The newest gimbal from Zhiyun tweaks the ergonomics and price of a well-loved model
(Image credit: Zhiyun)
The newest gimbal from Zhiyun is designed to be both more ergonomic and more affordable. Announced on Tuesday, December 03, the Zhiyun Crane 4E is a new gimbal for filmmakers that sits at a lower price point and with lighter ergonomics over the Crane 4.
While the 4E version is only a few grams lighter than the 4E, Zhiyun claims the stabilizer improves weight distribution to reduce wrist strain by 25 percent. The company also says the new design makes it easier to use two hands.
The Sling Grip is a key feature for the gimbal that the company says allows for adjusting angles as well as opening up a dual-handle mode. The wrist rest was also redesigned for the 4E, the company notes.
The gimbal uses a built-in control wheel for quickly adjusting camera parameters like shutter speed, aperture, or ISO without moving hands from the gimbal to the camera. Another control wheel towards the front of the grip can be customized to adjust settings like electronic zoom or focus.
(Image credit: Zhiyun)
The new gimbal allows for videographers to use both a servo zoom and focus motor simultaneously. The company notes that, using added Trans Mount accessories, the gimbal allows creatives to use the tools for smooth manual focusing and zoom. Cameras can be locked into vertical or horizontal shooting positions as well.
The gimbal's specs don’t list a maximum weight but rather a list of compatible cameras and lenses, including options like the Canon C70 with the RF 24-70mm f/2.8 IS USM lens.
While the 4E model offers ergonomic improvements, the pricier Zhiyun Crane 4 (which earned a 4.5 star review) still offers a few features that the 4E does not. That list includes a 10W fill light as well as a balance indicator light.
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The Zhiyun Crane 4E is expected to list for $499 and is already in stock at Amazon. In comparison, the Crane 4’s list price is about $670 / £529 / AU$ 1,033.
With more than a decade of experience reviewing and writing about cameras and technology, Hillary K. Grigonis leads the US coverage for Digital Camera World. Her work has appeared in Business Insider, Digital Trends, Pocket-lint, Rangefinder, The Phoblographer and more.
