Well, this is pretty awesome news. Zhiyun has updated it’s 3-axis motorized handheld gimbal for DSLRs & mirrorless. To be clear, this is the “Crane-2”, it is not “Crane v2”, which is a revision of the original Crane. I know, it’s confusing, but that’s what it is.Zhiyun has doubled the load capacity with the new Crane-2 to a whopping 7lbs. They’ve also added an integrated follow focus control, an OLED display, and battery life has increased from 12 to 18 hours.It can also power select Sony cameras via the gimbal itself. This is extremely handy for Sony shooters given how long their batteries last (or don’t) when shooting video. Now, you just have to deal with one set of batteries. Your camera and gimbal run out at the same time, and to power up both, you just replace the one 6000mAh battery inside the Crane-2.

 

DESIGN

Weights only 2Lb/950g, compatible with Mirrorless Cameras weights between 0.77Lb/350g and 3.96Lb/1800g. With the 3/8″ to 1/4″ Screw Adapter at the bottom, the Crane can be matched with multiple filming accessories, i.e. tripod, extension rod, cupula, or handheld/worn to make delay shooting and create the effect of the rocker arm.

Features

The built-in wireless control module can be connected with Zhiyun’s gimbal remote controller or smartphone APP which can also be used for wireless control and firmware upgrade. Supports 2 X 26500 Batteries(Included), provides 6 hours and 12 hours operating time respectively.The industry’s first to achieve three 32-bit MCUs running in parallel at incredible 4k hertz. Powerful MCU (Microcontroller Unit) combined with Zhiyun’s efficient attitude control algorithm and advanced servo control algorithm, the gimbal is able to sense, compute then control the camera to a 0.01-degree accuracy, within 0.25 millisecond.360 Degree Unlimited Rotation, With the automotive grade magnetic encoders attached to each motor, the gimbal can sense every 0.02-degree change intervals. Any shooting requirements will be perfectly satisfied, i.e. positive grip, upright shooting, low angle, high flight photography.

Battery

Shoot up to a whopping maximum of 18 hours—the Crane-2’s three 18650-type batteries provide 6000mAh of capacity. Select Sony cameras may be charged through the gimbal, eliminating time otherwise spent swapping out camera batteries. Additional Crane-2 features include a Manfrotto-standard quick release plate for rapid camera mounting and a “slow-fall” function that protects your camera from a sudden drop when the stabilizer is powered down.

Performance Highlights:

1. Real-Time Follow Focus

Integrated with an unprecedented follow focus wheel on the body, Crane 2 allows ±0.02° precision real-time focus control through camera cable connection so that you can always keep your subject in focus while moving.

2. Intuitive OLED Display

The OLED display menu on the control panel keeps a close interaction between you, your camera and your stabilizer. The intuitive interface design helps you easily identify the connection status, battery level, control mode and multiple camera parameters.

3. Innovative Quick Control Dial Design

The quick control dial on the control panel is like an integrated extension of your camera. You can either press or rotate the dial to make various camera parameter settings such as TV, AV, ISO, and EV.

Conclusion

Given even just this little information, though, I’m glad I held off buying the original Crane. I tend to often hold out for the second generation of something, and I think this one is going to be in my future.its available on tomtop at price of $749.00

Update on September 26, 2017
Use coupon code: HTY50DZY to catch Zhiyun Crane 2 Gimbal at $699.