Best compact gimbals for Sony a7C II and a7CR users?

Question

Which compact gimbal is actually the best fit for the Sony a7C II without being a total pain to pack? I've been looking at this for weeks and I'm stuck between the DJI RS 3 Mini and the Zhiyun Crane M3S. I am heading to Japan next month for two weeks and I really want to keep my gear light because I'll be walking like 20k steps a day through Kyoto and Tokyo. My setup is the a7C II usually with the 20-70mm f4 G lens which isn't huge but it definitely has some weight to it when it's zoomed out.

The RS 3 Mini seems like the safer bet for that lens but the Crane M3S is just so much smaller and easier to shove in a backpack side pocket. I'm also kinda curious about the Hohem iSteady MT2 since I've seen some okay reviews lately but I'm worried about the build quality compared to DJI. Budget is strictly under $400 because I already spent way too much on the camera body itself lol. Space is my biggest constraint though since I'm trying to fit everything in one carry-on. Can the M3S actually handle a mid-sized zoom or am I gonna regret not getting the DJI...

EE88neace · Accepted Answer

Honestly, I've been using the DJI RS 3 Mini 3-Axis Gimbal for Mirrorless with my a7C II and it's been a dream for travel. The Crane is cute but that lens gets front-heavy. I'm super satisfied with how the DJI handles the weight without being bulky. Quick tip: balance it with the lens zoomed to 35mm. It keeps the motors happy across the whole range so you aren't re-balancing in the middle of Tokyo.

Cirkonievy_qjmt · Answer

Just found this thread. Like someone mentioned, those tiny gimbals can struggle when that lens extends. Id suggest being cautious with the M3S and look at the FeiyuTech SCORP-Mini 2 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer instead. Its way more affordable than the DJI stuff and the ergonomic grip is a lifesaver for long travel days. Just make sure you dont overload the motors with extra gear.

spacemagic873 · Answer

Re: Honestly, I've been using the DJI RS 3... I actually went through a similar dilemma before a trip to Osaka last year. I was obsessed with shaving off every gram and tried to force a setup onto the Zhiyun Crane M3S Gimbal. While it is incredibly light, I would suggest you think twice because of how that Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G Lens behaves when you are actually out in the field. Here are a few things I learned the hard way that might save you some frustration in Tokyo:

Balance Shift: When you zoom that lens out to 70mm, the physical length changes quite a bit. On smaller gimbals like the M3S, the motors have less torque to fight that weight shift. You might find yourself re-balancing every time you change your shot, which is a total mood killer when you are trying to move fast through a crowded shrine.

Clearance Issues: Make sure to check the rear motor clearance. With the a7C II, the eye cup or even the flip-out screen can sometimes hit the gimbal arm on these ultra-compact models when you are tilting. It is super annoying and can even scratch your gear if you arent careful.

The Hohem Option: I've played with the Hohem iSteady MT2 Camera Gimbal and it is surprisingly capable for the price. The AI tracker is a cool party trick, but honestly, the build quality feels a bit more plasticky than DJI or Zhiyun. Just be careful with the mounting plate because it is a bit fiddly compared to the standard ones. Walking 20k steps is brutal, so I totally get the weight concern. Just dont sacrifice the actual stability for a few grams or you will end up leaving the gimbal in your hotel room after day three. If you can stretch the budget slightly, maybe peek at the Zhiyun Weebill 3S Handheld Gimbal too. It handles those mid-sized zooms way better without the motor strain.