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The review of the Zhiyun Weebill Cinepeer 3E stabilizer starts with the fact that this model costs $260 and supports a payload of up to 3 kg. Just to put it into perspective, my travel stabilizer, the Moza Air 2S, was nearly twice as expensive, almost twice as large, and supported just a little more than a kilogram over this model.
The Zhiyun Weebill Cinepeer 3E could theoretically be used with a cinema camera in a fairly heavy setup, and this comes at a price not much higher than that of a high-end smartphone stabilizer. So what’s the catch? Could it be that stabilizer technology has advanced not only in terms of lighting and AI features, but also in the quality of the servos? Does the Weebill have some sort of secret?
Specifications
- Maximum load: 3 kg
- Rotation angle: 360°
- Tilt angle: from -130°C +180°C
- Roll angle: from -280°C +60°C
- Battery: 2650 mAh
- Autonomy: up to 16 hours
- Dimensions: 305×210×72.5 mm
- Weight: 1050 g
Zhiyun Weebill Cinepeer 3E video review
Price and package contents
The Zhiyun Weebill Cinepeer 3E is available both on AliExpress and the official website in two versions: one priced at $250 or €220, and another option costing nearly $400 or €330, making it 50% more expensive.
The first package includes a tripod, an Arca-Swiss plate, and control cables: Type-C to Type-C and Type-C to Type-A. All of this comes in a sturdy, yet difficult-to-open case without handles.
The more expensive set includes an additional handle, named MasterMove on the official website and Grip 2.5 on AliExpress. It does cost over $100, as it is the only accessory supported by this stabilizer.
Load capacity
The main point of Zhiyun Weebill Cinepeer 3E is that it offers an impressive maximum load capacity but has a simplified ergonomic design. It features only a triple 1/4-inch threading on the bottom, which is useful, but there are no additional threads or mounts on the sides or rear of the body.
So, while you can theoretically mount 3 kg of camera gear on the Zhiyun Weebill Cinepeer 3E, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll easily find equipment that weighs that much. Additionally, one of the key lessons I learned during my time using the BMPCC4K with a cinema rig is that stabilizers are limited not only by the weight they can handle but also by the size of the gear.
Too tall setups, overly long lenses, and wide cages—these are all things that even cinema models twice as expensive as this one would struggle to handle.
And just to remind you, my setup has been even worse for the past few years because not only do I have a Tilta cage at the bottom, but also the Ulanzi Claw Gen2 quick-release platform. Plus, there’s a USB cable sticking out on the side, and at the top, there’s an SSD from Goodram HL200 mounted in a MagicRig holder.
Specialization
So, the Zhiyun Weebill Cinepeer 3E has the potential to earn the title of “surprisingly niche.” Which is not a bad thing, in fact, it’s pretty cool, and I’ll explain why at the end. It’s just important to understand that this model won’t be suitable for everyone. This is obvious when you consider its price, but not necessarily its features. Take, for example…
The stabilizer supports camera control via both Type-C and Bluetooth – at least, camera shooting is supported on a wide range of models. In fact, Zhiyun Weebill Cinepeer 3E has two compatibility lists. One is for larger cameras and lenses, and the other is for control devices. Which is really great.
So, via USB – and the cable is included – the stabilizer is compatible with a wide range of cameras, including seven Panasonic models. However, the Bluetooth shutter release doesn’t work with Panasonic cameras. Also, keep in mind – if you’re using an SSD for video recording, your USB port will be occupied.
You won’t be able to control the camera via a custom 2.5mm to Type-C cable with the Weebill 3E – there’s no support for that. And importantly, something I’ve grown accustomed to but is missing here: the Type-C port doesn’t provide power, only control. So while you can connect a dummy battery, it’s not recommended. As for working during charging, it is technically possible, but the manufacturer advises against it.
Software
The software is ZY Play, available for Android and iOS.
What did I expect from it? Like any other similar apps, I wanted it to offer remote control of the stabilizer, with the ability to lock selected axes, control via smartphone’s gyroscope, axis locking, and centering according to the standard, photo and video triggers, firmware updates, mode switching, and sensitivity adjustments. Everything else – let the operator handle it.
What’s the reality? Axis locking is absent. But everything else is available, though with some caveats – for instance, firmware updates cannot be done over the air; you need to connect via Type-C to another device. Also, an important detail – you cannot use the stabilizer with a smartphone without first activating it. Activation requires an internet connection and a Zhiyun account login, but it doesn’t allow login via Google. Not exactly pleasant.
Operating experience
In terms of user experience – yes, I confirm. The Zhiyun Weebill Cinepeer 3E is a highly specialized stabilizer. I was able to mount, balance, and use it for shooting with the Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX, using the kit 20-60mm lens, while also connecting a Goodram HL200 SSD to the camera.
Even with quick-release platforms like the Ulanzi Claw Gen2 and the Falcam F22. The latter can be attached to Arca-Swiss via a 1/4-inch thread, which is not immediately obvious but quite useful. As I understand it, the threading is designed to support lenses, and in other stabilizers, it’s not universally compatible.
So, as I planned – to use this stabilizer for relatively short shoots but with the ability to quickly assemble and disassemble the setup. In the end, I don’t need a bunch of additional accessories for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, while the Lumix S5 IIX only requires battery replacements and SSD mounting. The SSD is securely attached, and the batteries are easy to swap out – thanks to the axis lock feature in the Weebill 3E, while the sleep mode is activated by a long press of the mode change button.
But there’s one catch. If you attach quick-release plates to the quick-release platform to speed up the stabilizer setup, great – you’re all set. But now, if you want to use the polypropylene case for transporting the Weebill 3E, you’ll have to unscrew everything, as there’s no extra space in the case by default. With my main stabilizer, the solution is simple – there’s no case, but there’s a bag with plenty of space.
I also want to remind you – the stabilizer cannot control my camera. This doesn’t affect the setup since the USB is already occupied. However, it also can’t charge my camera, even though it can charge at up to 14W, which in theory should be enough, as my camera consumes up to 10W.
So, for my task – quickly unpack, set up, balance, shoot 4 hours on SSD, pack up and head home – the Weebill 3E isn’t the right choice anymore. But I did say this stabilizer is specialized, and that’s a good thing. Why?
Conclusions
Because – and let this be the conclusion – I can easily imagine a setup with the Zhiyun Weebill Cinepeer 3E, paired with full-frame cameras from Sony or Canon, using relatively heavy lenses, but without any additional external components. This setup, although it would require some time for assembly and balancing, would be perfect for dynamic shooting, such as social media advertisements.
The simpler and lighter the setup, the more enjoyable it is to use, and the easier it is to motivate yourself to do so. In other words, it makes it easier to become a professional. So, the Zhiyun Weebill Cinepeer 3E has two key advantages – an incredibly low price and compatibility with a wide range of mainstream cameras and lenses. Therefore, while it’s not for everyone, I can confidently recommend this model. However, for full-frame cameras, I would still suggest the Grip 2.5 kit. Your hands will thank you for it.
Read also:
- Hohem iSteady MT2 Universal Stabilizer Review
- Experience with Yongnuo YN35 F2C: Legendary Full-Frame Lens
- Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60 review: The best in the world?
