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Top gimbal recommendations for shooting with heavy Sigma lenses?

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So I finally pulled the trigger on that Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 Art for my Sony A7IV and man this thing is a beast but its way heavier than I expected. I have a wedding shoot in Jersey next weekend and Im kinda freaking out because my old Ronin SC just cannot handle the weight at all the motors keep twitching and shutting down. I need something that wont die on me mid-ceremony because the balance is so front heavy with that Sigma glass it feels like it's gonna tip over constantly.

Im currently torn between two main options:

  • DJI RS3 Pro
  • Zhiyun Crane 4

The RS3 Pro seems like the gold standard but it is really pushing my budget of $800 after taxes and I still need to buy extra plates maybe? Then there is the Crane 4 which people say is better for heavy setups but I havent used Zhiyun in years and the software used to be buggy as hell. My main worry is the arm length because that Sigma lens extends when zooming and I dont want it hitting the back motor every time I try to get a close up. I need to order this by Tuesday so it gets here in time for me to actually practice with it before the big day.

Which one would you go with for a front-heavy Sigma setup like this or is there a third option I am totally missing that handles big glass better?...

6 Answers
10

Honestly, that Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art Sony E is a beastly lens and its notoriously front-heavy because of the 82mm glass elements. In my experience with these setups, arm clearance and motor torque are way more important than just the raw payload capacity. Since you're on a budget, you should really consider the Zhiyun Crane 4 3-Axis Gimbal. I know you're worried about the old software, but theyve come a long way. The Crane 4 has 10W high-power motors and those built-in balance indicator lights are super useful when you're rushing mid-ceremony. The DJI RS 3 Pro Gimbal Stabilizer 4.5kg Payload is great, but it's pricey. The Crane 4 actually has a larger physical footprint which makes balancing that extending Sigma lens much easier without it hitting the rear motor. You'll save enough cash for some extra batteries too. You're gonna do great at the wedding!

10

Coming back to this, the FeiyuTech SCORP Pro 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer has been awesome for my heavy gear. It handles front-heavy glass like a champ and fits your budget perfectly.




3

Just caught this thread and honestly i'm kinda disappointed people are still pushing those buggier brands for pro wedding work. Like someone mentioned, the Crane has power, but i had issues with the software bugging out mid-ceremony and it was a total nightmare... literally the worst feeling when you're on the clock. Reliability is everything with that heavy Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E. Unfortunately the motors on some of these cheaper units just give up when they get too hot. You should really look at the DJI RS 4 Gimbal Stabilizer as it fits your budget way better than the Pro version but still has that updated motor torque. Another solid option is the Moza Air 2S Professional Kit. It's built like a tank and handles front-heavy glass surprisingly well without needing extra plates or extensions. Dont risk your wedding gig on something that might twitch on you... it just isnt worth the stress ngl. If you need help with the setup once you pick one just let me know!

2

TIL! Thanks for sharing

2

TL;DR: Center of gravity is more important than motor torque. You might not need the priciest rig if you just fix the balance. I totally get the pre-wedding panic, it sucks. When I first started out, I spent way too much on the top-of-the-line pro gimbal because I thought it was the only thing that could hold my heavy glass. Honestly? It was a huge mistake. The gimbal itself was so heavy that my arms were shaking by the ceremony. I actually disagree that you need the most expensive version. I ended up swapping it for a lighter mid-range model and just used an extended mounting plate. My current setup handles that front-heavy lens way better now. The motors dont struggle at all because the weight is actually centered where it should be. Just something to think about before you blow your whole budget... maybe look into using an offset plate or some small counterweights on a cheaper frame. It worked for me and saved my back from a lot of pain too.




2

I just saw this and totally feel your anxiety! When I first got my Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art for Sony E, I was literally terrified of it snapping my old gimbal because it felt so massive and heavy. I eventually went with the DJI RS 3 Pro Gimbal Stabilizer and it is honestly fantastic! I feel so much safer knowing it has those stronger motors and that locked-in feel. I was so paranoid about the front-heaviness at first that I actually started using a DIY trick where I clamped a heavy wrench to the back rail just to keep it from dipping forward before I could afford a real kit! It looked ridiculous but it saved my shoot. Quick tip: Buy the SmallRig Counterweight Mounting Plate for DJI RS 3 Pro and some 100g weights. It completely fixes that front-heavy issue with the Sigma glass so you dont have to slide the camera all the way back. Also, balance it while zoomed to 50mm... it is like a sweet spot so the motors dont freak out when you zoom in or out. Youll do amazing at the wedding, that lens is worth the struggle!




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