Top 6 Best Gimbal for Nikon Z9 in 2024

It can be a daunting task to find the perfect gimbal for a pro-built mirrorless camera like the Nikon Z9 considering that there are so many choices on the market. After trial and error on different camera stabilizers, I finally rounded up the best gimbal for Nikon Z9, starting with the DJI RS 3 Pro.

Read on for a better, in-depth comparison of the best gimbals that fit this full-frame Nikon Z9.

Best Gimbal for Nikon Z9

Starting off the list is the formidable DJI RS 3 Pro gimbal. This gimbal features longer carbon fiber pivot arms that provide extra balancing room for the Nikon Z9 camera. 

The RS 3 Pro’s improved mechanical design enables its light weight of about 1.5 kg, comprising the gimbal itself, battery pack, and double-layered plates. It has a 4.5 kg load capacity and provides substantial stability in a compact body.

When I was first setting up, I noticed its new outstretched lower fast-release panel that provides more sturdy gear mounting and makes it easier to add a lens attachment for more steady settings.

The RS Pro also features a tune-up dial that makes balancing simpler. This dial allows you to tilt axes to adjust the camera’s movement accurately. 

The Teflon-plated elements on this gimbal help to reduce friction even when attaching heavier cameras.

Its automated Axis lock system enables you to start snapping right away. Simply press and hold the power button; the three axes will unlock and extend automatically in seconds. This feature streamlined my shooting experience because once the axes lock and go into sleep mode, I can move my gear efficiently without any shakes on the videos. Also, once you’re done shooting, you can click-hold the power button to fold and shut instantly.

Its Bluetooth connectivity is extra handy for an efficient and dependable remote shutter command. 

After connecting the Bluetooth for the first time, I could control the image and video shooting by pushing the stabilizer’s record button. And if you have a previously attached camera, it will automatically and immediately reconnect, saving you a lot of time with each subsequent usage.

In my experience, it was easy to toggle and choose between FPV, Pan, and Tilt follow modes by rotating the redesigned gimbal mode switch. I found that the FPV setting is also adjustable, with options for portrait and 3D shooting, enabling you to modify your gear and start rolling quickly.

I love the vast, built-in OLED complete-color touchscreen that expands the screen area by 27% over the previous RS 2. This was extremely helpful for configuring parameters, reviewing shooting progress, and positioning my tracked objects. 

This gimbal’s touch screen is decently bright, giving you a clearer viewing when shooting outdoors. 

This DJI, in my opinion, is a pro video stabilizer at an affordable price.

The DJI RS 2 is a masterpiece as far as camera stabilization equipment goes. The decals, carbon, and metalwork look fantastic, and the overall design is flawless. Putting all the components together, everything fits snugly and without difficulty, demonstrating the high quality and precision of the casting, craftsmanship, and design.

It features the mature Titan stabilization algorithm, increasing the gimbal’s efficiency and delivering cleaner footage. Thanks to the Titan algorithm, the RS2 is one of the smoothest gimbals I’ve ever used.

Its functional axis locks allow you to lock each axis individually. This was essential for leveling my gimbal and shooting my jogging footage. It also comes in handy when setting your gimbal and attaching extra add-ons like focus motors or additional lenses.

The RS2 includes a new inbuilt full-color touchscreen interface that lets you execute most gimbal modifications without needing smartphone connectivity. It will issue alerts if any actuators are being overworked or if any axes are still locked. 

If you see an orange/red color symbol on the menu’s upper right corner, this indicates that there’s a strain on the gimbal. Swipe left to find out where the strain emanates from and how to resolve it. I recommend keeping things balanced and green to extend the life of the gimbal’s motors and guarantee it works for many years.

If you’re working with photos that need it, the RavenEye wireless HDMI transmitter lets you utilize your phone as an extra point of view. The RavenEye performed admirably, with minimal latency and frame drops.

You may also use the ActiveTrack function on the gimbal with the RavenEye. It’s the very first time it’s been combined with a wireless media transmitter. Tracking is now based on the images from your camera rather than your phone, as it was previously.

The fast-release panel is identical to the preceding version but has been modified for considerably quicker installation. DJI added several notches at the bottom to let you fine-tune your tilt axis with a balancing ring. After sliding the camera into the optimum predicted position, you can locate the most exact weight balance by carefully rotating the knob and securing it in place.

DJI has included a new built-in front dial gear just above the trigger that you can set for various tasks, including ISO, focus, roll, and aperture. Based on your camera and arrangement, this dial will enable you to control the gimbal with one hand while concurrently adjusting any of these characteristics.

The SCORP Pro is designed specifically for elite mirrorless/DSLR camera filmmakers. 

For starters, this 3-axis gimbal adjusts for vertical, horizontal, and slanted movement, allowing you to fix the camera on your subject and capture the most steady image possible. I like that I can lock any of these axes to follow a moving subject while the other two stabilize my shot.

This pro video camera gimbal features a removable under-grip touchscreen display, and a digital focus gear for AF follow focus.

The retractable handle of the SCORP Pro functions as a remote control that accommodates Somatic mode. And you can alter its embedded hanging grip to multiple angles for usage on a broader range of shooting scenarios.

The gimbal features a built-in vertical mounting plate that enables you to install the camera in portrait fashion for A roll footage. I love the ARCA quick-release bottom plate that easily mounts the gimbal on standard fast-release devices without having to reassemble the camera repeatedly.

The FeiyuTech Scorp gimbal has a plethora of digital capabilities that can significantly improve your shooting game. The gimbal’s servos and motors give you complete control over the camera’s movement through a finger joystick. 

If you link the two gadgets using one of the supported cables, the touchscreen on one of the Scorp’s handles can generate preset motions, lock out other functionality, and even operate the camera.

Time-lapse is one of the fascinating features of this Feiyu menu. With this feature, I can set the start and finish points of the gimbal’s orientation and regulate the video speed with the camera controls. When activated, the gimbal moves as the camera takes pictures.

This 4.6lb gimbal supports a max 10lb payload attachment. While this combo can be challenging to hold, I appreciate its ergonomic grips that make operating the FeiyuTech Scorp gimbal a breeze. 

If you plan on vlogging with this FeiyuTech, I advise that you choose a wide-angle lens for easier shooting.

The Zhiyun Crane 3S is the most recent addition to the Crane line of gimbals. Zhiyun used a bunch of design cues from the Crane 3 Lab to build this next premier gimbal. 

The Crane 3S’s main selling feature is that it can accommodate camera payloads weighing up to 6.5 kg.

The Zhiyun Crane 3S is a robust stabilizer gimbal designed for heavier mirrorless or DSLR equipment. The Crane 3S is a complete revamp of prior Zhiyun gimbals, including removable handle choices, a vast 6.5kg payload (45% payload increase), an upgraded axis-locking mechanism, auxiliary power input, as well as the ViaTouch 2.0 motion controller. 

Despite its huge payload capacity, the Crane 3S has a very modest footprint when folded. It’s still relatively large, but the design allows you to fold it into a functional position for easier storage. This makes it much easier to travel with and is a significant benefit of Zhiyun models over competitor gimbals.

This heavy-duty gimbal introduces a removable secondary EasySling or SmartSling for easy carrying and transporting. The EasySling is designed for more ergonomic upright and underslung use (you can attach it to the back or use it to stretch the vertical grip). At the same time, SmartSling has its operating system and screen for more convenient and direct gimbal and camera adjustment.

In my experience, the battery lasted 8 hours, and I still had about 17% charge left. So it’s safe to say that the battery can go up to 12 hours. Also, if you need longer run times, I advise you buy their additional fast-charging TransMount PowerPlus battery pack.

This traveler-kit gimbal has a 10-pound payload, sufficient for most mirrorless cameras with a touch display. The touchscreen lets you enter multiple settings by pressing an icon, such as time-lapse or selfie mode. Instead of relying on the accompanying app, the touchscreen allows you to configure almost all of the gimbal’s characteristics. 

On smartphones, you can use the complementary Manfrotto app for all additional configurations and remote control. This gimbal kit also features a fast-release plate, a tiny tripod, and shutter release cables.

Two mounting plates are used in the fast-release mechanism. There is a built-in base and a detachable top plate, both of which adhere to Arca-Swiss standards. You can use the top plate to move your camera between the gimbal, tripods, or other Arca-Swiss compatible supports.

I like this feature because it eliminates the need to readjust the gimbal when remounting the camera.

When testing this gimbal, it was easy to link Nikon Z9 camera to the gimbal using the provided connections for a more seamless workflow. I love that the Manfrotto includes a conventional foam transportation case with precisely cut slots for the gimbal and its attachments. This is handy if you do distant location shoots.

Another feature I admire about this gimbal is its locking on all three axes. You can then lock the other two axes while balancing one at a time. It makes the procedure much easier than previous gimbals I’ve used in the past.

The most notable improvement over the Weebill LAB is the 300% spike in motor torque and a 50% boost in responsiveness. The Weebill S is significantly more competent when handling bulkier camera and lens configurations.

This gimbal is also simple to mount and balance. Thanks to independent locks on each carbon arm, you don’t have to struggle with your arms flailing around when you’re mounting your camera for the first time. You can easily balance subjects by isolating each axis by latching the other two.

With this gadget, you receive a fast-release plate, which eliminates the need to go through the balancing procedure every time you unmount and remount the camera.

The Weebill-S features an extra-long rear arm, which provides plenty of space and prevents the EVF foam cushion from striking the arm.

Tips for Buying Top-Tier Quality Gimbals

Regarding gimbals, there’s no one-size-fits-all, as it depends on your individual needs and preference. Here are great pointers to help you pick a gimbal that suits your shooting needs perfectly.

Design

Choose the design based on what you want to accomplish with the gimbal. If you’re working with a camera/smartphone, you can pick a 3-axis design. I recommend this because it offers extra smooth dynamic shots and has different stabilization modes. 

But if you want something a little cheaper, go for 2-axis gimbals.

Camera Compatibility 

Gimbal makers frequently list the different phone models that are interoperable with their gadgets. Look for one that works with the phone model you have. But it’s best to go for gimbals compatible with different premium phone brands.

Balancing

If you’ll be mounting and detaching your camera constantly, select a gimbal with a quick-release base or other capabilities that make it simple to get your camera perfectly balanced on the gimbal.

Payload

Because a decent DSLR and lens combo might be hefty, choose a camera gimbal with payload motors capable of supporting your shooting gear.

Size and Weight

If you choose a handheld gimbal, choose one that is light in weight because it will become tiring to hold it for an extended period.

Battery Capacity

Choose a longer battery life to make your life easier by eliminating the need to charge it frequently. And because certain gimbals can also charge phones, I recommend choosing one with a bigger battery, which can charge your phone on outdoor shoots.

Best Nikon Z9 Gimbal Roundup

DJI RS 3 Pro is a front-runner on my gimbal list since it includes myriad filming capabilities that can significantly expand your filmmaking skills. This gimbal offers excellent stabilization performance, RavenEye wireless transmission, and a better full-color touch screen. As a standalone, this product gets the job done, and with extra add-ons, you entirely up your filming game. 

My 2nd-best recommendation is the DJI RS2, one of the market’s most sophisticated full-size camera gimbals with the best weight-to-payload balance. It is a very lightweight and maneuverable gimbal that will fit your demands whether you’re a smartphone or mirrorless camera content creator.

Coming in at number three is the FeiyuTech Scorp gimbal, which is undoubtedly one of the greatest gimbals I’ve ever used. When it comes to capturing pans, tilts, and tracking snaps while maintaining your horizon level, the FeiyuTech Scorp is perfect. The only problem with this gimbal is its inability to handle a longer/bigger lens gear combo.