Zhiyun Crane M3chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Several commenters found the gimbal fails to balance well with heavier full-frame cameras, ND filters, step-down rings, or longer lenses, with some reporting arm flex, motor stalls, or returning the product entirely.

@YaYousef5

I bought this gimbal based on your video and I regret it. The quality feels cheap. Making adjustments to balance the gimbal is extremely annoying because of the low quality design. One of the plates wobbles even after I lock it down with the power of Juggernaut but it will still moves out of position. And then even after all of that, my Sony A7c with the 20mm 1.8 seems too heavy and imbalanced for this gimbal. It doesn't work correctly like with other gimbals. It's crappy and I don't recommend people buying it unless you're going to use APS-C cameras with small lenses. I'm returning it.launch

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September 7, 2023

@corelitv

I've been doing some test with the A7sIII and it doesn't work propertly if you want to use vortex mode or portrait. At the end the camera is to big for it at it touches one of the ends, even if you use a small lense. For lock, or pan follow works nice but again if you want to use vortex it won't be the best. I was able to use vortex in the Z axys but it's not strong enough to rotate on the Y-X axys.launch

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November 9, 2022

@Panotaker

I have this gimbal. It’s really made for compact cameras like the ZV1, or APSC cameras like the A6600. Although it will barely hold a full size camera like an A7S3 stripped down, once you add a microphone and ND filters, it will no longer balance, especially if you use step down rings for your ND filters. If you have a full size camera, I highly suggest you get a bigger gimbal. I use mine with my A6600, with a wireless Go and A Sony 10-18 f4 lens with Step down rings and my ND filters, and it balances just fine. It barely balances my Sigma 16 lens, so I just use the 10-18.launch

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September 9, 2022

@trosencrantz

is it just me or is this gimbal super cramped with say a Sony 7III or 7IV, which really limits the range of motion you can use these cameras on this thing. Maybe it can handle the load but not much room to move the camera with joystick. Clearly best for smaller camera form factors like 6500/66000/6400 Sony 7C maybe or FX3 perhaps. I have heard of the need to remove the eye piece with some of the bigger camera bodies for this gimbal.launch

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April 29, 2022

Multiple users are frustrated that zoom and other camera controls require purchasing a separate Bluetooth module and expansion base, calling it a downgrade from the Crane M2 which had built-in Bluetooth control.

@Nomad.Armadillo

I bought the crane m3 to use with a Sony zve10. I didn’t know you have to buy the Bluetooth control unit and the expansion base to be able to use it with the zve10. My surprise is that even buying those accessories my camera still not connecting with the gimbal. I did all what they say on the manual: \nUSB power supply off\nPC remote ON\nBluetooth paired with the gimbal\nStart gimbal\nStart bluetooh control(solid blue light)\nStart camera\n\nAnd it doesn’t work….\n\nWhat can I do to figure that out??launch

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October 6, 2022

@phapvuong1

I just bought Crane M3 last week and I could not get the photo/video button on the gimbal to work with my Sony ZV-E10 with Sigma 30mm lens. I push the Photo/Video button on the gimbal but nothing happen. I emailed Zhiyum and the Support told me that I need bluetooth control module. I didn’t see any one on Youtube using bluetooth module with Sony ZV-E10 in demonstrations. Any ideas ?launch

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July 14, 2022

@artnelsoncreative

Thanks for the video. I bought the expansion base and bluetooth controller. I have followed every direction offered by Zhiyun and spent hours trying to get the bluetooth controller to pair with the gimbal. What especially frustrating is trying to community with the Chinese tech support at Zhiyun. I even contacted a tech expert at B&H and they were not able to get it connected.launch

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June 21, 2022

@HSNG10

The expansion base and wireless modules should had been part of the standard package. We're in 2022 and gimbals should come with wireless connectivity by default.launch

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May 7, 2022

Several owners report the gimbal repeatedly entering sleep mode, beeping, or failing firmware updates, sometimes rendering it unusable even after replacement units or updates.

@rudelolopez3407

I just got my crane m3 and after balancing every axis with my camera on it I turned it on for the first time. It turned on and showed the menu for like a few seconds and then it instantly went to the upgrade screen and right after that it says \"failed\". The gimbal does this every time I turn it on and there's nothing I can do to fix it. I even tried to connect it to my PC and my phone and update the firmware that way and that doesn't work either. The PC update fails every time and I couldn't get it to connect to my phone at all.launch

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April 19, 2023

@terryscott5004

I purchased a new Crane M3 from Amazon and upon first use it would go into sleep mode continuously. I sent that one back as I thought it was defective and a new one arrived. Unfortunately the new one did the same thing. I searched online and found out that this is an issue with some Crane M3’s. I ultimately had to return the second one also. Anyone else have this as an issue? I like the M3, but it was unusable for me.launch

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February 23, 2022

@supercutcreative

Hi! I have a brand new m3, I've only used it once or twice. Recently, every time I turn it on, it beeps and shakes then goes into sleep mode. When i hold done the M button, it will wake up but only for a second before beeping again and going back into sleep mode. I've already updated to the latest software and nothing I seem to do will fix it. Do you have any suggestions?launch

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February 14, 2022

@alberta3157

Beaware everyone who buys this and plan to use it for work professionally, it stopped working for me mid work, always have a backup, i had mine for a month and it glitched and got stuck in sleep mode, still waiting for firmware update release to fix the issue . this sleep mod bug renders the gimbal useless.launch

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January 4, 2022

Users describe noticeable jerkiness when transitioning between modes like Pan Follow to Go, or during acceleration/deceleration, with some saying settings changes don't fully resolve it.

@corelitv

I've been doing some test with the A7sIII and it doesn't work propertly if you want to use vortex mode or portrait. At the end the camera is to big for it at it touches one of the ends, even if you use a small lense. For lock, or pan follow works nice but again if you want to use vortex it won't be the best. I was able to use vortex in the Z axys but it's not strong enough to rotate on the Y-X axys.launch

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November 9, 2022

@wademorales

I just got this gimble which is replacing my Crane M2. So far I love it but one thing is driving me crazy that I cannot figure out. When I am in pan follow mode I like to hold down the trigger to activate go mode to utilize those movements. On the M2 the transition between the modes is very smooth. On the M3 if I do that transition from Pan follow to Go holding down the trigger there's a noticeable jerk in the gimble. Is there a setting to smooth that out?launch

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February 23, 2022

@DylanJohnYT

Great review brotha! If it struggles with just your 28mm then it's probably a no go for me. The jerky pan movements reminds me of my Zhiyun Crane 3 Lab as well, which I'm not impressed with. I am however impressed with gyro stabilization and it's something I've used on occasions after talking to you about it. \n\nInteresting to know that inverting the A7siii negates eye/face detect 🤔launch

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December 3, 2021

@JapanLovers

I had the same experience with this gimbal on the a7c. Zhiyun need to fix the acceleration and deceleration algorithm because there is a lot of jerkiness no matter how many different settings I changed in the app. I created a \"super slow mode\" to compensate but that's not always how I want to use the gimbal so it's a compromise. Even though the M2 was weaker it had a much better algorithm and I think it's a much better value gimbal but most people want to use full frame.launch

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December 3, 2021

The light switch and touchscreen are positioned close to where thumbs naturally rest, leading to accidental activation that drains the battery or changes settings unexpectedly.

@walkandcamera

Dear Zhiyun, can you please, please, please implement a feature to >>> LOCK THE LIGHT! <<< I've had so many problems when I accidentally turned on the light - and guess what happened, the battery ran out super fast. I've been using it for months now for vlogging, and last time I actually failed to make a video due to this problem. Your design flaw is actually costing me money $$$!!! And it is a design flaw, because my thumb is just millimeters away from the light switch. I can turn on the light accidentally at any moment, and in a vlogging setting you don't really notice it until it's too late... So now I'm paranoid all the time about the damn light! You made the perfect gimbal, but the lack of this feature just ruins it for me. So please implement a feature where I can block the light switch the same way I can block the screen. And do it FAST!launch

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December 22, 2023

@ItzSKYVlogs

Maaaan the crane m3 is by far… my favorite gimbal. It hold my Sony A7siii with 17-28 lens (and Sony 16-35) and man.. it’s soo good!\nSidenote: my only problem with it, was that I keep accidentally pressing the touch screen and it changes the settings.. do you know if there’s a Lock Screen optionlaunch

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February 2, 2022

Users are frustrated that the gimbal uses a non-standard mounting plate instead of Arca-Swiss, making it harder to move cameras between gimbal, tripod, and other gear.

@HangarQueen

So they've updated their quick-disconnect mechanism -- but AGAIN used a proprietary design. WhyOhWhy don't they offer a standard Arca-Swiss mount built into the gimbal? So that you can easily move the camera from gimbal to tripod to whatever else, standardizing on Arca-Swiss? \n\nFWIW, I made my own for my ZV-E10 to mount to my Crane M2S using Arca-Swiss: https://youtu.be/0sdg_yzb5g0 (Warning: quite long. It was one of my first vids, before I got a little better at editing/timelapse.)launch

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May 25, 2023

@TexpatOTG

The two cons I see are a non-standard quick release (I use Arca Swiss style, others use Manfrotto), the other is built-in batteries. In my opinion, batteries are the weak link in nearly any pro equipment. Built-in batts let the battery determine the life of your gear, and how long you can shoot. I just don't think that is good for someone that shoots outside all the time. Good review! and I can certainly understand why a lot of people will choose this gimbal.launch

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February 3, 2022

At least two users describe unresponsive or unhelpful support from Zhiyun when trying to resolve product issues or process an exchange.

@artnelsoncreative

Thanks for the video. I bought the expansion base and bluetooth controller. I have followed every direction offered by Zhiyun and spent hours trying to get the bluetooth controller to pair with the gimbal. What especially frustrating is trying to community with the Chinese tech support at Zhiyun. I even contacted a tech expert at B&H and they were not able to get it connected.launch

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June 21, 2022

@chuckiboi5

Warning to potential buyers. Yes, Zhiyun makes good gimbal. But customer service is appalling. I just got the m3 and very hyped from all the reviews. It's small and can hold a full frame. It can hold it yes but the arms flex a little bit and it shows on the video . I wanted exchange it for a bigger weebil 2 but Zhiyun customer service cant even bother to respond to my request. im still on the exchange /return window. Such a crappy after sales service. If you have issues with your gimbal good luck with that.launch

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April 2, 2022

One user identified a repeatable issue where the built-in light causes handle or motor vibration when set above 50% brightness.

@TonyBabarino

Found a FLAW in the new Zhiyun Crane M3: when built-in light is turned up anything above 50% (to 100%) brightness, the handle (or motors) vibrate. From 1% to 49% brightness, it's fine. I'm using my iPhone 13 Pro Max with SmallRig Cage. BALANCE CHECK multiple times: manually and autocalibration. 100% repeatable. Confirm on YOUR end please? :) Thanks!launch

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February 13, 2022