Feiyu AK2000 and AK4000 Gimbal Stabilizer

Feiyu has released two new one-handed gimbals that have payloads of 6-8 lbs, which puts them in a very desirable category of gimbals that can support DSLRs, mirrorless cameras with decent lenses on them, and possibly even lightweight cinema camera rigs. The Feiyu AK2000 gimbal stabilizer has a payload of 6 pounds, and the Feiyu AK4000 has a payload of 8 lbs and comes with a carbon fiber extension rod.

Feiyu has been an active competitor in the gimbal sphere for a few years, and for a while they were the go-to company for a GoPro gimbal. That is until DJI came out with the OSMO and GoPro came out with their Karma Grip.

But these two new gimbals shift Feiyu into an interesting direction for high payload gimbals. Both the AK2000 and AK4000 are potential alternatives to the popular Zhiyun Crane 2 (payload 7 lbs), and the DJI Ronin-S (payload 8 lbs).

Feiyu AK2000 and AK4000 Gimbal Stabilizers

The new Feiyu AK2000 and AK4000 bills itself as having ultra-large torque motors of infinite power, along with a new high performance hip and an intelligent anti-shake algorithm. Feiyu says it can be used in extreme environments, carrying popular camera/lens combinations such as the Canon 5D series, Panasonic GH5, and Nikon D850.

Ok so basically it’s a gimbal. We’re not sure what those other claims are except for marketing language. But what the AK2000 and AK4000 does have that’s quite interesting is an LCD touch screen, called the “Spiritual Window.”

The touch screen enables users to select custom gimbal profiles and tuning options. But more importantly is it can possibly control your camera’s focus, zoom, white balance, exposure and ISO, and picture profiles.

It would be great if the Feiyu could do all that, although as we know with the DJI Ronin-S, it’s up to the camera manufacturers to enable this kind of access to their camera’s settings. There’s also a USB out, which might enable charging your camera from the Feiyu battery. Now that is something we can reasonably expect will work. The location of the USB input on the bottom of the camera plate is very clever.

The nice thing about a LCD screen is you can see the battery life and status of the WiFi connection, which is something difficult to do with just lights on hardware. There’s an app that will allegedly be able to control the gimbal and camera focus wirelessly, too.

Feiyu AK2000 and AK4000 Camera Compatibility

Feiyu says it’s compatible with the Canon 5D Mark III and IV, 6D, 80D, and “and other cameras with similar dimensions and weight etc. (not suitable for high body like Canon 1DX).” That tells us that maybe this is only a payload compatibility, rather than access to camera settings.

If we’re just talking payload, then there’s a whole suite of cameras both of these gimbal stabilizers will work with, including the Sony A9 and all the A7 series camera bodies, Panasonic cameras, and Nikon and Canon’s new mirrorless forays.

The batteries used are common 18650 lithium batteries, which provide about 12 hours of use. Feiyu specs state it will take over 5 hours to charge, which seems a little much, but not impossible if it’s trickling in.

The only difference between the two gimbals is that the Feiyu AK4000 has an 8lb payload and comes standard with a carbon fiber extension pole. It’s an optional accessory that attaches to the Feiyu AK2000’s 1/4-20″ thread on the bottom of the handle.

“One inch long, one inch strong.”

New Ring Style Grip Handles

Recently Feiyu has also announced a ring style grip handle for both the AK2000 and AK4000 gimbals. It looks like a pretty clever way to take a one-handed gimbal and turn it into a complete Movi Pro-like rig.

It’s made of Carbon Fiber and only weighs two pounds.

Conclusion

It’s clear that the Feiyu AK2000 and AK4000 are taking cues from other gimbals out there right now, like the Zhiyun Crane 2 and DJI Ronin-S, who are offering camera controls in addition to stabilization. Similarly, the position of the motors are similarly placed so you can still see the camera’s LCD screen.

It’ll be interesting to see how Feiyu’s LCD panel and Magic Ring work with cameras out there today, and we look forward to read more about these two new gimbals. It’s always great to have options!

Feiyu AK2000 Gimbal Stabilizer –Amazon | B&H Photo

Feiyu AK4000 Gimbal Stabilizer –Amazon | B&H Photo