Zhiyun Skull M2 3 Axis Stabiliser Crane M2

Product Information

The M2 S is a good balance between build and features, especially when you consider the price, and the fact that this small gimbal has the power to provide stabilisation for most compact mirrorless cameras with a lightweight lens. As you can see, no matter what you need from the gimbal, it has you covered with an excellent range of movement. Unlike some compeating stabilizers on the market, the Zhiyun Crane M2 offers the same range of movement even if you are using a mirrorless camera with a longer lens too ensuring that you can always move freely while getting the superior image stabilization from the gimbal too. The balance of the camera is a little more sensitive than when used with a smartphone or action camera, as the camera’s weight is closer to the top end of the weight limit. While this isn’t an issue, you need to ensure the balance is good before starting. Sencilla puesta en acción gracias a su cómodo y práctico mecanismo de anclaje y a la capacidad de memorizar la configuración de balanceo I found that any lens larger than the 35mm f/1.4 would tip the scales, and even that was pushing it, which is why it’s not on the compatibility list. However, using a smaller lens such as the 35mm f/1.8 was a perfect fit.

Performance is impressive. Motion was kept smooth and steady whether I was standing still, walking or even jogging with the gimbal held in one hand. It’s smoother than the built-in stabilisation of even the best smartphones and, more importantly, a mile better than the stabilisation you’ll get with most compact and mirrorless cameras. Through the test, I warmed more and more to the ZHIYUN M2 S; mainly, its small size meant that it was easy to transport and always available to use. However, when you look at the material quality of the M2 S, it’s instantly apparent that this is a lower model than M3; it’s still well made, but the finish of the plastic isn’t nearly as nice as the M3 and closer to that used for the still excellent Smooth 5. Zhiyun have always been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to the actual control system and user interface of their gimbals and they have made a few tweaks the system used for the Zhiyun Crane M2 to try and make it even better. For the most part, they have actually done a great job and the gimbal is very easy to use making it ideal for any first-time gimbal owner purchasing their very first stabilizer. In addition to this though, the Crane M2 also supports the majority of advanced features that any advanced videographers may be looking for on their gimbal too.Feature-wise the basic list reads much like M3 with the gimbal supporting action cameras, Smartphones and mirrorless cameras fitted with a lightweight lens. Although on the features, whereas the M3 offers the accessories module that clips to the base, the M2 S doesn’t offer this option. Essentially the Crane M2 S is the lighter weight sibling of the M3; it does most of the same things but is slightly more limited by size and the weights of larger cameras. Hot on the heels of the Crane M3 comes the smaller M2 S, a meeting of the larger M3 and Smartphone only Smooth 5. The design is very Crane, and in looks, it reflects the styling of the larger M3, but in size and weight, it’s closer to the Smooth 5.

Pantalla OLED para comprobar rápidamente el estado de parámetros como el Wi-Fi y el Bluetooth o la carga de la batería The gimbal performs well, holding a GoPro, Smart Phone or smaller mirrorless with the kit lens without issue. For something so lightweight, this is impressive. Zhiyun has chosen to use smaller motors and sensors in the M2 to keep it as small as possible but they still work perfectly and are ideal for lightweight cameras. The sensors are extremely sensitive and are able to rapidly detect even the slightest movement in your gimbal and send the relevant data to the Zhiyun balancing algorithm to be processed. The algorithm then works out how the gimbal is best able to correct the detected movement and sends the correct commands to the gimbal motors. As you’ll see from our test footage, the Crane M2S can swoop your smartphone around smoothly and effortlessly. However, when we mounted a Panasonic GH5 with a 15-35mm lens the gimbal went to sleep within a few seconds, indicating that it wasn’t happy with the heavier camera load. There’s little to fault with the small gimbal, you get full control over the shutter release through the handle, and while the movement may be a little limited compared with the larger gimbal, it does an amazing job.Switching over to a mirrorless camera and the balancing process takes a little more time but is still relatively straightforward and successful 99% of the time. If you get it wrong, you get the usual shake as you start to move the camera around. The Zhiyun Crane M2S is a solid mutli-purpose gimbal which is a good staring point for relative newcomers to videography, those who want something relatively affordable, but with features beyond what you might get with an entry-level device. It does have a few snags which may frustrate more seasoned users, and physical limitations mean that its main selling point, that you can use it with a range of phones and cameras, might be oversold if an encased Pixel 6 can’t sit comfortably in there.