Zhiyun Crane M2SFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 44 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment46%
PROS 46%
CONS 54%

Rank based on 44 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You shoot with a lightweight APS-C camera and lens under ~2.2 lbs
  • You want M3-like payload and stability at a lower price
  • You value the quick-release baseplate for fast setup changes

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need object tracking or WiFi/zoom control from the gimbal
  • You plan to pair it with heavier full-frame lens combos
  • You rely on external mics or face/eye detection while using the cable connection

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Mid
Discreet, pocketable size
Discreet, pocketable size
2Mid
Quick-release plate convenience
Quick-release plate convenience
Best value
3Mid
Beginner-Friendly SetupSmooth, Fluid StabilizationComfortable Wrist Support and Sling GripCamera Record-Button Compatibility IssuesBalancing and Tensioner ProblemsFootage Not Always Smooth Despite Balance
Beginner-Friendly Setup
Smooth, Fluid Stabilization
Comfortable Wrist Support and Sling Grip
Camera Record-Button Compatibility Issues
Balancing and Tensioner Problems
Footage Not Always Smooth Despite Balance
4Premium
Smooth, refined performanceWorthy upgrade from older gimbalsEasy one-button locking systemLidar sold separately at extra costMarginal upgrade over RS3No built-in active tracking
Smooth, refined performance
Worthy upgrade from older gimbals
Easy one-button locking system
Lidar sold separately at extra cost
Marginal upgrade over RS3
No built-in active tracking
5Mid
Beginner-friendly with guidanceBuilt-in lightSmooth motor performanceCamera record button issuesAuto-tune and setup failuresBalance and clamp mechanical problems
Beginner-friendly with guidance
Built-in light
Smooth motor performance
Camera record button issues
Auto-tune and setup failures
Balance and clamp mechanical problems
6Budget
Easy To Use After TutorialsFoldable, Portable DesignGood Compatibility With iPhone LensesLimited Android CompatibilityInconsistent Active Track / Face TrackingSteep Learning Curve / No Manual
Easy To Use After Tutorials
Foldable, Portable Design
Good Compatibility With iPhone Lenses
Limited Android Compatibility
Inconsistent Active Track / Face Tracking
Steep Learning Curve / No Manual
7Mid
Lightweight and portableRemovable, swappable batteriesImproved smoothness with tuned settingsBalance issues with heavier or front-heavy setupsPoor customer service and supportFragile locking mechanisms and mount
Lightweight and portable
Removable, swappable batteries
Improved smoothness with tuned settings
Balance issues with heavier or front-heavy setups
Poor customer service and support
Fragile locking mechanisms and mount
8Mid
Handles demanding camera/lens combosLightweight yet handles full-frame gearConvenient USB port and quick disconnectFrequent rebalancing requiredInconsistent camera control compatibilityProprietary plate, no Arca-Swiss support
Handles demanding camera/lens combos
Lightweight yet handles full-frame gear
Convenient USB port and quick disconnect
Frequent rebalancing required
Inconsistent camera control compatibility
Proprietary plate, no Arca-Swiss support
9Mid
Handles APS-C and light full-frame kitsUltra-compact and lightweightEasy to balance with good tutorialsBalance struggles with heavier or full-frame setupsLimited camera control without extra modulesFirmware and sleep-mode bugs
Handles APS-C and light full-frame kits
Ultra-compact and lightweight
Easy to balance with good tutorials
Balance struggles with heavier or full-frame setups
Limited camera control without extra modules
Firmware and sleep-mode bugs
10Mid
Lightweight and portable designImproved stabilization performanceAutomatic lock/unlock mechanismInconsistent Bluetooth camera controlDifficult tilt axis balancingMandatory app activation and software dependency
Lightweight and portable design
Improved stabilization performance
Automatic lock/unlock mechanism
Inconsistent Bluetooth camera control
Difficult tilt axis balancing
Mandatory app activation and software dependency
You are here
31Mid
Zhiyun Crane M2S
Strong value vs Crane M3Compact and lightweightGood payload for APS-C combosBalancing difficulties with heavier lensesMotor overheating and stoppingDefective units and app issues
Zhiyun Crane M2S
Strong value vs Crane M3
Compact and lightweight
Good payload for APS-C combos
Balancing difficulties with heavier lenses
Motor overheating and stopping
Defective units and app issues

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Payload and stability punch above the price point. Multiple users were surprised the M2S matches the pricier Crane M3 in payload and motor torque despite being $100 cheaper, calling it a great value for beginners on APS-C setups. It's praised for handling a variety of lenses in a tiny form factor, and the quick-release plate saves time by avoiding rebalancing after remounting the camera.

Balancing and payload limits frustrate heavier setups. Several users struggled to balance the gimbal with lenses like the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 or Sony 18-105mm, reporting motor overheating, vortex mode stopping mid-rotation, axis lock errors, and micro jitters from imperfect balance. Some found the max payload wasn't clearly advertised, leading to disappointment after purchase with combos that turned out too heavy or borderline.

Camera control cable brings compatibility headaches. Connecting via the supplied cable causes real drawbacks: loss of face/eye detection, blocked microphone or accessory ports on cameras like the ZV-1, non-working record buttons on some Sony bodies, and no WiFi or zoom rocker unlike the older Crane M2. A few also reported dead-on-arrival units, sleep-mode issues, or the app not working with iPhones.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?