Having trouble getting a handle on things when you roll video with your Ronin-S gimbal? Do feel like you need to get a grip on your DJI Ronin-S?
Ok—I’ll stop with the bad puns.
All kidding aside, I recently purchased the DJI Ronin-S gimbal for my Canon 80D and I love it!
If you own a Ronin-S you know how heavy and awkward it can be. Even with the mini-tripod legs folded to lengthen the handle, it’s still uncomfortable to use.
***Update***
DJI released new gimbals since I wrote this article–the Ronin-SC being one of them. It’s cheaper, 41% lighter than the Ronin-S, and built for lighter, mirrorless cameras.
DJI also released the RS-2 — a phenomenal gimbal with a touch screen, carbon fiber arms, and much improved camera balancing.
***End Update***
I researched to see if there was something I could buy to make my DJI Ronin-S gimbal a little easier to use. I discovered dual-grip handlebars, and Z-Axis spring loaded handle systems—but they were too over-the-top for my needs. Eventually, I found something that looked just right:
The Handle the Ronin-S Needs
The Zhiyun Transmount Mini Dual Grip Single Handle Grip L Bracket
This is the handle your gimbal should have come with. The high-quality handle arm is made of sturdy aluminum. It’s the same color as the DJI Ronin-S, so even though it’s not a “DJI” branded product, it looks right at home. It’s got the same “grippy” material as the Ronin-S’s handle, and has an adjustable hand strap to keep your hand is snug! At the top of the handle is a 1/4″ mount where for a monitor, microphone, or light if needed.
How to Connect the Zhiyun Grip Handle
Connecting the Zhiyun Mini Dual Grip to the DJI Ronin-S is simple: Just put the Zhiyun handle between the Ronin-S handle, and the tripod attachment.
To hook it up:
- Unscrew the tripod legs from the Ronin-S handle
- Connect the Zhiyun handle to the bottom of the DJI Ronin-S battery hand grip using the built-in quarter-twenty
- Reconnect the tripod legs to the bottom of the Zhiyun handle
The mount points have rubberized pads–so once you get it all put together, the handle stays locked in place and doesn’t move.
Your gimbal is so much easier to use with two side-by-side handles! It’s a much better experience!
With the Zhiyun handle attached to the Ronin-S, you’ll feel like you’ve got better control. You’ll get smoother footage, and your arms be as tired.
“Flashlight” mode is easier now too. Just loosen the Zhiyun connector a little bit, and rotate the handle so it’s directly behind the gimbal controls. Carry the gimbal around like a suitcase–using the Zhiyun handle.
Yes, it’s ironic to buy a Zhiyun product for a DJI gimbal. When this post was originally written, DJI didn’t have any comparable products. These days, you can get a DJI Switch Grip for your Ronin-S.
The price of the Zhiyun handle is fair, especially given the quality of the materials used. At the time of this writing, the Zhiyun Mini Dual Grip goes for about $39. The DJI Switch Grip on the other hand costs more than 3 times that, at around $129.
If you want a better experience with your DJI Ronin-S, give the Zhiyun handle attachment a try. For that matter, give any extra handle attachment a try! For a low price, you get added stability and ease of use for your gimbal.
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