The Best Budget Camera Stabilizers and Gimbals for Filmmakers

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The truth is that not every filmmaker/videographer can afford a Steadicam, so let’s do a resource round-up of some of the more affordable camera stabilizers and gimbals on the market now.

We’ll discuss, in no particular order:

1. DJI RS 2
2. Glidecam HD-PRO
3. FLYCAM RedKing
4. Zhiyun Crane 2S
5. Roxant Pro Video Camera Stabilizer
6. FeiyuTech AK4000
7. MOZA Air 2 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal
8. Ikan Beholder
9. Manfrotto MVG460FFR
10. Hohem All in 1 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer

DJI RS 2 / best camera gimbals

The DJI RS 2 [Amazon Affiliate Link] is an excellent gimbal for dynamic cinematography, created by the respected Chinese drone company DJI. Every element and feature is designed to deliver industry-leading camera stabilization: the 4.5 kg tested payload, the Titan Stabilization Algorithm, the carbon fiber construction, and more.

This gimbal’s Titan Stabilization Algorithm captures smoother than ever footage. The SuperSmooth feature compensates for micro-movements and increases torque, stabilizing even 100mm zoom lenses. This gimbal is lightweight, travels easily and is easy to balance. Taking the camera on and off is simple.

Glidecam HD-PRO | best glidecams

The Glidecam HD-PRO [Amazon Affiliate Link] is a professional handheld camera stabilizer that can handle cameras up to 10 lbs. This gimbal features a “drop-in” dove-tail quick release plate that is compatible with Manfrotto tripod heads.

US-based company Glidecam Industries is known for creating high quality, affordable stabilizers and the HD-PRO is no exception. It is made out of corrosion-proof stainless steel and has knurled, positive locking control knobs.

FLYCAM RedKing Quick Balancing Camera Stabilizer

The FLYCAM RedKing Quick Balancing Video Camera Stabilizer [Amazon Affiliate Link] is a professional camera stabilizer for DSLR video camcorders, engineered to support cameras up to ~15 lbs. This stabilizer is made out of aluminum, so it is lightweight enough to allow videographers to shoot in different angles with comfort and ease.

The RedKing has a dovetail quick release plate (Manfrotto 501 compatible) that allows for quick mounting and dismounting of the camera, and a three-axis gimbal that allows for 360 degree panning and adjusting.

The RedKing’s balancing is smooth and almost effortless and it is easy to configure a proper "drop time" with the friction lock movable gimbals. The construction feels sleek and very sturdy.

Zhiyun Crane 2S | best budget gimbals

The Zhiyun Crane 2S [Amazon Affiliate Link] is a handheld gimbal stabilizer for DSLR cameras, from Chinese company Zhiyun-Tech. The Crane 2S can handle large cameras such as the BMPCC 6K, Panasonic S1H, and EOS 1DX Mark III with ease. More than that, you can also mount multiple accessories on it.

This gimbal’s axis locking mechanism adopts a two-phase locking design that guarantees zero swinging of the gimbal during traveling or storage.

The Crane 2S has six modes (basic to advanced): Pan Following, Locking, Following, Full-Range POV, Vortex and Go mode.

Roxant Pro Video Camera Stabilizer | best camera stabilizers

The Roxant Pro Video Camera Stabilizer [Amazon Affiliate Link] is a stabilizer for GoPro, smartphones, Canon, Nikon or any camera up to 2.1 lbs.

This stabilizer’s design and construction provides "pro style" stabilization with less motion and shake compared to other handheld stabilizers. The lower arm comes with “no slip grip”.

Great for indie filmmakers looking to move their films to the next level! This stabilizer is helpful for smooth motion shots in tight spaces, on stairs, through crowds, in cars, walking/running/skating, etc.

FeiyuTech AK4000 | best gimbals for DSLR

The FeiyuTech AK4000 [Amazon Affiliate Link] is a camera stabilizer with a three-axis gimbal, capable of stabilizing DSLR cameras up to 8.8 lbs. The beveled angle design prevents obstruction of the camera screen during shooting, allowing for better framing and monitoring.

The AK4000 is designed with a fixed mounting plate and comes with a quick release plate that is Manfrotto compatible. A 1/4"-20 threaded mounting hole on the bottom of the handle allows extending the length of the gimbal with an extension rod.

This stabilizer is particularly good for “run and gun” type shooting because it is quite lightweight (3.17 pounds) and portable.

MOZA Air 2 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer | best long battery life gimbals

The MOZA Air 2 [Amazon Affiliate Link] is three-axis DSLR stabilizer from California-based company Gudsen MOZA. This stabilizer can support cameras up to 9.2 lbs.

Each axis of MOZA stabilizer can be controlled independently, and it achieves multiple shooting modes such as Inception Mode, FPV Mode, Sport Gear Mode, Panorama and tracking mode.

This gimbal has a solid battery life of 16 hours. Comes with an OLED display and ergonomic handle. Balancing becomes easy if you just take a few hours to practice using the gimbal. The included follow focus and case are also great additions.

Ikan Beholder | best gimbal for mirrorless

The Ikan Beholder [Amazon Affiliate Link] is a three-axis gimbal stabilizer for DSLR and mirrorless cameras up to 4.5 lbs. Designed specifically for professional filmmakers looking for a single handheld stabilizer for a large range of medium and small cameras.

Using this stabilizer, filmmakers/videographers can quickly lock their camera into any position by manually pointing and holding it in any direction. After a few seconds, the camera will lock and hold its position until it is reset back to default.

The stabilizer’s OLED display screen shows various operating modes and the stabilizer is equipped with a 32-Bit controller and a 12-Bit encoder for advanced stabilization.

Manfrotto MVG460FFR | best Manfrotto camera stabilizers

The Manfrotto MVG460FFR [Amazon Affiliate Link] is a three-axis gimbal stabilizer that can hold up to ~10 lbs. of DSLR camera weight. Each axis is equipped with a lock.

The stabilizer offers various modes: TikTok Portrait, Selfie mode, Inception mode and Time-lapse. Follow focus and remote control are included so that you can precisely control your gimbal and the focus for effortless shooting.

This gimbal comes with an LCD touchscreen to switch the operating mode and control rotation and parameters with one hand. Parameters include photo/video capture, focus, zoom, sensitivity adjustment, white balance and exposure value.

Hohem All in 1 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer | gimbal for GoPro

The Hohem All in 1 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer [Amazon Affiliate Link] is ideal for iPhones, GoPros and smaller recording devices weighing up to 0.88 lbs. This stabilizer weighs only 1.16 lbs, so would be great for travel videography and portability.

The battery’s working time is eight hours. There are six operating modes on the Hohem, including all follow, all lock and panning mode to meet the demands of multi-scene application.

The accompanying Hohem Gimbal app on iOS and Android includes many features, including time-lapse, motion lapse, hyper lapse, slow-motion and “Beauty Mode”.

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About: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment. Offices in: Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, NY, Nashville and LA. 

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