Zhiyun CRANE 4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer Review
We've aggregated 9 high-signal reviews and 3 live retailer prices below.
Our editorial take on the Zhiyun CRANE 4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
The Zhiyun CRANE 4 firmly establishes itself as a top-tier contender in the heavy-duty gimbal market. Touting an impressive payload capacity, this stabilizer is engineered specifically for professionals running substantial camera packages, from fully rigged mirrorless systems to smaller cinema cameras. It is not a tool for the casual hobbyist. Instead, it's a direct and powerful answer to DJI's professional offerings, delivering robust performance and the raw strength needed for demanding production environments. Its power and capability are its defining characteristics, making it one of the most potent single-handed gimbals available.
Beyond sheer lifting power, the CRANE 4 brings welcome design refinements, such as an improved axis-locking system that streamlines setup and transport. While it's packed with features and offers extensive control through its companion app, this complexity brings a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with professional ecosystems. The gimbal's size and weight are a direct trade-off for its high payload, a factor that creators with lightweight setups must seriously weigh. For a simple mirrorless camera and lens, the CRANE 4's capabilities would be significant overkill.
- Exceptional payload capacity supports heavy cinema and DSLR rigs
- Powerful motors provide smooth, reliable stabilization
- Robust build quality with improved axis locks
- Feature-rich ecosystem with external power options
- Competitive performance against other professional-grade gimbals
- Overkill for users with small, lightweight camera setups
- Heavier and bulkier than lower-payload alternatives
- Can present a steep learning curve for beginners
Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.
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About this product
The Zhiyun CRANE 4 is a 3-axis handheld gimbal stabilizer with an extended arm for full-frame lenses and features Bluetooth 5.0 shutter control. It offers 360° pan, 207° tilt, and 70° roll rotation, along with a built-in 10W fill light and a 1.22" color touchscreen.
Specs
- Weight
- 3.68 lb / 1.67 kg (without Tripod)
- App Name
- ZY Play
- Wireless
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Dimensions
- 11 x 2.8 x 2.8" / 340 x 280 x 70 mm
- Battery Type
- 4x 18650
- Display Type
- Fixed Touchscreen LCD
- Gimbal Design
- Single Handgrip
- Load Capacity
- 13.2 lb / 6 kg
- Inputs Outputs
- 1x USB-C (Power / Firmware Updates), 1x USB-C (Control / Video), 2x USB-C (Control)
- Number Of Axes
- Three: Pitch (Tilt) / Roll / Yaw (Pan)
- Battery Runtime
- 12 Hours
- Operating Current
- 200 to 14500 mA
- Operating Voltage
- 11.0 to 16.8 VDC
- Accessory Mounting
- 4 x 1/4"-20 Female
- Operating Conditions
- 14 to 77°F / -10 to 25°C
- Battery Charging Time
- 1.5 Hours
- Camera Mounting Screw
- 3x 1/4"-20 Male
- Mobile App Compatible
- Yes: Android & iOS
- Roll Mechanical Range
- 322° (-251 to 71°)
- Roll Controllable Range
- -35 to 35°
- Yaw Pan Mechanical Range
- 360°
- Yaw Pan Controllable Range
- 360° Unlimited
- Pitch Tilt Mechanical Range
- 214° (-72 to 142°)
- Pitch Tilt Controllable Range
- -71 to 136°
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