DJI has been revolutionizing the filmmaking industry with advanced technology that has made them a household name among professional drone pilot and filmmakers. More specifically, the Ronin 4D has earned high accolades from industry pros, but cramped quarters and weight have posed problems for many camera operators and cinematographers. Limited maneuverability has been a persistent challenge in tight spots like car interiors or around corners. Luckily, the DJI Ronin 4D Flex and PZ 17-28mm ASPH Zoom Lens — in tandem with the Ronin 4D — represent a groundbreaking leap forward in cinema camera technology.
Key Features of the DJI 4D Flex
- Compatible with DJI Ronin 4D 6K and 8K cinema cameras
- Extendable gimbal camera design
- 6-foot flex extension cable (connects up to three flex cables together)
- Detaches Zenmuse X9 from body
- Lossless high speed image transmission
- Agile configuration switches
- Cold shoe mount, mounting threads
- Natively supports electronic zoom control with DL PZ 17-28mm ASPH Lens
- Compatible with Ronin 4Ds Hand Grips
- Reduces handheld weight to 4 lbs.
- Box includes 4D Flex, pan-axis quick lock, hand grip adapter and cable
What’s New About the 4D Flex?
The DJI Ronin 4D Flex is currently only applicable to the Ronin 4D. It separates the main body and the gimbal camera, allowing the recording unit, power supply, and video transmission systems to be stored in a backpack while the operator holds only the gimbal camera module. This effectively reduces the handheld weight for users. With accessories like extension rods and suction cups, it helps users to explore more unique angles and unlock creative possibilities.
Mounting Options
Using the bottom of the Flex heads 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 threads enables you to firmly attach the X9 camera to an extension pole or jib arm. This setup facilitates the capture of seamless low-angle shots into an upward jib transition, resulting in continuous, fluid motion.
Build
Constructed from durable aluminum, the female side of the unit that attaches to the gimbal head is equipped with power and record buttons. It also has a versatile cheese plate featuring mounts on the sides and bottom. A cold shoe mount is included for attaching a monitor and four USB-C ports are available for connecting future accessories. Additionally, the side ports are designed for hassle-free attachment of hand grips.
Weight Distribution
With this new system, you can significantly lighten your camera setup from a bulky 12.5 lbs. to a more manageable 4-5 lbs. Rather than lugging around the full weight of your camera on a cumbersome gimbal, Ronin, or steadicam rig, you can now distribute the load. You can stow the primary camera body in a bag and carry just the sensor, controls, and monitor in your hand for effortless mobility.
Who Should Buy the 4D Flex?
The Ronin 4D and Flex gimbal expands the idea of “backpack filmmaking.” It goes without saying but, if you already own the Ronin 4D, then the DJI Ronin 4D Flex is the next logical upgrade to your DJI cinema rig. When paired together, this makes the ultimate setup for one-man band videographers, reality television teams, and run-and-gun music video shooters and documentarians. It can be used as a main camera system on smaller shoots when you need to move fast. But you can also introduce it on a bigger production as a D cam for grabbing special shots and moves.
Adding the Flex to the Ronin 4D makes it a versatile option for capturing, interviews, documentaries, and driving scenes that require quick movements. With a wireless transmitter range of up to 20,000 feet, the crew in a follow car can easily make changes to tracking, focus, and shot types while viewing the monitor. This ensures precision in capturing the desired footage. It’s an excellent tool to have in your kit for on-the-go shoots.
From film and television production to advertising shoots, and even documentary or dance projects, the Ronin 4D Flex offers remote head use, quick scene transitions, and long-duration shooting capabilities. This makes it the perfect solution for unlocking your full creative potential on any shoot.
Key Features of the PZ 17-28mm ASPH Zoom Lens
- 17-28mm full frame ASPH zoom lens
- T3-T22 aperture range
- Ultra high resolution from center to edge
- 67mm filter diameter
- DL lens mount
- .19m minimum focus distance
- Compatible with DJI Ronin 4D (6K, 8K) and 4D Flex
- Weighs approximately 520 grams
- Magnesium alloy body
- Includes front and rear lens cap, hood
What’s New About this Lens?
Compatibility
This is DJI’s inaugural full-frame zoom lens, despite being the fifth addition to their line-up. Since it employs a DL mount, it’s only compatible with the Ronin 4D. Its compact size makes it ideal for balancing the system without requiring a rear counterweight or obstructing the LIDAR unit. The lens’ slow speed — combined with its effortless compatibility with the Ronin 4D — makes it a winner with users. The all-in-one power zoom lens is handy for grab-and-go convenience.
Size and Weight
When compared to the other DJI DL Mount lenses, this is notably bigger. Weighing in at roughly 520 grams, it’s not particularly heavy. Its exceptional sharpness from corner to corner makes it a top pick for stunning 6K/8K footage. While some YouTubers and early reviewers have noted slight softness around the edges, the consensus seems to be that this is a minor issue.
Control
This lens boasts excellent light control throughout its glass with virtually no vignetting and zero chromatic aberrations, even when fully open in a backlit scene. Overall, sharpness is exceptional. There’s no focus breathing in the 17mm focal range, though it’s somewhat noticeable at the top of the zoom range (around 28mm).
Additionally, the lens is parfocal. This means that the focus stays the same when zooming, whether it’s controlled manually or using autofocus. Light transmission remains constant at T3 across the zoom range. The lens controls, including zoom and focus, can be assigned to various triggers in the 4D menu options for ultimate customization.
Who Should Buy the PZ 17-28mm Lens?
If you want to say goodbye to calibration headaches, the DJI PZ 17-28 mm T3.0 ASPH is your answer. Covering focal lengths from ultra-wide-angle 17 mm to wide-angle 28 mm, this lens is designed to meet the demands of professional shooting. Once mounted, it delivers precise focusing and zoom without the need for calibration. Enjoy a hassle-free focusing experience from the moment you attach this lens to your camera.
The DL PZ 17-28 mm T3.0 ASPH lens is all about convenience, thanks to its built-in servo zoom motor. You don’t need to worry about mounting an external focus motor because this lens has got you covered. The non-detachable motor is lightweight and easy to carry around. Plus, you can zoom without rebalancing, as the lens tube moves within 5 mm while zooming. When using the Ronin 4D, there’s no need to re-balance after zooming. This lens is the perfect companion for fast-paced shoots.
Lastly, if you’re a one-man or two-man, run-and-gun crew, this lens fits perfectly into the DJI Ronin 4D system. Equipped with a matte box-style lens hood, this lens delivers exceptional sharpness, rounding out an Ronin 4D configuration that is both compact and versatile.
Comparable Lenses
Technically, there are no comparable lenses from DJI as this is their first Zoom lens. There are four other DL-mount lenses in their lineup for the Ronin 4D, but none of them are power zooms. While 17-28mm isn’t the most common zoom range, many users will find it optimal for shooting situations where wide frames and quick setups are required. This includes landscape shooting, real estate tours, music videos, concert coverage, reality TV, etc.
If you’re looking to incorporate external lenses (like DZO) into your setup, the Pan-Axis Quick Connect Clamp that comes with the system lets you attach DZO and other cinema lenses while keeping the camera fixed in position, such as when using a tripod. This feature was already a hit with the 4D, but the Flex system with its specialized power zoom lens takes things up a notch.
Final Thoughts
The DJI Ronin 4D Flex is a game-changer for filmmakers. When paired with accessories like extension rods and suction cups, it helps you to explore unique angles. Whether you’re a cinematographer, videographer, or content creator, the DJI Ronin 4D Flex can help bring your footage to the next level.
