19/02/2026 5:55 am
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Hey everyone! I’ve been shooting with the Sony FX3 for a few months now, and while I love the internal stabilization, I really need a dedicated gimbal for some upcoming travel projects. I'm trying to keep my setup as light as possible, usually running the 24mm or 35mm GM primes, but I’m worried about payload and clearance issues with the FX3's wider body. I looked at the DJI RS3 Mini, but I’m not sure if it can handle the camera comfortably if I decide to keep the XLR top handle attached. Has anyone found a compact gimbal that balances well without feeling too bulky in a backpack? What would you recommend for a lightweight FX3 run-and-gun setup?
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19/02/2026 6:16 am
I went through this last year. Basically, the FX3 with the handle on the DJI RS 3 Mini is super tight—i struggled with the tilt axis clearance a lot when shooting low. Quick tips:
- Remove the handle for easier balancing
- Check the Zhiyun Weebill 3S for more clearance Honestly, even with primes, that wide body just hits the motors sometimes... gl!
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19/02/2026 6:36 am
> I looked at the DJI RS3 Mini, but I’m not sure if it can handle the camera comfortably if I decide to keep the XLR top handle attached. yo, I feel u... been there for sure!! basically I've been running the FX3 since launch and I honestly went through a whole phase of trying to force that XLR handle onto every small gimbal I could find. tbh it was a total headache... I mean, I spent way too much time and money trying to make a "lightweight" setup work with that huge handle sticking out. I think? I saw someone mention a cheap offset plate kit once that supposedly helps with the clearance, but idk if it actually holds up on a long shoot day. eventually I just started stripping the handle off for gimbal work because it's the most cost-effective way to keep things balanced and fast. ngl, my back thanked me for it too lol. IIRC there are some third-party cables that let you keep audio without the bulk if ur on a budget! anyway, just my two cents... Tip: Ditch the top handle and use a small shotgun mic directly into the body.
Why: Better balance and SO much cheaper than buying a heavy-duty gimbal for travel.
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26/02/2026 5:18 am
Just found this thread and honestly its so frustrating reading what everyone is going through. Basically everyone is saying the same thing... even the smaller gimbals people are trying just dont have the clearance if you actually want to use the handle. It drives me crazy how companies market these things as compact and pro but then they barely fit the Sony FX3 without hitting the motors. Its such a scam that we spend thousands on gear and then hundreds more on a gimbal that barely works right. Tbh I am terrified of burning out the motors or dropping my whole rig because the fit is so tight. Its honestly ridiculous that we still dont have a truly seamless compact solution that doesnt feel like a total compromise. Just feels like they want us to keep buying gear that doesnt actually do what it says on the box. Makes me wonder if its even worth the risk...
