Zhiyun Crane 2 vs Ronin-S 2023: Which Is Better For You

DJI’s first gimbal for DSLR and mirrorless cameras is the Ronin-S. This is your opportunity to square off against the globally well-liked Zhiyun Crane 2. Let’s compare the Zhiyun Crane 2 vs Ronin-S using Lucidcam today to see how they differ from one another.

Overview

Zhiyun Crane 2 Review

A 3-axis gimbal with easy-to-use follow focus control is the Zhiyun Crane 2. A range of DSLR, mirrorless camera, and video cameras up to 3.2 kg in weight can be supported by the handle.

DJI Ronin-S Review

DJI’s first one-handed gimbal for DSLR and mirrorless cameras is the Ronin S. This is your chance to square up against the globally and in Vietnam acclaimed Zhiyun Crane 2.

This gadget can utilize mid-sized cameras like the Canon 5D series, Nikon D8XX series, and smaller ones. This device is most effective with Sony Alpha and Panasonic GH mirrorless cameras.

What is The Same?

The Zhiyun Crane 2 and Ronin-S are not significantly different from one another. These two gimbals are of the highest caliber and provide great stabilization for dslr microphone and mirrorless cameras.

The Zhiyun Crane 2 and Ronin-S vary primarily in that the former includes an integrated focus motor, and the latter does not. Apart than that, their performance and feature sets are remarkably identical.

Zhiyun Crane 2 vs Ronin-S

Design

There aren’t many design distinctions between the two gimbal lines. Both gimbals are sturdy, and their matte black exteriors give them a tough, opulent appearance.

The body of the gimbal has sensibly placed buttons that make controlling the camera simple and adaptable. Each one features a Focus Wheel that allows for easy zooming in and out. These anti-vibration grips all have their own benefits.

The DJI Ronin S gimbal is renowned for its Roll design that tilts at a 45-degree angle. This makes it possible to see the camera screen even when the motor isn’t running. The ability to view and manipulate the frame clearly makes filmmaking much simpler.

The RoninS lacks a novel feature that the Zhiyun Crane2 possesses. The parameters are shown on your gimbal body’s OLED screen. With this user-friendly interface design, you can control all settings and statuses, including power, lock mode, power, and others.

Payload and Weight

In terms of payload, Ronin S triumphs. It can support a weight of about 4 lbs. and a load of 3.6 kg. The 3lb Gimbal Zhiyun Crane2 can support 3.2kg of weight.

Feature

DSLR and mirrorless cameras like the Canon 5D Mark IV, Panasonic Lumix GH5, and Sony Alpha can be utilized with the DJI Ronin S, a single-handed gimbal. The remarkable smooth performance of Ronin S’s Smooth Track technology will astound you in every frame.

You simply need one hand to move the camera fluidly in the direction of the topic. Each frame of this captures the subject’s motion. With the Ronin S, you can even create quick-processing sports movies.

A further function in RoninS called Infinite Mode enables filmmakers to create enchanted rotations in space. The Zhiyun Crane2’s Slow-fall function fully protects your camera and camcorder. Crane 2 can shield your camera from unexpected drops and soft impacts.

Compatibility

The lengthy history of DJI in the drone market benefits the RoninS. Due to the wide range of available products, it has strong brand loyalty and a thriving ecosystem.

Because of their extensive experience in the drone sector, they included some of the best ergonomics from their controls in the RoninS.

With the Crane2’s optional follow focus device, you may broaden your focus control to include photography and cinema lenses without using gearing.

Following firmware version 1.6.0.50, the Ronin-S now offers follow-focus compatibility. As of this writing, the Crane2 supports START-STOP, Panasonic with Sony, and full interfacing with Canon.

The DJI compatibility list is available here (updated 11/2018), and Zhiyun is available here (or page 11 in their user manual).

The Ronin-S is preferred by users due to its greater payload. This enables you to use larger DSLRs, smaller cinema cameras, heavier cine lenses, and larger DSLRs. The Crane is primarily intended to function with mirrorless systems.

Battery Life

• Three independent, detachable batteries are used by the Crane 2 to give it a total battery life of 18 hours. A built-in battery within the Ronin-S has a 12-hour runtime.
• The benefit of removable batteries is that you can purchase a second set of batteries and that they can be recharged independently. However, because the Ronin-S has a built-in battery, you can charge without constantly taking out and replacing the batteries.

How To Choose The Right Shoots

These minute variations can be crucial depending on the specific subject matter. Compared to the Crane, the RoninS motors tremble a lot more. They can endure winds better than the Crane because they are stronger.

Ronin-S Built For Speed

The Ronin-S’ speed, payload, grip comfort, and overall speed are very important. The Ronin-S is best if your footage needs to be stable at faster speeds. The Crane 2 occasionally displays unwanted sway or compositional errors when working with fast-moving subjects.

Balancing

The same balance method and effort are needed for two gimbals. With the aid of many YouTube tutorials, it took me around 30 minutes to balance Crane2 on my first try. I finally managed to balance them all in approximately two minutes after numerous failed attempts.

A balance test feature in the Ronin-S app determines whether the gimbal for iphone is balanced. If the motor is not balanced properly, it will work extra hard to make up for the imbalance, depleting the battery and finally dying the motor.

Controls

Crane 2 is Ideal For Events and Travel

Because it is smaller, lighter, and has interchangeable batteries, the Crane 2 is better for photographing weddings. For up to 18 hours, they persist. For the majority of activities, the Ronin-12-hour S’s battery life is excellent.

Additionally, you can use USB C to link the RoninS to an additional battery pack. Both are fantastic power alternatives.

Each one has detachable tripod feet. Numerous shooters favor the way Ronin’s feet feel even though they are merely an extension of the handgrip.

You might not consider these ergonomics significant when carrying the Ronin-S. For lengthy days, the Crane 2’s over a pound in weight savings is a big advantage.

The Ronin-S needs more deconstruction for event shooters to fit in backpacks and cases. For narrative shootings, this is less significant. When completely decomposed, the Ronin-S will pack more compactly than the Crane 2.

Which is Better?

They succeed in a variety of areas, most of which are subjective. Both rookie and experienced shooters prefer the Ronin-controls S’s interface over the Crane 2’s because it is simpler to set up. The roll axis of the Ronin-S is built to make it simple to access your back camera.

Although the Crane 2 makes access simpler, more of your camera’s back is blocked. The Ronin-S can execute a barrel roll if you need that kind of shot. Only a 45o roll on either side is possible with the Crane 2.

Despite having a somewhat smaller payload, the Ronin-S offers a more comfortable one-handed usage. The RoninS, on the other hand, is constructed similarly to DJI. The grip is often regarded as being exceptionally ergonomic and pleasant.

Here is the full Comparison of RoninS vs Zhiyun Crane 2. if you are interested in knowing more about other comparisons, then check here:

• DJI Ronin-SC vs Zhiyun Weebill S 2023: Which Is Better For You
• DJI OM 4 vs Zhiyun Smooth 4 2023: Which Is Better For You

Should I Buy Zhiyun Crane 2 Or Ronin-S?

After experimenting with both gimbals, I can conclude that I generally liked the DJI Ronin-S more.

Given the greater build quality and superior ergonomics, I would have more faith in its dependability. Fast-moving action might be captured with greater ease thanks to the improved tracking performance.

However, the Crane 2 is a superb dslr gimbals and Mirrorless camera gimbal that is less expensive and has a few perks of its own. It might be too wonderful to pass up if you stumble across a used one in good shape or discover it at a significant discount.

At a Glance

FAQs about Zhiyun Crane 2 and Ronin-S

Is Ronin Better Than Crane 2?

The RoninS motors are strong for heavy-duty applications like cars and motorcycles. They can withstand the winds better than the Crane 2 but will not withstand the high speeds of moving vehicles. The Crane 2 gimbal is suitable for smaller cameras.

What’s the Difference Between Ronin S and SC?

The Ronin S has a greater maximum controlled rotation speed, 360deg/s, on its pan tilt and roll axis, while the Ronin SC features a speed of 180deg/s for its pan tilt and roll. Both units have a 360deg continuous rotation range on their pan axis and +-30deg roll control.

Is Zhiyun A Good Brand?

After spending 30 hours researching top-rated gimbals and testing them, the Zhiyun smooth 4 was the best at stabilizing video. It is easy to set up and use and comes with the best apps among all gimbals we tested.

How to connect DJI Ronin-S to the app?

To turn on the grip, push the power button only once. To turn on the gimbal, press and hold the gimbal power button. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone, then open the Ronin app. Once it is identified, choose Ronin-S and enter the default Bluetooth password 12345678.

What is the Zhiyun Crane 2 weight limit?

A 3-axis handheld gimbal stabilizer that can support mirrorless and DSLR cameras weighing up to 7 lb is called the Zhiyun-Tech Crane-2.

Conclusion

The Zhiyun Crane 2 should still be adequate to satisfy and support your gimbal needs if you’re a beginning filmmaker or you frequently utilize small mirrorless cameras. The DJI Ronin-S, on the other hand, is designed to please owners who are already experienced long-time professionals with bulky cameras or who simply want to try out cutting-edge gimbal technology.

Future individuals are deserving of ownership and investment. Additionally, we advise Canon and Panasonic photographers to get the Ronin-S.

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