Zhiyun Smooth Q2From real comments

Verdict distilled from 57 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment29%
PROS 29%
CONS 71%

Rank based on 57 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want an ultra-compact, solidly-built gimbal for everyday carry
  • Your phone fits the clamp cleanly without a thick or deep case
  • You mainly need basic pan/lock/follow shooting without zoom or Filmic Pro support

What users love

Skip this if...

  • Your phone uses a thick or bulky case that won't clamp securely
  • You need reliable zoom control, subject tracking, or Filmic Pro compatibility
  • You're not willing to deal with firmware quirks, calibration, and occasional motor-in-frame issues

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 Smooth Q2
Ultra-Compact, Portable DesignGood Value vs DJI Osmo Mobile 3Solid Metal Build QualityMotor Visible in FrameFirmware and App BugsMissing Zoom, Tracking, and Filmic Pro Support
Zhiyun Smooth Q2
Ultra-Compact, Portable Design
Good Value vs DJI Osmo Mobile 3
Solid Metal Build Quality
Motor Visible in Frame
Firmware and App Bugs
Missing Zoom, Tracking, and Filmic Pro Support

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Owners consistently highlight the Smooth Q2's compact size and sturdy metal build. Multiple users call it their favorite small gimbal of the year, citing the comfortable, portable feel and confidence-inspiring metal construction. Parents mention it's easy to always carry in a bag due to its reduced size compared to the Smooth 4. The replaceable battery and dependable Bluetooth connection are also singled out as standout features. Strong motors let some owners attach cases and third-party lenses without issue, a factor that pushed them to choose it over the DJI Osmo Mobile 3.

A recurring complaint is the gimbal's motor or arm showing up in the shot. Many buyers describe the rear motor intruding into frame in portrait mode, wide-angle shots, or certain phone camera layouts, sometimes forcing a 45-degree tilt or use of flashlight mode as a workaround. This is compounded by reports of shaky, bobbly, or jittery footage and stabilization that loses balance during tilts or panoramic use, even after following balancing instructions and calibration steps closely.

Software, firmware, and phone-fit issues frustrate a notable share of users. Commenters report firmware update failures, app connectivity dropouts, flashing lights, and features like subject tracking spinning aimlessly or not working at all. Others note the ZY Play app lacks resolution options like 4K60 or HDR, and there's no Filmic Pro compatibility despite requests. Separately, phone clamp depth causes problems for thick cases or certain phone models, and persistent tilt or leveling errors sometimes remain even after six-side and motor calibration.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?