unfortunately most mid-range gimbals just dont have the motor stiffness for that 24-70 gm ii. i had issues with the standard rs3 too tbh. the motor torque on the DJI RS 4 Pro Gimbal Stabilizer is a lot more reliable for the long lens barrel. it has those teflon coated axes which help get that balance perfect so the motors dont fight the friction. definitely worth the extra cash so you dont lose your mind mid-wedding.

Regarding what #2 said about "unfortunately most mid-range gimbals just dont have the motor stiffness"

• I actually have to disagree a bit there! You dont necessarily need to drop a massive amount on the newest RS4 Pro just to get a clean shot with that A7IV and 24-70 GM II combo. Ive been shooting for years and honestly, you can get incredible stability without totally breaking your budget! The DJI RS 3 Pro 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer is still a total beast and it handles that heavy Sony glass like a dream. The carbon fiber arms are super rigid, which is exactly what you need to kill those micro-vibrations. Its fantastic because you get the auto-locking axes which are just life-changing during a fast-paced wedding day. You can find these for a great price now that the newer model is out! Alternatively, look at the Zhiyun Crane 4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer. I know you're frustrated with your old one, but the Crane 4 is a whole different level. It has these amazing balance indicator lights that turn green when youre perfectly set up. It saves so much stress when youre on the clock! Just a quick tip: make sure you use the lens support bracket that comes with these. It helps so much with the front-heavy weight of the 24-70mm and keeps the motors from straining. Good luck in Chicago, you got this!

That A7IV and 24-70 GM II combo sits right around 1.4kg. On paper, most mid-range gimbals handle that, but those micro-vibrations are usually caused by the physical length of the lens creating a massive torque lever. Older Zhiyun motors often struggle with the PID tuning required for that specific weight distribution. Ngl, the DJI RS 3 Pro 10lb Payload Capacity is basically the standard for Sony shooters. The carbon fiber arms are significantly stiffer than aluminum, which stops the flex that causes those jitters. If you want to stay strictly under $800, check out the DJI RS 4 6.6lb Payload Capacity. It has the newer stabilization algorithms and the native Bluetooth shutter control for the A7IV is actually reliable... no more annoying cables or constant disconnects. It handles the weight shifts of the GM II much better than the older tech because the motor torque is just way higher across the board.