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Zhiyun CRANE 3S-E Handheld Stabilizer

BH #ZHCRANE3SE • MFR #C020017INTE
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Zhiyun CRANE 3S-E Handheld Stabilizer
Key Features
  • 14.3 lb Payload, Zoom and Focus Wheel
  • Redesigned Detachable EasySling Handle
  • Updated Axis Locking System
  • ViaTouch 2.0 Remote Motion Control
The CRANE 3S-E Handheld Stabilizer from Zhiyun-Tech is a powerful redesign of previous Zhiyun gimbals with the addition of detachable handle options, more powerful motors with a large 14.3 lb payload, an updated axis-locking system, external power input, and the ViaTouch 2.0 motion control system. The 55° angled roll axis allows you to fit your camera without blocking the view, and it is also modular so you can add an included extension arm to fit larger cameras.
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Zhiyun Crane 3S Overview

By B&H Photo's

The CRANE 3S-E Handheld Stabilizer from Zhiyun-Tech is a powerful redesign of previous Zhiyun gimbals with the addition of detachable handle options, more powerful motors with a large 14.3 lb payload, an updated axis-locking system, external power input, and the ViaTouch 2.0 motion control system. The 55° angled roll axis allows you to fit your camera without blocking the view, and it is also modular so you can add an included extension arm to fit larger cameras.

The CRANE 3S-E features an angled, ergonomic handle that provides two-handed operation for optimal stability. The handle enables you to seamlessly switch to underslung mode, whether with one or two hands, and achieve creative shots such as 330° roll shots as you move closer toward a subject. It also has numerous advanced features such as remote control of camera record/stop/shutter using the included cables, an improved zoom and focus system from its predecessor the CRANE 3 LAB, and compatibility with the separately available Transmount Image Transmission System for wireless video transmission.

The 3S-E has two options for the detachable, angled handle. Included is the EasySling that provides a simple, comfortable handgrip without controls, and the optional SmartSling offers an ergonomic handle with an integrated joystick and control buttons. All the controls you need are provided at your fingertips at the top of the main handle. The free Zhiyun iOS/Android app provides many of the same control functions as well as special features such as panorama, focus time-lapse, motion time-lapse, long exposure time-lapse, camera settings, and more.

You can power the 3S-E using the three included batteries for up to 12 hours. However, if you need extra shooting time, a DC port allows you to plug in an optional battery pack such as the Transmount PowerPlus that contains six 18650 batteries, extending your shooting time for up to 18 hours. The CRANE 3S-E can be controlled using the updated ViaTouch 2.0 iOS or Android smartphone app via Bluetooth 5.0 for remote motion control and to manage the gimbal settings.

Nine accessory mounting threads are available around the gimbal to add a variety of Transmount or third-party accessories. Another major feature of the gimbal is a redesigned axis latch lock system consisting of a separate latch lock on each axis that provides solid locking in place without excess sway. This feature allows you to lock the individual axes to remember your balance positions when powering the gimbal off so you won't have to rebalance for each use.

Note:
The CRANE 3S-E doesn't support many third-party 18650 batteries because it requires the slightly shorter kind made by Zhiyun-Tech, so only Zhiyun-Tech 18650 batteries are recommended.
Camera Compatibility
For a full list of compatible cameras, please see the most current compatibility information on the Zhiyun-Tech website page or in PDF format.
Innovative Gimbal Design
Detachable, angled handle allows for two-handed operation; EasySling handle is included with the choice of optional SmartSling handle with integrated controls
Powerful Motors
Featuring more powerful motors and a different gimbal design from the CRANE 3 LAB, the CRANE 3S-E achieves a greater load capacity of 14.3 lb
Crafted Latch Design
The CRANE 3S-E features a redesigned locking latch system that retains its balance position when turned off, and also locks more securely to prevent any excess joint sway
ViaTouch Control System
The ViaTouch 2.0 Control System consists of a variety of controls for framing shots, controlling certain gimbal movements, and adjusting camera settings, and even supports SyncMotion, a motion control system using the physical movements of your remote control device
Accessory Compatibility Options
The CRANE 3S-E is compatible with optional Transmount products such as the Image Transmission System and other accessories that can attach to its numerous accessory threads

Zhiyun Crane 3S Specs

Key Specs
Gimbal Design
Single Handgrip (Slanted)
Load Capacity
1.32 to 14.3 lb / 0.6 to 6.49 kg
Number of Axes
3: Pitch (Tilt), Roll, Yaw (Pan)
Wireless Protocol
Bluetooth 5.0
Mounting
9 x 1/4"-20 Female
Weight
5.45 lb / 2.47 kg
Gimbal
Load Capacity
1.32 to 14.3 lb / 0.6 to 6.49 kg
Number of Axes
3: Pitch (Tilt), Roll, Yaw (Pan)
Rotation Range
Controllable Range
Yaw (Pan): 360° 
Roll: 295° (-57.5 to 237.5°) 
Pitch (Tilt): 246° (-91 to 155°) 
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs
1x USB-C (Power / Control) Input
1x Proprietary (25.2 VDC Power) Input
Wireless Protocol
Bluetooth 5.0
Battery
Battery Type
3x 18650
Battery Capacity
2600 mAh
Battery Runtime
12 Hours
Battery Chemistry
Lithium-Ion
Voltage
9.8 to 11.0 VDC
Power
Operating Voltage
9.8 to 11.1 VDC
Operating Current
360 to 5400 mA (Maximum)
Environmental
Operating Temperature
22 to 77°F / -10 to 45°C
General
Mounting
9 x 1/4"-20 Female
Dimensions
13.62 x 13.54 x 3.86" / 346 x 344 x 98 mm
Weight
5.45 lb / 2.47 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
10.6 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
18 x 16 x 6.1"

Zhiyun Crane 3S Reviews

Neat!

By Joel
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-02-01

Wish it could handle the weight a bit more, but otherwise it's perfect.

Very good

By Harutyun
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-03-11

Very comfortable gimbal

Good and past

By Samir
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-02-14

Good website marketing pasted than I thought

Rane 3S

By Sean
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-12-31

It is amazing love my crane, incredible experience

Crane 3S

By Sean
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-12-31

It's amazing, I am a very impressed.

Wrong deal

By marcos
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2021-12-28

don't buy this version 3s-e, it doesn't come with the smart sling handle, you can't calibrate it without the smartsling handle, I having to buy the extra handle just to calibrate it now my total comes to $619.99 for $529.00 you can buy the 3s version with the smartsling handle. I feel ripped off.

The perfect gift for someone you despise.

By Brett
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-06

Excitedly pulling the case from it's box, the trapped air loudly breaks wind back at you, mocking your purchase. It is a harbinger. Once constructed, you begin to get an inkling that something isn't right. The feeble electronic menu winking from the distant past perhaps. Or the battery cover that refuses to lock correctly, its designers no doubt smirking at the thought of you turning around a flat object over and over like a confused toddler, attempting to reason with yourself that surely it must fit somehow. The slow trolling of your mind continues as you realise that there isn't a power button. There is a red switch that does nothing. Other buttons labelled with letters. Finally you submit to YouTube and endure endless review videos until you finally find one showing a person switching on The Crane, zooming in and squinting at where you must press. Sure enough it is an unlabelled small dot surrounded by meaningless letters, like a cypher. It glows blue, the universal colour of refrigeration or the emergency services causing yet more confusion. Is The Crane now 'on'? Unfortunately it is. But once power is finally achieved, your problems have only just begun. Attaching a camera, you plug in the accompanying cable (in my case to an FX6) and your device halts in USB mode, refusing to communicate. Unable to take the hint from your own trusted technology, you must press on through this madness. When finally you lift the contraption, you realise it has been designed for some kind of cyborg with unlimited arm and back strength and two horrifically-sized hands - one of a 5 year old child to hold the puny tripod grip, the other that of an ape to handle the enormous protrusion you are supposed to steer this thing with. Sadistically angled towards your body, it offers no support at all, rather a constant feeling that you are falling backwards, a waking nightmare come to life. As your muscles begin to register that you are under unusual physical stress, you instinctively lower the machine and hold it like a briefcase. This is far more comfortable, and perhaps reveals a sinister motive behind this design : a worldwide conspiracy to force every video ever shot to be from the point of view of a cat. As you realise you have used this 'flying cats view' on a job only once before in your life, you raise the contraption to waist height to achieve an at least useable frame. You soon give up though, and try once more to film at eye level. Instantly the device again mocks your puny arms, along with the inability of your wrist to bend like rubber, so grimacing with pain you place the device on any flat surface close-by before reviewing the results. Now your soul yearns for a time machine, to take back your foolishness at being lured by photographs of the strangely enticing Crane. The footage bounces - not in rhythm with your cumbersome shuffle, but completely independently, the resulting footage nodding back at you with glee. This is because the default motor settings are factory-set to their lowest, so that any mid-sized camera - the exact type that this thing is supposedly made for - will suffer from this. Only those willing to download the accompanying app to their smartphone or navigate the myriad menu system will possibly be able to deduce this. I stared at this nemesis for a day and a night, as if by studying it I would be able to work out it's hideous riddle. I even searched for vests and support arms that would help me wrangle The Crane. It seems that they are out there, coming in at the princely sum of around one thousand dollars. At this point, on the very brink of madness and a bottomless financial pit, I pulled back from the edge. Why was I doing this? Let others arrive on set dressed as if in a reboot of RoboCop. This was not for me. I don't know why it is for anyone.

AMAZING AND EASY!

By Matthew
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-05-26

I've been searching for a good gimbal for awhile and this one just blew me away. It's so easy to use and get the hang of, especially when you use the app. It's also incredibly easy to balance and customize for whatever you use for you rig. I paired it with my BMCC 4K and it's easily one of the best and most versatile rigs I've ever used. I can't recommend it enough!

See any errors on this page? Let us know

What size does the 3s-E pack down to? What ...

What size does the 3s-E pack down to? What dimensions are the main handle/motor assembly when fully broken down? Looking to see if this will fit in my camera bag compartment.
Asked by: David
We only have the dimensions of the box it comes in. That information will be very good in giving you an idea of what the size you are looking for is. Box Dimensions (LxWxH) 18 x 16 x 6.1"
Answered by: Dennis A
Date published: 2020-09-25

Can this work with a DSLR + Monitor mounted on ...

Can this work with a DSLR + Monitor mounted on top of the DSLR?
Asked by: NICHOLAS
Although it is in theory possible to mount a DSLR camera, with a monitor on the top, it would not be recommended as this would result in an awkward distribution of weight, which will put more stress on the tilt motors of the gimbal and also make balancing much more difficult. For the best results, it would be recommended mounting to one of the 1/4" screw holes on the side of the gimbal, an articulating arm such as a SmallRig Articulating Arm with Dual Ball Heads (SKU: SM2070B) https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1491522-REG/smallrig_sm2070b_articulating_arm_with_double.html
Answered by: Eric
Date published: 2020-06-03

Does this work with the D810? Can you control ...

Does this work with the D810? Can you control focus and still see the screen, unlike the Ronin S?
Asked by: Traci
Attached is a list of compatible cameras for the Crane 3S. https://oss.zhiyun-tech.com/zyplay/instructions_edit/supportmodel/CRANE%203S%20Camera%20Compatibility%20List%20-%20(EN).pdf
Answered by: Nicholas
Date published: 2020-12-30

Are the batteries for Crane 3 Lab compatible with ...

Are the batteries for Crane 3 Lab compatible with Crane 3S? Look the same.
Asked by: Philipp
Yes they are the same
Answered by: Eddie
Date published: 2020-08-19

What’s the difference between the $649 and the ...

What’s the difference between the $649 and the $739 version?
Asked by: C
The Crane 3S offers the SmartSling Handle, where as the 3S-E has a standard handle with no controls on it. That is the difference.
Answered by: Joseph
Date published: 2020-05-29

What is the difference between the Crane 3 LAB ...

What is the difference between the Crane 3 LAB and the Crane 3S-E? Do they both support the Canon 5D Mark IV?
Asked by: Diana
The Crane 3S-E is one of 3 packages of the new Crane 3S lineup, each supporting a 14.3 lbs payload and a modular design, with available upgrades, suitable for a large array of camera systems. By compassion, the Crane 3 Lab supports up to 10 lbs. Both gimbal systems support Canon 5D Mark IV cameras for balancing and electronic communication for shutter, aperture and focus, when paired with compatible lenses.
Answered by: maria
Date published: 2020-07-22

Will the software become obsolete and make the ...

Will the software become obsolete and make the crane 3s unusable?
Asked by: DONALD
The Zhiyun CRANE 3S-E Handheld Stabilizer can operate to a degree without the smartphone application.
Answered by: Richard
Date published: 2023-02-19

Can this be used with a FlyCam Flowline Vest or a ...

Can this be used with a FlyCam Flowline Vest or a Steadicam Vest or similar?
Asked by: Giovanni
There should be no inherent issues with using this gimbal on either one of these vests.
Answered by: Bruno
Date published: 2020-05-13
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