With the demise of so many other timelapse motion gear manufacturer's (including my expensive but beloved SYRP), Zeapon seems to be stepping up with some quality gear to simplify and fill the void. Great explanation and education as always Richard.
Thanks for yet another informative video. I enjoy your approachable style. I've been looking into sliders for about 5 years and this is the first one that seems to check all the boxes. (simplicity, portability, and ease of use being crucial).
I love how much visual impact a slider has for timelapses - absolutely transformative! The size that the Zeapoms pack down to makes them very tempting; whilst my Neewer is great for the price, I’m beginning to realise it doesn’t get used as much as it should because it’s just so bulky. But maybe I should just try harder! Thanks for sharing and giving us your views, RIchard.
Thanks as always Rob. I think the majority of viewers are based overseas . .maybe they don't notice us little Aussies doing our thing down here ...!!!!
Great to see intuitive manual controls. I often find myself reaching for my old Konova slider for this despite being notably less advanced in comparison to the app controlled Syrp and Zeapon units. Well done Zeapon!
Wow, what a great system! Looks like this will be the next direction I take my photography; time to start saving up so I can afford it! Thanks for the great video!
Nice Info again , since 2 months using the full Micro 3 system next to my aging (11 year old) syrp-slider system. I love the Zeapon after some tests. Now waiting for some good astro-weather in Europe.
@@nightscapeimages.richard i was seing zeapon, and yesterday i've found that there is new ifootage shark nano 2, which is also integraded with DJI RS series if needed for all axis movement. Did you had maybe a chance to see/use it? Both looks like a good option
As you know I’ve had my Zeapon system for a couple years. The slider is awesome, perfect can not it fault it👌. The Pons system has got some issues as I’ve mentioned, hopefully zeapon listens & upgrades those issues for a far better product in the future including adapting a software update to sync with other Bluetooth triggers like Foolography’s Unleashed. Currently I’m using the full Zeapon kit on msm mode combined with a Lrt pro 3 trigger through a custom cable for exp/interval ramping situations. Power - I found rigging a lunch box with automotive PD usb-c ports running of a small Jaycar jackery the best way to power entire rig for hours. Love the Zeapon system, little improvements here & there but all up great system 👍
I am a big fan of Zeapon products. I have the Micro 2 plus, Micro 3 E700 with PONS PT, Timelapse Trigger and Revolver Quick Release. Very tempted to buy this one. Yesterday ordered on Aliexpress but cancelled it because I could not find any information about integration with Timelapse trigger. I do a lots of day to night timelapse and for which Timelapse trigger is a must because the parameters are not fixed as the exposure changes while shooting. Often I faced the issue the slider is not moving half way due to some app connectivity and the entire effort has gone waste in the middle of the shooting. When I bought I was excited to have app function but the phone is used for multiple other operations as well. Usually during astro landscape I use two cameras, one for photography and other one for time lapse. For photography I use the Benro Polaris where I need to use their app. and for motion timelapse I use the Zeapon app. And this causes the apps to fail at times. Also I may use the Sony creators app for controlling the camera if the timelapse is day to night or night to day. Operating multiple apps is a nightmare and at times they fail and its a huge set back in the middle of the shooting. Hence my below question. Does Zeapon Timelapse trigger also integrates with this new M4 Motor? I mean can we do fully app free ops with time lapse trigger?
Yes the Timelapse Trigger integrates with the Micro 4. It's included as an option in the in-built LCD screen menu. I bought a couple of cheap phones to use with specific items such as the Zeapon slider, Benro Polaris and even the DJI Osmo 3. It saves a whole lot of headaches as you've mentioned here.
Love the idea of not having to use an App to control the Slider ! Makes it so much more reliable and easier to use! As long as they have weathersealed the display screen well it should last you a very long time and I hope once the controller is set up it can be either dimmed or turned off for shooting Astro time lapse? P.S this would only be an Issue in using very wide lens
@@nightscapeimages.richard I have had issues with a 12mm lens with lights from camera gear showing up in the images! But your not going to be using a 12mm lens on a Slider anyway so with a more telephoto lens it should be out of frame while shooting
2:05, if he ain’t you’re auntie! 😂. Great information! Thank you for putting this out. I’ve been looking at the Micro3 for a while, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Do you think there will be an evolution of the Pan/Tilt PONZ head also? Looking at this further, is there a move-shoot-move option with built in camera trigger with built in shot delay (to remove vibration) ?
It's hard to say about the Pan/Tilt heads . .they have been out for a while now. The Zeapon app does allow for what they call "Noise Reduction" which may give a similar result, but I've not tested it.
Hi Richard, Great system, well thought out! How does the intervalometer function work? I assume there needs to be a cable of some sort between the control head & the camera to fire the shutter, or is it Bluetooth?
Yes you have to connect the camera with a cable to operate in a Move Shoot Move manner. But you can use the cameras internal intervalometer and adjust the slider to crawl along very slowly. So the camera and slider are acting independently from each other .. it works well and all the timelapses shown in this video are done that way.
Thanks for the review. The new unit looks great. A few questions come to mind: - Does the controller connect to the camera shutter release port to control the shutter and exposure time? - If so, does it then operate in a move-shoot-move mode, only moving incrementally between exposures? - And if you have the pan-tilt units attached, do the A and B waypoints also apply to their axes of motion? But there’s only one A position for all three axes, and only one B? - And can it do speed ramping to slowly ease into and out of a move? Sorry for all the questions from Canada 🇨🇦 ! But this looks like a great replacement for the old classic gear from defunct Dynamic Perception whose old control apps no longer work on either IOS or Android. The danger of app-based devices. Great hardware that is now useless. Cheers! 🍻
Thanks for tuning in Alan. Yes there is a cable connection port to enable move-shoot-move image taking. The slider moves after each shot is taken. When the pan/tilt heads are attached without the app, they only have an A & B Waypoint. With the app connected there is provision for up to 6 Waypoints. It doesn't specifically list "Ease In" points but to my eye it really does look like it slows down at each end of the slide. For people who use this for video work when using the app, there are still pauses between each Waypoint and this is very noticeable .. but obviously this is not an issue for timelapse.
Have a great New Year, Richard. It seems like an interesting update for those who don't want to be dependent on the APP. Thanks for the update. Richard, do you still have calendars available for 2025? A big hug, my friend
Great video, thanks for the info. What length slider are you using in the video ?. Is there a certain length that you find more useful for night astro timelapses ?
Richard, how much does the slider+motor as you showed on the table weigh? How much extra is the a) case b) support legs that attach to the tripod c) pan/tilt d) pan/tilt case? I'm looking for something really lightweight to take to the Western Arthurs.
I might upgrade just by purchasing the motor. The app can be buggy or the phone may be needed for other devices. I like not needing to rely on the app.
@ - okay not to respond if you don’t know the answer, but can the motor-4 control the pan and tilt motors also when selecting point A and B? Or does having multiple axis of motion limit one to the app?
@@boycefitzgerald The Micro 4 module will operate the pan & tilt heads without the app. All the video footage I showed using the pan and tilt is done that way. But you are limited to 2 waypoints only .... A & B. You'll see that there is provision to connect to those heads in the menu LCD screen on the unit.
Thanks for watching Tezz. I have a first production unit they sent me for testing. So the official release is still coming with prices and availability. Hopefully very soon.
The APP is a more complete tool than working only with the Zeapon 4 engine, don't be sad the Zeapon 3 continues to be a very good option. I also have a complete Zeapon 3, it's fantastic.
With the demise of so many other timelapse motion gear manufacturer's (including my expensive but beloved SYRP), Zeapon seems to be stepping up with some quality gear to simplify and fill the void. Great explanation and education as always Richard.
Thanks Levin. Yes you're right about the demise of so many other manufacturers.
Outstanding. Thanks for the review Richard!
You're very welcome Kerry.
Thanks for yet another informative video. I enjoy your approachable style. I've been looking into sliders for about 5 years and this is the first one that seems to check all the boxes. (simplicity, portability, and ease of use being crucial).
Thanks so much for watching Gary, really appreciated.
Merci Richard très belle démonstration de ce matériel meilleurs vœux pour 2025 !
Thanks as always for watching Patrick.
Great bit of gear Richard, one item that would fit into my kit nicely :) thanks for the overview.
You're very welcome Al.
I love how much visual impact a slider has for timelapses - absolutely transformative! The size that the Zeapoms pack down to makes them very tempting; whilst my Neewer is great for the price, I’m beginning to realise it doesn’t get used as much as it should because it’s just so bulky. But maybe I should just try harder! Thanks for sharing and giving us your views, RIchard.
Yes Paul, that extra element of motion really adds depth to the sequence for sure.
Nice review as always Richard, i honestly don't know how you still haven't blasted through the 100k sub mark but maybe I'm a just biased local.
Thanks as always Rob. I think the majority of viewers are based overseas . .maybe they don't notice us little Aussies doing our thing down here ...!!!!
Appreciate the update & great advice Richard. Thank you
@@manjul1966 All good mate.
Great to see intuitive manual controls. I often find myself reaching for my old Konova slider for this despite being notably less advanced in comparison to the app controlled Syrp and Zeapon units. Well done Zeapon!
Yes I do exactly the same Dominic.
Wow, what a great system! Looks like this will be the next direction I take my photography; time to start saving up so I can afford it! Thanks for the great video!
I really appreciate you checking it out Cheryl, thank you.
Vert nice piece of equiptment & very nicely made. Great intro Richard as per usual 👏👏👍🇮🇪
You're welcome Vivian.
Nice Info again , since 2 months using the full Micro 3 system next to my aging (11 year old) syrp-slider system. I love the Zeapon after some tests. Now waiting for some good astro-weather in Europe.
Yes I love the Zeapon gear as well.
@@nightscapeimages.richard i was seing zeapon, and yesterday i've found that there is new ifootage shark nano 2, which is also integraded with DJI RS series if needed for all axis movement. Did you had maybe a chance to see/use it? Both looks like a good option
@@muntus No I've not seen that one.
That’s a great bit of gear Richard. I’ve seen similar ones in the past and considered buying one but I think you’ve sold me on this one.
It is a very good piece of gear Steve.
I saw clouds in some of those shots, so unusual for Bendigo buddy! Happy New Year
Haha, yes it has been pretty clear here for the summer Rob . .although quite windy.
As you know I’ve had my Zeapon system for a couple years.
The slider is awesome, perfect can not it fault it👌.
The Pons system has got some issues as I’ve mentioned, hopefully zeapon listens & upgrades those issues for a far better product in the future including adapting a software update to sync with other Bluetooth triggers like Foolography’s Unleashed.
Currently I’m using the full Zeapon kit on msm mode combined with a Lrt pro 3 trigger through a custom cable for exp/interval ramping situations.
Power - I found rigging a lunch box with automotive PD usb-c ports running of a small Jaycar jackery the best way to power entire rig for hours.
Love the Zeapon system, little improvements here & there but all up great system 👍
Those are all great ideas Derek. I think Zeapon are working hard to integrate all the various bits and pieces as well as they can.
Interest piece of kit mate, thank you for your time.
Doing a workshop, Swan Hill, lake tyrrell area, end of march looking forward to it
Hey Phil, you'll enjoy that trip I'm sure.
I am a big fan of Zeapon products. I have the Micro 2 plus, Micro 3 E700 with PONS PT, Timelapse Trigger and Revolver Quick Release. Very tempted to buy this one. Yesterday ordered on Aliexpress but cancelled it because I could not find any information about integration with Timelapse trigger. I do a lots of day to night timelapse and for which Timelapse trigger is a must because the parameters are not fixed as the exposure changes while shooting. Often I faced the issue the slider is not moving half way due to some app connectivity and the entire effort has gone waste in the middle of the shooting. When I bought I was excited to have app function but the phone is used for multiple other operations as well. Usually during astro landscape I use two cameras, one for photography and other one for time lapse. For photography I use the Benro Polaris where I need to use their app. and for motion timelapse I use the Zeapon app. And this causes the apps to fail at times. Also I may use the Sony creators app for controlling the camera if the timelapse is day to night or night to day. Operating multiple apps is a nightmare and at times they fail and its a huge set back in the middle of the shooting. Hence my below question.
Does Zeapon Timelapse trigger also integrates with this new M4 Motor? I mean can we do fully app free ops with time lapse trigger?
Yes the Timelapse Trigger integrates with the Micro 4. It's included as an option in the in-built LCD screen menu.
I bought a couple of cheap phones to use with specific items such as the Zeapon slider, Benro Polaris and even the DJI Osmo 3. It saves a whole lot of headaches as you've mentioned here.
Love the idea of not having to use an App to control the Slider ! Makes it so much more reliable and easier to use! As long as they have weathersealed the display screen well it should last you a very long time and I hope once the controller is set up it can be either dimmed or turned off for shooting Astro time lapse? P.S this would only be an Issue in using very wide lens
The screen does stay on John but as yet I haven't found it to be an issue. Thankfully no horrible red lights.
@@nightscapeimages.richard I have had issues with a 12mm lens with lights from camera gear showing up in the images! But your not going to be using a 12mm lens on a Slider anyway so with a more telephoto lens it should be out of frame while shooting
2:05, if he ain’t you’re auntie! 😂. Great information! Thank you for putting this out. I’ve been looking at the Micro3 for a while, but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Do you think there will be an evolution of the Pan/Tilt PONZ head also? Looking at this further, is there a move-shoot-move option with built in camera trigger with built in shot delay (to remove vibration) ?
It's hard to say about the Pan/Tilt heads . .they have been out for a while now. The Zeapon app does allow for what they call "Noise Reduction" which may give a similar result, but I've not tested it.
Hi Richard, Great system, well thought out! How does the intervalometer function work? I assume there needs to be a cable of some sort between the control head & the camera to fire the shutter, or is it Bluetooth?
Yes you have to connect the camera with a cable to operate in a Move Shoot Move manner. But you can use the cameras internal intervalometer and adjust the slider to crawl along very slowly. So the camera and slider are acting independently from each other .. it works well and all the timelapses shown in this video are done that way.
@@nightscapeimages.richard Thanks!
Hi Richard, looks like you got a couple of really interesting presents for Christmas, great presentations but you're not tempting me this time.
Haha, I'm just getting you back for the Benro Polaris Keith ..!!!!!!
Great video. Thanks for the review. Just checking, is the M4Motor compatible with the Micro 3 sliders??
Yes I did try the new motor on the Micro 3 slider and it worked just fine.
@@nightscapeimages.richard Thanks again
Thanks for the review. The new unit looks great. A few questions come to mind:
- Does the controller connect to the camera shutter release port to control the shutter and exposure time?
- If so, does it then operate in a move-shoot-move mode, only moving incrementally between exposures?
- And if you have the pan-tilt units attached, do the A and B waypoints also apply to their axes of motion? But there’s only one A position for all three axes, and only one B?
- And can it do speed ramping to slowly ease into and out of a move?
Sorry for all the questions from Canada 🇨🇦 !
But this looks like a great replacement for the old classic gear from defunct Dynamic Perception whose old control apps no longer work on either IOS or Android. The danger of app-based devices. Great hardware that is now useless. Cheers! 🍻
Thanks for tuning in Alan. Yes there is a cable connection port to enable move-shoot-move image taking. The slider moves after each shot is taken. When the pan/tilt heads are attached without the app, they only have an A & B Waypoint. With the app connected there is provision for up to 6 Waypoints.
It doesn't specifically list "Ease In" points but to my eye it really does look like it slows down at each end of the slide.
For people who use this for video work when using the app, there are still pauses between each Waypoint and this is very noticeable .. but obviously this is not an issue for timelapse.
Thanks! That helps clarify the operation of the Zeapon. They do seem to be the gear of choice for time-lapsing. I look forward to seeing more results.
And sorry - you can use the previous Pan & Tilt mechanism from the Micro 3 onto this new Slider?
@@manjul1966 Yes they are both still the same Manjul.
Have a great New Year, Richard. It seems like an interesting update for those who don't want to be dependent on the APP.
Thanks for the update.
Richard, do you still have calendars available for 2025?
A big hug, my friend
Thanks for watching Mario. No all of my calendars are sold out I'm afraid.
@@nightscapeimages.richard Tks.Richard
Great video, thanks for the info. What length slider are you using in the video ?. Is there a certain length that you find more useful for night astro timelapses ?
This is the E1000 .. the longest available. I like the extra length of movement.
Richard, how much does the slider+motor as you showed on the table weigh? How much extra is the a) case b) support legs that attach to the tripod c) pan/tilt d) pan/tilt case?
I'm looking for something really lightweight to take to the Western Arthurs.
Hey Ben. The slider plus motor and battery weigh 3.6 kg's. The case and support struts weigh 2.3 kg's in total.
@nightscapeimages.richard thank you
G'day Richard. Fun stuff here. Questions. Can it do MSM or is it only constant speed. Any chance it can trigger shots (multiple shots)?
Yes it is designed to do Move Shoot Move, and it does a great job.
Hey Great video I Wonder If the Benro Polaris can be integrated on this slider ?
That sounds like a disaster waiting to happen to me . .!!! Maybe that one is enough of a headache on it's own I think.
Have you made a video showing your time-lapse camera settings.
Check this link out: ruclips.net/p/PLAYKmqkUeSM8_CC4sIU8xxmF6N8uOHESB
I might upgrade just by purchasing the motor. The app can be buggy or the phone may be needed for other devices. I like not needing to rely on the app.
I think that's a great idea Boyce.
@ - okay not to respond if you don’t know the answer, but can the motor-4 control the pan and tilt motors also when selecting point A and B? Or does having multiple axis of motion limit one to the app?
@@boycefitzgerald The Micro 4 module will operate the pan & tilt heads without the app. All the video footage I showed using the pan and tilt is done that way. But you are limited to 2 waypoints only .... A & B.
You'll see that there is provision to connect to those heads in the menu LCD screen on the unit.
@ - wonderful. No problem with only two waypoints. 90% of the time, that is all I ever use.
how much are they worth please? I've been on the zeapon website and there is no price. Thanks for the review Richard
Thanks for watching Tezz. I have a first production unit they sent me for testing. So the official release is still coming with prices and availability. Hopefully very soon.
I went to buy using the link provided but it shows out of stock. Any news when the M500 will be available.
Sorry I don't have any inside information on stock availability.
damn i just bought the full Micro 3 setup and now they removed the need for the app lol
It does make the system a lot quicker and easier to use straight out of the box.
The APP is a more complete tool than working only with the Zeapon 4 engine, don't be sad the Zeapon 3 continues to be a very good option. I also have a complete Zeapon 3, it's fantastic.