Zhiyun Crane M2S Hands-On Review | Best Compact Gimbal?
Disclosure: This website may contain affiliate links to Amazon or others meaning that I make a small commission form qualifying purchases if you decide to make a purchase through one of my links. This is at no extra cost to you.
If you thought small gimbals were just for phones, think again. The Zhiyun Crane M2S is tiny—about the size of a phone gimbal—but it can handle full-frame mirrorless cameras like the Sony A7 III and A7 IV, which is pretty impressive for something this compact.
Size and Build
The Crane M2S weighs just 549 grams, making it lighter than the Crane M3 by about 150 grams. Despite its size, the motors are strong enough to handle cameras with lighter lenses, like the Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 or 20mm F2.8. For anyone traveling light or who prefers a compact setup, this gimbal is a perfect fit.
The gimbal has extended axes for easier balancing and comes with mini tripod legs for extra stability and handling comfort. The design is sturdy, ergonomic, and easy to hold for long shoots.
Features
Motor Strength: Handles full-frame mirrorless cameras with lightweight lenses.
Built-in Fill Light: Small but bright, with four magnetic color gels and adjustable intensity.
Controls: Quick access to trigger, mode button, joystick, and record button. The small display shows key settings (no touchscreen, unlike the M3).
Modes: Pan follow, lock, POV, vortex, go mode, and portrait mode coming in future firmware.
Quick Release 4.0: Makes mounting and removing your camera a breeze.
Battery Life
The M2S offers up to 10 hours of battery life, charges in just under 2 hours, and can even be powered via a USB power bank. Perfect for long shoots or outdoor adventures.
Compatibility
It supports phones, action cameras like GoPros, compact point-and-shoots, APS-C cameras, and even full-frame mirrorless cameras with lighter lenses. Zhiyun provides a compatibility list on their website to help you find the right setup.
Who Is It For?
The Crane M2S is ideal for:
First-time gimbal buyers
Travelers or vloggers wanting a compact, lightweight setup
Creators who plan to use lightweight full-frame cameras in the future
Anyone who wants strong stabilization without carrying bulky gear
If you plan to use bigger cameras or heavier zoom lenses, you might want a larger gimbal like the Crane M3 or Weebill 2. But for compact, powerful stabilization, the M2S hits the sweet spot.
