6 Best Gimbal Balance Kits For Varied Phone Setups

Cinematic mobile videography often hits a wall the moment an external lens or filter is attached to a smartphone. Balancing becomes a battle against physics, turning smooth footage into a shaky, motorized struggle. Investing in the right counterweight kit turns that frustrating limitation into a seamless, high-quality production workflow.

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Ulanzi PT-13 Counterweight: Best All-Around Kit

The Ulanzi PT-13 stands out because of its modular design, which allows for precise weight distribution without adding unnecessary bulk to a mobile rig. It features a stackable plate system that works exceptionally well with standard smartphone cages, making it the most versatile choice for creators who frequently swap between different phone models or accessory setups.

Because space is at a premium in mobile setups, the compact footprint of the PT-13 is a significant advantage. It sits flush against the gimbal arm, minimizing the risk of the counterweight bumping into the frame during complex pans or tilts. If the priority is a reliable, “set-it-and-forget-it” solution that fits almost any mobile configuration, this is the definitive choice.

SmallRig Counterweight Kit: Pro-Level Stability

SmallRig has built a reputation on high-grade mounting hardware, and their counterweight kit reflects that professional pedigree. This set utilizes a specialized clamp system that provides a tighter, more secure grip than magnetic alternatives, ensuring the weights stay firmly in place even during fast-paced, handheld shooting sessions.

This kit is designed for users who treat their phone setup as a primary camera system rather than just a casual tool. It is particularly effective for those who use heavy-duty cages or external microphones that shift the center of gravity significantly. For anyone committed to a robust, long-term mobile videography rig, this investment provides the structural integrity required for professional results.

Hohem Counterweight Set: For iSteady Gimbals

Hohem gimbals feature unique motor architectures, and their proprietary counterweight set is engineered to complement that specific geometry. By using mounting hardware tailored to the iSteady series, this kit eliminates the guesswork associated with balancing offset axes on proprietary hardware.

There is no point in forcing universal weights onto a system designed with specific clearances. The Hohem set ensures that the balance point is shifted exactly where the internal motors expect it to be, preserving battery life and reducing motor strain. If a Hohem gimbal is the foundation of the rig, skip the universal kits and go directly for this brand-specific solution.

Zhiyun Counterweight: For Heavy Lens Setups

Zhiyun gimbals are often capable of handling substantial weight, but attaching an anamorphic or telephoto lens pushes even their motors to the limit. The Zhiyun counterweight kit is built with heavy-duty mounting points specifically designed to counterbalance the added length and mass of high-end mobile optics.

Stability here is about more than just a level horizon; it is about preventing the motor from “buzzing” or overheating under load. By using these weighted disks, the gimbal can operate within its natural efficiency range, resulting in smoother transitions and a longer lifespan for the motors. Anyone pushing the optical limits of their smartphone needs this extra capacity.

Neewer Counterweight Kit: Top Budget Option

The Neewer kit proves that high-quality stabilization does not require an excessive financial commitment. It provides a simple, effective set of weights and mounting hardware that handles the basics of balancing a standard phone setup perfectly.

While it lacks the modular complexity of more expensive systems, it delivers exactly what is promised: a simple way to achieve center-of-gravity perfection. This is the ideal kit for hobbyists or those just beginning their journey into gimbal-based cinematography. It offers the best value-to-performance ratio for anyone looking to fix balance issues without overspending.

Moment Counterweight: For Moment Lens Users

Moment lenses add significant weight to the corner of a phone, creating an awkward imbalance that standard gimbals often struggle to compensate for on their own. This counterweight system is specifically calibrated to offset the exact weight of a typical Moment lens, making it the perfect companion for their ecosystem.

If the goal is to use Moment’s glass without fighting the gimbal’s software settings, this kit is the only logical choice. It takes the frustration out of balancing an otherwise lopsided rig. For dedicated fans of the Moment lens ecosystem, this is a essential accessory that makes the entire system feel cohesive and well-designed.

Do You Really Need a Gimbal Counterweight?

A counterweight is only necessary when a smartphone setup exceeds the gimbal’s factory-balanced center of gravity. If the phone is naked or uses only a thin case, the gimbal motors can usually compensate for the weight distribution independently.

However, adding a lens, a microphone, or a bulky protective cage shifts that center point beyond the motor’s correction range. Without a counterweight, the gimbal motors work harder to maintain position, which rapidly drains battery life and can lead to vibrations in the footage. If the gimbal feels hot to the touch or creates a high-pitched buzzing sound, a counterweight is required to restore mechanical efficiency.

How to Properly Balance Your Phone Gimbal

Proper balancing is a mechanical process, not a software one. First, place the phone into the gimbal clamp and power the device off. Slide the phone arm back and forth until the phone stays level on its own, without drifting upward or downward.

Once the tilt axis is set, move to the roll axis. If the phone tilts to the left or right, attach the counterweight to the side that is lifting upward. The goal is to reach a state where the phone remains perfectly horizontal while the gimbal is turned off. If the phone stays in place regardless of the gimbal’s orientation, the balance is correct.

Choosing the Right Counterweight Amount

The weight needed depends entirely on the mass of the added accessories. A general rule is to start with the lightest weight possible and increase incrementally until the phone reaches a neutral state.

• 10g–30g: Best for lightweight lenses or basic external microphones.
• 50g–100g: Required for heavy lens attachments, cages, or external monitors.
• 100g+: Used for multi-accessory rigs involving lights and large audio gear.

Always prioritize the lightest weight that gets the job done. Adding too much weight puts unnecessary stress on the gimbal’s motors and increases the total mass of the rig, which becomes fatiguing during long days of shooting.

DIY Gimbal Balance Hacks: A Quick Guide

When in a pinch, household items can serve as temporary counterweights. Small items like heavy-duty magnets, coins secured with electrical tape, or even large fishing weights can provide the necessary mass to level out a rig in an emergency.

While these hacks can save a shoot, they are not permanent solutions. They lack the fine-tuned precision and secure attachment points of purpose-built kits, often leading to rattling or accidental detachment. Use these only as a stopgap measure until a proper, dedicated counterweight kit can be integrated into the workflow.

Properly balancing a mobile gimbal is the difference between amateur-looking jitters and professional-grade cinematography. By choosing the right weight for the specific setup and prioritizing mechanical balance over motor compensation, the longevity and performance of the equipment will be significantly improved. Take the time to dial in the balance before every session, and the resulting footage will confirm that the effort was worth the investment.