You’ve got the gimbal. You’ve nailed the basics. But your footage still feels… off.
That’s because the real magic happens when you add the right accessories—gear that solves problems you didn’t know you had.
In this post, I’ll break down five add-ons that serious shooters are using in 2025 to get cleaner, smoother, and more professional results.
Gimbal Accessory | Specifications | Pros | Price |
SmallRig Adjustable Sling Handgrip 🏅 Best fornProfessional Shoots | Weight: 612g (1.35 lbs) Payload: N/A Battery: N/A | ✅ Ergonomic grip for low angles ✅ Adjustable to suit different positions ✅ Compatible with RS2, RS3, RS3 Pro | 🔗 View on Amazon |
Zhiyun TransMount Quick Setup Kit đź’ˇ Best for Quick Transitions | Weight: 45g Payload: N/A Battery: N/A | âś… Ultra-fast gimbal/tripod swaps âś… Lightweight and compact âś… Durable all-metal build | đź”— View on Amazon |
NICEYRIG Gimbal Counterweight Clamp Kit 🎯 Best for Balancing Heavy Lenses | Weight: 100g Payload: Adjustable via weights Battery: N/A | ✅ Solves lens/gimbal imbalance ✅ Customizable weight distribution ✅ Strong clamp mechanism | 🔗 View on Amazon |
SmallRig Wooden Left Side Handle 🎨 Best for Style + Accessory Mounting | Weight: 192g Payload: N/A Battery: N/A | ✅ Beautiful ergonomic wooden design ✅ Cold shoe & threaded holes for add-ons ✅ Reversible mounting for flexibility | 🔗 View on Amazon |
SMALLRIG Handle with Follow Focus 🎬 Best for Solo Shooters / Focus Control | Weight: 291g Payload: N/A Battery: Built-in Follow Focus Battery Life: 10 hrs | ✅ Follow focus integration ✅ Precise control for solo shooters ✅ Premium build and comfort | 🔗 View on Amazon |
🎥 The 5 Best Gimbal Accessories That Make Your Camera Rig Work Harder
Let’s face it—gimbals alone don’t cut it anymore.
If you want to shoot longer, move faster, and stay in control no matter what’s happening on set, you need to upgrade your rig.
That starts with the right accessories. I’m talking about gear that fixes the real problems: wrist fatigue, shaky balance, missed focus, clunky transitions.
The five tools below weren’t picked for how they look—they’re on this list because they work.
Add even one of these to your setup, and you’ll notice the difference in your footage—and how much less stressed you feel while shooting.
1. SmallRig Adjustable Sling Handgrip Gimbal Sling Handle
🏅 The Editor’s Choice | SmallRig Adjustable Sling Handgrip Gimbal Sling Handle
This ergonomic sling handgrip offers enhanced comfort and stability for low-angle shots, compatible with DJI RS series stabilizers.
Pros
- Ergonomic design reduces fatigue during prolonged use.
- Adjustable angle for versatile shooting positions.
- Compatible with multiple DJI RS series models.
- Durable construction ensures longevity.
Cons
- May add extra weight to the setup.
- Limited compatibility outside DJI RS series.
🎬 Best For Professional Shoots, Low-Angle Filming
Ideal for videographers capturing dynamic scenes requiring low-angle perspectives, such as action sequences or creative cinematic shots.
The SmallRig Adjustable Sling Handgrip stands out for its ergonomic design, allowing for comfortable handling during extended shoots.
Its adjustability caters to various shooting angles, making it a versatile addition to any professional’s gear.
While it adds some weight, the trade-off is a significant improvement in shot stability and comfort.
2. Zhiyun Accessories TransMount Quick Setup Kit
Zhiyun Accessories TransMount Quick Setup Kit for Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
This quick setup kit enables rapid attachment and detachment of tripods or monopods to Zhiyun gimbals, streamlining your shooting workflow.
Pros
- Facilitates swift transitions between handheld and tripod modes.
- Enhances efficiency during shoots.
- Robust build quality ensures reliability.
- Compact design adds minimal bulk.
Cons
- Primarily compatible with Zhiyun gimbals.
- May require additional adapters for other equipment.
đź’ˇ Best For Best Budget Option, Quick Transitions
Perfect for event videographers needing to switch rapidly between different shooting setups, such as moving from handheld to tripod shots during weddings or live events.
The TransMount Quick Setup Kit is a game-changer for on-the-go videographers.
Its ability to expedite equipment transitions can significantly reduce downtime, allowing for more dynamic and responsive shooting.
While its compatibility is primarily with Zhiyun products, the efficiency gains make it a worthy investment for users within that ecosystem.
3. NICEYRIG Gimbal Counterweight Clamp Kit
NICEYRIG Gimbal Counterweight Clamp Kit
This counterweight clamp kit aids in balancing uneven camera setups on gimbals, ensuring smoother operation and reducing motor strain.
Pros
- Adjustable weights for precise balancing.
- Compatible with various gimbal models.
- Durable aluminum construction.
- Improves gimbal performance with heavy lenses.
Cons
- Adds extra components to the setup.
- Requires manual adjustment for optimal balance.
🎯 Best For Precision Balancing, Heavy Lens Setups
Essential for filmmakers using heavy or front-heavy lenses, ensuring their gimbal remains balanced and responsive during complex shots.
Balancing is crucial for optimal gimbal performance, and the NICEYRIG Counterweight Clamp Kit provides a customizable solution.
By allowing fine-tuned adjustments, it ensures that even the most unbalanced setups can achieve smooth operation.
While it introduces additional setup time, the resulting stability is invaluable for professional-grade footage.
4. SmallRig Wooden Left Side Handle
SmallRig Wooden Left Side Handle
Crafted from high-quality wood, this left side handle offers a comfortable grip and additional mounting options for accessories on your camera rig.
Pros
- Ergonomic wooden design enhances comfort.
- Provides multiple mounting points.
- Adjustable positioning for optimal control.
- Adds a classic aesthetic to your setup.
Cons
- Wooden material may require careful handling.
- Slightly heavier than plastic alternatives.
🎨 Best For Aesthetic Appeal, Accessory Expansion
Ideal for filmmakers seeking both functionality and style, offering a comfortable grip and the ability to mount additional accessories like monitors or microphones.
The SmallRig Wooden Left Side Handle combines form and function, providing a comfortable grip that also enhances the visual appeal of your rig.
Its multiple mounting options expand your setup’s capabilities, making it a valuable addition for those looking to customize their equipment without compromising on style or comfort.
5. SMALLRIG Handle with Follow Focus
SMALLRIG Handle with Follow Focus
This handle integrates a follow focus system, allowing for precise focus adjustments directly from the handle, streamlining your shooting process.
Pros
- Integrated follow focus for seamless control.
- Ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue.
- Compatible with various DJI RS series gimbals.
- Enhances solo shooting capabilities.
Cons
- Higher price point due to integrated features.
- May require calibration for different lenses.
🎬 Best For Solo Shooters, Precision Focus Control
Perfect for independent filmmakers who need to manage focus adjustments on the fly without additional crew, ensuring sharp and professional-looking footage.
The SMALLRIG Handle with Follow Focus is a boon for solo operators, integrating critical focus control into a single, ergonomic handle.
This consolidation simplifies the shooting process, allowing for more fluid and responsive adjustments.
While it represents a higher investment, the efficiency and control it offers can significantly elevate the quality of your work.
What Gimbal Accessories Actually Do for You
Skip the marketing fluff. Think about what happens when you shoot an event, walk through a crowded street, or need to grab a low-angle shot in seconds. You either struggle—or you move freely with the right tools.
Add the right accessories and you:
- Get smoother, more controlled footage.
- React faster to changes during shoots.
- Mount extra gear without fumbling.
- Stop straining your wrist or back after an hour.
Accessories fix real-world pain points. They don’t just look cool on your rig. Every piece of gear should earn its place in your setup by solving a specific problem.
🎮 What to Consider Before You Buy Accessories
Don’t waste money on gear you’ll never use. Instead, take 30 seconds to answer a few key questions:
- What kind of shots do you need most—low angles, static setups, fast tracking?
- How long are you holding your gimbal during a typical shoot?
- Do you need to mount lights, microphones, or external monitors?
- Are you constantly switching from handheld to tripod—or do you shoot from one position all day?
If you shoot handheld for hours, go with a sling grip first. If you’re switching setups constantly, a quick-release kit will change your life. And if your camera’s front-heavy, you’ll regret not adding counterweights.
Start small. Fix the biggest pain point in your workflow first. Once you feel the difference, you’ll know exactly what to add next.
🤔 Fixing Common Gimbal Headaches
Even high-end gear causes problems if you’re missing one small piece of the puzzle. Here’s how to patch those gaps quickly:
Problem: Gimbal still shakes after balancing.
- Fix: Recalibrate. Add counterweights if your camera is front-heavy or unbalanced side-to-side.
Problem: Setup takes too long on location.
- Fix: Install a quick-release plate. Pre-balance your gear in the studio and lock it in with a memory setup.
Problem: Wrist pain after long shoots.
- Fix: Get a sling grip or handle with shoulder support. Your body will thank you after hour three.
Problem: Focus constantly drifts during filming.
- Fix: Add a follow focus unit. Lock your autofocus off and use your thumb to make precise pulls without shaking the rig.
These aren’t hypothetical problems. These are the exact headaches pros face every week—and these accessories are how they fix them.
📆 Bonus Tools That Make Shooting Easier
Sometimes it’s not the main rig that’s holding you back—it’s the missing add-ons around it. These accessories won’t steal the spotlight, but they’ll save your shoot:
- Monitor mounts: Keep your screen at eye level so you’re not guessing your framing.
- Power banks or battery grips: Prevent mid-shot shutdowns. Keep rolling without swapping batteries.
- Tripod feet or stands: Give your arms a break. Set the rig down when you’re not rolling.
- Lens support rails: Avoid lens sag and stress on your mount with long glass.
These are the tools that remove stress from your setup. When your gear stops fighting you, your focus shifts back to creativity and execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need accessories if I already bought an expensive gimbal?
Yes. Even the best gimbal can’t solve ergonomic or functional issues on its own.
Can I mix brands of accessories with my gimbal?
Often yes—check for standard mounting sizes (1/4″-20, NATO rails, Arca plates).
Will accessories throw off my balance?
Yes, if you don’t rebalance. Always recalibrate after changes.
What’s the first accessory I should buy?
Start with a handle or quick-release kit. They improve comfort and flexibility the fastest.
Wrap-Up: Start With One, Grow Your Kit
You don’t need to buy all five at once. Pick what fits your workflow. Add more when you find yourself limited. Each tool above fixes a problem many creators face.
Make your gear work harder for you. Your footage—and your back—will thank you.