Best Gimbal for Sony A7 Series Cameras

Best Gimbal For Sony A7 Series Cameras | Comparison Chart & Reviews

Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases. However, this does not impact my reviews and comparisons.

Sony A7 series cameras, when first introduced in 2013, were very simple. You can choose whether you need a basic version or a high-resolution one or one with high sensitivity. It was the choice between Sony α7, α7R, and α7S respectively.

And now, with the addition of the latest models known as MARK II and MARK III, the situation has changed. These new models are named the same as the previous ones, the MARK version of α7 is known as the α7 II. It was the first camera to receive a totally redesigned body and ergonomics.

The latest addition to the series is α7C, and this is the smallest & compact camera introduced till now. The Sony A7 cameras consist of α7, α7R, α7S, α7 II, α7R II, α7S II, α7R III, α7 III, α7R IV, α7S III & α7C.

If you own any of the models from the Sony A7 series and searching for the best gimbal to capture professional footage, then we have compiled a list of the best gimbals with their pros and cons from which you can choose. They support all the cameras from the Sony A7 series.

Note: All the gimbals below are tested and supported by most of the Sony A7 series cameras. Moreover, we have even mentioned the compatible cameras with the gimbals so you can choose the suitable gimbal for your Sony A7 Camera.

Best Gimbal for Sony A7 Series
DJI RSC 2 (Best Overall)
  • Supported Cameras: A7S III, A7 III, A7C, A7R IV, A7R III, A7S II, A7R II, A7 II
  • Max. Payload: 6.6 pounds
  • Battary Life: 14 Hours (Non-removable, 3400 mAh)
  • Charging Time: 2 Hours (Supports Fast-charging)
  • Connections: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
  • Smartphone App: Yes
  • Weight: 2.64 Pounds
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Special Feature: Built-in Screen & Focus Wheel, Foldable Design, Super Smooth Mode, Image Transmitter, Titan Stabilization Algorithm, ActiveTrack 3.0, Force Mobile

Latest Release
DJI RS 2 (Most High-end | Compact/Lightweight & Comes with Advanced Features)
  • Supported Cameras: A7S III, A7 III, A7C, A7R IV, A7R III, A7S II, A7R II, A7 II
  • Max. Payload: 10 pounds
  • Battery Life: 12 Hours (removable battery/grip, 1950 mAh)
  • Charging Time: 1.5 Hours (15-min charge will last 2 hours)
  • Connections: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
  • Smartphone App: Yes
  • Weight: 2.3 Pounds
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Special Feature: Carbon Fiber Axis Arms, Built-in LCD Touchscreen & Focus Wheel, ActiveTrack 3.0, SuperSmooth mode, Axis Locks

Latest Release
Zhiyun Weebill S (Budget Pick - Best for Shooting with Two Hands)
  • Supported Cameras: A7S III, A7 III, A7C, A7R IV, A7R III, A7S II, A7R II, A7 II
  • Max. Payload: 7 pounds
  • Battary Life: 14 Hours (2 removable batteries, 5200 mAh)
  • Charging Time: 2.5 Hours
  • Connections: Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C (ViaTouch 2.0,)
  • Smartphone App: Yes
  • Weight: 2.04 Pounds
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Special Feature: Image Transmission Module, Dual focus control system, OLED display, Wireless Remote Controller with Motion Sensor (not included), Up to 3 Devices Sync Motion
DJI Ronin-SC (Only for Beginners - Low Payload Capacity)
  • Supported Cameras: A7S III, A7 III, A7C, A7R IV, A7R III, A7S II, A7R II, A7 II
  • Payload: 4.4 pounds
  • Battery Life: 11 Hours (Non-removable, 2450 mAh)
  • Charging Time: 2.5 Hours
  • Connections: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
  • Smartphone App: Yes
  • Weight: 2 Pounds
  • Warranty: 1 year
  • Special Feature: Lightweight & Compact, Force Mobile, ActiveTrack 3.0 & Axis Locks
MOZA Aircross 2 (Another Great Gimbal)
  • Supported Cameras: A7S III, A7 III, A7C, A7R IV, A7R III, A7S II, A7R II, A7 II
  • Max. Payload: 7 pounds
  • Battery Life: 12 Hours (removable battery, 3000 mAh)
  • Charging Time: 1.5 Hours (18W charger)
  • Connections: Bluetooth, WIFI, USB Type-C
  • Smartphone App: Yes
  • Weight: 2 Pounds
  • Warranty: 1 Year

Best Gimbal for Sony A7 Cameras

1. DJI Ronin-S 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer – Best for Sony A7S III

DJI Ronin-S 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer

DJI Ronin-S is one of the best gimbal stabilizers for Sony A7S III and way better than any other gimbal in its competition.

With a payload of 3.6 kg, it can balance almost every mirrorless camera, including all models of the Sony A7 series and a few models of Canon, Panasonic, and Nikon as well.

As you would expect in any good gimbal, the camera can be balanced very easily on the mounting pad. Moreover, in many gimbals, you can’t focus on screens as the roll axis motor comes in a way.

But with the mounting pad and the motors being off-axis, you will have a clear view of the screen and will have a better shooting experience as you can clearly see how your footage will look.

With this design, you get more space, and bulkier setups can also be mounted on the pad without any trouble. Balancing is an easy process, but if the camera isn’t balanced properly, then the battery will drain rapidly.

The 12 hours battery life will reduce by 3 to 4 hours if the balancing is not proper. To tackle this problem, you have to connect the gimbal to the DJI ronin app by Bluetooth.

The app works smoothly and provides many remote control functions for the gimbal. Once the setup is done, you can run AutoTune from the app.

It will tell how you can optimize the position of the camera to get better balancing which will consume less energy. It is also used for the calibration of motors.

Different shooting situations demand different camera speeds and movements, that’s why the speed of the motor and other related parameters should be flexible so it can be optimized for better shots.

This is possible; from the ronin app, you can choose from 3 presets, which will offer different response times, speeds, and accelerations of the motor.

The ergonomic design and comfortable grip let you film for extended periods, and when you are done filming, place it conveniently in the backpack with its detachable design.

It offers 3 gimbal modes plus the sport mode, along with that timelapse, motion lapse, and tracking is also there.

Pros

  • The setup is easy.
  • It provides very smooth footage.
  • Cameras can be operated remotely.
  • Calibration of motors is easy.

Cons

  • None

2. Zhiyun Crane 2S 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer – Best for Sony A7S II

Zhiyun Crane 2S 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer

This is the Ideal gimbal that offers the best quality combined with a substantial payload at a shining price. This gimbal is designed to handle larger cameras if the need arises.

If you are a Sony A7 series camera owner, then you won’t have to worry about anything as it will easily accommodate all cameras including A7S II, even with those heavy lenses attached.

It is compatible with most of the cameras you will see in the market, like Canon, Panasonic, etc.

The sturdy and strong build quality of the gimbal will ensure a longer lifespan in any type of shooting condition. No matter how long the shooting requirement is, you won’t get sore hands.

It has a perfect grip size wrapped with a rubbered finish to give a comfortable hold.

Besides, the batteries are replaceable. It offers a 12 hours runtime, but for outdoor shoots, that might not be enough. So you can have spare charged batteries and can replace them with depleted ones to continue the shoot.

The motors used are of top quality and will compensate for all the shakes and unwanted movements, but the problem is that the rear motor blocks the view of the screen.

This is an old-age problem, and many manufacturers are coming up with an improved design, but in this gimbal, the solution is to add extra weight on either side of the plate where you can attach the phone holder.

To keep the axis arm from swinging, the new axis lock mechanism is more effective and convenient to use. The mounting of the camera is easy.

Once done and connected through a USB type C, most of the functions of the camera can be controlled through the control buttons on the handle.

The buttons are intuitive and arranged in such a manner that it becomes easy to access the joystick, mode button, and record button. They are just above the grip, the grip which is very ergonomic to hold.

Also, there is a mounting screw to attach extra accessories like an extra grip or a mic.

Pros

  • Up to 18 hours of battery life.
  • Strong build quality.
  • OLED screen.
  • The autotune feature.
  • Flex mount.

Cons

  • Roll motor blocks the view of the screen.
  • It is a bit heavy.

3. Zhiyun Weebill S 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer for Cameras – Best for Sony A7 II

Zhiyun Weebill S 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer for Cameras

Well, a compact gimbal is what you will need to shoot during travel. An ideal gimbal is small in size and also lightweight. It can balance all the small mirrorless cameras, from reputed brands like Panasonic, Canon, etc.

Moreover, it supports all the cameras of the Sony A7 series including, Sony A7, A7R, A7S, A7 II, A7R II, A7S II, A7R III, A7 III, A7R IV, A7S III & A7C.

The portability of the gimbal will increase even more when it gets folded, and it can be easily placed inside a backpack. It is equipped with better and more powerful motors, which keep the camera in position.

If we talk about the design, then it is simple and more functional. The rear handle design helps you to quickly change the position from the handheld to the underslung position.

The build quality is top-notch, and so is the ergonomic feel of the grip.

With that, film continuously for 14 hours comfortably. For more, the battery will need to be fully recharged again. They are removable.

The balancing of the camera is easy, and it can be done in a few minutes and can start shooting. But, when it is not in use the camera will keep dangling from here to there if it doesn’t have an axis lock.

In Weebil S, the easy-to-operate axis lock makes the gimbal easy to handle during transportation whether a camera is mounted or not.

With 6 different stabilization modes, you can bring your imagination to life and can take the footage as you like. The control is scattered over the small handle, the joystick, a record button, and the display is on the front, and the power buttons, along with a few others, are placed on the side of the handle.

The remote control of the gimbal is possible through a ZY Play app, and it is easy to use and has a simple layout. The motor calibration can be done, and their strength can also be optimized from the app.

But the cool thing is the Sync Motion, move your phone, and the gimbal will mimic the movements. It may take some time to get comfortable with this mode, but when you do, it will make the shooting extremely easy.

Pros

  • Compact and sturdy design.
  • 14 hours of runtime.
  • Effortless transition from handheld to an underslung position.
  • The locking mechanism for arms.

Cons

  • The app is not very reliable.
  • The charging of batteries is a little confusing.

4. DJI RS 2 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer for Mirrorless Camera – Best for Sony A7R IV

DJI RS 2 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer for Mirrorless Camera

DJI RS 2 is a reliable brand that has an incredible reputation when it comes to the quality of its products. And that is one of the reasons why our post has the first best gimbal from the DJI; it is DJI Ronin S.

This gimbal is the direct upgrade of DJI Ronin S, but it doesn’t look like it. The major differences are the design, some added features, and improved quality of all other things.

The metal arms are replaced and a carbon fiber monocoque design is used. That makes it more lightweight and equally strong and sturdy, if not more.

The look of the thing is just amazing. The black metal design and carbon axis bars combined with the graphics give it a very distinct look. In Ronin S, the focus or zoom wheel used to be attached on the side, while for this unit, its place is changed.

It is now merged into the grip. This makes it more aesthetic and functional, and now you can change the zoom with the index finger.

This Sony A7R IV gimbal can handle a load of up to 4.5 kg, which means all the small mirrorless cameras can be easily mounted on the plate. Also, the mounting and balancing of the cameras are easy, the same as every other gimbal.

If the balance is not proper, then it results in more battery consumption and gives less runtime. The camera gets unbalanced when you change the lenses. To keep it balanced, a micro-adjustment screw is provided.

It will support most of the mirrorless cameras from Canon, Panasonic, Fujifilm, etc. Also, it supports all the cameras from the Sony A7 series. With this unit, you are getting the 1950 mAh battery which gives 12 hours of runtime and can be fully charged in just 1.5 hours.

Another nice addition is the RSA\NATO mounts. The battery and the grip get detached, so the gimbal can be attached to more complex and larger rigs with the help of those mounts.

Moreover, the RavenEye feature lets you transmit the video to the app on mobile.

Pros

  • Stylish design.
  • Can be attached to bigger rigs.
  • Comes with an LCD touchscreen.
  • RavenEye future for remote transmission.

Cons

  • Need to deal with many wires.
  • Battery life is average.

5. DJI RSC 2 3-Axis Mirrorless Camera Gimbal Stabilizer – Best for Sony A7 III

DJI RSC 2 3-Axis Mirrorless Camera Gimbal Stabilizer

Same as DJI RS 2, this Sony A7 gimbal is the new upgrade on the DJI Ronin SC, and it is received with an open arm due to its very good improvements.

The RCS 2 is totally redesigned, the material used to construct it is robust and strong, and the aluminum used provides sturdiness and a premium look to the device. The grip has a more smooth rubber finish and provides amazing hold.

The Ronin SC was made for small mirrorless cameras, which made them portable. This is also designed to use small mirrorless cameras and mid-range DSLRs, as long as their weight stays below 3kg.

But here, the portability is increased thanks to its new foldable design, and it will make the unit easier and more convenient to transport.

The balancing was easy, but with new and improved axis knobs, it will become faster. The camera will be set and running in no time. But note, the balancing will need to be done again if you decide to fold the gimbal.

If we talk about the design, then it is different from its predecessor and resembles the DJI RS2, the focus wheel is integrated into the grip, and the trigger is also redesigned.

While the LEDs on the front are replaced with the 1-inch OLED display, it shows which mode you are in, the panning speed, and the remaining battery level.

A remote transmission feature, RavenEye, transmits the video to the smartphone from a distance. This is helpful if the screen of the camera is blocked or you are shooting in sling mode.

The ‘sling’ mode is a new mode. Due to its foldability, the camera stays slung forward the same as a handheld rig.

With this Sony A7 III gimbal, you will get buttery smooth footage, and minor shakes are efficiently removed from the footage as it is instilled with a new and improved titan algorithm.

The pan and tilt movement is very smooth, which is impossible to take with bare hands. The gimbal offers a runtime of 14 hours and can be fully charged in 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Pros

  • Folding design increases portability.
  • Provides very smooth footage.
  • OLED display.
  • Robust construction.

Cons

  • Most of the accessories need to be bought separately.
  • For one-hand use, it might feel heavy.

6. Zhiyun Crane 3S 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer – Best for Sony A7R III

Zhiyun Crane 3S 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer

This is the last gimbal on our list, which offers the highest payload that any of the gimbals till now. It can handle the camera and big camcorders, the weight of which should stay below 6.5 kg.

Zhiyun embeds the latest technological improvements in their devices, and this gimbal is no different, as we will see.

The first thing I would like to mention is its smart-sling feature realized with the smart-sling handle, the design of the gimbal is robust and simple.

It has ergonomic vertical and horizontal grips. The smart sling handle gets attached at the end of the horizontal grip. The important thing about this smart sling handle is that it has dedicated controls on it, so the handling and operation become much easier.

Moreover, the gimbal can handle many heavy cameras, so you can’t expect it to be lightweight, but it can be handled conveniently with that sling handle and grips.

They provide more control over the gimbal when larger cameras are mounted, such as Sony A7R III. It is a handheld gimbal but can be easily converted to be mounted on larger rigs.

Another feature is the built-in focus wheel, it is easily accessible and is used to change the focus of the camera, but for that, you will need extra servo motors and compatible lenses. To check the compatibility, you can visit the official website of Zhiyun.

This is a solid kit to have for large cameras as well as for small mirrorless cameras. If you own any cameras from the Sony A7 series, then this is a formidable gimbal to have.

It introduces fluidity into the footage and removes the smallest shakes exerted thanks to its improved and enhanced algorithm use. Also, transportation became much easier with the newly redesigned axis lock. It locks all the axes and holds them securely in place.

You can attach some extra screens to have an eye on the scene when the gimbal is in sling mode. It will transmit the image to any digital device wirelessly thanks to its TransMount Image Transmission system. It will run continuously for 12 hours.

Pros

  • The payload of 6.5 kg.
  • Smartsling feature.
  • Trans mount Image transmission system.
  • Improved axis locks.

Cons

  • It is very heavy.
  • Inconvenient placement of some controls.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *