Want to take smooth, professional-looking cinematic shots with your DSLR camera?
Maybe it’s time to get yourself a gimbal and step up your videography!
It can massively improve and stabilize your handheld footage.
More than that, though, gimbals are also great for photographing stills from awkward angles. You can easily change your shots simply by pushing the camera and letting it swing.
So, what are the best gimbals for DSLR?
If you’re not sure where to start looking, you’ve come to the right place…
From compact gimbals for traveling to two-handed models, affordable to pro-grade, we’ve rounded up the best options for you.
This post also includes a complete guide for choosing the most suitable gimbal for your specific camera.
Want a quick answer? Go for the DJI RS 2.
The best gimbal for DSLR cameras should be stable, properly weighted and sized, have a long battery life, and versatile!
More than anything else, it’s important to find a gimbal with good balance as this is what determines how good your footage will be. It will also be much easier to use and more intuitive, which is always a plus point.
Another essential factor to consider is the weight, where a lighter gimbal may be more portable but has a lower payload. This means it’s able to bear only smaller and more lightweight cameras.
So, if your DSLR is large to begin with and you’re using a longer lens, a gimbal that’s too light probably can’t bear its weight.
Likewise, you may want to look for gimbals that are larger or more compact, depending on how you’ll be using it. A smaller gimbal can be more convenient for traveling and slipping into your camera backpack, whereas a bigger gimbal may be more stable and ideal for professional purposes.
Next, a stabilized gimbal usually need battery to run, so don’t forget to think about the battery capacity. Having to constantly charge your gimbal for only a few hours’ of use can prove tedious after some time.
Of course, budget is also an essential determinant for which gimbal you should get!
You can go for less premium models if you’re looking for a simple gimbal to produce blur-free videos. However, you may want to splurge more if your profession depends on the films and videos you create!
Lastly, it’s always nice to have a versatile gimbal that you can use with different devices. This includes your DSLR as well as other types of cameras.
For instance, if you’re a travel vlogger, having to pack only one gimbal instead of two to use with both your main camera and smartphone is definitely useful.
Weight: 960g
Dimensions: 410×260×195 mm
Battery life: 12h
Payload: 10lb
Price range: $$
The overall best gimbal you can get for your DSLR camera is the DJI RS 2, which is designed to deliver industry-leading stabilization.
Maybe one of the best things about it is the amazing weight-to-payload ratio. You can use this with up to a 10lb camera despite the gimbal weighing less than 1kg!
Made from monocoque carbon fiber, it’s extremely strong and durable, while the1.4” LCD screen makes it super easy to control the parameters of your shot.
There’s even the Access ActiveTrack 3.0 that will help maximize your creativity and create beautiful videos.
The gimbal’s dual-layer camera mounting plate gives you Manfrotto and Arca-Swiss standards, while its balancing knob ensures an ideal balance.
Not to mention that there are tons of professional mounting options. The DJI RS 2 can be mounted on a car, jib, or slider—whatever you need!
You can also use the vertical camera mount to capture stunning, professional-level footage for short video platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels.
In addition to the well-designed construction, the RS 2 also features SuperSmooth mode that eliminates virtually any micromovement while increasing torque, that will make even footage from 100mm zoom lenses super stable.
It also comes with a long battery life of up to 12 hours, while the fast charging mode can provide 2 hours with only 15 minutes of charging. This is super convenient for when you need to take a quick shot!
Moreover, the all-new portable case includes a splash-proof body with special partitions for other accessories.
What’s even better is that this gimbal is compatible with RSA ports and NATO, which means you can use almost any third-party accessories with it.
Bottom line: This is the perfect addition to almost any blogging camera and great value for money.
Special Features:
Weight: 1050g (with batteries)
Dimensions: 18.11 x 10.24 x 7.09 in
Battery life: 12h
Payload: 7.05lb / 3200g
Price range: $
The MOZA Aircross 2 offers premium quality at a surprisingly affordable price tag.
Made of magnesium-alloy, it’s both robust and lightweight while being able to support a recommended maximum payload of 7.05lb.
If you want to capture cinematic shots with just one hand, whether with a mirrorless camera or DSLR, this gimbal won’t disappoint.
It also comes with a 3000mAh battery for up to 12 hours of runtime, and you can fully charge it in only 1.5 hours! Plus, the Multi-CAN outputs can supply power to your camera and accessories.
The Inception Mode 3.0 gives you auto rotation, speed adjustment, and excellent angle control, which means recording stable footage has never been easier.
You can also try the unique motion mimicking technology, which utilizes an internal somatosensory switch that mimics your phone’s motion for a precise and custom shot.
Finally, the smart wheel ensures a user-friendly OLED screen, which you can use to control the follow focus, individual axes, and display gimbal status.
Special Features:
Weight: 1100g
Dimensions: 7.1 x 20.9 x 35 cm
Battery life: 7h
Payload: 2200g
Price range: $
When it comes to the most versatile gimbal, we can’t recommend the Manfrotto MVG220 enough.
This professional 3-axis stabilized handheld gimbal has been designed to use with a huge variety of mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Whatever your camera is, chances are it’s compatible with this!
Its 2.2kg payload is pretty impressive for just 1.1kg of weight, and is still lightweight enough for everyday vloggers and videographers.
The different modes give you great flexibility, which includes inception mode, selfie mode, time-lapse, and portrait mode (for vertical phone footage!).
The Manfrotto Gimbal App allows you to control the gimbal and various functions remotely via your smartphone.
Meanwhile, the built-in LCD touch screen is for easy switching between modes and adjusting parameters. From the photo/video mode, focus, zoom, sensitivity, exposure, and even white balance!
The quick installation system makes it super easy to change your equipment, and there’s no need to level your camera each time you attach it to the gimbal.
But the best thing has to be the versatile detachable arm that comes with this Manfrotto gimbal.
This arm lets you use it with a single handle or underslung positions, which means you can shoot extreme footage from unique angles!
Special Features:
Weight: 665g
Dimensions: 271x119x38 mm
Battery life: 12h
Payload: 2.65lb
Price range: $
The FeiyuTech G6 Max really gives you the best value for money as it’s very tough, stable, lightweight, and packed with great features.
Its strong, high-torque brush-less motor is compatible with different cameras including DSLR and mirrorless, action cameras, smartphones, and pocket cameras.
The main downside is that this may not be the best for larger DSLRs, as its payload is only at 2.65lb. But if you have a smaller camera, then this is certainly a superb choice!
With that said, each of the three axis has a physical motor lock to reduce shaking and improve stability. There is also a Quick Release System for the fastest assembly and disassembly of your camera and gimbal.
It also features a multi-function Magic Focus Ring with improved sensitivity, which you can use to precisely control the zoom, focus, rotation, and parameters like ISO, white balance, and exposure.
We also love the interactive OLED screen that’s large and intuitive. You can use this to switch between modes such as inception, vertical photography, and motion time-lapse.
Special Features:
Weight: 5.75lb (with battery)
Dimensions: 20x12x6 in
Battery life: 5h
Payload: 12lb
Price range: $$$
If you’re serious about improving your travel photography and videography and want a pro-level gimbal that gives you the ultimate features and performance, go for the Letus Helix Jr.
It was even named the best gimbal AND pro-video equipment at the NAB Show, outperforming around 1,700 other products.
This two-handed gimbal has been designed with cinematographers in mind, producing a superb and unique construction with various thoughtful details.
It’s optically centered to reduce sensor movement for more natural-looking footage, and the eye-level filming makes shooting a much less tiring process.
We absolutely adore the flat-bottom design, which means you can easily set the gimbal down on any flat surface in between shots!
The right handle functions like a joystick for an intuitive tilt control, while you can get a seamless mode transition with a simple let go of the left handle.
Finally, the absolute encoders ensure that the motors will stay in place even during a bump. This also optimizes stabilization, no matter how much you move around or shake the camera.
Special Features:
Weight: 1900g
Dimensions: 52.4 x 31.5 x 12.6 cm
Battery life: 20h
Payload: 9.3lb
Price range: $$
Another MOZA gimbal that we love for DSLR cameras is the MOZA Air 2S.
This is slightly more expensive than the Aircross 2, but comes in a professional kit that includes the iFocusM motor.
It’s known for embracing a non-stop operation concept featuring an incredible battery of 20 hours. Long shooting sessions? No problem!
The best thing is that you can fully charge the gimbal in just two hours!
The smart micro handwheel gives you adjustable sensitivity in great precision and smoothness, so that controlling functions like zoom, pan, tilt, and focus is as easy as moving your fingertips.
In terms of compatibility, the Air 2s is not to dismiss either. Its universal extension bracket lets you connect an array of accessories, from mics and lighting to sliders and monitors.
This means that it’s possible to fully customize your footage depending on the shooting conditions.
It also features one-step balancing with a quick-release system, which means switching from tripod to gimbal in mere seconds.
There’s also no need to level your camera and gimbal every time you attach them!
Special Features:
Weight: 2300g
Dimensions: 500x210x420 mm
Battery life: 3h
Payload: 8lb
Price range: $$$
For a two-handed gimbal that can stabilize footage on your DSLR camera, the DJI Ronin-M is worth a try.
It may be on the pricier end, but does offer high-end quality and performance suitable for professional-level use.
With brushless motors working on three axes, the system offers up to ±0.02° precision control for the most precise camera movements and stability correction, even when shooting handheld.
You can also mount this gimbal on a vehicle for chase scenes or panning landscape shots.
The SmoothTrack Control ensures that any wide-angle shots can make every tilt and pan movement super smooth and table, while the auto configuration will adjust your gimbal parameters intelligently based on the current setup.
It also supports three operation modes: upright, underslung or suspended, and briefcase.
The Ronin-M’s highlight is its dual-operator shooting, which allows you to hold the gimbal and shoot the scene while someone controls the camera movements remotely.
This is great for making movies or pro-grade footage!
Special Features:
Weight: 700g
Dimensions: 11.02 x 2.95 x 6.18 in
Battery life: 8h
Payload: 4.9lb
Price range: $
Portable, professional, and super versatile. These are how we’d describe the Zhiyun Crane M3 in a nutshell.
It’s the best mid-range gimbal you can get for your DSLR camera, as it comes in a compact body with an improved axis arm structure for comfortable gripping and overall experience.
It also features a quick release plate (compatible with most mainstream cameras) that makes assembly and disassembly easier, while still ensuring the balance.
The 1.22” full-color OLED screen has an interactive user interface, which you can use to monitor various status of your devices and adjust parameters like mode and follow speed.
Meanwhile, the built-in LED fill light reduces any noise and unbalanced lighting. We also love the control wheel that supports step-less-dimming for the right color temperature in your footage.
In addition to this wheel, the joystick gives you full creative control of your shots!
Special Features:
Weight: 1100g
Dimensions: 220×200×75 mm
Battery life: 11h
Payload: 2kg
Price range: $$
The Ronin-SC is one of our favorite gimbals for the DSLR because of the sheer amount of features and technology it contains.
Most impressive is the ActiveTrack technology, in which mounting your smartphone above the camera can work together with the Ronin app and gimbal to produce the smoothest, most precise gimbal movements.
We also love the Force Mobile app, so you can control your gimbal’s movement by tilting and rotating your smartphone!
The construction itself is pretty tough and rugged as it uses magnesium and aluminium, as well as composite materials and a modular setup.
Some automated features that may be useful include panorama, time lapse, motion lapse, and motion control, so that you can achieve stunning shots with less the effort.
Special Features:
Weight: 895g
Dimensions: 11.81 x 7.48 x 5.51 in
Battery life: 14h
Payload: 6.61lb
Price range: $ $850
Next up is the Zhiyun Weebill S, our top pick for the best and lightweight gimbal for DSLRs.
It is by no means as light as the previously mentioned FeiyuTech G6, but this gimbal is actually compatible with most DSLR and mirrorless cameras, making it much more versatile and flexible.
Despite weighing only 895g, it can support up to 6.61lb payload and offers strong motors as well as upgraded algorithm.
For instance, the 8th Instune system is super responsive and can eliminate jitters from any fast movements.
Our favorite thing about this gimbal is the ViaTouch 2.0, which turns your phone into a pro monitor and remote control. It lets you adjust various settings like the follow speed, ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and others.
Meanwhile, SmartFollow 2.0 ensures precise subject tracking without having to mount your phone onto the gimbal.
There’s also the TransMount Image Transmission Module accessory, which opens up so many mounting possibilities for a truly seamless experience!
Special Features:
Weight: 0.95lb
Dimensions: 11.02 x 9.45 x 3.94 in
Battery life: -
Payload: -
Price range: $
Looking for the best DSLR stabilizer under $100? The Fantaseal 4in1 Stabilizer Holder might be the answer you’re looking for.
It comes with multiple mount options so that you can use it interchangeably with your DSLR camera, mirrorless, action camera, or even smartphone. Making it a great gimbal for GoPros as well.
This also happens to be a fantastic option for shooting from low angles, including low camera positions and micro shoots.
The fact that it doesn’t come with a stabilizer also means that you’ll never run out of battery and don’t have to deal with charring it!
Some accessories you’ll get along with the gimbal is a powerful cell phone clamp, GoPro buckle plate, and tripod adaptor for video lights, flashes, and vlogging microphones.
Additionally, the EVA handle has a C-shaped design for comfortable grip. It’s also shockproof, which makes it great for skateboarding, motor racing, and other fun, action-packed sports!
Special Features:
Weight: 8.82lb
Dimensions: 9.5x4 to 14.5x4 in
Battery life: -
Payload: 8lb
Price range: $
The FLYCAM HD-3000 is another 3-axis mechanical gimbal that we love, and is still very budget-friendly for those who don’t want to splurge on this accessory.
It does its job really well and lets you get creative with handheld shooting, including stabilizing your footage while running across rough terrains.
The precise design includes a micro-balance mechanism to ensure smooth gliding movements, while fine-tuning knobs optimize your camera adjustments.
Plus, the foam cushioned handle gives you a comfortable surface to grip, which makes it easy to shoot long hours.
It’s overall very lightweight but durable, thanks to the high-quality CNC aluminium construction.
Special Features:
Weight: 1.83lb
Dimensions: 13.39 x 2.24 x 8.07 in
Battery life: 12h
Payload: 2.1lb
Price range: $
When talking about the best budget gimbal for DSLR cameras, however, we’d have to go with the Roxant Pro Video Camera Stabilizer.
It adopts a super simple design to minimize camera motion and shake without being too bulky.
The custom lower arm material ensures no slip when you grip it while eliminating all sway and movements. Meanwhile, the three graduated counterweights give you more optimal balance overall.
We’d recommend this gimbal for beginner filmmakers who want to step up their game.
Running up and down staircases, shooting in tight spaces, in cars, or skateboarding, you’ll still get really stable shots.
Not to mention that it’s portable so you can easily pack it up on any of your backpacking trip.
Oh, this Roxant Stabilizer also comes with a phone clamp, which means you can switch up your camera with your smartphone for varied footage.
Special Features:
Weight: 950g
Dimensions: 6.8x7.4x14.7 in
Battery life: 12-18h
Payload: 5.5lb
Price range: $$
If you want to explore different creative facets of videography with a gimbal and your DSLR, the Zhiyun Crane Plus might be for you.
This handheld gimbal stabilizer has three axes that can all rotate 360 degrees and up to 45-degree synchronized roll when using POV mode.
Other modes include MotionMemory, Intelligent Object Tracking, and NightLapse modes, all of which are designed for smooth zooms and stills.
This gimbal can support any camera up to 5.5 lb and also has a detachable lens support if you’re shooting with a long lens.
Meanwhile, the ZY Play app lets you control various settings remotely from your smartphone.
In terms of battery life, it offers 12 to 18 hours of runtime that can be fully charged in just three hours.
If you buy the PLUS+ package, you’ll even get a full accessories set to enhance your filmmaking experience.
This includes an anti-slip sweatband, aluminium tripod, and camera cables.
Special Features:
Weight: 1300g
Dimensions: 5.25x3.5x1.5 in
Battery life: -
Payload: 10lb
Price range: $$
Last but not least, the Glidecam HD-PRO is an excellent gimbal featuring a camera mounting platform
It combines high-end design with body-mounted systems for a practical shooting experience.
From an integrated quick-release camera plate to three adjustable axes, as well as a telescoping center post and handle grip with foam padding.
The body itself is built from precision aluminium with excellent durability and laser-etched labeling.
While it doesn’t come with a built-in LCD, you can mount an optional monitor attachment for easier handling and control.
The base platform also comes with rubber feet so that you can set the gimbal down on any flat surface, turning it into a tripod!
Special Features:
All in all, the right gimbal should be the one that suits your need in terms of weight, size, price, and compatibility. One of the best all-round gimbals you can get for your camera is the DJI RS 2.
Yes, a gimbal may be worth buying for a DSLR as it can help you capture the best and clearest image. It’s also great for shooting videos as you can enjoy smooth footage free from any shake and jitters.
While gimbals are generally more useful for stabilizing videos, them can also help with still photography. You can use them for shots from a very low angle or awkward position that you may not be able to achieve with a tripod.
There are plenty of brands that have launched good gimbals, including DJI, Zhiyun, and MOZA. For a more affordable option that doesn’t compromise its quality, we would recommend Fantaseal.
Not all vloggers use gimbals because many mirrorless cameras and smartphones (the most common options for vloggers nowadays) already have solid built-in stabilization. But if you want virtually eliminate all camera shake, a gimbal can really elevate your vlog quality!
That wraps up our 15 best DSLR gimbals.
We’ve included budget-friendly and premium options, so that you can choose the most ideal one for your DSLR.
So, which one are you buying?
Did we miss any good-quality gimbals for DSLR cameras?
Let us know in the comments!
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