Photography is fascination itself; capturing the momentary liveness of the scenario in the frame is something that a digital camera does. But with the rapid development, professionals are trying to get their hands on capturing adventures like spontaneous scenes, moving objects, or dynamic subjects.
GoPro Action cameras can make such a thing possible. GoPro cameras are essential and designed to capture active footage of moving objects.
These cameras are curated to catch the trickiest and lighting-speed moving subject shots, but without the help of the proper tool, the GoPro cannot spread its creative wings.
This is the reason Gimbals are brought; they help with the whole camera shaking things. Mounting the camera on the top of the body, the gimbal manages to eliminate the jittering, disturbing effect caught in the footage.
Different authentic brands with their distinct level of competency have formed some best GoPro action camera gimbals. All their creativity lies at the utmost level, but the vast variation in the market can also cause the dilemma of finding the right one.
Thus, after experiencing a few popular models, I am listing some professional and the best gimbals that suit any GoPro camera. Scroll down a little to get the insight.
Note:
All the below-mentioned gimbals are compatible with GoPro 10/9/8/7.
hohem iSteady Pro 4 (Best Overall)
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INKEE Falcon Plus (Another Great Choice)
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Zhiyun Crane M2S (Most High-end)
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Best GoPro Gimbals
1. Hohem iSteady Pro 4 – Best Overall
GoPro action cameras have literally defined creativity at best, so when it comes to stabilizing them, you definitely need something incredibly comfortable to handle and with immense efficiency.
The design house of Hohem is one of the finest and most productive that came to my mind first. I have had quite a wonderful time with this iSteady pro, and its performance is absolute value for money.
Why is Hohem iSteady Best?
The iSteady 4 is an excellent choice for action filmmakers; It consists of some advanced super effective features and ease.
What’s best about this gimbal is, I believe, its cost; yes, without investing a lot, I definitely got the absolute camera shake eliminator, compact and ergonomic GoPro stabilizer, and that too from an authentic brand.
Compatibility – The gimbal is super convenient and potent enough to carry the moderate-sized camera, so it’s compatible with GoPro HERO 10/9/8 to 3, respectively, and others like DJI Osmo Action, Yi 4K, and Sony RXO.
The brand claims officially that the gimbal can carry the heaviest of all payloads handling the bulkier, heavier camera; in my experience, it did, which is amusing enough. However, I believe the exact figures of payload have also come listed with the gimbal making things clearer.
Compelling Features –
So there comes the main course; the flexibility, versatility, and ease; this gimbal literally has everything. Let’s start with its mounting. So, I very much love the fact that associating my camera with iSteady 4 is super easy.
The gimbal has a quick-release function and a spring that secures the camera hard. All I had to do was slide my camera inside, and voila.
One of the finest features of this gimbal I found is the 3600 mAh battery, one that gives out around 14 hours straight working hours on a single charge. So, the gimbal suits me well during a long time of video filming.
I do not much like the longest charging time of 3.5 hours, but It can go considering other exceptional features. There is also a serious fun fact you can now charge your accessory and camera with the gimbal itself, given its longest runtime.
As easiest it seems, iSteady Pro 4 holds effortless control and a straightforward user interface. The essentials have been subjected to the gimbal handgrip, including the almighty joystick advantages for increased creativity.
As an element of surprise, the onboard buttons of the gimbal also have their role in increasing comfort by giving wireless control and the option to be customized.
Other than that, the gimbal was introduced to different shooting modes, including rotation, 600 degrees of pan, and tilt other, and it does have effective connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1
I find the build of this GoPro gimbal sturdy and ergonomic at the same time; the strength writes a new security definition for my camera, while the ergonomic keeps convenient at the touch.
Overall, it weighs the least 365 grams without any battery involvement, which is pretty much like no weight at all. Also, even though the gimbal is not water-proof, the physics is sealed against dirt and debris; and so did its charging and other dials (With the rubberized cover protection)
Pros
- Easy Quick release clip
- Lightest body weight
- Built solid for action cameras
- Straightforward controls dials
- Lightest weighted
- The additional mobile phone attachment
- Come at the most affordable price.
- Easy Axis and horizon Adjustment dial
- Longest battery runtime than ordinary
Cons
- Camera screen is difficult to access while mounting
- Charging time is high
2. INKEE Falcon Plus GoPro Gimbal Stabilizer – Most Advanced
One of the most crucial factors to be considered during the pairing of gimbal with your GoPro camera is that the gimbal needs to match their versatility level.
This is why my next preference is nothing but the wise competitor to iSteady, the super-innovative gimbal with mouthful features and potential, serving the right purpose of stabilization and that too without much expense. Let’s see better.
Why is INKEE Falcon Plus Best?
I couldn’t help mentioning it because of its fruitful expertise; For starters, this high-performer INKEE Falcon Plus gimbal supports the action camera along with the media mod attachment.
The gimbal comes with an innovative approach; the design, the power, everything is so enticing at a reasonable price. Like the others, the gimbal has responsive control, connectivity, and functions, but the advanced upgrade is quite a productive deal in itself.
Compatibility – Comparing the Hohem iSteady Gimbal, this INKEE Falcon is a little more innovative, but this explains the enhanced compatibility of the gimbal itself.
Accordingly, from the official and my personal experience, I have had straightforwardly easiest and most convenient usage with my GoPro action cameras 10/9/8, and it can also be paired with the GoPro 7/6/5 too, along with the other DJI OSMO action cameras. The gimbal has the potential to carry 200 grams, which definitely permits moderate and higher action cameras.
Compelling Features-
There are tons, but I personally am a fan of the secure adjustment of my camera on the gimbal. The flexibly rotational axis of the gimbal permits the creativity of the mounting securely gripped over my camera.
The Falcon Plus uses the traditional mount that can be established through the Allen key, approaching high-level security so the camera won’t fall off.
The GoPro gimbal doesn’t need any axis adjustment either, and it still produces some stabilized cinematic shots. As a compliment, it does support the standard shooting modes like the panning, tilting, FPV, and axis lock, which have been super helpful for my professional shot.
Also, the perspective of the creative gets the enhancement when it takes the shot rotating over 600 degrees through the inception mode. Nothing can match the speed, performance, and efficiency of Falcon plus.
One thing I was sure of while using the Falcon plus, I won’t be lacking artistic vibes; the easy vertical and horizontal switch mode grants the ease of shooting landscape to portrait with a touch.
There’s also a flashlight mode that is engaged for an easy low-angle shot with better exposure. So does its time-lapse, something that is impressive enough. The control and connectivity are straightforward. The wireless functions make everything easiest.
Talk about the operation time; this gimbal is standardly smart enough to let me work for 9 straight hours on a single charge with the built-in 2500 mAh potent battery.
Above all, the gimbal engineering is reliable, and the durability gives peace of mind, but it’s the lightest weight of 310 grams that impressed me quite right. So yeah, it’s a perfect gimbal for GoPro Cameras.
Pros
- Support Media Mod
- Inception and flashlight mode
- Quickest charging technique
- Strong and secure grip over the camera
- Top-notch shooting modes
- In-built intuitive joysticks
- Ultra-compact size and weight
- Great for landscape and portrait shots
Cons
- The whole calibration is hectic
- Traditional Mount
3. ZHIYUN Crane M2S Camera Stabilizer – For Multi-Use
There is an excellent chance of quality footage only when your GoPro action camera has an ideal companion to give a hand. This ensures I mention the pleasingly High-Quality gimbal with intuitive intelligence and a straightforwardly easy interface that came straight from one of my favorite brands Zhiyun.
Other than everything which I will discuss later, I found this gimbal super compact and easy to use.
Why is Zhiyun-Tech Crane M2 S Best?
Raising to a little highest, the Crane M2 S 3-axis handheld gimbal is designed to provide remarkable performance and speed. The gimbal encapsulates even more functions and supports the different shooting modes.
The physical design, connectivity, and control are the way to be enhanced over any other ordinary gimbal. The battery has been playing a major role as it turns into the longest creative operation. Reliably drawn from an authentic brand at a reasonable cost.
Compatibility – As I mentioned, the physics of the gimbal is very impressive, and it is definitely designed to carry action cameras and smartphones. The payload offered by the gimbal states 2.2 pounds which means I can attach any of the models below that weight.
Talking about compatibility, the gimbal has a tendency to carry over the medium to largest action cameras and match the highest versatility of them; which is why it is considered best for the GoPro, Canon smallest camera, Sony, and Nikon compact size cameras, and others.
Compelling Features-
I want to repeat myself; the Crane M2S is the most advanced GoPro gimbal of all on the list that comes with the engagement of fascinating features. Referring to the same, I cannot begin to explain how much fun I had with this gimbal while shooting some quality footage with its 360-degree POV, Vortex, and other modes of operation.
Complementary, it features the potential to cast out time-lapse, panorama, and slow-motion footage with ease.
I haven’t seen any trouble with the fixing of the camera; the quick-release mounting system does all the job of securing and removing the camera with one lock button.
Additionally, the scale mark and the innovative memory locks balance the camera in the right position. The best part is the gimbal comes with a different tripod, backpack, smartphone mount, and accessories included for our convenience.
So there is a lot more intellectual stuff in this GoPro gimbal, like the OLED display panel that gave me a sneak peek of the basic setting, modes, and other relatable data with great vision.
So does the friendly ZY play smartphone application support, one that aligns you with the control and manages the gimbal control separately. The outer physics of the gimbal is attractive and strengthened. In contrast, the lightest weight of 549 grams manages portability.
I like another innovative mechanism of the gimbal’s shooting creative dark-hour shots with better exposure and illumination. There is a built-in fill light in the camera that features a CRI of 1000 lumens brightness with five different levels; this gives an adequate amount of exposure to the subject during the dark hour of filming.
It also has a filter kit with different color contrast just to make things interesting. This all thing doesn’t require any professional management; it can be simply done via wired camera control or custom dials.
Like any other function, the gimbal doesn’t compromise on its power potential. The in-built lithium-ion battery of the gimbal, empowered with the 1150 mAh, has promised 10.5 hours of constant runtime within a single charge.
This is quite wonderful, but things get more interesting when you notice the charging time of 1.5 hours only with the quick charging mechanism. So that’s all, this much creativity you are supposed to be getting with this magnificent piece.
Pros
- Great Build and stabilization
- Quickest charging and longest power
- Additional built-in fill lights
- One-button quick release
- Highest payload and compact body
- Scale mark and memory lock
- Special shooting modes
- Colorful light filters
- OLED display status screen
Cons
- A little fiddly
- A little extra expense
The Need for Gimbal for GoPro Cameras
Curated with high-end innovation, efforts, and intellect, Gimbals are undoubtedly one of the most outstanding inventions that allow capturing an amazingly high-quality image. I personally am a fan of the smooth buttery stability it does provide while on the move.
Using the smart motors, the gimbal conveniently removes the unsteadies from the frame. GoPro is another marvelous creation that is designed to catch action and adventures like biking, diving, and skiing, things ordinary cameras can’t frame.
Now catching the adventure is definitely a real deal; you can’t freeze the lighting-fast moving frame and get the best shot with utter balance.
This is why gimbals are recommended for the GoPro camera. It not only enhances the image quality but also provides immense comfort during the shoot.
Blissful Benefits GoPro Gimbals bestows in the frame.
Transforming thrilling moments into high-resolution pictures is another level of magic; the smooth steadiness in that picture is all the doing of the gimbal. Let’s see how a gimbal benefits GoPro camera shooting.
- Gimbals are an added advantage to the remarkable function of GoPro cameras
- They are better at capturing images in low light with a HyperSmooth feature
- You don’t have to worry about filming POV video with infinite steadiness
- It gives an ocean of creative shooting modes choices, and it best shoots the motion timelapse.
- The gimbal enhances the production value of your footage
- With the additional pairing of gimbal’s battery; the GoPro power runtime gets an extension
- The gimbals make things effortlessly straightforward and easiest.
- The gimbals unleash the door to adventure shooting by carrying out filming at the trickiest angle
- Some of them also allow third-party accessory attachments like a flash and microphone.
- Gives an effortlessly impressive experience.
Gimbal Buying Guide for GoPro Cameras
Gimbals are one of the innovative and beneficial tools in photography; they are something that can change the perspective of filming only if brought right. If you are getting one for your GoPro for the first time, you definitely don’t have any idea about whether to invest.
Why it is essential?
Getting an ideal gimbal for an advanced GoPro camera is the real deal because you don’t want to mess up with the one that makes the footage creatively flawless.
Also, the gimbal is not your daily go, and it is utterly necessary to invest in the right place. Now, apart from the theory, there are some serious consequences of not buying the right model for the gimbal
- The mounting and balancing keeps disrupting the filming
- Chances of your camera and gimbal being damaged increase.
- You might get a technical error code like gimbal overload
- The filming footage can also get filled with distortion, blurriness, and well unprofessionalism
- You will have to face the calibration trouble
- The inconvenience of handling, storage, and working raised to the highest
- It is almost like throwing every penny in the water.
Putting this all together, I have decided to enlist some of the necessarily crucial points that one should always consider before making a purchase.
The factors that can make your confront rightful stabilizer tool only to lead your cinematic action frame. Look around and get on with it.
Camera Compatibility– What would be the means of buying a gimbal if it’s not the right one? So before making up your mind, ensure that GoPro is compatible with a certain gimbal model. Now some of them can be conveniently compatible, while others may require additional accessories to mount, like the adapter. Avoid third-party accessory involvement and get a compatible one.
Calibration– One thing you should be assured of is how conveniently you can mount your GoPro on the gimbal. Some of the gimbals have advanced quick-release plates that do the attaching stuff easily, while some of them use manual calibration, one where you will have to traditionally screw your camera to the gimbal. choose wisely
Shooting modes– GoPro cameras are usually for action and adventure shooting, so make sure the gimbal you are considering buying has the potential to shoot different creative modes, like 360 rotation, motion function, and others. This will only enhance the filming efficiency.
Rotation– Well, rotation usually specifies the axis of the gimbal; and the axis of the gimbal can define how much creativity you are indulging in the footage. There are two popular choices, two-axis and three-axis; three-axis gimbals are considered more innovative as they rotate all axes which cannot be said to be the same for the two-axis. So I recommend you go after the three-axis.
Durability– GoPro is curated to take some out-of-the-ordinary, trickiest shot, which means the body of the gimbal purchased for GoPro needs to be the strongest and most durable; now, here are a few things you will determine while checking the durability
- The composite material of the gimbal; choose strong composition for strength
- The handle material and the grip for a rigid hold
- The weather-resistant factor for the underwater stuff.
Underwater coverage– it is utterly necessary that the gimbal you are getting for your GoPro action camera is water-resistant. And in such a case, you need to carefully configure the underwater coverage the tool aligns with. Just consider the farthest range and period the gimbal can tackle water for a worthy purchase.
Stabilization– The gimbals are all about stabilization, so it’s quite essential to know how far they can go to provide the desired stabilization quality. While buying a Gopro gimbal, do not forget to check out the stabilization algorithm and the potent motor. Prefer a brushless motor because it has less interaction with noise while operating.
Weight– GoPro is usually known for its compact size and lightest weight; Thus, it stands necessary that you must consider buying the gimbal with the least weight. The lightest weight avoids the future chances of fluctuation, operation disruption, or inconvenience for all that matter.
Payload– This can be specific or certain; either way, you have to be familiar with that. Gimbal does come with a limit figure of how much weight it can carry; this is referred to as the payload. So before getting a GoPro camera gimbal, don’t forget to cross-check the payload ability of the same.
Usage– Remember, some of the gimbals grant you the freedom to attach them to the body. So before the choice, know whether you are buying a wearable or a handheld GoPro gimbal. Handheld gimbals can be helpful with extreme sports activities, while wearable ones can be better for mountain biking, swimming, and others, keeping your hands free.
Brand– different brands have their different level of innovation, quality service, and creation criteria. You have to be assured which of the brands is best enough to match the immense creativity of GoPro action cameras. There are a few authentic brands that give genuine service, like Hohem, INKEE, Zhiyun, and GoPro Itself.
Price– Now, even though this is the last point in the list, but it’s quite the first thing everyone thinks of while buying the gimbal. GoPro is a compact, mid-level camera with a pocket-friendly budget, which means you don’t have to spend tons on the gimbal you buy for it. Scale out a relevant price range and consider buying within. The ideal range of gimbals for GoPro cameras is $99 to $399.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Does the GoPro camera really need Gimbal?
Oh well, A big yes; Gimbals for GoPro action cameras are as essential as the real camera. Now a lot of people have the misconception that GoPro filming doesn’t require stabilization or a gimbal; let me clarify that for you. If you want to get the smoothest cinematic shot of the adventure and action around, you are definitely going to need the gimbal for the same. No matter whether GoPro already has in-built stabilization or not, there the requirement of stability for the action shot is quite necessary like others. So yeah, GoPro does need the gimbal.
Q. Is investing in a GoPro camera worth it?
Well, in my opinion, if you have even the slightest desire to take your photography to the utmost level, you need to shake hands with the competent, highly innovative GoPro action cameras. These cameras can be signified by various factors Portability, durability, creativity, and ergonomics.
If you are looking to frame some adventurous shots, this might be your golden purchase. Also, they are not heavily priced, so yeah, you can invest a little worthfully and explore a lot creatively.
Q. Can I Use a GoPro Gimbal as A Smartphone Gimbal?
Well, I haven’t tried any smartphone over GoPro Gimbal, but I believe it won’t do any good. The major reason is GoPro is the smallest and lightest camera model, and they can compactly fit the gimbal with the most lightweight payload.
Also, the GoPro Gimbal has its own limitations, and thus so, you won’t be able to explore the whole creativity of a smartphone. So, I prefer, and I recommend, you buy a separate gimbal for the smartphone and GoPro if you desire to reach maximum efficiency.
Q. Is a GoPro gimbal waterproof?
The GoPro cameras are designed to catch immense actions and thrill, one that includes a lot of impulse moving subjects and dynamic movement. They are also curated to take the typical, dreamt shot like underwater, so yeah, GoPro Gimbal also needs to be waterproof, if possible, because it prevents any limitation to your creativity. In such a way, the gimbals can match the heavy function of GoPro cameras.
Also, the gimbal is configured with potent intelligence and brushless DC motors, which might get damaged with contact with water. Some of the Waterproof gimbals for GoPro cameras are.
- Hohem iSteady Pro 2
- GoPro Karma Grip
- Feiyu WG2X
Q. Are gimbals expensive?
Considering the heavy functioning of the gimbal, I would definitely say that gimbals are not expensive at all. However, depending on the different variations and characters, their prices increase or decrease over a reasonable budget. Ideally, the gimbals can cost $100 or $1000; that entirely depends on the versatility, design, brand, and intelligence it holds.
The gimbal price is also justified by the mounting object. A gimbal for compact GoPro action can be brought within $100 to $350, While the gimbals for heavy-duty advanced DSLR can have a $599 to $899 price. In every case, they are not expensive at all; they are worth every penny.
Final Words
If you are trying to get your hands on the steady, balanced action footage and still missing the spark, it might be because you are lacking the right tool: The Gimbal.
Working with the GoPro action camera is pretty much the cakewalk, but getting the trickiest fast-moving subject shot is the challenging part. Not anymore, though. The above listing of the advanced GoPro gimbal is the finest option.
Now you must have been already aware that Gimbal is one significantly essential tool one should have if one wants to follow the path of professional photography. However, there are still doubtful waves roaming around that GoPro cameras don’t need them.
If such thought has exchanged paths with you, too, you need to know that even when the GoPro action camera has in-built image stabilization. Most of them generally don’t, but if they do have, “IT’S NOT ENOUGH.”
The gimbal approaches butter-smooth footage cutting down all the way of camera shake only to make the footage cinematic, which cannot be done with in-built image stabilization. So don’t fall into such chaos; choose the wise option of the gimbal and get started with shooting adventures across the world.