Best Gimbal Handles & Grip Upgrades (2025 Guide)

For DJI RS3, RS2, Ronin-S, Zhiyun Crane & More

Updated: December 2025

Have you ever tried shooting with a gimbal for more than ten minutes and felt your wrist start to give out? Or tried to do a low-angle tracking shot but the stock grip felt awkward or slippery?

Adding a side handle or auxiliary grip is one of the simplest, cheapest upgrades you can make to any gimbal setup, and it dramatically improves comfort, stability, and control.

Today’s third-party grips work across multiple generations of gimbals, including:

• DJI RS3 / RS3 Mini /RS2
• DJI Ronin-S (yes, that’s still a thing in 2025)
• Zhiyun Crane Series (Crane 2, 2S, 3S, Weebill)
• Feiyutech stabilizers
• Other rigs with a standard 1/4″-20 mount

This guide walks you through the best gimbal handle options in 2025, why they matter, who they’re for, and how to choose the right one.

Why Add a Handle to Your Gimbal?

A good side handle immediately improves:

Comfort

Redistributes weight from your wrist to your arm.

Stability

Reduces micro-shake and gives better low-angle control.

Shot Precision

Easier tilts, pans, and tracking shots.

Safety

Less chance of dropping your gimbal when your wrist fatigues.

Versatility

Great for low shots, underslung mode, walking shots, and run-and-gun setups.

Back in 2019, I bought an inexpensive Zhiyun grip for my DJI Ronin-S. The difference in comfort was so incredible, it became a permanent part of my kit.

These days you can still get accessory grip handles, but they’re lighter, better built, and compatible with modern gimbals.

My Top Grip Recommendation (2025 Update)

Zhiyun Mini Dual Grip Lite

(Compatible with DJI RS3, RS2, Ronin-S, Crane 2S, Feiyutech, and more)

This is the modern successor to the original grip I used years ago, and its compatibility list still includes:

• DJI Ronin-S
• DJI RS2 / RS3
• Zhiyun Crane 2, 2S, 3S
• Feiyutech stabilizers
• Any rig with a 1/4″-20 mount

Why This Handle Still Rocks in 2025:

• Lightweight (only ~0.53 lbs)
• Comfortable padded grip
• Anti-slip design
• Robust metal mounting arm
• Perfect for one-handed or underslung shooting
• Affordable (usually under $40)

It does exactly what you need a gimbal handle to do: Improve comfort and control without adding bulk.

Other Excellent Gimbal Handle Options (2025)

1. SmallRig Aluminum Side Handle

Great for RS3/RS2 shooters who want a premium feel and additional mounting points.

Highlights:

• Cold shoe + 1/4″-20 mounting points
• Strong, durable aluminum design
• Excellent balance for heavier setups
• NATO clamp version

2. DJI OEM R Twist Grip Handle (RS2/RSC2 Series)

DJI’s official handle for creators who want brand-matched accessories.

Highlights:

• Seamless DJI styling
• Very stable
• Ideal for heavier payloads and long shoots

3. Budget Universal Wooden Handle

For those who want comfort + a natural grip feel.

Highlights:

• Universal 1/4″-20 mounting
• Very comfortable wooden grip
• Great backup or travel handle

Pros of Using a Side Handle

• Much better wrist comfort
• Easier low-angle shots
• More stable tracking footage
• Improved safety (less risk of dropping the gimbal)
• Helps counterbalance heavy cameras
• Affordable upgrade with a big impact

Cons (Because No Accessory Is Perfect)

• Adds a little weight
• Requires occasional tightening
• Some handles block access to ports/buttons (model dependent)
• Wooden grips can get slick if hands are sweaty
• Not ideal for overhead shots

How to Choose the Right Handle for Your Gimbal

1. Check the Mount Type

Most gimbals use 1/4”-20, but some use NATO or ARRI mounts.

2. Consider Shooting Style

• Low-angle shooters → longer handles
• Run-and-gun → lightweight padded grip
• Heavy rigs → aluminum handles

3. Weight Matters

The handle should make your setup easier, not heavier.

4. Material

• Metal = durable
• Wood = comfortable
• Rubberized = good for rain or sweat

FAQ (2025 Edition)

Do these accessories work with the DJI Ronin-S in 2025?

Yes — many third-party accessories (including grips) still list the Ronin-S as compatible because thousands of creators still use it.

Do these grips work on newer gimbals like RS3 or RS3 Mini?

Yes — most use standard 1/4”-20 mounts, making them cross-compatible.

Should I get a side handle or a top handle?

Side handles are best for general shooting.
Top handles are best for low-angle “underslung” shots.

Does a grip actually improve stabilization?

Yes — distributing weight across both hands reduces micro-shake.

Bottom Line: Should You Buy a Gimbal Handle?

If you shoot video with any handheld gimbal, the answer is yes.

A grip:

• reduces fatigue
• increases control
• improves stability
• keeps your setup safer
• costs far less than any other rig upgrade

Whether you’re rocking a DJI RS3, still shooting with the Ronin-S, or using a Zhiyun Crane, a good handle is one of the easiest accessories to recommend.