What is a gimbal?
A gimbal is a pivoted-support tool or device that allows for the rotation of an object on an axis. They serve all kinds of useful industrial and practical purposes. On ships, gimbals keep everything from stoves to cup holders level with the horizon. In photography, gimbals are similarly used to keep cameras and video equipment perfectly balanced in various shooting situations.
- Gimbals have become increasingly affordable and popular in recent years.
- They use integrated gyroscopes and algorithms to compensate for changes in a camera’s position.
- A 3-axis gimbal uses three separate motors to help keep your camera steady.
- A gimbal draws on the camera’s or its own source of battery power to function.
Why you need a gimbal
Even with the latest advances in onboard stabilization technology, camera shake can still be hard to control in certain shooting conditions. Handheld single-axis gimbals can be helpful when heavy lenses are attached to the camera, for example, and for wildlife photography, when you need something with more flexibility and mobility than a tripod or monopod. A gimbal is even more indispensable when shooting video, helping to make tilts, pans and rolls appear as smooth as possible.
- A gimbal stabilizes your camera to help alleviate shake and blur.
- Handheld gimbals give you freedom and mobility.
- Some gimbals can be used as a tripod head.
- Others can be attached to various types of rigs.
How to Balance your Gimbals
We have a lot of customers asking about how to balance their gimbals, so we have compiled a page of YouTube tutorials on how to balance gimbals.
View the Guides
Gimbals for Phones
Most smartphones now come with fairly advanced photo and video features and are capable of capturing high-quality images. (Steven Soderbergh recently shot the entire Netflix series High Flying Bird on an iPhone 8 using a DJI Osmo stabilizer.) Smartphone gimbal mounts can accommodate devices of various sizes, and they literally put control in the palm of your hand.
Zhiyun Smooth-X Smartphone Stabilizer Essential Combo Grey
Folds down to palm-size, with a base that extends like a selfie stick, letting you position your device for horizontal or vertical shooting at the push of a button. The ZY Cami app offers slow motion, time-lapse, panorama shots and more.
Zhiyun Smooth Q3 Combo
Driven by art and advanced intelligent interaction, Smooth-Q3 marks the comeback of a classic, offering an even smarter experience in shooting.
Zhiyun Crane - M3 Stabilizer Combo
Compact body design and optimized axis arm structure deliver a better gripping and user experience.
Gimbals for Cameras
The type of gimbal you need depends on your camera’s size and format. To find the right one, factor in the total gross weight of your camera and lens combination, plus the overall dimensions of your camera. The most popular gimbals come in a handheld form. The more sophisticated ones can be used as attachments to various types of rigs, including cranes, cable cams and aerial drones.
Small & Compact Camera Gimbals
Zhiyun Crane - M3 Stabilizer Pro Combo
Compact body design and optimized axis arm structure deliver a better gripping and user experience. With the brand new dual-colour-temperature lighting and professional audio solution, CRANE-M3 presents an outstanding filming experience in an all-in-one design.
Zhiyun Weebill 2 Combo 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal with Sling Handle and Storage Bag
The Weebill-2 handheld gimbal strives to create a more seamless experience for film makers with its classical structure, powerful infineon chip, upgraded algorithm and new image transmission experience.
DJI Ronin-SC
With a lightweight design and superior stabilization, Ronin-SC is a 3-axis stabilizer for mirrorless cameras, allowing users to create professional footage with ease.
Mirrorless & DSLR & Small Cine Camera Gimbals
DJI Ronin-S
Designed in a single-handed form factor for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, the Ronin-S empowers creators to shoot with the freedom of stabilized shots on the move.
DJI RSC2 Camera Stabilizer
Introducing DJI RSC 2, a foldable and highly versatile stabilizer for mirrorless and DSLR cameras and the successor to Ronin SC.
DJI RS2 Gimbal Stabilizer Pro Combo (Ronin Series)
Meet DJI RS 2, an unparalleled solution for dynamic cinematography. Industry-leading camera stabilization is more accessible than ever thanks to a 4.5kg tested payload.
Zhiyun Crane 2S Combo Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
Featuring high load capacity and modular design, the CRANE 2S is keen on delivering excellent and reliable performance, even in the most challenging environments.
Pushing the Limits: Crane 2S & 3S | Advanced Rigging & Supports
Want to see what the limits of your gimbal can do? We show you how to run camera packages on the fringes of your weight capacity and troubleshooting strategies when things get a little shaky.
Gimbals for Cinema
A steady, floating camera shot adds incredible production value to your motion pictures. Keep in mind: a 2-axis gimbal only stabilizes the tilt and roll axis, while 3-axis gimbals offer additional stabilization on the pan axis. A 3-axis gimbal gives you more freedom to manoeuvre and silky-smooth dynamic moving shots.
Zhiyun Crane 3S PRO
The legendary gimbal built on a heritage of innovation with magnificent motors and a brand new modular design, which aims for wider application and intuitive control.
DJI Ronin 2 Professional Combo
With up to eight times more powerful motors than previous iterations, Ronin 2 can withstand sustained speeds of over 75mph with camera builds as heavy as 30lbs
Freefly MoVI Pro Handheld Bundle - With Bonus Bush Pilot
This bundle includes the MoVI Pro, MoVI Ring Pro, and MIMIC controller and is designed to get professional filmmakers up and shooting with the MoVI Pro.
DJI Ronin 2 Professional Combo With Ready Rig+ Pro Arm Combo
Upgraded high torque motors allow it to support a wider range of cameras, resist high winds and G-forces caused when mounted to a car and keep it moving smoothly in flight.
Accessories for Gimbals
Small Rig makes a variety of handles, mounting options and counter weights for gimbals. You’ll rely on your gimbal to get the smooth, seamless cinematic shots you desire and deserve, but it doesn’t stop there.
Gimbal accessories let you adapt and enhance your rig in various specialized ways to suit your own uniquely specific needs, and Vistek carries all the very best gear and hardware currently available. Take a look.
Gimbal Controllers
Give yourself an extra measure of precision, dexterity and convenience with one of these state-of-the-art controllers.
Tilta Top Camera Support Bracket for RS 2
This bracket attaches from the base of the height adjustment arm of the DJI RS 2 to the top of your camera via a cold shoe mounting point to provide triangulation and added stability for your camera setup.
DJI Ronin 2 Remote Controller
The DJI Ronin Focus Motor is used with the front dial on DJI RS 2/DJI RSC 2 to control focus, iris, and zoom.
DJI Ronin-S Multi-Camera Control Cable - Type B
The Multi-Camera Control Cable (Type-B) connects a camera with a Type-B port to the Camera Control Port (RSS Port) of the Ronin-S, giving it's Camera Control Button access to functions like photo taking, parameter configuration, and more.
DJI Ronin-S Focus Wheel
The Ronin-S Focus Wheel mounts onto the 8-pin port of the Ronin-S handle to help control camera focus.
DJI Ronin 2 Thumb Controller
Simple to setup and use, the DJI Ronin Wireless Thumb Controller(Including an additional external receiver) makes controlling your Ronin easier and more intuitive, even with only a single operator.
DJI Ronin 2 Remote Controller
Dedicated speed control knobs can be used to conveniently adjust the remote control speeds of the individual axes of the Ronin 2.
DJI Ronin Master Wheels 3-Axis
The Master Wheels controller is an advanced professional wheel controller system that employs high-precision sensors, advanced control algorithms, and state-of-the-art product design to deliver precise and butter-smooth remote camera movement control.
DJI 3D Focus System for RS2/RSC2
The DJI Ronin 3D Focus System automatically detects the distance between the lens and subject and enables a center AF point for manual focus lenses for a continuously focused shot.
Teris Controller for RoninS
This Ronin S system extension kit comes supplied with extension cables so you can detach your Ronin S Gimbal from its battery handle and you can then attach the Gimbal & its camera at the tip of the Jib using the kit adapter to supply control signal and power.
Zhiyun Weebill S/Crane 3S Remote Control
The TransMount Image Transmission Remote Controller, when paired with transmitter/receiver, can turn your professional monitor into a multi-functional monitoring/controlling device.
Zhiyun ZW-B03 Motion Sensor Remote Control with Follow Focus For Crane 2
Equipped with high-precision follow focus rotary knob,the remote control can sense slight angle variances and present the experience like rotating the camera lensitself.
Tilta Gimbal Accessories
Tilta Nucleus-Nano Wireless Lens Control System Kit
The Nucleus-Nano is a revolutionary wireless lens control system specifically designed for handheld gimbal systems.
Tilta Nucleus-M Wireless Lens Control System Partial Kit I
The Nucleus-M is a revolutionary and highly customizable 3-channel wireless lens control system. It allows you to have full control of focus, iris, and zoom on either the FIZ hand unit or between the two wireless hand grips.
Tilta 60g Counterweight
This 60g counterweight can be used in conjunction with the Side Arm Counterweight Clamp and/or the Quick Release Baseplate Counterweight Adapter to provide additional weight if needed when balancing your camera setup on the gimbal.
Tilta 100g Counterweight
This 100g counterweight can be used in conjunction with the Side Arm Counterweight Clamp and/or the Quick Release Baseplate Counterweight Adapter to provide additional weight if needed when balancing your camera setup on the gimbal.
Tilta Advanced Ring Grip for RS 2
The Advanced Ring Grip for RS 2 allows you more flexibility when powering your gimbal, mounting accessories, controlling wireless follow focus motors and operating the gimbal body.
Tilta Armor-Man 2.0 Exoskeleton - V Mount
The Armor Man 2.0 was designed to offer comfort and support while operating your gimbal by transferring the weight of the gimbal to your body’s core instead of your arms.
Tilta Hydra Alien Car Mounting System - V-Mount
The Hydra Alien Car Mounting System was designed from the ground up to work in conjunction with smaller gimbals to allow for a lightweight solution to car-mounted cinematography.
Tilta Float Handheld Gimbal Support System - V Mount
Improving upon the previous generation on every level, DJI has made their new gimbals more lightweight, intelligent, and with more expandability.
Video Transmitters for Gimbals
Extend your reach exponentially and seamlessly with the latest professional video transmission gear from all the top brands.
DJI RavenEye Image Transmission System for RS2/RSC2
Allows live camera view and enables ActiveTrack 3.0 on DJI RS 2/DJI RSC 2, transmitting the camera live view directly on the Ronin app.
Zhiyun Transmount HDMI Video Transmitter Module
With 1080P 30fps highly synchronised transmission (100-meter distance*) featuring LUT, Pseudocolor, Focus peaking, Zebra Stripes, etc; professional monitoring and livestreaming can be easily achieved on a gimbal.
Z CAM IPMAN Wireless Video TX RX Switchable Streaming Device
Dual HDMI Wireless Video Transmission System
Hollyland Mars 300 PRO HDMI Wireless Video Transmitter/ Receiver Set (Enhanced)
Dual HDMI Wireless Video Transmission System
Hollyland HL-Mars 400S PRO 400S SDI/HDMI Wireless Video Transmission System
Brand-New Design, 0.08S Low Latency, Multiple Fan Modes, and Direct Video for Livestream
Teradek Transmitters
Advanced high-performance, long-range, low-latency wireless video solutions for broadcast professionals.
Monitors for Gimbals
Spare no detail and bring your vision to life vividly right before your eyes with a state-of-the-art monitor as part of your rig.
Lilliput Monitors
Innovative camera-top monitors for multimedia, broadcast, film and video pros.
Atomos Monitors & Recorders
Cutting-edge recording, playback, monitoring and editing tech converge in a single device.
Small HD Monitors
Built for speed, accuracy and durability, a favourite among discerning filmmakers.
Blackmagic Design Monitors
One of the world’s leading innovators and manufacturers of creative video technology.
Follow Focus for Gimbals
Stay in sharp focus at all times from a distance using a built-in or standalone wireless remote follow focus system.
Zhiyun Follow Focus
Zhiyun continues to push the boundaries with its groundbreaking follow focus tech and design.
DJI Follow Focus
Unparalleled precision and accuracy at your fingertips, with high torque and fast reaction speed.
Tilta Follow Focus
Industry-leading follow focus equipment to make your next shoot as streamlined as possible.
Cinegears Follow Focus
Ideal for just about any lens setup, delivering a reliable signal from up to 200 metres wirelessly.
Rigs for Gimbals
The type of gimbal you need depends on your camera’s size and format. To find the right one, factor in the total gross weight of your camera and lens combination, plus the overall dimensions of your camera. The most popular gimbals come in a handheld form. The more sophisticated ones can be used as attachments to various types of rigs, including cranes, cable cams and aerial drones.
Ready Rig Gimbal Stabilizer Vest System
Ready Rig Gimbal support (GS) is a body mounted camera stabilizer that gives operators unprecedented freedom of movement, stability and comfort while shooting with Gimbal mounted Cameras.
Steadicam Steadimate-S w/ A-15 Arm & Vest Kit
The Steadicam Steadimate-S offers camera operators increased freedom, endurance, and creative opportunity when working with single-handed motorized stabilizers like the DJI Ronin-S.
Teris JQ40 Carbon Fiber Mini Jib
Its transport length is only 131cm, and weighs 2.5 kg. It is very easy to use, and only needs to install the jib arm on the tripod to complete a 4m long arm with a stabilizer
Rigging for Gimbals
SmallRig Universal Wooden Side Handle For Gimbals R/Z
SmallRig Universal Wooden Side Handle for Ronin S / Zhiyun Crane Series Handheld Gimbal 2222 is designed to provide multiple mounting points and better handheld shooting for gimbals.
SmallRig Counterweight (200g) for DJI Ronin S and Zhiyun Gimbal Stabilizer
SmallRig Counterweight (200g) for DJI Ronin S and Zhiyun Gimbal Stabilizer 2285 is designed to balance your camera on Gimbal Stabilizers by adjusting it’s quantity and position.
SmallRig Counterweight Mounting Plate for DJI Ronin S Gimbal
SmallRig Counterweight Mounting Plate for DJI Ronin S Gimbal 2308 is designed to replace the original Manfrotto dovetail plate that comes with RoninS
SmallRig Mounting Clamp for DJI Ronin S Gimbal
The mounting clamp features nato rail on each side allows to quick release accessories and comes with multiple 1/4“-20 and two arri 3/8”holes.
SmallRig Handgrip for Zhiyun Tech Weebill S Gimbal
This ergonomic handle allows you to shoot from a variety of angles, including high- or low-angle shots.
SmallRig Mounting Plate for Zhiyun Weebill LAB Gimbal
The plate comes with two locating pins which correspond with the locating holes on Weebill LAB to lock it tight and fits perfectly.
SmallRig Counterweight (100g) for DJI Ronin S and Zhiyun Gimbal Stabilizer
SmallRig Counterweight (100g) for DJI Ronin S and Zhiyun Gimbal Stabilizer 2284 is designed to balance your camera on Gimbal Stabilizers by adjusting it’s quantity and position.
SmallRig Handgrip For Zhiyun Gimbals And DSLR Camera
SmallRig Handgrip for Zhiyun WEEBILL LAB and DSLR Camera 2276 is designed to hold your gimbal to enter a handy underslung position and provide multiple mounting points for accessories.