Zhiyun Weebill 5: Brutally Honest Review — Is It Actually Better?
Gimbals have gotten pretty good at doing one thing: stabilizing your camera.
So when a new one comes out, I’m less interested in hearing that it’s smoother, stronger, or packed with another list of features. What I really want to know is simple:
Does this gimbal actually make it easier for me to get the shot?
That’s what caught my attention with the new Zhiyun Weebill 5.
At its core, the Weebill 5 is still a compact gimbal with a 3-kilogram payload, a familiar Weebill-style body, camera controls, and vertical shooting support. But Zhiyun has added a few features around that familiar design that could genuinely change how you use it—especially the new modular grip and AI subject tracking.
After shooting with it, I’ve found that these aren’t just flashy upgrades added to make the spec sheet look more impressive. They can actually make operating the gimbal easier.
But that doesn’t mean the Weebill 5 is perfect.
I ran into some frustrating limitations with my Canon cameras that you should absolutely know about before spending around $500 on one.
So let’s break down what it’s actually like to use the Zhiyun Weebill 5, what I liked, what I didn’t, how the AI tracking works, and whether I think it’s worth upgrading if you already own something like the Weebill 3E.
Zhiyun sent me the Weebill 5 to review, but they didn’t have approval over my video or my opinions.
Zhiyun Weebill 5: What’s Actually New?
The Weebill 5 doesn’t completely reinvent Zhiyun’s compact gimbal formula.
It weighs about 2.4 pounds, supports a 3-kilogram payload, and gives you the familiar features you’d expect from this type of gimbal, including camera controls and a vertical shooting mount.
The bigger changes are everything Zhiyun has built around that foundation.
The Weebill 5 adds:
A larger touchscreen
A built-in fill light
Updated controls
A modular grip system
AI subject tracking
Of all of those upgrades, there are two that stood out to me the most: the grip and the AI tracker.
And surprisingly, the grip ended up being much more useful than it initially looks.
The New Modular Grip Is More Useful Than You’d Think
One of my frustrations with traditional gimbals is that you’re usually holding them in roughly the same position for most of a shoot.
You’ve got one hand around the main body, another around the tripod feet or secondary grip, and that works perfectly fine.
Until you’ve been holding it for a while.
Depending on the position you’re shooting in, that can start getting tiring, and it doesn’t always give you a lot of flexibility when you want to quickly change your shooting angle.
That’s where Zhiyun’s new grip design becomes interesting.
The Weebill 5’s grip can quickly convert the gimbal into a briefcase-style setup without requiring you to attach another separate handle.
That immediately gives you another way to hold the rig.
But it goes further than that.
Because the grip can extend, I can also use it to make creative high- and low-angle shots easier to capture.
If I want to bring the camera closer to the ground, the grip gives me more flexibility.
If I want to raise the camera higher, I can extend it and get additional reach.
Zhiyun also includes the option to attach a wrist rest, which can make operating the gimbal more comfortable, particularly when I’m working in those lower shooting positions.
I really appreciate the idea behind these ergonomic changes.
But as useful as the grip can be, it isn’t the feature that makes the Weebill 5 especially interesting to me.
That would be the AI tracking module.
AI Tracking Is the Weebill 5’s Biggest Upgrade
If you’ve ever tried following a moving subject with a gimbal, you know there’s a lot happening at the same time.
I’m thinking about where I’m walking.
I’m watching where the camera is pointed.
I’m trying to operate the gimbal smoothly.
And at the same time, I’m trying to make sure my subject stays properly framed.
That becomes even harder if I’m walking across uneven ground or moving through a busy sidewalk.
The AI tracking module on the Weebill 5 helps take one of those jobs away from me.
Once it’s engaged, the gimbal can track the subject in frame.
That means I can pay more attention to where I’m physically walking while knowing the gimbal is helping keep my subject framed.
For tracking shots, that can be extremely useful.
And Zhiyun gives you several different ways to use it.
How to Use AI Tracking on the Zhiyun Weebill 5
There are three main ways I can engage the tracking system.
Method 1: Use the Trigger Button
The fastest method is simply pressing the trigger once.
When I do that, the tracking module automatically detects the subject it believes I want to follow.
If I’ve only got one person in the frame, this works really well because there isn’t much ambiguity.
But if I’m filming somewhere with several people, automatic selection can become a little unpredictable.
That’s when I’d use the second method.
Method 2: Select Your Subject on the Touchscreen
I can scroll down on the Weebill 5’s screen to see the tracking module’s view.
From there, I simply drag a box around the person I actually want to track.
Once they’re selected, I can start shooting while the gimbal follows that subject.
For situations with several people in frame, I prefer having that extra control rather than letting the system guess who I’m trying to follow.
Method 3: Use Gesture Controls
This is where I think the system gets especially interesting for solo filmmakers and content creators.
Zhiyun has added gesture controls that allow me to operate the tracker without touching the gimbal.
I can use an OK gesture to enable tracking.
I can use a peace sign to start and stop recording.
And I can use a framing gesture when I want to customize my composition.
If you regularly film yourself, that can turn the Weebill 5 into a much more useful tool.
Instead of constantly walking back to the camera or physically controlling the gimbal, you can interact with the system from in front of the lens.
That’s one of the reasons I think the AI tracker makes the most sense for solo creators.
What Is the Zhiyun Weebill 5 Actually Like to Shoot With?
Features are one thing.
Actually using a piece of filmmaking gear on a shoot is another.
Overall, I’ve been impressed with how easy the Weebill 5 is to set up and operate.
The controls are straightforward, and if you’re already familiar with other gimbals, you should feel pretty comfortable with the layout.
Its relatively lightweight design also makes it easier for me to use during longer shooting days.
Camera control worked really well in my testing too.
Both the wired and Bluetooth controls worked flawlessly for me, and I was able to connect my Canon R6V to the gimbal.
From the Weebill 5, I could trigger focus and recording, and I could even control settings such as shutter speed and ISO.
Combined with the modular grip and tracking module, that makes the Weebill 5 feel like it’s doing more than simply stabilizing the camera.
And that’s really the theme of this gimbal for me.
Zhiyun is trying to make the gimbal itself take more work off the operator.
Unfortunately, there’s one major issue I ran into that could be a dealbreaker depending on your camera setup.
My Biggest Problem: Camera Balancing
This is the biggest thing I’d want you to check before buying the Zhiyun Weebill 5.
I shoot with the Canon C50 and Canon R6V, and I normally use camera cages with them.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to properly balance either setup on the Weebill 5 with the cages installed.
The issue comes down to how the gimbal’s balancing system is designed.
Instead of sliding the rear arms to adjust the position of the camera, you slide the camera itself along the mounting rail.
That limits how far I can adjust the roll axis before the camera physically begins getting too close to the gimbal arm.
With my R6V and C50 setups, I simply couldn’t get the weight positioned correctly enough to balance the roll axis while keeping the cages installed.
With the R6V, I ultimately had to remove the camera cage before I could mount and balance it properly.
That’s important because the gimbal may technically support a 3-kilogram payload, but payload alone doesn’t tell you whether your specific combination of body, lens, cage, and accessories will physically balance correctly.
So before buying the Weebill 5, I’d strongly recommend making sure your actual camera setup is compatible.
That’s especially important if you plan to leave a cage installed.
I Wish the Axes Automatically Locked
Another feature I miss is automatic axis locking.
The Weebill 5 doesn’t have the auto-locking axes I’m used to seeing on DJI RS gimbals.
This might sound like a small thing, but once you’re accustomed to it, it’s surprisingly difficult to give up.
On a shoot, I’m often powering the gimbal on and off while moving between locations or changing setups.
Having the axes automatically lock makes that process incredibly convenient.
It isn’t enough by itself to ruin the Weebill 5 for me, but it’s definitely something I noticed while using it.
The Wrist Rest Is Helpful… and a Little Annoying
I have mixed feelings about the wrist rest.
On one hand, it works.
I particularly appreciate it when I’m doing low-angle shots because it gives me extra support.
But I find the setup slightly annoying.
There are different configurations depending on how I’m using the gimbal, and in one configuration, the wrist rest can rotate around freely.
I understand why it’s designed that way—you can adjust it to the angle you want—but in actual use, I sometimes found that movement irritating.
I’ve also had moments where I put my hand onto the grip and hit the small protruding piece underneath it.
These are relatively minor nitpicks, and they don’t outweigh everything I like about the Weebill 5.
But they’re worth mentioning because these small ergonomic details matter when you’re actually operating a gimbal for an extended period of time.
Zhiyun Weebill 5 vs Weebill 3E: Should You Upgrade?
This is probably the bigger question if you already own a Zhiyun gimbal.
Do the new features justify getting rid of something like the Weebill 3E and upgrading?
The answer really depends on what you need.
The two gimbals still share quite a bit.
Both offer:
A 3-kilogram payload
A compact body
Camera controls
Portrait shooting
A carrying case
Although I do think the Weebill 5’s carrying case is much better.
The important thing to understand is that Zhiyun hasn’t dramatically reinvented the basic purpose of the gimbal.
The Weebill 5 isn’t suddenly doing stabilization in a completely different way.
What you’re paying for are the more advanced features surrounding that core experience.
With the Weebill 5, you gain the AI tracker, modular grip, larger rear screen, and built-in fill light.
The Weebill 3E, on the other hand, offers longer battery life and is a simpler, cheaper option.
So if you already own a Weebill 3E, I wouldn’t automatically upgrade just because a new model exists.
Instead, ask yourself whether you’re actually going to use the new tools.
Who Should Buy the Zhiyun Weebill 5?
After using it, I think there are a few types of shooters who will get the most value from the Weebill 5.
Buy the Weebill 5 If You’re a Solo Creator
If you regularly shoot by yourself, the AI tracking system makes a lot of sense.
Being able to track yourself, start or stop recording with gestures, and control framing without constantly touching the gimbal could genuinely make solo production easier.
The modular grip also gives you more flexibility when you’re trying to capture several different types of shots without a crew helping you.
Buy It If You’ll Actually Use the Ergonomic Upgrades
If you’re frequently shooting high angles, low angles, tracking shots, or working with a gimbal for extended periods, the modular grip gives you several different ways to hold and position the system.
That’s much more valuable than buying the Weebill 5 simply because it’s newer.
Keep the Weebill 3E If You Just Need Stabilization
If your primary goal is simply getting stabilized footage, the Weebill 3E may still be all you need.
You still get the compact design, camera controls, portrait mode, and the same 3-kilogram payload.
If AI tracking, the larger screen, fill light, and grip improvements aren’t features you’ll use regularly, there may not be enough here to justify changing your existing setup.
Skip the Weebill 5 If You Use a Larger Camera Rig
This is the category I’d pay the most attention to.
If you’re working with a larger camera, heavier lenses, cages, or a bulkier rig, make sure everything will physically balance before buying.
Three kilograms is plenty for most shooters, particularly with smaller mirrorless setups.
But with my Canon gear, I’m definitely pushing the limits of what works comfortably.
My R6V works well once it’s mounted correctly, but the inability to use it with my cage makes me less enthusiastic about the gimbal for my particular setup.
What I’d Check Before Buying the Weebill 5
If you’re considering this gimbal, here’s the process I’d personally go through before making the decision.
First, check your complete camera setup—not just the camera body.
Think about the camera, lens, cage, and anything else you plan to leave attached. My experience with the R6V and C50 showed me that a stated payload doesn’t automatically mean every physical configuration will balance.
Second, ask yourself whether AI tracking solves a real problem for you.
If you’re a solo creator, regularly film yourself, or frequently follow moving subjects, I think this feature has real potential.
If you mostly use your gimbal for straightforward stabilized movements, you may not need it.
Third, think about how you physically shoot.
If you frequently work at high or low angles, the modular handle is genuinely useful. If you rarely change grip positions, it probably won’t matter nearly as much.
Finally, if you already own a Weebill, compare the upgrade to your actual workflow.
Don’t upgrade just because the Weebill 5 has more features.
Upgrade because those features will remove friction from the way you already work.
My Final Verdict
Overall, I’ve been really impressed with the Zhiyun Weebill 5.
But I don’t think the reason to buy it is because it’s suddenly a radically better stabilizer.
The bigger reason to consider the Weebill 5 is that Zhiyun has made the gimbal itself do more of the work for you.
AI subject tracking can handle some of the framing work while I concentrate on operating the shot.
The modular grip gives me more ways to comfortably hold the system and capture creative angles.
The updated screen and camera controls make operating my camera directly from the gimbal easier.
For solo creators in particular, those additions could make the Weebill 5 a much more capable filmmaking tool.
At the same time, my issues balancing the Canon R6V and C50 with cages installed are significant enough that I wouldn’t recommend blindly buying one without checking compatibility first.
And if you already own the Weebill 3E and only need good stabilization, I’m not convinced you need to rush out and replace it.
For me, the decision comes down to one question:
Will the AI tracking and modular grip actually make your shoots easier?
If the answer is yes, the Weebill 5 is definitely worth considering.
If the answer is no, the simpler gimbal you already own may still be doing everything you need.
If you decide the Weebill 5 is the right fit for you, I’ve included Zhiyun’s Early Bird discount and my code with the video.
And I’d love to know what you think: Would you actually use AI tracking on a professional shoot, or does it feel more useful for solo creators?
