Woke up and saw this, honestly you're overthinking the Pro version! If you want real technical value without the Pro price tag, check out these alternatives that might fit your workflow better:

• Zhiyun Weebill 3S Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
• This is fantastic because the sling grip makes low shots so much easier on your wrists during those long 10-hour wedding days. The motor torque is amazing for its size, and it has a built-in fill light that's total clutch for dark receptions.
• Zhiyun Crane 4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
• If you want more power, this has a massive payload and way better clearance than the standard RS3. It even has balance indicator lights that'll save you tons of time when you're rushing to catch the ceremony.
• Tilta Full Camera Cage for Sony a7 IV V2
• I absolutely love this cage. Technical wise, it sits much tighter to the body than the SmallRig, which solves that clearance issue on the tilt motor you're worried about. Stick with the Tilta cage and one of these Zhiyuns and you'll avoid that balancing nightmare totally! You'll be way under that $800 limit too.

I went through this exact same panic last year before a big travel shoot. I ended up grabbing the DJI RS 3 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer and honestly, unless you are planning to throw huge cine lenses on there, the Pro version is just gonna tire your arms out faster during a long wedding day. The standard RS 3 handles my a7 IV and a 24-70mm lens without breaking a sweat. Regarding the cage, the clearance thing is a bit of an exaggeration but it does have some truth to it if you use a bulky setup. I tried a generic cage first and it was a total nightmare to balance the tilt axis. Switched to the SmallRig Black Mamba Cage for Sony A7 IV and the slim profile actually makes a huge difference for those side clearances. Its way easier to slide the camera on and off the gimbal plate too. Heres how I see the options for your 800 budget:

• The DJI RS 3 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer is the sweet spot. It leaves you plenty of cash for extra batteries or a handle.
• If you really think youll upgrade to a much heavier setup soon, then the DJI RS 3 Pro 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer is the play, but its heavier and eats almost your whole budget.
• Stick with the SmallRig Full Camera Cage for Sony Alpha 7 IV if you want more mounting points, just be prepared to spend ten extra minutes balancing it the first time. Ngl, I prefer the lighter setup for weddings. Your back will thank you by hour eight of that Chicago shoot. Just make sure you get the SmallRig 3154 NATO Top Handle if you want to do low angle shots easily... it makes the whole rig feel way more stable.

I am stuck in the exact same loop with this camera and it is such a headache. Like someone mentioned, those clearance issues are no joke... I have been terrified of picking the wrong setup for my own wedding shoot next month too.

• Tbh, I am probably just gonna grab any cage from SmallRig.
• I might stick to the DJI ecosystem for the gimbal.
• Just gotta be careful about the weight tho!