Which compact zoom lens works best on the Sony FX3 gimbal?

Question

I’ve been using my Sony FX3 for a few months now, and while I love the image quality, I’m really struggling to find the perfect zoom lens for my gimbal setup (I'm mostly using the DJI RS3). Right now, I’m often sticking to primes for the weight, but it’s a total pain to stop and swap lenses in the middle of a fast-paced shoot. I really need something versatile but compact enough that it won't stress the gimbal motors or require a complete rebalance every time I adjust the focal length.

I’ve been looking closely at the Sony 16-35mm f/4 PZ G because of the internal zoom mechanism, which seems like a dream for gimbal work since the physical length stays the same. However, I’m also tempted by the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 for that faster aperture, though I'm worried about the center of gravity shifting. I primarily do event coverage and travel videography, so keeping the rig as light as possible is a top priority for those long days on my feet.

Does anyone have a go-to compact zoom that feels perfectly balanced on the FX3? Specifically, I'm looking for something that doesn't cause the gimbal to freak out when zooming—any recommendations or personal experiences with these specific lenses?

Cvety_fdEt · Accepted Answer

sooo i’ve been there and honestly? i’d be super cautious with anything that extends. in my experience, even a small shift in weight can reallyyy stress out those DJI RS 3 motors over a long day. i know the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G is a bit of an investment (usually around $1,100 new, but look for open-box deals around $900), but basically its the safest bet cuz of that internal zoom. you wont have to rebalance even once, which is huge for event work. if your looking to save some serious cash tho, you might wanna check out the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6. i know it sounds weird cuz it’s a kit lens, but its literally tiny and usually goes for like $250-300 used. i’ve tried many lenses over the years, and for travel videography where weight is everything, it keeps the rig sooo light. it isnt f/2.8, but for outdoor travel stuff? it actually works well tho. idk but i personally feel like the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD is great, but that slight extension might make the gimbal freak out if your balance isnt 100% perfect. maybe look for a used copy of the 16-35 power zoom to save some money? seriously, your wrists will thank you after 10 hours on ur feet. gl! 👍

RalphTug · Answer

In my experience, choosing between these is actually kinda tough for travel work. • Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G: Best for balance. Internal zoom means the DJI RS 3 motors wont struggle at all.
• Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD: Faster glass but it extends. It’s light, but your gonna feel that weight shift eventually. Honestly, the Sony feels way smoother for fast-paced events. f/4 isnt a problem with the Sony FX3 high ISO. gl!

intheusausernameorha · Answer

Regarding what #3 said about "In my experience, choosing between these is actually..." - i get why the 16-35 is the standard recommendation, but i found it a bit limiting for general event work. last year i was shooting a short doc and found 35mm just wasnt enough reach for portraits, but swapping lenses in the middle of a crowd was a total mess. i switched over to the Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G and it has been a very solid alternative for gimbal work ever since.

weight is only around 440g so the rs3 doesnt even sweat.

f/2.8 stays constant which helps a ton when light gets tricky indoors.

the barrel extension is minimal enough that i havent had to rebalance once while shooting. it isnt internal zoom like the 16-35 pz, but the motor strength on the rs3 handles the tiny shift without any vibrating or drifting. for me, the extra reach at the long end makes it a more reliable one lens solution for those long days on your feet.