10 Best Handheld Gimbal For DSLR in 2022 – Reviews

This post was most recently updated on April 8th, 2022

Best Handheld Gimbal For DSLR

Handheld gimbals are becoming more and more popular among beginner filmmakers. They provide a smooth, stabilized shot that is much more professional looking than the shaky footage you see in most amateur videos.

Nowadays there are many different handheld gimbals on the market. In this article, I’ll go over some of the best handheld gimbals for DSLR cameras. We’ll look at a few different models and compare them to one another so you can get an idea of what features you should be looking for in your next purchase.

Each of these models has its own pros and cons, but they all share one thing in common: they’re designed to make shooting video easier than ever before!

Do gimbals help with still photography?

Yes, they do. The same stabilization techniques used in video recording also work for still photos, which means that a gimbal can minimize camera shake and prevent blurry images. It’s a particularly important advantage if you’re using a long telephoto lens, as even small movements of the camera can result in blurred pictures.

Gimbals are also useful when you have a long exposure time — anything longer than 1/30th of a second — because they allow you to capture an image without introducing blur from hand movements. If you use them to take multiple exposures and stitch them together into a single photo, like I did here, they can also be used to create panoramic images with no visible distortion.

Best Handheld Gimbal For DSLR

The best handheld gimbal for DSLR cameras offers super smooth and ultra-stable videos when recording. These units have three-axis stabilizers that work to reduce camera shake from side to side and up and down motions. They are very useful in situations where you need to record a video while walking, running, or jogging without worrying about the quality of your video.

1. DJI Ronin-SC – Camera Stabilizer, 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal

The DJI Ronin-SC is a lightweight, 3-axis handheld gimbal stabilizer that works with cameras of all sizes. Comprised of five main components, the Ronin-SC has a solid foundation in its base, which provides a heavy load capacity of up to 5 lbs. The camera platform locks into place via its three mounting plates, and can smoothly tilt up to 90 degrees left or right.

The handlebars are foldable and customized for either left- or right-handed operation. This 3-axis stabilizer is designed to deliver smooth footage even when you’re walking. The entire system takes advantage of brushless motors, which are lighter and help reduce noise compared to typical motors.

Powered by two included rechargeable batteries, this stabilizer has a maximum run time of 4 hours per battery. It features a built-in IMU module that optimizes the performance of gimbal movement based on your shooting speed.

Other intelligent features include an auto-calibration function, control via DJI Assistant 2 app, and compatibility with the DJI Ronin Hub app that allows users to control multiple devices from one screen. This new version also comes with a free Handheld Mode Converter for handheld use when you don’t want to mount it on.

2. Zhiyun Crane 3S 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer for DSLR 

The Zhiyun Crane 3S is a gimbal that’s primarily designed for prosumers and videographers. It’s a follow-up to the Crane 2, which was already one of the best gimbals available, so expectations are high.

The Zhiyun Crane 3S is extremely well built. The magnesium alloy construction is sturdy, but it doesn’t feel too heavy or bulky for handheld use. The gimbal has three different modes – pan, tilt, and roll. The ability to add an extra module on the roll axis allows you to go from 360 degrees of rotation (pan and tilt) to 540 degrees (pan, tilt, and roll), allowing you to capture more dynamic camera movement in your videos.

Tuning the Crane 3S’ settings was relatively straightforward, with useful tutorials on Zhiyun’s website that made it simple to adjust the settings based on how much weight your camera setup is using. The ability to use third-party batteries really helps with battery life as well, since most other gimbals don’t allow you to use third-party batteries. The only downside is that the Crane 3S does not include a battery or charger, meaning you’ll have to purchase these separately if you don’t already have them.

3. Zhiyun Crane-M2 3-in-1 Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer

There are a number of gimbals available for smartphones and other devices, but the Zhiyun Crane 2 is one of the best and has been a popular model for GoPro users with its versatile design. Best suited for GoPro users, the device is currently selling at $179.99. Compared to others on the market, this is not cheap but definitely worth it with its dependability and versatility.

What makes Crane-M2 so special?

Well, first of all, it’s easy to use, which means that you can start shooting in minutes without any training required. It’s also compatible with a wide range of devices from smartphones through mirrorless cameras to DSLRs. This gives you a lot of freedom when shooting and allows you to use your favorite devices, something that can be quite important if you already own a setup that you like working with.

The 3-in-1 design makes it even more appealing as it provides different shooting angles, something that will certainly come in handy when shooting videos or photos as it gives you more freedom when composing shots.

This means that you don’t have to carry your heavy tripod around and can instead focus on getting the best shot possible while still being able to adjust your position freely and smoothly. All this is made possible.

4. ZHIYUN WEEBILL S 3-Axis Gimbal Handheld Stabilizer for DSLR 

The Zhiyun Weebill S is a 3-axis handheld gimbal designed for DSLR cameras. It’s designed to be compact, lightweight, and easy to use.

The Weebill S has been in development for over two years. The original Weebill was a very popular gimbal, but it had some limitations that prevented it from being used with certain camera bodies. This new model can handle cameras like the Canon 5D Mark IV, Sony A7s Mark II, and the Panasonic GH4 — which means that it can handle just about any camera body you’re likely to use in professional work.

The gimbal itself is constructed using high-strength aluminum alloy, and it has a total weight of just 895 grams — which makes it one of the lightest gimbals on the market right now. The Weebill S can support a payload of up to 3.6 pounds, which should be more than enough for most mirrorless cameras and lightweight DSLRs — although there are other gimbals on the market that can support 4K video cameras if you need that level of control.

This is a three-axis gimbal, so you can pan and tilt the camera around all three axes.

5. MOZA Aircross 2 Gimbal 3-Axis Handheld Stabilizer for DSLR Camera

MOZA AirCross 2 is a new gimbal developed by MAOZUAIRCROSS 2 Professional Handheld Stabilizer for DSLR Cameras, with high efficiency and convenient control. It is specially designed to meet the needs of professional photographers, and it has been upgraded from the original MOZA AirCross. It features a variety of functions that meet the needs of photographers in different shooting environments.

4K VIDEO CAPTURE: The gimbal is compatible with 4K video capture, which allows you to take photos and videos at a high resolution. This can make your footage look clear and vibrant, even when the lighting conditions are poor. You can also use this feature to supplement your social media content or create exciting videos for YouTube.

MOZA PRECISION MECHANISM: The MOZA AirCross 2 uses high-end technology that is capable of achieving seamless cinematic shots. The precision mechanism that was developed through extensive testing uses two motors to balance the camera, which helps reduce shaking during movement in any direction. Because this technology is built into the gimbal itself, it can be used with a variety of cameras and accessories without any problems.

One-Hand Operation: This handheld gimbal was created to be used with one hand.

6. Benro 3 Axis Single Handheld Gimbal for DSLR

The Benro 3 Axis Gimbal is a compact and affordable handheld gimbal that works in three different modes. It can be used for locked-down shots, or you can shoot while it moves along with your movements. The gimbal is designed to be lightweight and compact so you can take it with you on the go.

The 3 Axis Gimbal is often compared to other popular gimbals, such as the Zhiyun Smooth Q and Feiyu Tech G5. But how does it stack up? Let’s take a look at how this little gimbal stacks up against its competitors.

Usability: The Benro 3 Axis Gimbal features three different modes: Universal Follow Mode, Locked-Down Mode, and Horizontal Follow Mode. The Universal Follow Mode allows you to use the stick on top of the gimbal to control your camera’s movement. In this mode, if you push forward on the stick, your camera will move forward. Push left or right and the camera will pan in that direction. If you push the stick back towards you, your camera will zoom in towards you. The Locked-Down mode works much like a tripod in that it fixes your camera at one spot and allows for smooth panning movements with no pitching.

7. Zhiyun Crane 3S 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer for DSLR 

Zhiyun Crane 3S 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer for DSLR

Zhiyun has been the leader of the gimbal stabilization industry for the past years with the most complete product line. The brand new Zhiyun Crane 3S is a handheld stabilizer designed for high payload and hard-to-stabilize setups such as cinema cameras, large SLR rigs, and even mirrorless camera setups.

The Zhiyun Crane 3S is constructed with brand new SUPER motors which allow for a 6.5kg payload for a wide range of camera setups including Canon EOS 1DX, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras, and even Canon Cinema EOS, Sony FS & FX series, and Red Digital Cinema Cameras.

The Zhiyun Crane 3S is driven by a new algorithm system that enables phenomenal responsive speed and smoothness. In fast action shoot, CRANE 3S is able to resist high winds and G-forces without compromise.

Moreover, the Zhiyun Crane 3S has an extensible roll axis with greater flexibility to accommodate larger cinema camera combos or smaller DSLR/Mirrorless camera combos. Weighing only 1.5kg and just 18cm long when folded.

8. Zhiyun Crane 2S 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer for DSLR 

Zhiyun Crane 2S is a handheld gimbal stabilizer designed for DSLR cameras, yet it can hold up to 4kg of weight, making it ideal for professional shooting.

Zhiyun Crane 2S has a redesigned FlexMount system that allows you to quickly attach the camera without having to worry about the orientation of the camera. This makes it easier than ever before to get started on any shoot.

With four operating modes available – Pan/Tilt, 3-Axis Follow Mode, Interval, and Master Slave Mode – Crane 2S provides maximum flexibility for any shooting scenario. For example, if you are filming in a large area, you can set your gimbal to 3-Axis Follow Mode and let Zhiyun CRANE 2S follow you around as you move freely. Or if you want to create a time-lapse photography video, all you have to do is set your gimbal in Interval mode and CRANE 2S will automatically rotate between preset angles at specified intervals.

9. Feiyu G6 Max 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal 3-in-1 Stabilizer for DSLR 

The Feiyu G6 Max 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal 3-in-1 Stabilizer for DSLR is designed to provide a smooth, professional video shooting experience. It’s a remarkable improvement over other handheld gimbals on the market and is perfect for anyone who’s looking to take their cinematography skills to the next level.

Description: The Feiyu G6 Max 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal 3-in-1 Stabilizer for DSLR comes with a universal mounting bracket that can be adjusted to fit most DSLR cameras. It also comes with a mounting bracket that’s specifically designed to work with GoPro cameras, so it’s the perfect tool for someone who wants to use one device for both their GoPro footage and their DSLR footage.

The gimbal has a built-in 2.4GHz receiver, so you can control it remotely from up to 330 feet away, which means you don’t have to physically hold onto it while you’re trying to capture your shots. This makes it much more convenient than other handheld gimbals, which usually need to be physically held onto at all times in order for them to function properly.

10. DJI Ronin-S – Camera Stabilizer 3-Axis Gimbal Handheld for DSLR

The DJI Ronin-S is a 3-axis camera stabilizer designed to be used with DSLR cameras and other similar devices. It was designed with the independent filmmaker in mind, with a modular and lightweight design that allows you to easily carry it on your back and use it with any device.

The Ronin-S has three motors that allow it to balance your camera, even when you are moving around. These motors are also built to provide you with fluid cinematic shots while you are walking or running.

The DJI Ronin-S is also compatible with various accessories, such as a zoom remote control, an LCD monitor, and a battery backpack. Each of these accessories can be added on as needed for your specific needs.

The Ronin-S does have a few drawbacks. It does not come equipped with its own battery, so if the device runs out of power, you will need to purchase a separate battery for it. The device also cannot be used in temperatures below 14 degrees Fahrenheit or above 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Overall, the DJI Ronin-S is an excellent choice for anyone who needs help stabilizing their shots while they are filming an independent movie or working on a documentary.