The Zhiyun Weebill S was released in 2019 and has been a popular choice for both amateur and professional filmmakers since then.
But with newer Zhiyun gimbals now available — such as the Weebill 2 — is the Zhiyun Weebill S still worth it?
In short, the Zhiyun Weebill S is still a great gimbal with excellent functionality and impressive features, considering its affordability and small size.
Keep reading as we take a closer look at the Zhiyun Weebill S and compare it to other models on the market to help you decide if it is the right gimbal for you.
The Zhiyun Weebill S At A Glance
- Easy to use
- Great for beginners
- 14-hour battery life
- Payload capacity of 1.34 kg or 2.96 lb
- Wide compatibility with most average-sized DSLR-style cameras
- Many features such as auto-tune, selfie mode, and a detachable tripod handle
Is The Zhiyun Weebill S Worth Still Worth It In 2023?
The short answer is yes!
The Zhiyun Weebill S is still an excellent purchase in 2023 and is still compatible with the vast majority of DSLR-style cameras. This gimbal is very popular among Sony series users as it pairs very well with Alpha series cameras.
If you are looking for a reliable gimbal to take your filmmaking to the next level, the Zhiyun Weebill S will do the job perfectly.
It is also a great choice if you are looking for a budget-friendly option. As newer models have been released, the price of the Zhiyun Weebill S has decreased, meaning it is currently a great-value gimbal.
Zhiyun Weebill S Vs. Zhiyun Weebill 2
Since the Zhiyun Weebill S was released in 2019, a newer model in the Zhiyun Weebill series has now become available — the Zhiyun Weebill 2.
As with most sequels, things have been turned up a notch on the Zhiyun Weebill 2.
For example, the newer iteration of the Zhiyun Weebill S is larger in size and features a heavier payload of 3.3 kg or 7.3 lb.
The Zhiyun Weebill 2’s biggest addition, however, would be its flip-out LCD screen display which offers users a more easy-to-use interface.
Not all is improved on the Zhiyun Weebill 2 though. The battery capacity of the Zhiyun Weebill 2 is actually less than the Zhiyun Weebill S. At 9 hours, the Zhiyun Weebill 2 pails in comparison to the original Weebill’s 14 hours.
While the added features of the Zhiyun Weebill 2 are nice, they may not warrant buying a newer gimbal.
So, unless you require a gimbal with a heavier payload than the Zhiyun Weebill S offers, most will be able to do without the fancy flip-out LCD screen display.
Zhiyun Weebill S Key Specs
The key specs of the Zhiyun Weebill S still hold up well in 2023. While newer gimbals — like the Zhiyun Weebill 2 — may have improved upon some of these specs, the Zhiyun Weebill S is still fairly impressive when considering key factors such as battery life, payload, and camera compatibility.
Battery Life
The Zhiyun Weebill S has a built-in battery that will last up to 14 hours on a single charge.
This is great news for anyone who wants to use the gimbal for an extended period of time without having to worry about recharging.
Payload
In terms of payload, or the gimbal’s maximum weight capacity, the Zhiyun Weebill S is able to support up to 1.34 kg or 2.96 lb.
This should be more than enough for most average-sized cameras on the market today.
Read More: Gimbal Payloads: Ultimate Weight Limit Comparison
Camera Compatibility
The Zhiyun Weebill S has wide camera compatibility, working with almost any brand of camera.
The Zhiyun Weebill S also comes with a selection of cable types to ensure that your camera will be able to connect to the gimbal — regardless of brand or model.
Zhiyun Weebill S Stabilization Modes
The Zhiyun Weebill S offers six modes of operation. These are largely the same modes offered by both the newer Zhiyun Weebill 2 and most other Zhiyun gimbals on the market today.
POV Mode
POV Mode allows 360-degree movement on all three axes. It also lets you use “Vortex Mode,” which allows you to achieve 360-degree spinning barrel shots.
Go Mode
Go Mode lets you operate your gimbal at n increased speed to capture extreme sports or other fast-paced events.
PF Mode
PF Mode lets the camera pan as you turn the gimbal left and right. This feature is useful for capturing hyper-lapse footage.
F Mode
F Mode allows your camera to follow the movement of the gimbal handle.
L Mode
L Mode lets you keep a subject in focus while allowing you to mimic jib and dolly movements.
Read More: Gimbal Modes Explained: How To Pick The Right One
Zhiyun Weebill S Advanced Features
The Zhiyun Weebill S includes some interesting features that still hold up well in 2023 such as Auto-Tune and compatibility with the ZY Play App.
Auto-Tune
Auto-tune is a Zhiyun Weebill S feature that allows the gimbal to “auto-tune” itself — essentially detecting the weight of your camera and automatically calibrating its settings to account for the weight.
ZY Play App
The ZY Play iOS/Android app is a phone application that allows you to control your Zhiyun Weebill S from your smartphone.
Using the app, your smartphone will be able to control your gimbal’s settings and movements remotely.
Where To Buy The Zhiyun Weebill S in 2023
The Zhiyun Weebill S is still available on the Zhiyun website at a now-discounted price.
The gimbal is also widely available on the used market, just be sure to do your due diligence when purchasing a used gimbal.
Read More: Buying A Used Gimbal: The Pros, Cons, and Potential Risks
Bottom Line
The Zhiyun Weebill S is still a great gimbal to purchase.
While the upgraded Zhiyun Weebill 2 may have a higher payload and flip-out LCD screen, the Zhiyun Weebill S will still function perfectly well at a lower price.
So, if you’re looking for a new gimbal, the Zhiyun Weebill S is still worth considering in 2023.
Happy shooting!
