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While a tripod is a great product to invest in if you are interested in video, it is the gimbal that takes all the credit when it comes to perfect camera stabilization and angle variation.
It is no secret that an average gimbal is five times the price of an average tripod – still, there is a good reason for it, and while the tripod is only three-legged stabilization, the gimbal runs on a high-tech motor that allows a number of different modes.
Choosing the right gimbal depends on a number of factors, including the camera you are using and your budget. If you are a DSLR camera owner, consider yourself lucky as there are a variety of affordable gimbal models waiting for you.
Still, making the right decision is not always an easy thing to do, as high prices don’t always mean high quality. We have come up with a list of the best gimbal for DSLR options to help you along. Let’s go ahead and take a look at what we found.
Comparison Chart
Feiyu AK2000 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
DJI Ronin-S Handheld 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
Sutefoto Camera Stabilizer Handheld Gimbal
MOZA Lite II Premium Kit 3-Axis Motorized Handheld Gimbal
Zhiyun Crane 2, 3 axis Handheld Gimbal
Best Gimbal For DSLR Reviews
Feiyu AK2000 3-Axis Gimbal
Feiyu AK2000 is a perfect example of a high-quality product that stands behind its price. While it may be expensive for most of the beginners and regular vloggers, you should see it as a long term investment, as it includes a number of innovative features, runs on strong motors, and is built to withstand a whole day of heavy-duty use.
Review
While GoPros are quite popular, DSLR cameras still lead their relevant market, as there are thousands of filming professionals that enjoy using Nikon, Canon, and Sony models.
This Feiyu AK2000 gimbal is versatile and covers a number of DSLR action cameras including Sony A7, Canon 5D Mark iii, Panasonic, Nikon D850, and others. Not all are fully supported, and while some can be paired for digital zoom control, other models can be effectively used for digital focus control (over Wi-Fi).
It is the smart touch panel that makes this gimbal worth its price, as it allows you to control the product, your action camera, as well as features such as time-lapse, and face and object tracking.
There are a number of innovative tracking features, including the Hunting and Space modes which allow for weightless and shake-free recording.
One of the most important features about this gimbal is the fact that it holds up to 2.8 kg of camera weight, supporting any professional SLR models.
The multi-purpose magic ring can be used both as a knob to control the focus and zoom feature, as well as a rotator to maximize vertical and horizontal filming.
We have already suggested that it is made to last, and the polymer lithium battery (up to 12 hours) just adds to that point. Overall, it is one of the best gimbals in this price range.
PROS
- Smart touch panel
- Hunting; Space Mode
- Strong motors
- Durable battery
- Sturdy
CONS
- Doesn’t hold more than 2.8 kg
- Noisy
- Shaky at extreme conditions
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DJI Ronin-S Handheld 3-Axis Gimbal
If you are a fan of products manufactured by well-known companies, and you want to record with only the best equipment, you are in the right place. The DJI Ronin-S Gimbal is among the best selling products on Amazon, and it is the real deal for anyone who respects proper filming equipment.
Review
While the DJI Ronin-S Gimbal is almost twice the price of the Feiyu, there is a good reason for it. Handheld and including the 3-Axis feature, it provides perfect stabilization and comes in handy for vertical, horizontal, and panoramic filming.
It has a compact and sturdy design, and the Ronin-S is easy to hold with one hand which provides a lot of flexibility and allows better use of the Focus Wheel. Unlike the Feiyu gimbal, you can be sure that this one will provide you with a stable image no matter if you are riding a bicycle, hiking on rough terrain, or driving your car.
SmoothTrack technology is one of the main innovative features that this product includes, as it allows switching between three focus modes with just one click. When it comes to compatibility, this product is pretty diverse as it covers most DSLR cameras including a number of Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and Sony models (check the Amazon offer for more details).
Weighing about 5 pounds, and running on a heavy-duty focus motor, it is still portable and easy to transport when you are on-the-road (including a sturdy travel case). Last but not least, this product is covered by a full USA warranty that is another way to ensure the great quality of this gimbal.
PROS
- Easy to hold
- Compatible with most DSLR, mirrorless cameras
- Three profile settings
- SmoothTrack Technology
- DJI USA warranty
CONS
- Expensive
- Extends too far
- Noisy
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Sutefoto Handheld Gimbal
As we mentioned above, a low price doesn’t always have to mean low quality. On the contrary, there are a number of affordable gimbals that work much better than high-end ones, and this Sutefoto is a great example of such. Versatile, featuring a quick release plate, it is a simple to use gimbal, which is excellent for beginners and people on a tighter budget.
Review
When you see a low-priced gimbal, the first thing that comes to your mind is to ask about the material it is made of. While it doesn’t seem like it, the Sutefoto is well-made with a carbon fiber base, and an easy-to-adjust plate that allows for better camera balance.
Talking about the weight that it can hold, this Sutefoto gimbal covers all the cameras and lenses that are up to 2.8 lbs. in weight. The quick release plate allows front/back and left/right balance adjustments, and with a tiltable mount, you can enjoy 360° shooting.
Installing a 1/4 inch screw plate will allow you to fit most DSLR cameras including a number of Canon, Sony, Panasonic, and Nikon models. Still, it does lack the diversity of the DJI Ronin-S that holds up to 2.8 kg of weight. What people are most concerned about is its durability, and while it comes at a low price, with proper use and care, it should last you at least a few years.
It does feature a rubber foam handle, which will allow for comfortable and easy handling. For the price it is coming at, it is a phenomenal gimbal with a number of handy features.
PROS
- Extremely affordable
- Compatible with Nikon, Canon, Panasonic, Sony DSLR
- 360-degree shooting
- Carbon fiber
- Rubber foam handle
CONS
- Doesn’t hold heavier DSLR
- Small for some
- Loose screws
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MOZA Lite II 3-Axis Gimbal
While a high price doesn’t always ensure high quality, with the MOZA Lite II gimbal, it is the case.
Yes, it is more than 10 times the price of the Sutefoto gimbal, but taking into consideration the weight it can hold, the number of modes it offers, as well as the MOZA Assistant App it includes, there is no reason to doubt its value.
Review
Manufactured by the well-known MOZA brand, the Lite II gimbal can hold twice what it weighs. While it weighs 2.2 kg, it can efficiently endure 5 kg of filming equipment, covering almost all DSLR cameras including the Canon 1DX, ALEXA Mini, Panasonic GH4, Sony a7s, as well as BMPC.
It does include a number of different modes (briefcase, upright, underslung) which will allow you to film from any position and get great vertical and horizontal recordings.
It includes a wireless thumb controller, as well as an intelligent battery (4-8 hours), which ensures that this gimbal can be used as a part of heavy-duty filming equipment.
It is easy to set up, and with the MOZA Assistant App, finding the right mode and controlling the focus and time-lapse features is quite simple.
Apart from its high price, there is not much that should be changed, as MOZA Lite II is a phenomenal product, perfect for filming enthusiasts.
PROS
- Holds up to 5 kg
- Upright; underslung; briefcase mode
- Intelligent battery
- MOZA Assistant app
- Sturdy
CONS
- Expensive
- OLED Display could be more readable
- Noisy
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Zhiyun Crane 2 2017 Gimbal
If you are a Canon DSLR camera enthusiast, you are in the right place. While the Zhiyun Crane 2 does cover a number of other action cameras as well, it is perfect for Canon users as it allows follow focus mode that tracks both people and objects.
Review
Zhiyun Crane 2 is an upgraded version of a well known Zhiyun Crane gimbal that has been among the best sellers since its release a few years ago. Standing at a mid-price range, it is a great stabilizer for beginners and more experienced vloggers. This gimbal also features the slow-fall system which will protect your camera from damage in case of a drop.
It includes the OLED screen which will allow you to control the battery level, focus, and zoom features, as well as connection status and camera interface. While the mechanical controller is yet to be released, the follow focus mode that Zhiyun Crane 2 allows (connecting via a micro USB cable) is an innovative feature that ensures a stable image in any setting.
Apart from the gimbal itself, this offer includes a sturdy travel case, a number of charging cables, as well as a tripod that can be a great addition to your filming equipment.
PROS
- Follow Focus
- OLED screen
- POV mode
- Zhiyun ZY Play app
- Slow-fall system
CONS
- Heavy
- Extends too far
- Max payload not supported
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FINAL VERDICT
While there are a number of different gimbals to choose from, our personal favorite remains to be the Feiyu AK2000.
It may not have all the innovative features that the MOZA or a Ronin gimbals have, but it is still a phenomenal gimbal that is reasonably priced and is adequate for beginners, and more experienced filming enthusiasts alike.
