ngl I had issues with DJI RS 3 Mini clearance. I'd honestly get a used DJI RS 3 or Zhiyun Crane 2S instead. That handle needs the extra space, basically. hope that helps!

Jumping in here... I went through this last year when I first grabbed my FX30. That top handle is amazing for audio but seriouslyyy a nightmare for gimbal clearance!! I actually tried the Mini first and it was a total no-go for me too because of the height. I ended up comparing a few setups:
- DJI RS 3: This is basically the dream. Pros: The auto-locks are SO good and the arms are longer than the Mini version. Cons: Itll probably push ur $500 limit unless you find a deal.
- FeiyuTech SCORP-C: My budget hero. Pros: Surprisingly huge clearance for tall rigs and very cheap. Cons: Software is kinda meh.
- Moza AirCross 3: Solid middle ground. Pros: Handles the Sony E PZ 18-105mm f/4 G OSS weight easily. Honestly, the FeiyuTech SCORP-C was the winner for me. It’s got the physical room that the mini gimbals lack. Just make sure you balance it with the screen out if thats how you shoot. Hope that helps!! peace

> I'd love to hear what's working for your run-and-gun setups! For your situation, ur gonna find most budget ones suck for height. Try a used DJI RS 2 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer... it's honestly the only thing I've found that clears that handle. gl!

I've been following this thread for a bit and honestly, I have the exact same problem. It seems like the consensus here is that we basically have to look at older or used DJI and Zhiyun pro models because the budget stuff just doesnt have the arm length to clear that top handle. I've been stuck in this exact same loop for about two months now... trying to find something affordable that wont hit the back motor, but every brand seems to be designing for tiny vlogging setups instead of cinema bodies. It is so frustrating that there isnt a dedicated budget option for setups like the FX30. Im honestly just as lost as you are right now and still havent found anything that works safely for my rig.

So yeah, I totally agree with the others that the clearance for that audio handle is the absolute biggest headache when you are looking at the current market. It is basically a physics problem where the center of gravity just doesnt play nice with most gear designed for mirrorless setups. From a market research perspective, it seems like most newer budget brands are optimizing for tiny vlogging rigs, which leaves us FX30 users in a really weird spot.

• Look at any of the older heavy-duty stabilizers from Moza because they tend to have much wider arm gaps than the newer compact stuff
• Go with any of the legacy pro-grade equipment from the major manufacturers that was actually designed for tall cinema rigs
• Just get a used high-payload model from the brands that focus on professional production rather than the travel-friendly crowd Honestly, you are way better off snagging a used pro-tier unit from a few years back than trying to force a brand new budget model to work for you. The motor tech in that older pro stuff is still fantastic and you will actually have the physical room to balance the handle without hitting the back motor every time you try to tilt up.

@Reply #6 - good point! I have been using the FX30 for about two years now and honestly, I am very satisfied with my current rig. Handling that top audio handle is basically a geometry game. I have tested a couple of stabilizers that work well without breaking the bank.

• FeiyuTech SCORP-C 3-Axis Gimbal: This has been a reliable workhorse for me. The clearance for the tilt axis is generous enough that the XLR handle does not hit the motor during normal operation. No complaints about the motor strength even with a cage.
• Zhiyun Weebill 3S Gimbal Stabilizer: I am very happy with this one for travel. It is compact but the arm extensions are long enough for the FX30 height. It feels very stable with the Sigma glass you are using. Both options are under $500. I think you will be happy with either, tho the Scorp is better if you do a lot of low-angle work.

Saved for later, ty!