Balancing a heavy camera on a gimbal or shoulder rig can require more than adjusting the camera plate. The right counterweight helps improve stability, reduce motor strain, and make a demanding setup easier to handle.
This roundup compares 10 counterweight kits and individual weights for popular DJI, Zhiyun, Moza, 15mm-rod, and smartphone-gimbal configurations. Use the buying guide below to narrow your choice by compatibility, weight, mounting method, and shooting style.
Best 10 Camera Counterweights for Heavy Cameras Picks for 2026
Flexible Gimbal Balancing
NEEWER GA001 Counterweight Kit
- Two 100g stackable counterweights
- Multiple mounting positions
- Compatible with several gimbal brands
Best For: Long-lens gimbal setups needing light, adjustable balance
Heavy Shoulder-Rig Support
Acouto 15mm Rod Counterweights
- Two 1kg aluminum counterweights
- Fits 15mm rods
- 60mm track-hole spacing
Best For: Shoulder rigs requiring substantial rear ballast
Stand and Boom Ballast
Manfrotto Mini Counterweight 172
- 1.3kg single counterweight
- For booms and light stands
- Works with 13–30mm clamps
Best For: Stand-mounted camera and lighting support setups
Adjustable Gimbal Balance
- 200g stainless-steel gimbal weight
- Stackable 1/4-inch-20 design
- Mounting plate sold separately
Best For: Compatible DJI Ronin and Zhiyun gimbal setups
Complete DJI RS Setup
Nitze N28-S2 Counterweight Kit
- Includes 50g and 100g weights
- Clamp mounts to the quick-release plate
- Nine 1/4-inch threaded attachment holes
Best For: DJI RS-series stabilizers with heavier camera-and-lens setups
Two-Piece Zhiyun Balance Pack
NICEYRIG 3.5 oz Counterweights
- Includes two 3.5 oz weights
- Stackable 1/4-inch-20 hardware
- Stainless-steel construction
Best For: Zhiyun Weebill and Crane-series gimbals with a compatible clamp
Compact Phone-and-Gimbal Balance
- 24g clip plus four 10g screws
- Stackable 1/4-inch threaded weights
- Anti-skid clip fits 18–22mm widths
Best For: Heavier smartphones and accessories on compatible phone gimbals
Heavy Camera Gimbal Support
NICEYRIG Counterweight Clamp Kit
- Includes a 3.5oz counterweight
- Four-sided 1/4-inch mounting holes
- Adjustable 23–36mm clamp height
Best For: Heavier cameras on compatible DJI Ronin and Zhiyun gimbals
Flexible Multi-Position Balance
Universal Gimbal Counterweight Kit
- Adjustable clamp with two 21g weights
- Seven 1/4-inch threaded mounting holes
- Tool-free setup with anti-scratch pad
Best For: Changing camera and lens setups on compatible DJI or Zhiyun gimbals
Flexible Gimbal Balancing – NEEWER GA001 Counterweight Kit
For camera counterweights for heavy cameras mounted on gimbals, the NEEWER GA001 provides a compact way to fine-tune balance for long-lens setups. Its clamp offers several mounting positions, while the two included 100g weights can be stacked through their 1/4-inch sockets.
Best For: Gimbal users balancing long lenses on compatible DJI, ZHIYUN, and Moza stabilizers.
Pros:
- Compatible with a range of DJI, ZHIYUN, and Moza gimbals.
- Multiple 1/4-inch threaded holes support flexible positioning.
- Includes two 100g weights and a tool-free mounting clamp.
- Aluminum-alloy construction is designed for durability and corrosion resistance.
Cons:
- The included counterweight capacity is limited to 200g total.
- It is not water resistant.
The GA001 is a practical choice when you need adjustable, relatively light counterbalancing rather than a large ballast system. Check your gimbal and camera setup for compatibility before buying.
Heavy Shoulder-Rig Support – Acouto 15mm Rod Counterweights
Among camera counterweights for heavy cameras, the Acouto set is built for substantial shoulder-rig balancing. It includes two 2.2-pound, 1kg aluminum blocks that mount to 15mm rods and help redistribute camera weight for more comfortable handling.
Best For: Shoulder-mount and cinema-rig users who need significant rear ballast on 15mm rod systems.
Pros:
- Includes two 1kg counterweight blocks for a total listed weight of 2.14kg.
- Designed for 15mm rods and many shoulder-mount rigs.
- 60mm track-hole spacing supports broad setup compatibility.
- CNC-machined aviation aluminum alloy provides a durable construction.
Cons:
- Its 2.14kg listed item weight may add considerable bulk to a portable rig.
- It is not water resistant.
This is the most substantial option in the group for users who need meaningful weight redistribution behind a shoulder rig. Confirm your rig uses compatible 15mm rods and can safely handle the added load.
Compact Gimbal Counterbalancing – SMALLRIG 3125 Counterweight Kit
The SMALLRIG 3125 is a compact option for camera counterweights for heavy cameras on gimbals, particularly when a long lens shifts the setup forward. Its clamp mounts to the camera plate, and the two 100g weights can be stacked to suit different balancing needs.
Best For: DJI, ZHIYUN, and compatible gimbal users who want a small, stackable counterweight kit.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for balancing long-lens cameras on gimbals.
- Includes a mounting clamp and two 100g counterweights.
- 1/4-inch-20 holes and screws allow the weights to be stacked.
- Aluminum-alloy and stainless-steel construction resists corrosion.
Cons:
- The listed maximum weight recommendation is 100g, limiting heavier applications.
- It is not water resistant.
SMALLRIG’s 3125 suits shooters who need a compact, recognizable gimbal accessory rather than a high-capacity rig ballast. Its 200g of supplied weights is best matched to modest balance corrections.
Stand and Boom Ballast – Manfrotto Mini Counterweight 172
The Manfrotto 172 takes a different approach to camera counterweights for heavy cameras: it is a single 1.3kg counterbalance intended for booms or light stands. Locking knobs and compatibility with clamps from 13mm to 30mm make it suited to supporting larger stand-mounted accessories.
Best For: Boom and light-stand setups that need a single, heavier counterbalance.
Pros:
- Provides a substantial 1.3kg counterweight.
- Designed for use with booms or light stands.
- Includes locking knobs for securing the weight.
- Compatible with clamps from 13mm to 30mm.
Cons:
- It is a single fixed-weight unit rather than a stackable camera-gimbal kit.
- Its listed weight is 2.9 pounds, so portability may be limited.
- It is not water resistant.
The 172 is better suited to stabilizing support equipment than directly balancing a handheld camera or gimbal. Choose it when your setup uses a compatible boom, light stand, or clamp and needs 1.3kg of ballast.
Adjustable Gimbal Balance – SMALLRIG 200g Counterweight
For camera counterweights for heavy cameras, the SMALLRIG AAW2285 offers a straightforward 200g balancing option for compatible gimbal setups. Its stackable 1/4-inch-20 design lets you adjust both the amount and position of added weight.
Best For: DJI Ronin S, SC, RS 2, RSC 2, and Zhiyun gimbal users who need a single, stackable 200g counterweight.
Pros:
- 200g stainless-steel counterweight for gimbal balancing
- Stackable through its 1/4-inch-20 screw and threaded hole
- Textured surface is designed to increase grip during installation and removal
- Optional 100g and 50g SMALLRIG weights are available for finer adjustments
Cons:
- Mounting plate is sold separately
- Designed around compatible gimbal mounting plates rather than standalone camera mounting
This is a useful modular choice when you already have, or plan to buy, a compatible SMALLRIG mounting plate and want to tune gimbal balance with stackable weights.
Complete DJI RS Setup – Nitze N28-S2 Counterweight Kit
The Nitze N28-S2 is a practical kit for camera counterweights for heavy cameras, combining a mounting clamp with 50g and 100g weights. Its multiple threaded attachment points and included clamp make it suited to balancing compatible DJI RS stabilizers with heavier camera-and-lens combinations.
Best For: DJI RS 4 Pro, RS 4, RS 3 Pro, RS 3, RSC 2, and RS 2 users who want included mounting hardware and two weight sizes.
Pros:
- Includes 50g and 100g stainless-steel counterweights
- Mounting clamp attaches to the gimbal quick-release plate with a hand-tightened knob
- Nine 1/4-inch threaded holes provide multiple attachment positions
- Built-in 15mm rod clamp supports DJI Focus Pro Motor attachment
Cons:
- Maximum listed weight recommendation is 51g, despite the included 100g counterweight
- Compatibility is focused on specified DJI RS stabilizers
With its included clamp and two weight options, this kit is more complete than a standalone weight, but buyers should verify the listed weight recommendation and their exact gimbal configuration before ordering.
Two-Piece Zhiyun Balance Pack – NICEYRIG 3.5 oz Counterweights
For camera counterweights for heavy cameras, the NICEYRIG two-pack provides two 3.5 oz stainless-steel weights for balancing compatible gimbals. The screw-and-threaded-hole design allows additional weights to be added when a setup requires more adjustment.
Best For: Zhiyun Weebill Lab, Weebill S, and Crane-series users who need two matching counterweights.
Pros:
- Two 3.5 oz stainless-steel counterweights are included
- 1/4-inch-20 screw and threaded hole support stacking
- Compatible with NICEYRIG counterweight mounting clamps 323 and 324
- Smooth, shiny surface is designed for easy installation
Cons:
- Mounting clamp is not included
- Product compatibility is specifically described around NICEYRIG clamps and selected gimbal series
This pack makes sense when you need two identical weights or want to expand a compatible NICEYRIG balancing system, provided you have the required mounting clamp.
Compact Phone-and-Gimbal Balance – Camkix Counterweight Set
For shoppers seeking camera counterweights for heavy cameras—or more commonly, heavier smartphones and add-ons—this Camkix set provides a compact way to fine-tune compatible gimbals. It includes a 24-gram clip and four 10-gram threaded screws for balancing phones, cases, lenses, microphones, and other attachments.
Best For: Smartphone gimbals carrying heavier phones or accessories, including select DJI, Zhiyun, Feiyu, and Evo models.
Pros:
- Includes one 24-gram clip and four 10-gram counterweight screws.
- Stackable 1/4-inch threaded screws offer flexible weight placement.
- Anti-skid clip surface helps protect the gimbal from scratches.
- Compact design fits clips onto objects 18–22mm wide.
Cons:
- Designed primarily for smartphone gimbals rather than full-size camera rigs.
- The listed maximum weight recommendation is 199.58 grams.
- Compatibility depends on the gimbal arm or mounting area fitting the clip.
This is a practical, lightweight choice when your setup needs modest correction rather than substantial camera-rig counterbalance. Its threaded design is especially useful for incremental adjustments.
Heavy Camera Gimbal Support – NICEYRIG Counterweight Clamp Kit
When comparing camera counterweights for heavy cameras, the NICEYRIG kit is aimed at larger mirrorless and cinema-style gimbal setups. Its aluminum clamp includes a 3.5-ounce counterweight and multiple 1/4-inch mounting points for balancing cameras such as the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K.
Best For: DJI Ronin and Zhiyun gimbals carrying heavier cameras that need a single, sturdy counterweight.
Pros:
- Includes a 3.5-ounce counterweight for larger camera setups.
- Four-sided 1/4-inch threaded mounting supports flexible positioning.
- Adjustable height from 23mm to 36mm helps accommodate different gimbal arms.
- Aluminum alloy construction is sturdy and includes a rubber anti-scratch pad.
Cons:
- Only one counterweight is included.
- Its maximum weight recommendation is 3.5 ounces.
- Compatibility is concentrated on listed DJI Ronin and Zhiyun models.
This kit makes sense if you need a compact clamp-and-weight solution for a heavier camera without assembling multiple separate parts. Check your gimbal model and arm dimensions before buying.
Flexible Multi-Position Balance – Universal Gimbal Counterweight Kit
For camera operators comparing camera counterweights for heavy cameras, this universal kit offers two weights and several mounting positions. The adjustable clamp is designed for gimbal arms up to 16mm, while its threaded holes and stackable weights make it easier to adapt the balance for different lenses and accessories.
Best For: DJI Ronin and Zhiyun gimbal users who regularly change cameras, lenses, or mounted accessories.
Pros:
- Includes an adjustable clamp and two 21-gram counterweights.
- Seven 1/4-inch threaded holes provide multiple placement options.
- Stackable weights allow additional adjustment as needed.
- Tool-free knob installation and an anti-scratch pad simplify setup.
Cons:
- The clamp is intended for gimbal arms within 16mm.
- The supplied weights may be light for especially heavy camera configurations.
- Compatibility is described around DJI Ronin, Zhiyun Weebill, Crane, and other gimbals; verify fit.
This is the most flexible option of the three for changing setups, thanks to its two weights and multiple threaded positions. It is best suited to users who want repeatable fine-tuning rather than one fixed counterbalance configuration.
How We Picked the Best Camera Counterweights for Heavy Cameras
We focused on products that address real balancing problems with heavier cameras, lenses, cages, monitors, batteries, and accessories. The selection includes complete kits, clamp-and-weight systems, 15mm-rod accessories, compact removable weights, and options for smartphone gimbals.
Our comparison emphasizes compatibility, stated weight, mounting flexibility, construction, adjustability, and suitability for the stabilizers or rigs named by each manufacturer. Before ordering, verify your exact gimbal model, thread standard, rod diameter, and available clearance.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | Look For | Typical Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Large camera and lens setups | Heavier modular kits | More balancing range |
| Fine-tuning a gimbal | Small removable weights | Precise adjustment with less bulk |
| 15mm shoulder rigs | Rod-mounted aluminum sets | Secure, familiar mounting |
| Compact mirrorless setups | Lightweight clamp kits | Lower added load |
| Smartphone gimbals | Dedicated clip-and-screw sets | Phone-specific compatibility |
Key Buying Factors for Camera Counterweights for Heavy Cameras
Compatibility and Mounting Method
Counterweights may attach through a dedicated gimbal clamp, 15mm rods, accessory threads, or a phone-specific clip. Match the mounting system to your equipment rather than assuming a universal label guarantees a fit. Check whether the kit supports your exact DJI Ronin, RS, Zhiyun, Moza, or smartphone-gimbal model.
Weight and Adjustability
Use the least added weight that achieves balance. A heavier kit can compensate for a large lens or off-center cage, but it also increases the payload for the motors and your arms. Modular kits or multiple smaller weights make fine adjustments easier than a single oversized counterweight.
Clearance and Secure Locking
Make sure the weight will not contact the gimbal arm, camera body, lens, follow-focus motor, or tripod plate during movement. Clamps should tighten firmly without slipping, while removable weights should remain secure during pans, tilts, and walking shots.
Build Quality and Portability
Aluminum clamps and machined or coated weights are useful for repeated production work, while compact sets are better for travel. Consider the added length, storage needs, and whether tools are required to reposition the system.
Who Should Buy Which Camera Counterweights for Heavy Cameras?
Choose a modular gimbal kit if you use several camera and lens combinations or regularly switch between stabilizers. A 15mm-rod counterweight set is the better match for a shoulder rig or cage already built around rods. Select a compact removable weight when your setup needs only minor balance correction.
Smartphone users should choose a dedicated phone-gimbal set instead of adapting a heavier camera accessory. For professional operators carrying substantial cameras, prioritize secure clamps, multiple weight options, and verified payload compatibility. Whichever option you choose, balance the camera before powering the gimbal and confirm that the finished setup stays within the stabilizer’s rated capacity.