11/02/2026 9:07 am
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I recently upgraded to the Sony a6700 for an upcoming backpacking trip and I’m struggling to find the perfect gimbal that won’t weigh me down. Since the a6700 is so portable, I want a setup that fits easily in a daypack but can still handle the weight of my 18-135mm lens without the motors struggling. I’m particularly interested in gimbals that support native vertical shooting for social media and have a quick-release system that doesn’t block the battery door. I’ve been looking at the DJI RS 3 Mini and the Zhiyun Crane M3S, but I’m torn on which one is more reliable for run-and-gun travel. For those using an a6700, which compact gimbal do you think offers the best balance of size and stabilization?
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11/02/2026 9:07 am
Yo, I feel u on that setup... that 18-135mm lens gets kinda long when zoomed out so it's tricky. I've been doing this for years but gimbals still feel like a puzzle lol. I would suggest the DJI RS 3 Mini over the Zhiyun cuz it's usually around $279 on sale.
- Handles weight way better
- Native vertical is literal perfection
It's lowkey the best budget move for a6700 travel videos. gl!
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11/02/2026 9:38 am
Similar situation here - I struggled with the Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS zoom creep on my a6700. Basically, longer lenses create more torque, so payload specs really matter. Honestly, I've found the DJI RS 3 Mini, around $280, much more reliable for this setup. It doesnt struggle with the front-heavy lens, and the native vertical mode is legit and doesnt block my battery door like my old Zhiyun Crane M3S did. 👍
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27/02/2026 6:59 am
Re: "Big if true" - honestly its so ridiculous how these companies expect us to shell out hundreds for gear that barely works! I love my a6700 so much but finding a gimbal that actually fits the portable vibe is such a nightmare!! It drives me crazy that we pay so much and still deal with the same old issues.
- DJI and Zhiyun prices are getting totally out of hand lately.
- Other brands like Feiyu or Hohem promise "travel friendly" but they are still massive.
- Plates that block every battery door... its like they dont even use cameras! It basically feels like a scam when they promise portability but then the motors struggle with a basic zoom lens. Like, do they even test these things?? I just want to take amazing videos without my gear failing mid-trip. Its just so frustrating that we have to compromise on everything just to get decent stabilization!!
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25/02/2026 5:18 pm
Big if true
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11/02/2026 9:33 am
Caution: those tiny gimbals often struggle with front-heavy lenses like the 18-135mm once you start zooming. I actually burned out a motor once cuz the torque was just too much for the compact arm... pretty risky for a long trip. Honestly, I'd suggest a different approach. For backpacking, maybe just use a top handle and software stabilization?? I found it way more reliable and cheaper than carrying extra weight. Less is more sometimes.
