Filmmakers always need third party equipment to enhance the video stabilization, whether it is a monopod, Steadicam, tripod, shoulder rig, or the best gimbal for DSLR. No doubt, 3-Axis gimbals are famous nowadays for shooting the scenes from desired angles.
When you need extra stabilization for the video while working with DSLR, you must consider a DSLR gimbal. Today, we will provide you with the top nine best gimbal for DSLR stabilizer that is compatible to use with DSLRs. Moreover, you can use these for mirrorless cameras.
The gimbal is a pivoted support that enables the users to rotate an object on a single axis. In videography and photography, the best gimbal for DSLR is typically best to mount the cameras to avoid shaking or wobbling experience to get steadier and more precise shots.
In this scenario, the gimbal is similar to that of a tripod, but it is lightweight and small in size. Usually, these handheld camera stabilizers use, unlike the tripods that require setup on the floor. Gimbals are perfect for improving the shooting experience without creating any disturbance due to movements.
There are different brands available in the market that offers their best gimbal for DSLR with various features and separate price tags. But we select the top nine gimbals for you that come with maximum features to provide you with the best quality product. Let’s take a comprehensive look at them.
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BEST GIMBAL FOR DSLR 2021 LASTEST TABLE AND REVIEW
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1. 2019 DJI Ronin-S Essentials Kit 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer – Best steadicam
The Ronin-S essentials kit by DJI comes with all the accessories that are required for enhancing the shooting experience. It is one of the best gimbals for DSLR. It’s like a bundle that consists of accessories even that are not present in the standard packing of Ronin-S. But this bundle comes without focus wheel and different accessories that are included in the standard Ronin-S preparation.
Moreover, separate modules are available, but you have to buy that separately for accessory docks and handles as per your needs. Ronin-S offers the users to customize the gimbal as per their needs and style of working.
This product comes with a rear mode button and joystick over the front trigger. The controls over this product are easy to use and allow the users to adjust and take the shots correctly.
One of the attractive functions of this gimbal is that the gimbal is locked when holding the front trigger. Additionally, by tapping twice, it can re-center the gimbal and activate the selfie mode by rotating to 180° by tapping three times.
This product allows the users to customize the operation profiles with the help of the mode button. Users can customize the settings for speed and response time for shooting in different scenarios.
It is equipped with sports mode for shooting the fast-moving objects and also featured with quick response time and fast movements. It can support the moving speed up to 45 mph. Therefore, this feature makes the gimbal perfect for different tasks like documentary shooting, event shooting, feature film making, etc.
Quick features
- Perfect 3-Axis stabilization
- Camera controls
- Pro accessory compatibility
- Automated creative features
- Innovative design
- Ecosystem
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- Lightweight
- Effortlessly smooth
- Long battery timing
- Great payload
- High operating speed
- Packing case included
- Focus wheels are absent
2. DJI Ronin-S Handheld 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
The DJI Ronin-S 3-Axis gimbal comes in small size but with excellent working capabilities. It comes in single-handed form factor design with the scalable ecosystem and motorized framework. It allows the users to capture the spontaneous and fast-moving scenes with high precision, clarity, and control.
It has an angled roll motor that is great for superior stabilization and versatility. Moreover, it offers the users to clear view of the built-in camera screen. This product comes with a perfect innovative mounting system that is compatible to use with a variety of mirrorless and DSLR cameras and also provides direct control over cameras.
This device allows the users to connect with remote controllers and third party accessories with the help of Bluetooth to capture the scenes as per their imaginations. This gimbal comes with a bunch of attractive automated creative features like Panorama, Timelapse, Motionlapse, and track.
The Smoothtrack function helps the users for quick response to different shooting styles. The torque motors included in this product are great to respond to various sudden movements that enable the users to capture the scenes without any even small missing.
Users can mount this intuitive and multi-tasking gimbal on RC buggy, jib, or any moving platform with speed up to a maximum of 75 kph. This product is available for sale in two sets, i.e., basic combo kit and essentials kit.
The basic combo kit consists of extended accessories that are used for extended action-packed shoots, while the essentials kit includes all the necessary tools and accessories.
Quick Features
- Automated creative features
- Smooth track technology
- Extended payload
- Comes with all necessary accessories
- Ecosystem
- Innovative framework
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- Long battery timing
- Great stabilization
- Durable
- Easy to pack
- Easy to use
- Purchase new grip if you want a spare battery
3. Zhiyun Weebill S [Official] 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
Zhiyun launches the latest model of gimbal that increases the worth of the product line. Zhiyun Weebill S 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer is designed to support DSLR and mirrorless cameras along with lens combos.
With the help of ultra-low 1080P 30fps latency transmission, live streaming and professional monitoring are easy to carry out within a distance of 100 meters. Additionally, it also featured LUT, focus peak, pseudo coloring, and zebra adjustment.
This product comes with a unique feature of Transmount image transmission; it is used to connect the gimbal with a smartphone with the help of Viatouch 2.0. This helps the users to convert their smartphone into the multi-functional and professional remote controller.
This model from Zhiyun comes with an advanced power torque motor to enhance the responsiveness. The ergonomic sling feature allows the users to easily switch between the low and high angle shots with the help of a Transmount quick setup kit. It makes the shooting experience easy and fast.
The 8th version on the Intune algorithm provides strength to gimbal to automatically identify the object weight and adjust the motor strength as well, for the perfect shooting accuracy.
Moreover, the Transmount image transmission module is capable of adjusting up to three devices at the same time in the stabilizer. For example, you can adjust the tablet, a smartphone, and a professional monitor. It has interchangeable batteries that are enough to operate the gimbal for up to 14 hours.
Quick features
- Two-in-One quick release system
- The advanced image transmission module
- Up to three devices sync motion
- The dual focus control system
- Smartphone connectivity options
- Wireless remote controller
- Durable design
- Compatible with all cameras
- Support lens combos
- Long battery timing
- Packing includes all the necessary items
- Difficult to use advanced features
4. Zhiyun Crane 2 (with Servo Follow Focus) 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
The Zhiyun-Tech Crane-2 is another gimbal from Zhiyun with a 3-Axis handheld design. This model is capable of holding the DSLR and mirrorless cameras with weight up to 7 lbs. It comes with Manfrotto standard quick release plate to mount the camera. It is easy to balance the camera over it, and it runs up to 18 hrs with a single charge.
Moreover, this device comes with a rod mount mechanical focus motor that enables the users to control the gimbal with the help of handwheel or remote control. It contains different necessary accessories like USB cable, support rod, and two universal lens gear rings to attach and connect the focus motor.
This gimbal offers the users to control the digital follow focus with the help of a hand wheel for different cameras with compatible lenses.
Just connect the gimbal to the camera with the help of included USB cable and customize some settings. This simple step allows the users to quickly get control of direct follow focus without the help of an external motor.
This gimbal is featured with 320° tilt, 360° pan, and 360° roll adjustments. This gimbal provides the user with extra creative experience of shooting with a combination of different unique modes.
The gimbal has a full range POV mode to gain the experience of 360° synchronous movement for three axes. It means the camera will lock in a specific location and follow the movement of the user without any limit.
It is easy to customize the settings of this gimbal with the help of onboard control buttons and built-in OLED display. A slow fall feature is present in this device that helps to protect the camera from sudden drop even gimbal is powered off.
Quick Features
- It has External rod mount focus motor
- 320° tilt, 360° pan, and 360° roll adjustment
- Supports payload up to 3.2kg
- Digital follow focus control for different cameras
- A Manfrotto-standard quick release plate
- Slow fall feature
- Lightweight
- Long battery timings
- Quick control dial
- Intuitive OLED display
- Full range POV mode
- Poor ergonomics
5. Zhiyun Crane V2 3 Axis Brushless Handheld Gimbal
The Zhiyun-Tech Crane v2 is another model from the product line of Zhiyun in a handheld stabilizer design. This gimbal stabilizer offers 360° rotation for the entire 3-Axis. It has a unique feature of continuous rotation towards the pan axis with the help of a button. It also offers constant circulation towards the roll and tilt axis.
This model from Zhiyun is designed to use with different mirrorless and DSLR cameras with a weight in the range of 1.8 kg. An attachable lens is present to support the long lenses. This device has 32-bit MCUs that work parallel at 4000 Hz.
Moreover, this product comes with a steeples joystick that helps the users to switch between the different working modes quickly and easily. It allows the users to attach the camera to gimbal with the help of simple thumbscrew. Users can quickly complete the setup in a few seconds.
It has a feature of 1/4″-20 threaded mounting hole at the bottom side that facilitates the users to use with monopods and many other supporting equipment. Users can control this device with the help of a smartphone by installing the app on the smartphone.
Bluetooth technology is also present to connect the smartphone with the gimbal. This device requires two lithium batteries to operate it. The batteries included in the packing are capable of running the device for up to 18 hours.
Quick Features
- Stabilization & Gimbal Features
- Unlimited Rotation
- three 32-bit MCUs
- 5-way Joystick
- Top-Down Mode and Bottom-Up Mode
- Wireless Control
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Easy to setup
- Instant attitude compensation
- Dual handles (sold separately)
- Low payload
6. MOZA Air 2 with iFocus-M Wireless Motor, 3-axis Gimbal Stabilizer
Gudsen launches the Moza Air 2 gimbal stabilizer with a promise to make the shooting experience smooth and easy to shoot the scenes from different angles. This three-axis gimbal stabilizer is designed to support the DSLR and mirrorless cameras of different brands. It is capable of supporting the weight up to 4.2 kg.
This device offers three-axis stabilization on its tilt, pan, and roll axis. It is capable of providing 360° on its pan and roll axis during continuous rotation while it remains in the range of 180° to 95° on the tilt axis.
This product comes with eight follow the rules, i.e., Yaw-follow, Pitch-follow, Roll-follow, Roll-Pitch follow, All-follow, Roll-Yaw follow, All-locked, and Yaw-Pitch follows. Moreover, different shooting modes are included, like sports mode, panorama, FPV, tracking, and inception modes.
This device allows the users to follow focus camera controls for different camera brands like Canon, Sony, and Nikon, along with the programmable scroll.
The Moza Air 2 comes with an OLED screen to adjust and customize the menus and settings as per needs. It is also equipped with the Roto wheel to control roll, focus, and other functions. This gimbal has four Li-ion batteries that are capable of running the gimbal up to 16 hours.
Additionally, the manufacturer added some extra features in this device like a quick release plate to quickly put on or put off the camera without problems with balancing. An auto-tune mode is also present to assess the balance of the camera and adjust the balance automatically.
Quick Features
- High build quality
- Attractive control panel
- Powered with four lithium batteries
- Lens Control System
- 8 Follow Modes
- Auto-tune and One-step Balance
- High payload
- I focus-M Motor
- Long battery timing
- One step balancing
- Expansion possibilities
- Smart Time-Lapse
- The user manual is confusing
7. DJI Ronin-SC 3-Axis Gimbal
DJI has unveiled another gimbal stabilizer with the model name Ronin-SC. This model of the gimbal is smaller than the previous model of Ronin-S and is designed to use for mirrorless cameras only, and it is not a DSLR stabilizer. Photographers and video makers always rely on different equipment for various shooting conditions.
This device from DJI is versatile enough to support different shooting conditions. The solid construction of this camera gimbal allows the users to capture the scenes any time in any situation. It is lightweight and comes with a weight of 1.1 kg only.
The small size and lightweight enable users to go for long shooting times smoothly. Metal alloys and compound material is used in the manufacturing of this device to keep the weight down.
This gimbal has improved balancing features with the help of a quick-release plate along with a positioning block, mechanical axis locks, and small mechanical guides. It is easy to quickly adjust the balance of cameras with the help of these features.
As we mentioned earlier, this gimbal is designed for mirrorless cameras and supports the weight up to 2.0 kg. The lightweight combination enables the users to shoot the scenes as per their imaginations.
Moreover, Ronin-SC also comes with ¼”-20 UNC thread to mount the camera over the standard monopod or tripod to enhance the shooting experience and capture unique shots.
This device offers a phone holder accessory to connect the gimbal with a smartphone. Users can monitor and quickly adjust the settings by using the Ronin app to activate ActiveTrack 3.0.
Quick Features
- Compatible with many mirrorless cameras
- Night footage feature included
- User-friendly functions
- Automated features
- Best budget gimbal
- Dynamic stability
- Unlimited pan Axis
- Unobstructed Roll Axis Arm
- VanCityUAV Cleaning Kit
- 64GB memory card included
- Low payload time
- Not suitable for DSLRs
8. DJI Ronin-M Gimbal Stabilizer V3 New Version
The Ronin-M is a large gimbal stabilizer with dual handles, and it requires a minimum of two persons to operate this device while shooting the scenes. This double-handed gimbal is compatible to use with different types of cameras with a weight in the range of 8 pounds.
This device also has a brushless motor that provides excellent working experience with all three-axis. Also, this device allows the users to use this device in vehicle-mounted scenarios or in any other moving condition where tripod and rigid camera supports systems are failing to provide excellent performance.
A dual operator shooting system supports it. In this system, one person holds the gimbal while the second person operates the transmitter included in the packing to control the tilt and pan independently manually.
The transmitter comes with this device operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. Users can also use third party transmitters with the help of a D-Bus port available in the device.
Like vest and sled style stabilizers, this gimbal requires some balancing adjustment before using. But once customization completes, users can adjust the setting for a particular camera with the assistant software that is compatible to use with iOS and Windows with the help of Bluetooth.
This device is also equipped with ATS (autotune stability) to adjust every axis individually. Because every camera and lens comes with different weight and mass distribution, this feature automatically adjusts the settings to enhance the shooting experience.
Quick Features
- Auto balancing feature
- Underslung, Briefcase and Upright shooting modes
- 2nd operator can operate with a transmitter
- Assistant software included
- Three operation modes
- SmoothTrack control
- Supports up to 8 lb of camera
- Autoconfiguration
- Need assembling
9. Zhiyun Crane 3 LAB 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
The Zhiyun-Tech Crane 3 LAB launches this gimbal with a unique design with a handle on top. The mini tripod at the bottom side, along with the fixed handle on top, enables the users to use this two-handed device for better optimal stability.
Moreover, the handle offers the users to switch underslung mode, whether with two or one hands quickly. Crane 3 helps to capture creative shots like 360° roll shots when users move toward the object. It also contains different advanced features like video transmission, and it is capable of stabilizing the load up to 10 lbs.
This device is equipped with two optional servos simultaneously for zoom and focus control directly from the buttons on the side of the handwheel. All the remaining controls are present on the top of the handle beside the OLED screen.
This device is supported by the Android/iOS app, available for users of the official website of the manufacturer. This app helps control different features like panorama, motion time-lapse, focus time-lapse, long exposure time-lapse, various camera settings, and many more.
This device comes with a unique feature of online transmission that allows the users to connect the camera with gimbal and smartphone or tablet simultaneously with the help of Wi-Fi to watch the real-time video in 1080 pixel resolution. This feature is available for specific cameras only; check the manufacturer site to find your camera model.
Quick features
- USB Cable storage box
- Super Functional Design
- Aviation Grade Motors
- Versatile Structure
- 1080P Full HD Image Transmission
- Dual Zoom & Focus Control System
- Quick Setup
- ZY Ecosystem
- Long-life battery
- Dual Servo Support
- Difficult to understand the proper functions
Buying Guide
Gimbals are one of the essential accessories that are required to get enhanced stabilized videos and images. These are available in the market in different sizes with various attractive features.
If you are looking to buy a new gimbal for DSLR camera, then you are in the right place. In this details buyer’s guide, you will find all the necessary information that you must consider before paying for your new gimbal.
Whether you are going to buy gimbal for the first time or you want a new advanced gimbal for your camera, you must consider the following essential features and functions.
If you see someone to use a gimbal for video making and photography, at first look, you may think that it is a fancy selfie stick. A gimbal is a technological tool operated with the help of many brushless motors that are specifically designed to capture awkward scenes with the help of smartphones, mirrorless camera, and DSLRs. Gimbals are becoming a critical tool for the toolbox of content creators.
The gimbals are available in the market with different specs and features. However, there are different qualities, functions, and customer support features that you consider while selecting a gimbal.
- Reliable
First of all, you have to consider the reliability of gimbal when you go buying. The market is full of gimbals from different local and international brands. There are expensive gimbals with advanced features, while some cheap DSLR gimbals are also available.
If you are not capable of affording an expensive one, it doesn’t mean that cheap gimbals are scrap, and you have to throw them after a single-use.
Typically, entry-level gimbals are made up of mold injected plastic, while some manufacturers used ABS plastic that provides a look of cheap and low-quality material. These are not suitable if you want to use them regularly, especially in rough working conditions.
However, expensive gimbals have high-quality nylon-reinforced plastic along with powerful tools to enhance the shooting experience. Many of them use aircraft-grade aluminum that ensures the durability in working with both action and occasional shootings.
- 2-Axis or 3-Axis
Gimbals are designed to stabilize the videos by activating the set of brushless motors for 2-Axis or 3-Axis movements. 2-Axis gimbals usually stabilize the roll and tilt axis while the 3-Axis gimbals use Pan axis to stabilize the videos.
The purpose of 3-axis gimbal is to enhance the smoothness while shooting the dynamic moving objects, and the use of multiple stabilization modes helps to capture the scenes from different styles.
2-Axis gimbals are cheaper as compared to that of 3-Axis, but these are not much popular like 3-axis gimbals due to lack of various advanced features.
- Payload weight
This feature is critical to consider while buying the gimbal. If you want the real return of your money, then you must ensure that the gimbal you are going to buy is capable of supporting the weight of your camera. Every gimbal comes with different payloads, and we suggest never go out of that recommended weight to avoid any misshape.
If you want to use a dedicated lens, then you must consider the weight of the lens along with the weight of the camera because gimbal has to support both simultaneously. The weight of batteries is another thing to consider while calculating the weight.
If your camera weight exceeds the supported weight, then consider adding weight with the help of quick-release plates or other related accessories.
- Connectivity
Multiple gimbals come with connectivity available with GoPros only or with a smartphone. You may face problems if you try to attach anything that is not compatible with it. The best way to avoid any problem is to go for a gimbal that offers a standard ¼ inches thread that is used to connect any camera with it.
There are many gimbals available in the markets that are supported by the Android/iOS app to connect the gimbal and camera with your smartphone or tablet.
Smartphone connectivity is useful to adjust the advanced settings to enhance the shooting experience with control over different advanced features and functions like ISO, lapse, aperture, shutter speed, exposure, focus, and white balance.
- Battery Life
Here is another essential component in the gimbal that needs some attention. If you want to use your gimbal for long hours shooting, then you must consider going for a gimbal with replaceable and long timing batteries.
Many gimbals come with different impressive battery timings that are capable of operating the gimbals up to 20 hrs. You can compare the batteries from their size and their storage capability that is measured in mAh. But keep in mind that different gimbals require a different level of power to operate.
Therefore, you must go for a gimbal that is an excellent combination of functions and battery.
Frequent asked questions DSLR
- Why is load determination important for buying DSLR?
Load determination is essential because gimbal comes with payload mentioned in the features, and it is risky to use the more the recommended load. It can unbalance the camera, and as a result, the camera fell. Therefore, try to buy the best gimbal for DSLR if you can afford it.
- Do stabilizers include quick release plates in packing?
Best gimbal for DSLR always comes with quick release plates to quickly mount the DSLR camera on the gimbal to capture the best angles.
- Is the weight of gimbal important to consider for video recording?
For better results of long-length videos, the gimbal weight is also essential along with camera and lens weight. Because the heavyweight gimbals make your wrist tired in a short time, and ultimately, it affects the quality of video recording. Therefore, always try to retain lightweight gimbals for long video recordings.
- How many types of DSLR gimbals are present?
There are two types of gimbals, i.e., 2-Axis and 3-Axis.
3-Axis gimbals come with a feature to capture the scenes from different angles by rotating it over the pan axis but have a higher price tag as compared to 2-axis, which is relatively low in features.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, small size gimbals provide compatibility with a variety of cameras, but these are not suitable to support more weight for the combination of DSLR and lens.
If you are going to purchase a gimbal, we recommend you to go for the gimbal that supports more weight along with different advanced and creative features. In the above article, we discuss different nine gimbal stabilizers; if you know very well about your gimbal needs, you can find the best camera stabilizer from the above list.