I just wanted to share with you my thoughts and research on the best low budget gimbals for the GH5 for run and gun shooting:
#1 Zhiyun Crane V2
Specs:
- Payload: 0.8 – 3.3 lb (0.35 to 1.5 kg)
- Battery: 12 hours
- Weight: 1.6 lb (0.7 kg) (without battery)
#2 ikan DS1 Beholder
Specs:
- Payload: 3.7 lb / 1.7 kg
- Battery: 2 to 3 hours
- Weight: 2.4 lb / 1.1 kg (including batteries)
#3 DJI Ronin-M
Specs:
- Payload: 8 lb / 3.6 kg
- Battery: 6 hours
- Weight: 5.07 lb / 2.3 kg
#4 Glidecam Centurian
Buy it here: B&H
Specs:
- Payload: 1-5 lb / 0.5-2.3 kg
- Battery: Not sure, but you get 4 batteries
- Weight: Single Grip Configuration: 3.4 lb / 1.5 kg | Dual Grip Configuration: 4.5 lb / 2 kg
#5 Letus Helix Jr
Specs:
- Payload: 12 lb (5.4 kg)
- Battery: Not sure
- Weight: 5.75 lb (2.61 kg), with battery
Which one do I like the most?
The weight of a Panasonic GH5 with battery and SD card is 1.6 lb or 725 g. On top of that, if you’re using it with a 12-35mm f/2.8 lens, the weight increases to 1 kg (2.2 lbs).
Ideally you need a gimbal that can take at least 30% more than the weight of your camera system so the motors have some breathing room to do its job well. Many of these rated weight limits already factor in some room for error, so all the gimbals on our list should be fine for general GH5 work.
However, if you’re using cinema lenses like the Zeiss CP.2 (1 kg per lens) or CP.3 (850 g per lens), then you need a gimbal that can take at least 2 kg (4.4 lbs).
Even though the single-hand gimbal is extremely popular with the wedding shooter crowd, I find it very limited as a long term purchase. The movements are limited (though it adds other benefits like you can fit it on a pole for boom shots), the lens choices are limited, and the stabilization is good enough but is the not the best available.
Right now my favorite has to be the Glidecam Centurian. They are selling it at a massive discount. It can do both single and dual handed mode (best of both worlds), has full 360-degree movement, and is light enough for practical use.
