The Zhiyun Crane 2 has created some well-deserved buzz in the filmmaking community lately and for good reason. The gimbal supports a wide range of mirrorless cameras weighing up to 7 pounds, has a compact lightweight design and features quick, direct camera control via handgrip buttons, LED screen display for camera and stabilizer settings, pro-grade image stabilization and much more. To add to the gimbal’s already-impressive set of features, Zhiyun-Tech has also released the Motion Remote Control.
In a nutshell, it’s a standalone wireless module that allows you to control and manipulate the functions of the Crane 2 gimbal from a distance. The controller was recently reviewed in a video produced by Momentum Productions, so let’s take a closer look and see what it can bring to the table.
The Motion Remote Control is not only designed to be the perfect companion to the Crane 2 but it also comes with the same menu system and control surfaces found on the gimbal, which includes the LCD screen, control dial, joystick, and follow focus wheel. Inside of the box, you’ll find the unit itself, a strap, and mounting accessories to attach the controller to the foldable dual handgrip.
Besides simply acting as a mobile follow focus system, Zhiyun’s controller features a built-in gyroscope that enables the gimbal to emulate the motions of your hand in real-time. This provides you with greater control over the gimbal’s motion and leads to more precise camera movements.
To use the gyroscope mimicking feature, all you need to do is press the G Mode button found below the control dial of the remote. Next to the G-Mode button, you can toggle on the Sport mode which will increase the reaction time between the gimbal and controller if required.
As far as reliability goes, this Motion Control can be extremely useful to have on set. With a range of 32 feet and a battery life of 25 hours, users should expect solid performance for a long shoot day. In addition, the latency between the gimbal and remote is very minimal, giving you confidence when trying to pull off complicated and precise gimbal motions.
Zhiyun-Tech Remote Control Highlights
- Controls All Crane 2 Gimbal Functions
- Connect via Bluetooth or USB
- Follow Focus Control for Select Cameras
- Gravity Mode Motion Control
- Joystick Gimbal Control
- Gimbal Tuning
- OLED Status Display
- Price: $149
For first-time users, setting up the controller requires just a few simple steps. First and foremost, ensure that both the controller and gimbal are switched on. On the controller, head over to the main menu and access Scan>Find Gimbal. Your gimbal should appear on the screen. A check mark should also pop up on the LCD screen of the Motion Control confirming that the connection between the two devices is established successfully.
All in all, the Motion Remote Control is definitely a worthwhile purchase for shooters who constantly have a separate gimbal and camera operator as the accessory allows you to easily manipulate the gimbal wirelessly. So, whether you’re a solo operator with your Crane 2 gimbal atop a monopod or boom, or a camera assistant tasked with directing the camera, the Zhiyun-Tech Remote Control for Crane 2 has got you covered.
[source: Momentum Productions]
Order Links:
Zhiyun-Tech Remote Control for Crane 2 (B&H, Amazon)
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