10 Great Gimbals for DSLRs
We’ve talked about gimbals for mobile phones before, however, when it comes to DSLR and professional filmmaking, we need more. We both aware that “content is the king”, but this concept build upon the stable footage. Whether you are a professional filmmaker or an aspiring YouTuber, you’ll need a stabilizer in your gear. Furthermore, since they are more expensive than those for smartphones, picking the right one for you could be way more exhausting. Weight, size, battery, balance, performance and price for sure to fit with the budget. Today, we prepare this list filled with great gimbals for DSLRs to boost your next masterpiece.
1. Zhiyun Crane 2
Crane 2 has long been considered as one of the best handheld DSLR gimbals. It is the favorite of many videographers and YouTubers. It allows ±0.02° real-time follow focus so that you can always keep your subject in focus while moving and have ultra-stable footage. The integrated quick control dial releases your hand from control your camera/phone app. TV, AV, ISO and EV could all be adjusted via the dial.
Features:
- Weight: 1.25kg(2.8lb)
- Max payload: 3.2kg(7lbs)
- Battery: Up to 18 hours
- Compatibility: Almost any DSLR or mirrorless camera from Canon, Panasonic, Sony and Nikon
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2. DJI Ronin-S
Came out later than Crane 2, Ronin-S is DJI’s first attempt of creating a single-handed DSLR gimbal and it turned out great. It empowers creators to shoot with the freedom of stabilized shots on the move. The detachable, modular design of the Ronin-S makes it easy to fit inside a backpack on your travels. With a 75 kph max operating speed, Ronin-S frees you from your imagination. With the standard kit, you can directly control your camera on the gimbal which allows you to focus on the work while enhances precision control.
Meanwhile, a suite of automated features, for instance, time-lapse, motion-lapse and track, are included within the DJI Ronin app, letting you produce even more creative professional footage to unlock your true filmmaking potential.
Features:
- Weight: 1.46kg(3.2lbs)
- Max payload: 3.6kg(7.9lbs)
- Battery: 12 hours
- Compatibility: Almost any DSLR or mirrorless camera setup on the market, offering direct camera control
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3. Feiyu Tech AK2000
AK2000, as Feiyu claimed, is “more than a flagship”. Featuring a new high-performance chip in combination with the intelligent anti-shake algorithm AK2000 could hold cameras up to 2.8kg(6lbs). It is also capable of being used in extreme environments and even carries the SLR cameras which makes it a pretty versatile tool for professionals. The touch panel plus the multi-functional magnetic induction knob provides more precise control of both the camera and the stabilizer. Also, professional wearable equipment could be attached. Want more payload? You can choose AK4000 which supports cameras weight up to 4kg(8.8lbs).
Features:
- Weight: 1.25kg(2.8lb)
- Max payload: 2.8kg(6lbs)
- Battery: 12 hours
- Compatibility: Almost any DSLR or mirrorless cameras
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4. ikan DS2 Beholder
The DS2 is designed specifically for professional filmmakers looking for a single handheld stabilizer for a large range of small cameras weighing up to 5lbs. The DS2 features a 60-second Auto-Sweep mode, which allows you to program a 60-second camera movement. The Beholder DS2 is lightweight, easy to use, and can be carried in your camera bag. In addition, the DS2 is versatile enough to be used with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, GoPro or smartphone. And can be switched to Inverted Mode at any time by simply flipping the handle over the camera.
Features:
- Weight: 4.5lbs
- Max payload: 5lbs
- Battery: 8-10 hours(operation time) up tp 20 hours(stand-by time)
- Compatibility: DSLR, Mirrorless Cameras, GoPro or smartphone
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5. Glide Gear GNS 100 Geranos
The Geranos will help you achieve spectacular cinematic movement in the palm of your hand. Glide Gear system allows tool-less balancing for the run and gun shooter. It only weighs six pounds and is small enough to be carried anywhere which make it perfect for videographers on the go. Featured 5-Way Analog Joystick makes it easier to control and also tool-less balancing enables capturing steady film footage as simple as possible.
The Geranos mountable arm is included in the package which allows you to capture film with both hands.
Features:
- Weight: 2.7kg(6lbs)
- Max payload: 1.2kg(2.6lbs)
- Battery: 6 hours (2 sets of battery are included)
- Compatibility: DSLR/Mirrorless Camera
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6. MOZA Air 2
At 2019 CES, Nikon announced the Filmmaker’s Kit which included MOZA Air 2 as the stabilizer. It’s three-axis of pan, tilt and roll enable smooth filming from various angles and track tough to follow subjects. Featuring a max payload at 4.2kg(9.3lbs) with its light body, Air 2 is powerful. Four high-rate replaceable batteries give the MOZA Air 2 a maximum runtime of 16 hours. You can easily bring extra batteries with you to last through a whole day of filming. 8 following modes let you be even more creative. It also offers an angled motor arm which gives you an unobstructed view of the camera’s screen.
Features:
- Weight: 1.6kg(3.5lbs)
- Max payload: 4.2kg(9.3lbs)
- Battery: 16 hours
- Compatibility: Pocket cinema cameras, DSLR, mirrorless cameras and compact cameras
7. Accsoon A1-S
Though still a new company, Accsoon’s brilliant products and affordable prices have already captured the consumers’ hearts. Featuring auto-tuning, the built-in AI machine learning algorithm could adjust the setting in less than 10s whenever connected to a new camera or lens. Extremely light but could hold cameras up to 3.6kg(7.9lbs), AS-1 will show the infinite potential of your camera. It is the world first hand-held gimbal with a motion control function, which allows you to create cinematic effortlessly. You could also use it for shooting time-lapse, panorama and wide-angle.
Features:
- Weight: 1.25kg(2.8lb)
- Max payload: 3.6kg(7.9lbs)
- Battery: Up to 15 hours
- Compatibility: Almost any DSLR or Mirrorless cameras
8. Roxant Pro Video Camera Stabilizer
If you search DSLR stabilizer on Amazon, you will find Roxant’s one rates high in the list. This is the stabilizer on anyone’s budget, under 60 bucks and you could bring your video shooting to the next level. You may need to try several times in the beginning to find the perfect balance for your own camera utilizing weights. It won’t be long before you be amazed by it, cheap yet gives you smooth footage. It could hold up to 1kg(2.1lbs) cameras, less than the mainstream and 6 times more expensive stabilizers, makes it a perfect choice for amateurs, families, travelers and etc. At least it doesn’t need batteries, right?
Features:
- Weight: 1.14kg(2.51 lbs)
- Max payload: 1kg(2.1lbs)
- Compatibility: Point and Shoot, DSLRs, Video Cameras, GoPros, Smartphone and any other camera
9. Letus Helix Jr. Aluminum 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
Here introducing a more advanced and professional gimbal. The Letus Helix Jr., it is a light and compact handheld gimbal on the go. It’s also quite useful for shooting short documentaries. The Helix Jr. supports drones which also makes it a top choice for videographers and filmmakers. The flat bottom indicates the great payload capability, which is up to 5.4kg(10-12lbs). The added encoder could not only prevent motors from losing their position (skipping steps) when bumped or moved too aggressively, but also increase battery life as well as the precision of stabilization.
Features:
- Weight: 2.4kg(5.25 lbs)
- Max payload: 5.4kg(10-12lbs)
- Battery: Around 6 hours
- Compatibility: Almost any DSLR or Mirrorless cameras
10. DJI Ronin-M
Ronin-M is designed for professional filmmakers, it stands up to rugged use in any filming environment. Featuring a superbly strong and rigid magnesium frame, the Ronin-M brings increased stiffness and reduced weight. As flexible as Ronin-M, the top handlebars quickly and easily twist off, allowing you to minimize its size. You can change different modes including underslung, upright and briefcase without adjusting any settings or needing a 2nd operator remote.
Ronin-M allows for duo operators. Capture anything you can imagine with a second operator controlling the camera’s movements as the first operator moves around the set.
Features:
- Weight: 2.3kg(5lbs)
- Max payload: 3.6kg(7.9lbs)
- Battery: 3 hours (2 sets of battery are included)
- Compatibility: Almost any DSLR camera setup on the market
