New Zhiyun Weebill 2 gimbal with 2.88" touchscreen and built-in battery
[13:15 Sun,4.July 2021 by Thomas Richter]
Chinese gimbal specialist Zhiyun has released the Weebill 2, the third generation of its Weebill series of 3-axis stabilizers for DSLR cameras. Its payload of about 3kg is enough to work with popular DSLMs, DSLRs or even smaller film cameras along with their lenses, such as the Sony A7III with an FE 24-70mm (F2.8) or a Canon EOS 5D IV with an EF 24-70mm (F2.8) or a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro.
Zhiyun Weebill 2
What's New
. The Weebill 2 is slightly larger than its predecessor Weebill S released in late 2019, while the weight (1.47kg including battery) seems to have increased only slightly.
The new touchscreen of the Zhiyun Weebill 2.
The biggest innovation, however, is the color fold-out and rotatable 2.88" HD touch display, which can be used to control all functions - it can be used to adjust the gimbal's parameters as well as monitor the footage. With a single touch and without having to enter the ZY PLAY app, users can also access smart functions such as Smart Follow and Time Lapse. In addition, it serves as a control monitor for shooting during gimbal movements where the camera's display is not visible.
Zhiyun Weebill 2
According to Zhiyun, the Weebill 2's stabilization performance is said to have been further improved through the use of a new control chip from Infineon, improved motor torque and a revised algorithm to optimize stabilization.
While the previous model still used 18650 batteries, Zhiyun now relies on a battery integrated into the handle for the Weebill 2. This is supposed to be fully charged in 1.6 hours - one battery charge is supposed to be enough for about 9 hours of operation.
Optional MasterEye Visual Controller and Image Transmission System
. Available in a package together with the Weebill 2 is the MasterEye Visual Controller, FollowFocus system as well as the TransMount video radio link.
- The MasterEye Visual Controller VC100 has a 5.5" FullHD touch screen with a brightness of 1000 nits and combines in itself the functionality of a control monitor, wireless image transmission system and remote control.
MasterEye Visual Controller VC100
- The TransMount transmitter unit supports transmission of 1080p at 60 fps with a maximum latency of 60 ms and a transmission range of up to 150 m. When using the Weebill 2 together with the TransMount Transmitter Unit and the MasterEye Visual Controller VC100.
- The TransMount Focus/Zoom Control Motor FollowFocus system allows remote control of focus or focal length using the focus/zoom control motor. Individual adjustment of the focus control sensitivity in three levels is supported.
Price, Versions and Availability
The Zhiyun Weebill 2 is available now, priced at around 580 euros in the standard version (with TransMount Handheld Tripod), around 680 euros as a combo (with the additional Sling Grip Handle), around 930 euros as a Pro version with the Transmount Video Transmission Transmitter AI video radio link and the TransMount Focus/Zoom Control Motor FollowFocus system, and as a Pro+ version for around 1,130 euros with the MasterEye Visual Controller VC100 added. If you don't need the new features of the Weebill 2, you can get the predecessor Weebill S for about half the price (about 300 Euro - its original price was about 400 Euro) of the new Weebill.