Zhiyun Weebill 3S Gimbal: Is it also for studio photographers?

Let me start off by stating I am NOT a videographer or filmmaker. So I was slightly hesitant about reviewing this product as it is primarily designed for videographers. However, I do like to capture behind-the-scenes snippets of my photoshoots and the lovely people at Zhiyun thought this may really change my game. So they asked if I would like to try it out. Of course, I said yes.

Note: Zhiyun sent the Weebill 3S to review. However, this is a completely independent review. All thoughts about this item are our own.

So, what is the Weebill 3S? According to Zhiyun, The Weebill-3S is a 3-axis handheld gimbal for DSLR and mirrorless cameras. ZHIYUN is driven by the belief that filmmaking equipment can be lightweight but also produce amazing cinematic results. Using this professional video and film device, you can capture dynamic and artistic work whilst reducing the weight load on yourself. Portraits, stills, TVCs or short videos, this gimbal+light combo from ZHIYUN has got you covered. 

The Weebill 3S handheld gimbal is a super powerful performance gimbal that is compatible with most DSLR and mirrorless cameras on the market, as well as mainstream lenses. The Sling Grip Mode 2.5 is not just user-friendly but also energy-saving on the user, reducing the pressure from your hands and distributing it across the arm. 

This extendable sling grip can be further adjusted to become a two-handed grip mode, expanding creative possibilities. The cutting-edge design in the grip allows for left and right tilt adjustments to the direction of the gimbal handle, making low-angle and sling mode shooting effortless.

Zhiyun Weebill 3S Gimbal — Benefits to filmmakers

• This new inventive system integrates the lock structure of portrait/landscape mode. You can now seamlessly switch between portrait/landscape mode directly on the quick-release module. This saves you time on the setup but also guaranteeing optimal balance for your camera.
• The extendable sling grip can be adjusted to a two-handed grip mode, expanding creative possibilities. The cutting-edge design in the grip allows for left and right tilt adjustments to the direction of the gimbal handle as well as the grip center of gravity, making low-angle and sling mode shooting effortless.
• It supports Bluetooth shutter control for mainstream camera models, allowing for the recording button to start/stop recording or trigger photo-taking functions and providing a seamless shooting experience.
• Fill light to give a professional touch to every shot. Featuring Lumen Amplifier technology, the fill light delivers a peak illuminance of 1000Lux, enhancing the light and shadow texture. Dual Color Temperature: 2600k-5500K. CRI: 90+
• Focusing on creating the gimbal that best suits you, WEEBILL 3S offers customizable functions for you to roll out your favorite features. It supports adjusting parameters, focus motor, and gimbal axes, making your perfect shots come to life right at your adjustment wheel.

Pros

• It only took a few sessions to start to more feel comfortable using, despite having no prior experience
• The hand grips made it easier for two-hand grip or holding low to the ground
• The onboard light and record button on the base made it easy to use.
• The tripod base made it very easy to place in the studio and remotely control via the ZyPlay App, making behind-the-scenes action easy to capture*
• Using the Remote Access Zy Play app, connecting the phone to the Weebill via the Zy App was easy, and basic controls were easy. *I had issues when connecting my Sonya7RIII (Sony Imaging Edge problems perhaps not Zhiyun?) and therefore could not see what my camera could see via the App
• There are lots of YouTube videos for help
• Once balanced and calibrated it is actually very easy to use

Cons

• As a novice gimbal user, I found it extremely difficult to balance and calibrate my camera. I actually handed it over to someone far more technical than I and he figured it out without manuals or videos much quicker than me
• I also found many of the switches fiddly and difficult to get out with my weak fingers
• I found I needed to watch several tutorials on HOW to set the gimbal up, and how to use the various Modes. It was not intuitive to me, and I also couldn’t figure out how to track my subject automatically. This seems to be an optional extra I didn’t receive.
• I also found the backpack a bit inconvenient, perhaps out in the field this made be an advantage, but getting the pieces in and out was a little annoying
• The biggest problem I had was connecting my camera to my phone and remotely using the ZyPlay app. The app worked fine, the Weebill worked fine, I just couldn’t connect all of them together. Without the Sony App, I can control the Weebill via the Zy Play app, but couldn’t see what the camera was seeing. All a bit frustrating. I am sure it would have been amazing otherwise.

Weebill3S — Technical specifications

All technical specifications have been taken from the manufacturer page.

• Revolutionary Portrait Switch
• Sling Grip Upgraded
• The new generation of energy-saving wrist rest features
• Wireless Bluetooth shutter control
• 2 quick-release plates for easy camera mounting and battery swaps
• 6 shooting modes, including Panorama, time-lapse, hyperlapse, cortex, Go mode, and portrait mode
• PD fast charging with 3 built-in 18650 2600 mAh batteries for up to 21 hours of runtime and real-time charging capabilities
• Charging via power bank is also supported for added convenience when at location
• Lighting — Dual Color Temperature：2600k-5500K. CRI：90+

Stabilizer

• Tilt Mechanical Range — 310°
• Roll Mechanical Range — 340°
• Pan Mechanical Range — 360°

Battery

• Operation Voltage — Max: 8.4v / Min: 6.5v
• Operation Current — Max: 5300mA / Min: 150mA
• Output — 5V, 1A
• Battery Runtime — Max: 11.5h (lab data)
• Charging Time — 2h (lab data)

Size & Weight

• Product Size (W*D*H) — 305*210*72.5 (mm)
• Net Weight — 1054.8g/unit

Zhiyun Weebill 3S Gimbal — Ergonomics and build quality

It certainly feels solid, while being touted as the lightweight gimbal on the market at just over 1kg for the gimbal alone, plus the Sling Grip and tripod mount it weighs nearly 2kg, in addition to your camera and lens. Its sturdy construction means it was quite stable when placed on a bench or floor to use remotely.

Zhiyun Weebill 3S Gimbal — In the field

I have now used the Weebill3S on three different photoshoots, plus playing in the backyard with the dogs. I am still a little jerky and I honestly feel for me the benefit is in remote use over carrying it around. Although on occasion both options are beneficial. I feel with more use I will have more control and perhaps even more creative freedom with this gimbal.

Zhiyun Weebill 3S Gimbal — Compatibility List

Sony — A1, A9, A9II, A7M2, A7R2, A7S2, A7M3, A7M4, A7R3, A7R4, A7R5, A7S3, A7C, A6600, A6500, A6400, A6300, A6100, ZV-E10, ZV-E1, ZV-1, ILME-FX3

Nikon — D850, D780, Z fc, Z50, Z5, Z6, Z6 II, Z7, Z7 II, Z30, Z8

Canon — 5DS, 5DS R, 5D MIII, 5D MIV, 6D MII, 6D, 80D, 90D, 800D, 850D, 200D II, R50, R, R5, R6, RP, R7, R8, R10, M50, M6 MII

Panasonic — G9, GH5, GH5s, GH6, S5, S1, S1H

OLYMPUS — BMPCC 4K, BMPCC 6K

FUJIFILM — X-T3, X-T4, X-T5, X-H2s

ZCAM — E2

SIGMA -FP

What’s in the box

• WEEBILL3S Gimbal
• CR120 Tripod
• Quick Release Plate (Double-layer Quick Release)
• Lens Support
• Camera Backing Base 
• USB Charging Cable
• Sony Control Cable LN-UCUS-A03
• Canon Control Cable LN-MBUC-A02
• Canon Control Cable LN-NBUC-A01
• Panasonic Control Cable LN-UCUC-A02
• Quick starter guide
• Backpack (Combo Pack)
• Wrist rest (Combo Pack)
• Sling grip (Combo Pack)
• Base to easily click the gimbal off the tripod (Combo Pack)

Zhiyun Weebill 3S — Final thoughts

For me, I found it a little difficult to use. I struggled with the weight of the gimbal and camera combo and I was only using the Sony a7RIII and the Sony 24-70mm kit lens. If you love covering action, sport or more active photoshoots and video, then this gimbal might suit your needs better than a studio portrait photographer. In saying that I do love to capture the behind-the-scenes action in the studio and placing the camera and gimbal on a bench and accessing the features remotely via the app was a real plus for me.

Sample videos

Remember, I am not a videographer or filmmaker; when it comes to videos, I am a complete novice. But I do have a few sample videos you can check out.

• Fabric & Movement BTS
• The Peacock Green Dress BTS
• Backyard fun with the dogs (first-ever use)

I am sure with time and more use I will become more familiar and better at recording video and using the Weebill3S gimbal. If I can ever figure out the App and connecting it to the camera. I wish I could give it a higher star rating as I feel it may have potential, but sadly perhaps not for me.

If you are interested in purchasing this product, Zhiyun has provided a 10% Discount for Photofocus readers. Use promo code PhotWB3S on Zhiyun Official Store or Zhiyun on Amazon.