10 Best DSLR Gimbal 2023 Options Reviewed and Compared For You

Ever wondered what the best DSLR stabilizer is? Well, look no further for in the next few paragraphs we’re going to walk you through a variety of options.

Hopefully, these will help you make an informed choice even as you get to understand the background information. And besides that, we also focus on:

• How DSLR Gimbals work
• The buying guide
• What to expect from the best Steadicam for DSLR

And so, whether you’re a professional filmmaker or an amateur YouTube artist, it’s our hope that this run-down of ideas will help you make an informed bet.

DSLR Gimbal – Comparison

Before we delve deeper into the detailed reviews, let’s first take a look at a shortened table of the products included below. This table can also serve as a quick guide to anyone looking to make a decision right on-the-spot.

1. Zhiyun-Crane 2 Three-Axis 2017 Handheld Gimbal DSLR Camera 

Zhiyun-Crane 2 is a handheld gimbal designed to prop mirrorless cameras, DSLRs and camcorders which have a weight of up to seven pounds. It is designed with Motor Control Technology which is for steadying the camera.

The device weighs 2.65 pounds (1.2 kgs). Zhiyun-Crane 2 gimbal is therefore light in weight and very portable. More so, because it is handheld during shooting, it will not cause hand fatigue.

It is designed with features that are straightforward and easy to operate, in addition, it is easy to direct the camera between different states.

 An order includes all the tools required to install the gimbal and set up your camera or camcorder. A package includes a gimbal stabilizer, a battery charger, and batteries among other accessories.

More so, it is devised with a Yaw-Axis feature which allows the videographer to control the camera. It has a 360 degrees rotation angle along three axes for your convenience.

More importantly, it has a built-in quarter inch screw rib at the bottom for attaching other photography equipment like tripods. Also, it also has a lens support feature for keeping your extra lenses.

You can install a mobile app in the gimbal which will give you an opportunity to control the device through your mobile phone.

Further, it has a long battery life that has a running time of up to 12 hours. Besides that, the device conveniently charges select models of Sony cameras for your convenience.

Pros

• The package includes a comprehensive kit
• It is lightweight
• It has a long battery running time of up to 12 hours
• The gimbal can be controlled through a phone
• The device has quite a reasonable maximum weight capacity for cameras of up to 7pounds

Cons

• It is pricey

2. The Official Roxant Pro Video Camera Stabilizer Limited Edition

Roxant -The Official supports your DSLR by stabilizing the device which enables you to focus well and shoot professional images while in motion. By using the gimbal, you will be assured of quality videos when shooting when running, driving, skating or walking. It features a no-shake stabilizer for steadiness.

The device is constructed with durable materials and more so, it is very affordable.

Roxant -The Official weighs only 2.2 pounds. Worth noting is that it only supports cameras with a weight up to 2.1 lbs. Therefore, the light weight of this device with the added weight of the videography device is reasonably low and this makes it possible for your hands to support the device for long hours. Additionally, the device is very portable.

Further, it is designed with a comfort grip handle for ergonomics, which minimizes fatigue and allows the videographer to work for extended hours. More so, the handle is non-slip for a secure grip.

The device is easy to set up and use. It is designed to be hand adjusted, more so, it has various adjustment options, which helps in getting a good balance so that the camera remains steady in whatever motions the videographer may go through.

An order includes a phone clamp.

Pros

• It is pocket-friendly
• Superb video quality
• It is light in weight and easy to carry around
• The gimbal is designed with ergonomics, which includes a non-slip comfortable handle

Cons

• It supports cameras with a weight that does not exceed 2.1lbs, and this is quite limiting.
• Cameras  of non-identical weights require different settings
• For beginners, it takes a little bit of time to learn how to operate the device and adjust the gimbal for the right balance

3. Zhiyun Crane 2 Follow Focus 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal

Zhiyun Crane 2 Follow Focus is designed with anti-shaking stabilities which provides your videography with 100% image stabilization for quality footage.

The camera provides balancing to cameras with a weight capacity of between 1.1 pounds to 7pounds.

Although it is a bit pricey, the good thing is that it comes with a 12 months warranty.

The device weighs only 4.9 ounces (140 grams), which is low, and therefore the device can be carried conveniently, in addition, it can be handheld for extended periods of time without causing hand fatigue.

In regards to the battery, it has 18hours of run time, to give you a peace of mind to work without having to worry about running out of power. More so, the gimbal is devised to charge cameras select models of Sony cameras.

An order includes the gimbal with batteries and a serve follow focus unit. For mounting the camera, there is a quick release plate called Manfrotto-Standard in the gimbal. Further, it features a Slow-Fall design which protects the camera when the gimbal is destabilized.

Besides that, it engineered to be easier to balance and it has a dovetail slot for high-precision balance adjustment, that makes camera mounting fast and easy. To balance the camera, you can use the provided camera parameter settings including TV, EV, ISO, and AV.

In addition, it comes with a 20% reduced noise from the previous generation model.

Pros

• It can accommodate many brands of cameras because of the high maximum weight capacity of 7pounds
• It is backed by the manufacturer’s 12 month’s warranty
• It is easier to obtain balance for your camera
• It assures you of quality footage

Cons

• The gimbal is quite expensive in comparison with other units in the market

4. The Official Roxant Rox-1A Pro video camera stabilizer for GoPro

The Official Roxant Rox-1A enables you to shoot smooth and quality videos in various physical motions including skating, running, walking, driving, or while on stairs.

It is a handheld device designed for stabilizing many types of cameras including point and shoot, GoPro, Smartphones, and DSLRs. It can support a maximum weight of 2.1lbs.

It weighs only 1.83 pounds, this weight combined with the maximum weight capacity of the camera of 2.1pounds makes it is reasonable load not to cause hand fatigue during shooting.

The gimbal has a solid construction for durability. Furthermore, the gimbal is uniquely constructed with a shake-free design for professional style stabilization. It is easy to set it up and install your camera on it, besides, for precise balance adjustments it has three separate counterweights. However, worth noting is that the three weights don’t fit all camera units and you may have to find a balance for your specific camera.

For the price, it is reasonably priced and therefore affordable. More so, the company provides lifetime support to all their customers and free video training tutorials.

Besides that, the handle is a no-slip grip design for ergonomics.

Pros

• You will get quality videos that are stable
• The handle is a no- grip design for comfort
• The gimbal is reasonably priced
• It is compact and lightweight and therefore easy to handhold

Cons

• It takes newbies using the device for the first time sometimes to learn how to balance it
• Any camera with a weight exceeding 2.1pounds cannot be used on this gimbal
• The joints are metal and may have friction if they are not well lubricated

5. Flycam HD-3000 24″/60cm Micro Balancing Handheld Steadycam Stabilizer FLCM-HD-3-QT

Flycam HD-3000 24″/60cm is a handheld stabilizer for shooting videos when you are in motion. It is used for balancing DSLRs, camcorders, DVS and HDVs by stabilizing the camera.

The gimbal is uniquely designed with a Micro Balancing Technique for precision balancing. The micro balancing technique makes the unit perfect for newbies at gimbals because it requires no technical expertise in setting it up.

It is moderately priced. A package includes a free table clamp.

The gimbal weighs 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg). More so, it has a maximum weight capacity of up to 8lbs (3.5 kgs). Although the combined weight of the gimbal and camera is high, it is worth noting that you can use heavier weights of cameras on this gimbal than on other gimbals with a lower weight capacity.

Besides that, it is manufactured from aluminum for durability. Most importantly, its handle is fitted with a foam-padded grip for comfort. Further, the foam cushioned handle is attached to a 3-axis gimbal that enables you to move the stabilizer side to side or up and down as is suiting your photography needs.

It is able to rotate 360 degrees.

In addition, it comes with an adjustable top plate on both its X and Y axis which are mounting slots that can support most camera bases. Above all, it has a quick release plate that DSLR Video cameras, DV and HDV can fit. You can also easily adjust the camera’s vertical balance when it is on the gimbal.

Pros

• The precision design of micro balancing techniques makes balancing fast and easy
• It can accommodate heavy cameras weighing up to 8 pounds
• The handle is padded for comfort
• It helps you develop quality films

Cons

• There are much cheaper brands in the market

6. Zhiyun Crane 2 Z1-CRANE2 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal

Expect unparalleled balance from Zhiyun Crane 2 Z1-CRANE2. Zhiyun Crane 2 Z1-CRANE2 offers anti-shaking stabilizing performance to your videography and assures you of quality film and therefore improves the overall quality of the footage.

It is uniquely designed with the follow focus control, a better way to control your focus when shooting. Zhiyun Crane 2 Z1-CRANE2 is designed with a three-level real-time follow-focus system which helps in precision balancing in cameras with autofocus lenses.

Although it is expensive, it is a low-risk purchase because it is backed by the manufacturer’s one year warranty. More so, an order includes many accessories including a tripod, shoulder strap, a canon camera control cable, a Sony camera control cable, a micro to mini USB cable, a battery charger, batteries, and a carrying case.

The gimbal can support cameras weighing between 1.1 to 7lbs. Besides that, the gimbal weighs 8.2 pounds, which means it is sturdy and therefore, it can support quite heavy camera units. However combined with the weight of the camera, it may cause hand fatigue.

Besides that, it is fitted with hand-grip buttons for direct control of the camera. Additionally, it has LED screen displays. What’s more, it comes with the company’s Manfrotto standard quick release design for mounting the camera easily. The device can charge select Sony cameras.

The device is battery operated, the good thing is that the battery has a running time of 18 hours which is quite long for peace of mind.

Pros

• It has a one year warranty
• Using the device will give you quality stable videos
• It is sturdy at 8.2 pounds, and therefore it can support quite heavy cameras with a weight limit of up to 7pounds
• Its battery has a long running time of 18hours

Cons

• It is pricey
• It is heavy

7. Neewer-Aluminium Alloy Handheld Stabilizer DSLR Camera

Neewer-Aluminium is innovatively designed for stabilizing DSLR cameras with a weight of up to 6.6 lbs (3 kgs). The gimbal eliminates the use of tripods while creating smooth and high-quality videos.

It is a competitively priced gimbal and therefore pocket-friendly. It is constructed with aluminum and coated with black powder for durability. An order includes a carrying bag.

The gimbal weighs 4.6lbs(2.1kgs). It is devised to support cameras with a weight that is between 0.5kgs and 2.7kgs. Worth noting is that its weight is a bit on the higher side, in addition to the weight of the camera.

The good thing is that the handle is comfortable to grip.

It is a camera platform with two adjustments, x, and y, in addition, to multiple mounting holes to suit different camera positions. It has an adjustable body. The length of this gimbal can be extended from the 15.2″ length settings to 24″ to accommodate the specific weight of your camera. More so, it has a weight plate.

The gimbal enables high and low angle shooting when you are in motion. It is designed to function using a mechanical adjustment stabilizer which is battery free and not like most common electronic brush motors, this gives you peace of mind of never having to be concerned about running out of battery power.

Pros

• It is durably constructed with aluminum
• It is reasonably priced
• It has a reasonably high weight capacity for cameras of up to 6lbs
• It is a battery-free stabilizer

Cons

• At 4.6lbs, it is a bit heavy and though it is strong, it may cause hand fatigue

8. Neewer-Carbon Fiber Handheld Stabilizer

Neewer-Carbon Fiber 24″/60cm is a handheld stabilizer specifically designed for DSLR and Video Cameras with a maximum supporting weight capacity of 6.6lbs (3kg). The gimbal is designed for different shooting lengths, including high and low as is fitting to your videography needs. Although it is a handheld device, if need be, it can be mounted on a dolly or tripod.

The gimbal is reasonably priced, and the package includes a carrying bag.

The gimbal is manufactured from carbon fiber for a solid and durable unit. More importantly, the handle is covered with a sponge for a comfortable grip.

The device is designed with two points of adjustments, namely x and y, additionally, it has multiple mount holes for setting varied camera positions. Further, it comes with a basic plate that supports four weighing balance positions. Besides, there is a provision which will allow you to increase or decrease the balance positions.

Just as importantly, the base plate can be rotated freely to any direction for your convenience.

Neewer-Carbon Fiber weighs 4.65 pounds, unfortunately, this may be a little bit heavy depending on the shooting hours.

Pros

• It is quite affordable
• It is sturdily built with carbon fiber material for longevity
• It is easy to adjust to suit different videography needs
• It can also be mounted on a tripod or dolly

Cons

• The combined weight of the camera plus the gimbal may be a bit heavy for individuals with ample forearm strength
• The device is not compatible with all DSLR cameras, only up to 2.7 kilograms
• It may be challenging to newbies to balance the gimbal at first

9. Sutefoto-S40 Handheld Stabilizer Steadicam Pro Version for Camera Video 

Sutefoto-S40 Handheld Stabilizer is a budget gimbal that will improve the quality of your video footage by stabilizing your camera.

The gimbal weighs 4.85 pounds (2.1kgs) and supports cameras with a weight of between 1.1 to 3.3 lb ( 0.5 to 1.5 kgs). For that matter, the weight can be quite a load if it has to be handheld for extended hours. Nevertheless, it is fitted with an anti-skid handle for a firm grip.

It is a manual and not electronic gimbal and is battery free. It is constructed from aluminum and coated with black powder, making the unit strong, in addition, it is well built. Besides, the device is backed by the manufacturer’s 12-month warranty.

The unit is quite easy to carry, assemble and set up. It is constructed for easy balancing with the quick balancing with the 360 ° omnidirectional stable shooting, various holes, and the quick release plate. Therefore the device is great for beginners using gimbals for the first time.

In addition, it is designed with adjustable lengths, therefore you adjust it to suit your camera weight. You can adjust the lengths from 11.6″/29.5cm to 15.7″/40cm. Besides that, the base plate is clearly marked.

An order includes six removable weights, the gimbal, and a carrying case

Pros

• It is durably constructed with metal
• It comes with a one-year warranty.
• It is competitively priced
• It is compatible with many cameras
• It is a battery-free device

Cons

• It is slightly heavy
• It is not compatible with cameras above 3.3lbs.

10. Glidecam HD-2000 Handheld Stabilizer for Cameras from 2 to 6 lbs

Glidecam HD-2000 Handheld Stabilizer as the name suggests is a handheld camera stabilizer. It is the ideal device to use when shooting a video while running, going up or down the stairs, walking or you are in a rough terrain. Glidecam HD-2000 will enhance your videography to enable you to produce quality videos.

The gimbal comes at a medium price range.

The device weighs only 2.53 pounds, this is light and therefore easy to hand hold and also travel-friendly. Additionally, the grip is cushioned for your comfort. Besides, it supports cameras with a weight of between 2 to 6pounds (0.9-2.7kgs).

A purchase includes mounting hardware and counter weight plates.

The gimbal is designed with an adjustable dynamic mounting platform with three axis for mounting cameras. The dynamic balance system and inertial-control base platform help in balancing the camera faster and more easily. In addition, the gimbal is designed with a triaxial to prevent your hand’s motions from interfering with video shooting when adjusting the settings.

Besides that, it is associated with the patented triaxial balance technology, whereby the core of the stabilizer is the handle and the cardan shaft.

Pros

• It is lightweight and very portable and also easy to hand hold
• It has a reasonable load-bearing capacity of up to 6 pounds
• It is constructed for durability
• It is designed with features to make camera balancing easy and fast

Cons

• Worth noting is that it takes a bit of time to learn how to operate it
• It is more expensive than other brands in the market

What Is A Gimbal & Do You Need It?

So, basically a gimbal is a pivot point which enables you to rotate your camera without interfering with the quality of the footage. And this way, you can capture some award-winning shots from multiple angles.

You’ll need a gimbal anytime you want to capture videos and HQ still photos. Whichever the case, these tools give you the freedom to rotate your camera smoothly and in different directions. And the best part is that you can do so across 3 axes.

Some benefits of getting a video gimbal include:

• Removes any signs of shaking even when you move your camera in free motion
• Provides you with the option for a wide variety of motions
• Gives you total freedom and helps you save energy

Buying Guide For DSLR Gimbal

With so many different gimbals on the markets, you need to look further around to get the best bang for your bucks. And here now are the kind of factors that should direct your decision-making process.

Weight

Try to find something that’s not too heavy so you can carry it with you for long hours without getting abnormally fatigued. In our view, the best weight is within the range of 10 and 14 pounds.

Balance

Balance is a key factor to consider. Get this wrong and you’d probably end up capturing some not-so-good shots. So, what you want to ensure is that your gimbal comes with a balanced stabilizer.

Batteries

There are some dirt cheap gimbals that don’t use batteries. However, if you’re looking for something good, chances are that it’s going to come with batteries. And in that case, you want to make sure that those batteries are either lithium-ion or standard alkaline batteries.

Versatility

DSLR come in different shapes and sizes depending on what the intended use is. And in that case, you want to make sure that the one you settle for can comfortably accommodate different shooting styles.

The Cost

What’s the cost of a good gimbal? Well, there’s no one, single fixed price. However, you can generally find some good value in the under $500 category if you’re on a limited budget and still looking for something good.

Which One Is The Best?

If you’re looking for something that’s compact and affordable, The Official Roxant Pro Video Camera Stabilizer Limited Edition would be an awesome choice. It’s light in weight and highly functional.

Then if you’re for something that’s highly advanced, the Zhiyun Crane 2 Follow would be a great tool to have with you. It’s battery-operated and, therefore, quite easy to operate even for long hours. If anything it has 18-hour run-time.

Final Thoughts

It is our hope that the best DSLR gimbal reviews above will help you find something that fits within your requirements. So, what has your favorite pivot got? Feel free to share your awesome experiences and ideas with us.