Feiyu Tech WG2 GoPro Gimbal review
Feiyu Tech is one of the leaders and their GoPro gimbals are absolutely best on the market. Read The Feiyu Tech G6 review to find out why its the best action camera gimbal you can get.
If you are looking for a wearable gimbal, the WG2 is the one you need. Take a look at this in-depth review and get it for your GoPro.
Remember the Feiyu Tech G5 review? This was probably my favorite gimbal I have ever used but today we have a new contender from Feiyu Tech – they have launched the new wearable gimbal in the WG series – Meet Feiyu Tech WG2! When the G5 splashproof the WG2 is actually waterproof and I tried it out inside a mini waterfall (read on for results). Feiyu Tech has recently launched the new WG2 alongside with the α2000 – a gimbal for DSLR cameras so an exciting time for gimbal market.
Feiyu Tech WG2 main differences with other gimbals.
What makes it different from most of the other gimbals, including the really good G5?
- Waterproof
- Wearable
- Smaller battery
- Auto-rotation function
Instead of starting with overall impressions, packaging and materials lets dig right in and look at the FOUR key features of Feiyu Tech WG2 that I think are the most important ones to consider.
Waterproof?
Feiyu Tech WG2 is fully waterproof BUT it has some limitations. This is not waterproof like your GoPro that you can soak in deep waters for hours. Feiyu Tech WG2 is rated to work continuously for 10 minutes under water with a max depth of 1 meter and you should only use it in fresh water. If you use it in salt water you need to rinse it with fresh water to get the salt off the gimbal, since salt is the worst enemy of any metal surface.
If you are using HERO5 this is a perfect gimbal because the HERO5 is also waterproof, so you can shoot in the rain or get creative and dunk your camera in the water for a while. Check out the video below to see how the gimbal performed in a tiny waterfall.
As it turns out it works well and can cope with flowing water nicely, the current was pretty decent from the tiny waterfall but it barely affected the gimbal. I can`t really imagine using it longer underwater but it sure is nice knowing I can take it for a quick dip or get close to situations where the gimbal can get wet.
Wearable?
In some ways, you can use the G5 as a wearable gimbal and there are a few others like the MOZA Mini-G that can be converted into a tiny wearable gimbal but the Feiyu Tech WG2 is intended to be worn on you or on something.
It is super light: 265g (G5 is ~430g) and small – most of it is because there is no handle on the gimbal, pretty much the motors and a bigger “base” that has an integrated battery inside. Making the gimbal wearable has its drawbacks – the battery is much smaller and you get around 2.5h of battery life instead of massive 8h that the G5 gives you. The base of the gimbal has two standard tripod screw holes for mounting and the gimbal comes with a small mount that has the screw on one end and the GoPro mount on the other.
Smaller battery?
Yes, Feiyu Tech WG2 is equipped with a built-in lithium battery,1500mAh,3.7V that should give you around 2.5h or working time, depending on the outside temperature. The battery is integrated so you can`t switch it fast when on the move so you have to carry a power bank if you know that you need more than 2.5h from your gimbal. Charging is fast via USB cable so that shouldn`t be a problem.
Auto-rotation function?
This is a big update and something that gets me really excited. Basically, this is a timelapse device that you can fully control and adjust. The concept is simple – set the beginning angle, the end angle and the rotation time and BOOM – you have a time-lapse system that you can point to wherever you want to.
This is how it works:
- Turn on the gimbal (attach the GoPro before turning it on)
- Press the Power button FOUR TIMES – that initiates the auto-rotation mode
- Turn the GoPro to whatever direction you want to set the start point and hold it still for a second so that the gimbal can lock the position.
- Press the Power button – (you hear a beep) now turn the camera to where you want the end point to be and hold for a second
- Press the Power button – gimbal turns to the start point and starts the auto-rotation process, you can relax and let the Feiyu Tech WG2 do it`s magic
You can control the speed of the auto-rotation from the Feiyu ON app (get it from iTunes or Google Play store)
The speed intervals you can choose from are 15sec/30sec/1min/2min/4min/8min/15min/30min/1h/2h/4h/8h – you need to keep the gimbal hooked up with a power sourche if you want to push it past 2h though.
Here`s a quick sample of the autorotation feature
Now, let`s take a step back and get the basic overview of the Feiyu Tech WG2
Feiyu Tech WG2 overall impression
Packaging
I loved the nice sleek and solid packaging of the G5 and WG2 doesn`t fall short. It comes in a really compact white glossy box that has foam linings inside to keep the gimbal safe. You have an envelope that literally greets you when you take it out and inside you can find the manual and the warranty card. The manual again suffers from some translation issues and Feiyu Tech should really consider hiring a proofreader for the next time they print a manual but it`s not completely terrible. You have all the accessories you need included and packed inside the carry pouch – the charging cable, the screws, the camera attachment clip the clip for GoPro Hero Session (yes, the gimbal is compatible with the Session camera) and the screw adapter.
Inside the box, you can find everything packed nicely in the protective carrying pouch. The pouch is made of neoprene and has solid padding on both sides, this is a great update comparing to the pouch of the G5 because now you have more protection for your expensive gimbal. The pouch has metal hoops for a carry strap or carabiners to hook it to your backpack. It has some room to fit the gimbal with the camera attached, but you need to slide the motor arm in for a better fit.
Feiyu Tech WG2 overview
We covered some of the key features but let`s take a step back and take a broader look.
Right out of the box the gimbal has a plastic clip on that keeps the gimbal in place, this is probably to protect the motors during transportation but I`m not sure it`s mandatory to put on every time you throw the gimbal in your backpack. I for one find it too cumbersome to use so I discarded it straight away, for longer travels and for extra protection I would suggest using it though.
The first thing you notice when picking it up for the first time is that it`s really lightweight! It`s almost half the weight of G5 and G5 is actually a very light gimbal. This comes from the small battery and the fact that is it is supposed to be a wearable gimbal so the weight issue is critical. I mounted it to the front of my helmet to see how much it weighs it down and I was very pleased with it. Of course, you feel it on your head and with the added weight of the GoPro itself it tilts your helmet forward but this is what you have to compromise with.
Feiyu Tech uses the same mounting bracket as with G5 – a metal clamp with two screws that holds the camera in place. The screw holes on the gimbal side are actually threaded so that one you remove the clip the screws will not fall away from the gimbal so it`s pretty impossible to lose them. Genius move by Feiyu Tech!
You can mount your GoPro either upside down or the right way up – If you are using a HERO5 mount it upside down and if you are using HERO4 you can mount it the right way up. With HERO5 you are better off mounting it upside down because the Options button is on the side and you need to access it without unmounting the camera. Mounting the camera upside down actually has another good benefit – the lens will be closer to the center of the panning axis and since the GoPro automatically corrects the image it`s perfectly OK to mount it this way. OR you can place the pivot arm on the left side , this way you can keep the camera the right way up and access the Mode button, but to me this way it`s not that comfortable to access the touchscreen. So find the way that fits you the best.
The gimbal itself looks really nice and uses some top notch materials and feel solid just like the other flagship gimbal G5. It is solid black and has some rubber panels on the base element for better grip. The bottom and the back sides have the screw mounts
The bottom and the back side have the screw holes for mounting and on the front side, you will find the LED indicator light.
The gimbal only has one button – removing the second button and the joystick helps to make it waterproof. I actually NEVER use the joystick because I find it to be not as smooth as controlling the camera movement with moving the gimbal itself so I am not missing the joystick at all. Every function can now be accessed with taping the single Power button.
Press/hold | Power ON/OFF |
Single Tap | Switch between panning mode and lock mode |
Double Tap | Panning and tilting mode |
Three Taps | Selfie mode: Rotate 180°in horizontal |
Four Taps | Autorotation Mode |
Five Taps | Initialization |
One thing about the LED indicator light – to me it doesn`t make sense to mount it to the front of the gimbal because when you are switching between the different modes you are most likely to hold the gimbal with the camera facing away from you since you need to play with the camera settings at the same time. So I only looked at the LED light when i wanted to turn it off because for some reason the long press/hold didn’t always work so i wanted to check if the red light was blinking. On other times I would just move the gimbal around to confirm that is is in the right mode.
Suggestion for Feiyu Tech – move the LED indicator to the back (like on other gimbals)
The other side of the gimbal has the charging port covered with a rubber seal, so before you go swimming with it make sure you have the rubber seal properly in place!
Mounting your camera to Feiyu Tech WG2
This is different from G5 and other gimbals I have seen so far. In order to use both the Hero5 and Hero4 and the Session, you need to have the balance right. G5 used weight rings to get the right balance but WG2 has a new solution for this.
You can slide the cross arm that attaches to the tilting axis back and forth to balance the camera. The arm has two arrows that indicate the correct positioning of each camera so you don`t have to guess yourself and can easily fix it in the right position.
On thing you need to consider is that if you want to pack the gimbal down nicely you need to loosen the arm if it`s set to the HERO5 position it will not pack fully down. So that`s a bit annoying but you will learn to live with it.
Feiyu Tech WG2 and the Feiyu ON app
You can control the gimbal with Feiyu ON app.
Download it from iStore or Google Play
The app is pretty simple. You connect via Bluetooth and you have app the basics: you can control the movement, adjust the motor settings and the autorotation duration through the app. One thing that has improved drastically is the motion controls in the app. Before it was really hard to keep the movement strictly horizontal or vertical, I always ended up moving it slightly diagonal but now you have much better controls for more accurate movement. You can adjust the motor speeds and power so that the gimbal reacts to your movements either more faster or more slowly. The app lets you also update the firmware.
The main thing I use the app for is changing the Autorotation timing. I do find the app a bit confusing though especially the autorotation settings where you can see like two progress bars that have no function and the Current Location which I have zero clues about. And the Time remaining is always at 00:00 so not sure about that either.
So a lot of work in terms of usability is needed with the app BUT it works and that`s the main thing right?
Feiyu Tech WG2 – Is it any good?
Now to the main question – is it good as a gimbal?
It`s small, lightweight and carries the same top quality Feiyu Tech DNA so the odds are great.
Here`s what you need to consider when buying a gimbal:
- Will it be smooth going straight
- How smooth does it turn
- Battery life
- weight/size
- Compatibility
- App functions
- Motor noise
Take a look at the video showing handheld footage, Autorotation mode time-lapse, mounted on a backpack strap mount and mounted on a helmet.
So my scoring for the gimbal (out of 5):
- Will it be smooth going straight: ★5
- How smooth does it turn: ★5
- Battery life: ★4
- weight/size: ★5
- Compatibility: ★5
- App functions: ★3
- Motor noise: ★5 (less noise with HERO4)
It works like a charm, is easy to use and has minimal motor noise. The fact that you can take it into water adds a huge advantage to it and for anyone looking for a wearable gimbal, this should be the TOP choice. The only downside is that you sacrifice battery time, so for a daily travel gimbal I would go for the G5 – you get longer battery life and since it`s splash proof you can still use it in rainy conditions. The Feiyu Tech WG2 is more aimed at the adventurer or extreme dude that puts the gimbal in tougher situations and needs to mount it to EVERYTHING 😀
What I love about Feiyu Tech WG2
- Amazing build quality
- Waterproof
- Super silent motors
- Easy controls
- Works perfectly
- Nice packaging
- Neoprene padded carry pouch
- Two tripod screw mounts
- Compatible with many action cameras
- Remote control from the app
Neutrals
- LED should be at the back of the gimbal
- Need to adjust the pivot arm to pack it down
Things I don`t love
- The app needs UI improvements
- Manual needs proofreading and corrections
Feiyu Tech WG2 – Final Verdict
YES, YES, YES!
Feiyu Tech has proven to be a solid gimbal producer, no wonder GoPro used Feiyu Tech gimbals before they came up with Karma Grip. The WG2 is a great predecessor to the WG and is definitely a top choice for anyone looking for a good solid gimbal.
You can get it from:
Cool accessory to have, nice to attach it on monopod. How long the battery last?
Lasts about 2.5 hours but it every battery it depends on the outside temperature also
Where can I get a the little bar that holds the gopro to the mount? Thanks
Hey
Do you mean a tripod mount?
But how about mounting a GoPro 3, 3+ or 4 in a waterproof case on the WG2?
Nope, can`t do it
So the only chance to take a swim with it is if you are using the HERO5
The new Feiyu Tech WG2 is so awesome!!! It is so small, wearable and WATERPRROF for 10m under water!!! That is just perfect and offers you a lot of new chances of capturing with the GoPro. I’ll capture with it how I walk through a waterfall or for sume dope surfing shots over and under water!
What about for surfing/kiting – did I read correctly that can only be wet for up to 10 minutes – is that constantly, as in fully submerged, or will it put up with constant in and out dunking as you experience in water sports – it’s a shame it’s not more robust as far as salt water is concerned but careful post rinsing should deal with that
Hi Kevin
Yes, the 10-minute rating is for fully submerged in fresh water.
I am actually hoping to test it while kitesurfing soon, I`m just waiting for decent winds. I`ll post an update once i have the results but i assume it should do ok as long as I don`t crash with it too hard. I don`t believe the motors would survive a hard crash.
Awesome review! How was your experience with kitesurfing and salt water??
Can you definitely use the WG2 while you’re charging it?
Hi Kevin
Yes, I have tested it myself and you CAN use the gimbal while charging. I used a small power bank to keep charging while on the go.
is GoPro Mount to 1/4″ Tripod Thread Adapter included on the box? Saw some videos complaining that they bought it separately.
Hi Mark
It`s included in the package
Want to know how you attach the wg2 gimbal on your backpack strap and where can i buy the strap mount ? Thank you so much for your awesome review !!
Thanks Ivan
I am using the PolarPro Strap Mount
https://goproessentials.com/polarpro-strapmount/
You can attach it to pretty much any backpack strap or belt or anything you can fit inside the clamp!
Thank you so much !!! I bought it today ! :)))
i ride sport bikes and i am looking into gimbals my only concern is can it hold up to high speeds without getting excessively shaky and by high speeds im talking about 150mph straped to the side of my helmet
150mph? That`s insane 😛
I`m not sure about how the gimbal would hold up to speeds like that, never tried over 55mph.
With 55 mph it did fine when facing forward, as soon as you turn the gimbal on one side the wind starts shaking the camera
Maybe something like this would be a better fit on those speeds
https://goproessentials.com/wenpod-x1-1-axis-stabiliser-gopro-hero-camera/
it`s a 2-axis gimbal but designed for bikes!
Pingback: Hohem XG1 wearable action camera gimbal review
Hello, just a question, does the wg2 fonction attached to an external battery ?
Yes, it does
I was given WG2 to test and the battery last only 17 min! Why is that? Does it mean that the battery is worn out? Is it possible to change it as it is build in.. ????
Hey
17 min is definitely not normal, I think the best option is to contact the support and get it changed out
how are you liking it overall?
Hey what was the tripod you were using to keep the wg2 and your GoPro clamped to the tree?
Hi Justin
I was using the Pakpod – super versatile and a really awesome tripod
https://goproessentials.com/pakpod-tripod-review/
Hey,
I was wondering tripod you were using for your GoPro and gimbal. (The one hanging off the side of the tree)
Hi Ivar,
I was just curious about the tripod you were using for the wg2 and GoPro. It looks super versatile! Where did you get it?
It has gone mad after just one minute in water, mine was definitely not waterproof
Is it possible to charge/ connect the Actioncam to the Gimbal and if yes, how??
Which mount shall I used to conect it to a ski helmet?
I bought the official GoPro helmet mount for the side but I’m not sure if the 3M tape will hold the weight of the gimbal camera.
Can someone Recomend a super strong glue or a mount that is super secure or something?
Thank you all
I assume mounting the gimbal at the top of the helmet would be a bit more secure…
But the 3M adhesives are incredibly strong – I have had two occasions when the mount itself has broke instead of the adhesive coming loose on high impacts. I would suggest adding a tether to the gimbal so in case it breaks off you don`t lose it. Either user the official tether mounts (adhesive) or just tie a string to the helmet
Pingback: Feiyu Tech G6 Full Review - GoProEssentials.com
Pingback: Feiyu Tech gimbals compared: G5 and WG2. Which is Better?
Pingback: Feiyu Tech G6 Full Review – GoProEssentials.com
Pingback: Feiyu Tech WG2X Review – Goproessentials
How do you have the gimbal mounted to your backpack strap in the first shot at the top of the page and how do you find that setup? I normally use a chest mount with the gimbal but wondered about getting it mounted on the backpack strap instead which would be more convenient and be in a better position to be slightly higher than the mountain bike bars.
Hey John
Im using the InCase Action Camera Pro Pack that has the GoPro Clip on the strap.
But you can use something like the PolarPro Strap Mount on any backpack
For me it works pretty well, you just nee to make sure the backpack is really snug on your back and doesn’t flap around