Picture this: You’re filming a cinematic shot, moving fluidly with your gimbal. Everything looks perfect—until you zoom in. Suddenly, the gimbal wobbles, the motors struggle, and the shot loses its smoothness. Sound familiar?
Many videographers run into this problem when using a zoom lens on a gimbal. Unlike a fixed focal length lens, a zoom lens shifts weight as it extends and retracts.
That slight movement can throw off the gimbal’s balance, making it harder to maintain stability. If you don’t set up the gimbal correctly, the motors may overcompensate, causing jerky movements or battery drain.
But don’t ditch the zoom lens just yet. With the right techniques, you can use it without losing stability. This article breaks down the common challenges, the best gimbals for the job, and step-by-step instructions to keep your footage steady.
You’ll also find troubleshooting tips to fix balance issues and recommendations for accessories that improve performance.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly how to shoot smooth footage with a zoom lens on a gimbal—without frustration.
Table of Contents
Can You Use a Zoom Lens on a Gimbal?
Yes, but it requires the right approach. A zoom lens presents unique challenges that prime lenses don’t.
If you mount a zoom lens on a gimbal without adjusting for these issues, you’ll likely struggle with balance problems, unstable footage, and excessive strain on your gimbal motors.
Here’s why a zoom lens makes things tricky:
- Shifting weight distribution – Zooming in or out physically extends or retracts the lens, which changes the camera’s center of gravity. Even a small shift can throw off balance, making it harder for the gimbal to maintain stability.
- Increased motor strain – A longer or heavier zoom lens puts more stress on the gimbal motors. If the motors struggle to compensate, you’ll notice vibrations, inconsistent movement, or even motor failure.
- More risk of unwanted shake – Unlike a fixed lens, a zoom lens has moving elements inside. If you zoom while filming without a controlled system (like a follow focus), your footage may show small jitters or lag.
What Happens If You Don’t Adjust for These Issues?
- The gimbal might drift or tilt unexpectedly when you zoom.
- Motors could overheat or drain battery life faster.
- Your footage might look jittery, even if you’re using stabilization settings.
The Solution? Proper Setup and Smart Techniques
With the right gimbal, careful balancing, and a few accessories, you can overcome these issues. The next sections will walk you through:
- How to choose a gimbal that can handle zoom lenses
- Step-by-step balancing techniques
- The best ways to zoom without introducing shake
- Common troubleshooting fixes for stability problems
A zoom lens doesn’t have to limit your creativity. You just need the right approach to keep your footage steady and professional.
Choosing the Right Gimbal for a Zoom Lens
Using a zoom lens with a gimbal isn’t as simple as mounting a standard prime lens.
The shifting weight distribution and added length can throw off balance, strain the motors, and introduce unwanted shake.
A gimbal with strong motors, intelligent balancing features, and follow focus compatibility will help maintain stability.
✅ Look for Strong Motors and High Payload Capacity
A zoom lens weighs more than a prime lens, and its weight shifts as you change focal lengths.
Weak gimbal motors will struggle to compensate, causing jerky movements or outright failure. Choose a gimbal with a payload capacity that exceeds your camera and lens weight.
For reference:
- Mirrorless cameras with standard zooms (e.g., Sony A7 IV + 24-70mm f/2.8) → DJI RS 3 (6.6 lbs / 3 kg payload)
- Heavier DSLR or cinema cameras with zoom lenses (e.g., Canon C70 + RF 24-105mm) → Zhiyun Crane 4 (13.2 lbs / 6 kg payload)
- Lightweight travel setups (e.g., Fujifilm X-T5 + 18-55mm) → Moza AirCross 3 (7 lbs / 3.2 kg payload)
If you’re pushing the gimbal close to its max weight limit, expect battery drain, motor noise, and potential shaking—a sign you need a higher-capacity gimbal.
✅ Consider Gimbals with Auto-Tuning and Follow Focus Compatibility
A zoom lens shifts balance mid-shot, which can throw off a standard gimbal. Auto-tuning detects these changes and adjusts motor strength in real time, preventing unwanted movements.
Some high-end gimbals even let you save multiple balance profiles for different zoom positions.
A follow focus system lets you zoom without physically touching the lens, preventing extra shake. Look for gimbals that support:
- Electronic focus motors (e.g., DJI Focus Motor, Zhiyun TransMount)
- Auto-tuning motor adjustments for zoom shifts
- Customizable stiffness settings to fine-tune motor response
A follow focus system also helps with precision—zooming smoothly by hand on a gimbal can feel clunky.
How to Balance a Zoom Lens on a Gimbal
If a zoom lens isn’t balanced properly, your gimbal will struggle to keep the camera stable. A poorly balanced setup drains battery faster, strains motors, and creates wobbly footage.
Follow these steps to balance a zoom lens the right way:
Step 1: Mount the Camera with the Lens at Its Most Used Focal Length
- Zoom lenses change weight distribution as you zoom in or out.
- Set the lens to the focal length you’ll use most before balancing.
- If you zoom after balancing, the gimbal may become front-heavy or back-heavy.
Example: If you’re shooting at 50mm most of the time on a 24-70mm lens, set it to 50mm before balancing.
Step 2: Adjust the Gimbal’s Axis to Achieve Balance
Each gimbal axis needs proper adjustment:
- Tilt Axis – Loosen the tilt arm and slide the camera forward or backward until it stays level when you let go.
- Roll Axis – Adjust side to side until the camera remains level.
- Pan Axis – Fine-tune the pan arm until the camera doesn’t swing when rotated.
Once balanced, the camera should stay in place at any angle without motor assistance.
Step 3: Use Counterweights if Necessary
Some zoom lenses, especially telephoto zooms, shift balance so much that standard gimbal adjustments won’t work.
Adding counterweights to the back of the camera or using a lens support bracket can offset the imbalance.
Recommended accessories:
- SmallRig Counterweight System – Adds stability to long lenses.
- Lens Support Bracket – Reduces lens sag and strain on the gimbal.
Step 4: Test Movement to Check Stability Before Filming
- Tilt, pan, and roll the gimbal manually to see if the camera drifts.
- Power on the gimbal and check for motor noise—loud buzzing means the balance is off.
- Walk with the gimbal and record test footage to check for micro shakes.
A properly balanced gimbal moves smoothly, stays quiet, and doesn’t fight back when you adjust it. If the camera drifts or motors struggle, go back and fine-tune the balance.
Best Practices for Smooth Footage with a Zoom Lens
A zoom lens can add versatility to your shots, but it also introduces challenges.
Sudden changes in focal length can throw off balance, and gimbal motors can struggle if the weight shifts unpredictably. Use these techniques to keep your footage steady and professional.
▶️ Use an External Follow Focus for Controlled Zooming
Manually twisting the lens can cause jerky movements and shake the camera. A follow focus system gives you precise control without disrupting balance.
Choose a wireless follow focus if you need flexibility or a mechanical one for budget-friendly setups.
Pro tip: If your lens has a variable zoom ring resistance, adjust it for smoother operation.
▶️ Avoid Rapid Zooming—Keep It Slow and Steady
Fast zooming shifts the center of gravity, making the gimbal work harder to compensate. Slow, intentional zooms maintain stability and look more cinematic.
If your gimbal has an auto-tune mode, use it before shooting to adapt to minor weight shifts.
Try this: Instead of zooming abruptly, combine a slow zoom with a gentle push-in or pull-out movement for a natural look.
▶️ Utilize Lens Support Brackets for Longer Lenses
Heavy zoom lenses can create front-heavy setups, putting strain on the gimbal motors. A lens support bracket distributes weight more evenly and prevents unnecessary vibrations.
Most gimbal brands offer adjustable brackets—find one that fits your lens size.
Bonus tip: If your lens extends while zooming, a bracket keeps it from sagging, which helps maintain balance throughout the shot.
▶️ Adjust Gimbal Settings to Compensate for Changes in Balance
Different zoom levels shift the lens weight, affecting gimbal performance. Adjust motor strength and follow speed in your gimbal settings to match your lens characteristics.
Some gimbals offer an auto-calibration feature—run it after setting up your camera to fine-tune motor response.
What to tweak:
- Motor strength: Increase it if the gimbal struggles with lens weight.
- Follow speed: Slow it down for smoother transitions.
- Deadband settings: Reduce them to avoid unnecessary micro-adjustments.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
| Problem | Solution |
| Gimbal loses balance mid-shoot | Rebalance the gimbal at the focal length you use most. Use a lens with internal zooming to minimize weight shifts. If the lens extends, adjust the gimbal’s center of gravity before shooting. |
| Footage still looks shaky | Turn on in-camera stabilization. If shakes persist, use post-production stabilization tools like DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro. |
| Gimbal motors struggle with weight | If the gimbal vibrates, makes unusual noises, or tilts, the lens might be too heavy. Switch to a lighter zoom lens, upgrade to a higher payload gimbal, or add counterweights for better balance. |
▶️ – Related Topic: What Is a Gimbal Mount
▶️ – Related Topic: Glidecam vs Gimbal
▶️ – Related Topic: Best Gimbal for BMPCC 4K
Conclusion
A zoom lens works on a gimbal, but you have to set it up correctly. The moment you start zooming, the weight shifts, and your gimbal struggles to keep up.
That’s why balancing matters. If you get it right from the start, you avoid mid-shoot headaches.
Test your setup before filming. Lock in your focal length, fine-tune your gimbal’s motor strength, and use a follow focus system for smoother control. Small adjustments make a big difference in stability.
Don’t just take my word for it—try it yourself. Experiment with your gimbal’s settings, tweak the balance, and see how different zoom speeds affect your footage.
If your gimbal still wobbles, check out external support brackets or consider a lens with internal zooming.
Got experience using a zoom lens on a gimbal? Drop your insights in the comments. If you’re looking for a new gimbal, explore top-rated models designed for heavier setups.
Want more tips? Check out detailed breakdowns on gimbal tuning and zoom lens stabilization.