Zhiyun Crane 2 Servo Follow Focus Mechanical Supports Real Time Focus for All Camera Canon Panasonic Nikon Sony

This is a positive updated review to my initial low review.I’ll start by detailing compatibility: The Crane 2 Servo Follow Focus is only compatible with the Zhiyun-tech Crane 2 running firmware version 1.72 or greater. The optional remote control does not control this unit separately, but instead communicates through the Bluetooth on the Crane 2, which in turn controls this unit through a cable.Pros: It’s a very well made unit. The casing is made of a high quality extruded aluminum enclosure. The build quality is excellent. There are a number of ways this can be mounted in addition to the typical mount the Manufacture provides out of the box. The motor can be configured to run at three different speeds and reversed for different orientations. It will work with the provided two universal adjustable lens gears, or you can purchase custom third party seamless gears, which I recommend, for easier balancing and more control over electronic focus gears that have infinite spin. The focus wheel also supports an ABpoint setting that allows you to set a two point keep out zone, incase you are using the provided universal gears or a lense that has true focal distance stops.Cons: I received a unit that required a Firmware update to work with the ABpoint setting. That firmware and the updated “Zhiyun Gimbal Tools.exe” program version 1.3.3, to install it, as of today, March 6, 2018, is only available through email support.Suggestion: The provided mount point is suitable for most applications, but I’ve seen some creative mounts that are far more usable. I suggest getting creative and using a mount point that attaches either to the monfroto style quick mount plate or the hot-shoe of the camera. I am able to attach directly to the newer version of the Crane 2 Mount Plate for the G5. The lense support can be removed from this plate and the post and screw that comes with Servo Follow Focus can be mounted to either side. The advantage of mounting somewhere on or above the mounting plate is in balancing the entire unit becomes a breeze. If you mount to the provided spot, it is much more difficult to balance the Gimbal. Longer extensions can be added for longer lenses, and I have even seen folks make rods out of carbon fiber that are attached to a horseshoe clamp. At some point using a very long and wide lenses will limit your standard options and require more customization on your part to attach the servo follow focus securely.Note: Depending on your lense and the distance the servo follow focus has to be mounted from your camera, your setup may require you to purchase a longer cable, or an extension, to attach your camera to the Servo Follow Focus if you are using one of the many compatable cameras that integrate with the other Crane 2 controls.Conclusion: There are third party Follow Focus options out there, but none of them will integrate with the Crane 2 like this one does. The unit has an excellent aluminum build quality and works perfectly when running on the latest Firmwares for the Crane 2 and the Servo itself. There are many compatible and standard 0.8 mod (size) seamless third party focus gears that are available on eBay and through other sources for as cheap as $8 and up to $30 when I wrote this review. I highly recommend using this with a third party seamless gear, especially if your target lens has an infinite electronic focus wheel, but it is not required.

Overall it's okay. It takes a while to set up (make sure you follow the instructions, it's not as intuitive as Zhiyun's other devices). My biggest concern is you can only focus so much with the follow focus ring before the lock jams into the gear on the Servo. I can only use about 50% of the total focus range. Perhaps this is because my 45mm lens is so small which allows for less pulling distance by the servo. Perhaps on a fat pair of cine lenses this might not pose a problem. Regardless, I think this is a useful device to have.Also, for those who use Panasonic cameras with the 2 inch control cable that came with your Crane 2, you may want to buy a longer control cable. The 2 incher is useless when you have to adjust the Servo near the front of a long pair of lens. It's not ideal to always keep the Servo 2 inches away from your camera. Twelve inch cables run for about $25-$30.

This has to be one of the most underrated follow focus in the industry, I'm very surprised about it, because of the reviews I waited almost half a year to order mine. And I was very very skeptical.Let me tell you is an amazing peace solid, great quality fit right in. Now let me warn you it only works with the cable provided.Given you have the latest firmware ofcourse.I use this servo motor for zoom in or out. Cameras now at days have great focus system so unless you looking into a specific focus pull and you have a Canon like I do go for it.I highly recommend it!!! And Pergear has never let me down, My follow focus went $9.01 dollar cheaper and they were kind enough to refund me the difference.Many Blessings to you all.

Bought this for my work - when needing to use a lower cost DSLR camera for lower budget shooting. It is an add on and is a little clunky to use. I gave up on it and moved to a ronin-s with an integrated follow focus. Adding weight is always a problem for using these rigs and having to mount it is a problem in that respect.

It works well, but balancing sucks, it's pretty bulky, and the mounting rod (which you're not gonna want to take off due to the difficulty of getting it on in the first place) means that you're not going to fit the gimbal in it's original carrying case.

First, the seller, Pergear, was very responsive to a possible issue and had a cable shipped from China in 3 days.The servo works great. There is some quirkiness at times but overall it is worth the money.

Such a great addition to the Crane 2. Makes balancing a little more challenging, but works great. Even has enough strength for some of the tougher/stiffer focus rings on some of my lenses.

The rod that they provide to mount this to the gimbals is made of cheap metal, strips easily if you try to tighten. The mount for the servo to the rod has a similar issue, I had to use rubber o rings to get a firm grip. Would recommend buying a aftermarket ring for your lens as the one provided doesn't provide a firm enough grip to allow the servo to move the lens. They also struggle with latency issue, when operating I would pull focus and think I have further to pull, come to find out its reached its limit and I heard the servo grinding trying to push the lens past its focus. If you need a proper follow focus go with a name brand that works in the pro industry (Tilta, Freefly, DJI).

Really well made. Precise little piece of equipment.