort of control. I had a lot more time getting used to the y-axis than I did with the control on the side.

A Record button, a toggle switch for switching between the three major stabilization modes (Pan Follow, Low, Follow), and a flexible control wheel complete the package. With support for electronic control, the wheel on our Lumix S5 could set aperture, shutter speed, and focus lenses.

There’s also a power button, as well as an LED strip that shows how much energy is left (a percentage is shown on the LCD, too). When the display is open, the button is a little difficult to reach, and turning the gimbal on or off requires a long press. It may also be used to put the motors to sleep, which is useful if you’re taking a break or find yourself in a scenario where the motors are suffering, which is usually caused by an unbalanced setup.

Blackmagic, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, and Sony are among the prominent mirrorless camera brands supported by the Weebill 2. It has a USB-C control port, as well as connectors for micro USB and USB-C cameras.

Additional features are available thanks to the LCD. The gimbal can be adjusted to move during time-lapse sequences, rotate 360 degrees for the Vortex effect, or lock the roll axis in Go mode for more dramatic point-of-view images. At the front of the handle, there’s also a trigger button; a double press resets the gimbal and levels off the horizon.

Zhiyun has omitted swappable batteries from this design. The changeable batteries in the Crane 2S make it appealing for long days on site, whereas the Weebill 2 is constrained to USB-C charging. For faster charging, high-power chargers are supported, and the gimbal can also be powered via USB. While Zhiyun’s estimate of nine hours per charge isn’t quite as grandiose as DJI’s claim of 14 hours for the RSC 2, it’s still more footage than most of us will want to capture in a day.

An Extensible Mirrorless Stabilizer

For cinematographers and vloggers using mirrorless camera systems, the Zhiyun Weebill 2 is an interesting stabilization solution. It has adequate processing capacity to support full-frame cameras, but it doesn’t feel bloated when used with Micro Four Thirds or APS-C cameras. Consumer cameras nowadays can capture beautiful footage in 4K and beyond. The inclusion of gimbal stabilization elevates the look of handheld video to a higher level of production value.

The outcomes are excellent. The gimbal was simple to assemble and balance. Its flip-out LCD appeals to video creators who are just starting started with stabilizers since it provides visual assistance for setup and switching between camera settings. We particularly enjoy the low-angle handle’s rear attachment point—if you frequently take low-angle images, the accessory grip is a great addition.

Starting at $549, it’s a tad more expensive than the DJI RSC 2. While tools are necessary for installation, we found the Weebill 2 to be a little easier to balance, and its mounting plates held up better than DJI’s thumb screws. We haven’t seen another consumer gimbal with a touch screen, so that’s a plus.

Spending more money unlocks new features. Follow focus and video transmission are included in the Pro configuration ($899). If you’re going to use the latter, the built-in display allows for easier subject tracking and monitoring of footage when utilizing a camera that doesn’t have its own vari-angle monitor. It’s worth investing a little more if you use a Sony a7 III, a Nikon Z 6, or another camera with only rudimentary screen tilt.

Overall, we’re pleased with the Weebill 2‘s performance and build quality. Our Editors’ Choice prize, which goes to the DJI RSC 2, is still up for grabs. For $739, you can get a similar pro kit with follow focus and wireless video transmission with the small, folding Ronin series gimbal.

ZHIYUN WEEBILL 2: Move and See Differently

Boasting quick responsiveness, innovative UI design, sophisticated operation logic, and an upgraded image transmission system, ZHIYUN WEEBILL 2 always keeps you ahead of the curve for a better filmmaking experience. Classic structure, feature-packed design, powerful chip, and advanced core algorithm delivers uncompromised performance

Weebill 2 Camera Compatibility List:

• Sony A9 II, A9, A7R IV, A7R III, A7M III, A7S III, A7R II, A7M II, A7S II, A7C, A6600, A6500, A6400, A6300, A6100
• Panasonic G9, GH5, GH5S, S1, S5, S1H, BGH1, GH3
• Canon EOS 5D Mark III, EOS 5D Mark IV, EOS 5DS R, EOS 5DS, EOS 6D Mark II, EOS 6D, EOS 80D, EOS 90D, EOS M50, EOS R, EOS R6, EOS R5, EOS M6 II, G7X 3, EOS RP, EOS 77D, EOS 800D
• NikonD850, D780, Z5, Z6, Z7, Z6II, Z7II, Z50
• Olympus E-M1 II
• FUJIFILM X-T3, X-T4, X-T20, X-T30
• ZCAM ZCAM E2
• Blackmagic design BMPCC 4K, BMPCC 6K
• SIGMA fp
• This List above didn’t include all tested models, it will be updated in line with the firmware update; please download “Compatibility Guide (PDF)” at the product page’s Product guides and documents

Standard Version Packing Includes:

• 1x WEEBILL 2 Stabilizer
• 1x Tripod
• 1xEPP Carry Case
• 1x Quick Release Plate
• 1x Backing Base
• 1x Lens Support
• 1x Lens Support Screw
• 1xControl Cable LN-UCUC-A02 for Panasonic Camera
• 1x Control Cable LN-MBUC-A02 for Canon Camera
• 1x Control Cable LN- UCUS-A03 for Sony Camera
• 1x Control Cable LN-NBUC-A01 for Canon Camera
• 1x USB Type-C Cable
• 1x Quick Start Guide (International)

Zhiyun Weebill 2

Buy this item

The Zhiyun Weebill 2 uses gimbal technology to steady handheld footage, and its color touch screen makes it a little easier to configure and operate than others.

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