While most modern cameras come with in-body image stabilization paired with optical image stabilized lenses, they’re no match to the superior stabilization that one can get with 3-axis gimbals.
What happens when you need to take quality videos while moving around; trying to get the perfect shot of your subject? At times, the in-built image stabilization of the camera might not come through for you as much as you would like.
Fortunately, advancements made in photography and supporting film equipment has made it possible for videographers to move around, capturing the best shots, while the camera footage remains ultra-stable. To achieve such, investing in a handheld gimbal stabilizer is the way to go.
A handheld gimbal is a mechanical stabilizer that uses up to three rotation axes to keep the camera steady. Some of the best gimbal stabilizers have three internal motors to compensate for accidental camera motions.
An all-powerful device fully packed with useful features.
They use a unique algorithm to detect whether the movements made by the videographer are intentional, making for smooth moving shots. On the flip side, these machines don’t come cheap. This is why you have to consider every aspect carefully before settling on one that would be most useful to you.
This post narrows down some of the best options in the market, based on first-hand use, reviews from the users & unbiased websites. You can also pick the perfect equipment to enhance your videography, cinematography, and filmmaking passion based on our comprehensive buyers’ guide.
How to Choose the Best Camera Stabilizer
To understand which gimbal stabilizer best suits your craft, you may have to consider a few factors. They include:
1. Budget
The cost of the camera stabilizer isn’t the only determining factor, but it is often the loudest. Fortunately, we have rounded up eight of the best gimbals with different price tags for your consideration.
2. The maximum load capacity
Another crucial factor to consider when choosing a gimbal stabilizer is how much weight it can support. There are different camera stabilizers intended for various users. Some are only made for smartphones, while others for action cameras, small mirrorless cameras, and even bulky DSLRs.
Before settling on one, always look at the technical specifications regarding the stabilizer’s load capacity. The equipment might be bigger or appear to be sturdy, but if the motor is not powerful enough, it may fail to counterbalance the motion of the camera.
3. Number of handles
Gimbal stabilizers have either one or two handles. Picking the best one solely depends on your craft. Single-hand gimbals are ideal for vlogging as they allow you to film in narrower spaces.
On the other hand, double-hand stabilizers are the best options for those working with larger DSLR cameras and heavy lenses. They are also more comfortable to use for longer periods.
4. Stabilizer weight
The weight of the gimbal is largely dependent on the equipment it has been made to work with. If you are working with a DSLR, you should expect the gimbal to weigh a little more than the stabilizer used with smartphones.
If shooting for longer periods, heavy gear might drain your energy. You may choose to invest in a special vest for extra support.
5. Electronic vs. Manual camera stabilizers
Electronic stabilizers are the preferred option by professional videographers. They have battery-powered motors that allow you to capture smooth videos under any conditions. They are lighter and can be set up in seconds.
On the other hand, manual gimbals are bulkier and time-consuming when setting up. They are cheaper than the electronic versions but are becoming less popular. This is because the electronic gimbals have taken over the market with prices going lower every other time.
QUICK OVERVIEW
The Best Camera Gimbal Stabilizers
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EDITOR’S PICK
4 35+ 35+
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MOST REVIEWED
4.4 265+ 265+
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4.2 15+ 15+
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4 35+ 35+
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5 5+ 5+
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The Zhiyun Crane 3 LAB is an all-powerful gimbal stabilizer fully-packed with useful features, such as wireless FHD image transmission, OLED screen, and automated filming modes.
Under $200
Zhiyun Crane-M2 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
Are you tired of holding your smartphone or camera in your hands while taking photos? Are you looking for the best handheld gimbal to help you take the best photos without any difficulties?
The Zhiyun M2 crane smartphone stabilizer gimbal is the perfect solution for you. This product has impressive features that will help you capture distinguishable still photos.
The Zhiyun M2 crane gimbal has a built-in OLED display that enables you to check the connection status as well as the power levels at ease. There should be no worry when your phone runs out of charge while using this incredible gimbal.
It has a micro USB power output, that charge your smartphone or GoPro on the gimbal while charging the gimbal itself. The built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi features give you greater control of your camera, handsfree.
Under $300
FeiyuTech AK2000 Gimbal Stabilizer
FeiyuTech AK2000 is an excellent camera stabilizer in terms of functionality, build quality, and features. It is a three-axis gimbal stabilizer with a relatively lightweight body and comfortable grip, making it easy to make shots.
The product has a super play load capacity of 6.17 pounds that derives from the large torque motors of infinite power. The FeiyuTech AK200 also boasts of an excellent interface and control system features that make it easy to use. It operates on a touch screen for making adjustments on the setting and controls on the gimbal.
The multi-directional joystick is used to control the gimbal’s movement and to navigate the menu. There is also a mode button, power button, video button, and photo button, making your operation seamless.
This is one of the few camera gimbal stabilizers with a reliable battery power that can last up to 12hours, dependent on the payload.
Under $400
FeiyuTech AK2000s Handheld Gimbal Camera Stabilizer
The Feiyu AK2000S is a handheld camera stabilizer designed for camera kit upload weighing a maximum of 4.85lb. It possesses excellent features and can easily handle all popular DSLR and mirrorless camera models.
The gimbal stabilizer boasts of user-friendly operation and delicate appearance, making it achieve a better connection with cameras.
The AK2000s is more advanced and uses the W6 algorithm, making it to have a smooth operation and quick response speed. It is made of aluminum alloy, which is light in weight, making it easy to carry. The gimbal has detachable handles enabling the user to use it in two different ways, appropriate for various situations.
The unique LCD touchscreen allows its operation without the APP. The touchscreen is also lockable to avoid accidental touches. When the wireless recording feature is set, the AK2000s can record sound from a distance.
MOZA AirCross 2 Gimbal Handheld Stabilizer
The MOZA Aircross 2 is a handheld gimbal stabilizer from Gudsen. It is pretty light at only 2.3 pounds, but with a superior motor that supports up to 7 lbs. of payloads.
The product supports many mirrorless and DSRL cameras on the market, including the SONY A9 & A7, Canon EOS R, M50 & M6, Panasonic GH4, GH5 & GH5S, and Nikon DSLR/Mirrorless cameras.
The gimbal features ample camera mounting space making it compatible with a variety of cameras and lens. Its roll arm can be positioned on either side, allowing the camera to be mounted from the right or left side.
The MOZA Aircross 2 has a high capacity battery of 3000mAh, providing it with up to 12 hours of battery life. The battery takes only 1.5 hours to charge with an 18W fast charger fully. The gimble can track an object with the help of a Smartphone. You can also use a Smartphone to control the motion of MOZA Aircross 2.
Under $500
DJI Ronin-SC – Camera Stabilizer
At 2.4 pounds, the Ronin-SC is smaller and less powerful than its sibling the Ronin-S. This is a 3-axis gimbal that takes all the features you love from the DJI Ronin-S and gets crammed into a more portable form. It is easier to use and still stands out from its more expensive peers.
The Ronin-SC can keep up with quick actions thanks to its Sport Mode while shooting epic time-lapses through the Motionlapse mode. The DJI Active Track Technology is a unique feature found in this product. It allows the user to connect the gimbal to their smartphone and enable it to automatically track subjects.
Although it is smaller in size, the Ronin-SC is capable of handling payloads of up to 4.4 pounds. This makes it ideal for the setups of most DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
The gimbal boasts of great build quality with an ergonomic grip that feels comfortable to the hand. The intuitive sets of controls make this product more convenient to use, despite its surprisingly affordable price.
The integrated battery lasts up to 11 hours of use. While the Ronin-SC has numerous features, more advanced users might find it helpful to get the professional kit option. It comes with additional accessories, such as a focusing wheel to help in manual focus.
Under $600
DJI Ronin-S Essentials Kit
The formidable DJI Ronin-S is a single-hand gimbal stabilizer for DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Unlike many other stabilizers of its size, the Ronin-S is detachable, making it easy for storage and backpacking. This feature also enables lots of shooting possibilities satisfying your creativity.
This top camera gimbal is feature-packed, better than most stabilizers in the market. There is a quick-release plate for simple camera mounting. Thanks to its form factor, the user can capture steady shots even when moving fast.
The AutoTune feature allows you to have full torque control for more intuitive operations and setups.
There is a focus wheel that comes with the Ronin-S kit, which allows you to use the cable provided for focus pulls. Multiple accessory mounts make this product a versatile camera gimbal stabilizer. You can incorporate your mics, external monitors, lights, and many more using the provided mounts.
Under $700
FeiyuTech AK4500 Gimbal Stabilizer
Among the best gimbals for mirror-less smartphone camera stabilizer is the Feiyu Tech AK4500 Gimbal. This gimbal is made of ultra-light aluminum alloy, which makes it lightweight, weighing only 3.5lb.
With this feature, you can quickly move around with your gimbal while shooting videos and taking photos without tiring. Also, you only need a single click to switch between landscape and portrait modes. This feature is excellent for shooting short videos like those of Tiktok.
It also has an LCD touchscreen where you can have all your operations on one screen, eliminating the need for an app. When using this device, you don’t have to worry about compatibility since it is compatible with almost all DSLR cameras.
Besides, the high-precision magnetic induction knob performs multiple functions to give you an extraordinary experience. The wireless remote control handle, detachable structure, the extension rod, and the versatile handle ensure more professionalism and outreach.
Also, the fun does not stop there; there are additional peripheral interfaces like audio port, three multi-function USB interface, and auxiliary expansion accessory interface to give you more expansion capabilities. By far, this is one of the best gimbals that achieve value for money.
Zhiyun Crane 3 LAB Handheld Gimbal
If you plan on venturing into videography or something that involves taking photos and videos, you should consider the Zhiyun Crane 3 gimbal. This gimbal has many amazing features that will enable you to capture the best pictures and videos.
It is one of the most compatible gimbals in the market which can be used with almost every DSLRs and video lenses.
The zoom and focus controls of this gimbal allow for a focus adjustment and a synchronous zoom via your mobile touchscreen. Alternatively, you can use the zoom and focus controls via the tactile wheel.
With the crafted latch design, you can lock specific axes at the same time balancing the others. Besides, this gimbal is highly portable. It takes seconds to set up the gimbal.
It has also automated advanced features, including time-lapse, long exposure time-lapse, object tracking, panorama, among others, to enhance your creativity while capturing the best moments of your life.
Conclusion
If you are serious about making great videos, then a camera gimbal stabilizer is a recommended investment. The newer stabilizers are lighter, portable, making them a must-have for any videographer wishing to take their videography to the next level.
Be sure to check out the feature-packed Zhiyun Crane 3 LAB Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer. If you’re looking for budget-friendly alternatives, then the Zhiyun Crane-M2 3-Axis and FeiyuTech AK2000 Gimbal Stabilizer would be an ideal pick for you.
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