Review: Zhiyun Cinepeer Crane 4E

The DJI Ronin series of gimbals has long been touted as the industry leader. And with good reason. I have had the RS4 Pro for some time, complete with all the accessories you can get. And whilst the average user would never go to this extent and need all that grunt, it is an impressive piece of kit.

But Zhiyun also make some very impressive gear and seem to release it at a huge rate of knots. Latest to cross my desk is the new Zhiyun Cinepeer Crane 4E, a lightweight version of the respected Crane 4.

The Cinepeer Crane 4E supports an impressive array of camera makes and models right out of the box, such as those from Canon, Sony, Panasonic and Nikon, including full frame models like the Canon C70. From my own point of view, it also supports my Blackmagic Cinema Pocket Camera 6K Pro and Canon 5DS (but sadly not my Fujifilm X-S10).

One thing Zhiyun has concentrated on across all its latest models is ergonomics and ways of reducing operator fatigue. My review version did not come with the wrist rest or sling system that Zhiyun says decreases effort by 50%, but nonetheless I was able to operate the Crane 4E for a 20 minute stretch without too much issue, even with my dud right wrist (post carpal tunnel surgery y’know!).

If you wondered, the Sling Mode allows for adjustment of the grip’s length and direction, making changes in shooting angles much easier and giving a dual-handle mode for different filming options.

My one complaint about using dSLRs and mirrorless cameras for shooting my own thing, motorsport, is almost negated by the use of a gimbal and sling system, and the smoother motion you get is of course a bonus.

For those the (for some reason) prefer to shoot in a vertical format, the Crane 4E has a clever orientation switching design without needing to add extra accessories, thanks to the integrated quick-release structure, thus saving time and increasing efficiency.

For those with compatible cameras, Bluetooth shutter control is available and there is an all-in-one follow focus system via a built in wave wheel for quick adjustments of camera parameters and compatibility. Two servo focusers, enhance visual control over focus and zoom for sharper imagery.

The front dial is customizable letting you apply your favourite settings making them available at a touch.

To power the Crane 4E, the unit has a fast-charging 2600mAh battery allowing for a full charge in around 2 hours and giving 12 hours of operation on a single charge.

Zhiyun make sure that you shouldn’t need to go looking for accessories to make it all work too. In the box were the Crane 4E, a screw in tripod mount, lens support bracket and screws, two quick release plates with both 3/8” and ¼” screws, a heightening pad, Panasonic control cable, USB-C cable and even a M4 Allen key plus a Quick Start Guide.

Balancing a camera on a gimbal has become second nature to me these days, but I have to say the Crane 4E is one of easiest and fastest I have come across. One thing, that on the surface might seem minor, but in the real world makes a heap of difference, is clear diagrams showing where the unlocking switches for each arm are.

So many times, I have had to visually hunt these down as some companies seem hell bent on disguising them!

All the operation controls are self-evident, and the touch sensitive display screen is very easy to read and follow in order to set everything up correctly. In fact, I was up and running within 10 minutes at most.

Conclusion

If you need a topflight gimbal, take a look at the Cinepeer Crane 4E. Take your camera with you and try it out in your local Camera House or wherever. I am sure you will be pleased with what you see and get for your AUD$699.

By the way if you don’t need all the functionality of the 4E, or you have a smaller camera not supported I am sure one of the other Zhiyun models will fit the bill – there are a lot of ‘em!

More information on the Zhiyun Cinepeer Crane 4E at the Zhiyun website.