The DJI Ronin-S is a great thing! However, it is not a miracle worker. I feel the first thing new gimbal users need to understand about these relatively affordable models is that they still require good form and technique to deliver maximum efficiency. DJI’s entry in the single-handed gimbal world is quite respectable, though it is perhaps the heaviest “one-handed” option out there. Realistically, two hands are needed for the smoothest moves. On the other hand, it does offer solid load capacity, even being able to handle a Sony FS5 II with a prime lens easily. So, is it the best one-handed stabilizer out there right now?
The Basics
To answer that question, we need to dive into the specs on paper. It is a standard, three-axis, motorized gimbal. Nothing too unusual. Where it gets interesting is in its relatively high 8-lb load capacity and support for practically any DSLR or mirrorless camera on the market. For an idea of how much weight that is, think about a Canon 1D X Mark II or Nikon D5 with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens (not a recommended setup for the gimbal, by the way). That combo weighs just about 7 lb, so 8-lb capacity is quite impressive. I attached my Sony a7R III with the 35mm f/1.4, and the Ronin-S handled that with no problem, remaining perfectly balanced when the motors were turned off. Another benefit you can see easily is the offset roll motor, for having a clear view of your camera’s rear screen during shooting.
One thing to be careful about is that the Ronin-S itself has some heft, weighing about 4.4 lb. Adding your camera and the need to hold it out away from you means you won’t necessarily be able to do that comfortably all day. However, part of that heft comes from the grip, with its integrated battery, which is supposedly rated for 12 hours of use. Twelve hours is a long time, and from the small drain we experienced during our time using it, I would say it would safely make it through a full day of shooting. Another stated spec is the ability to operate at speeds of up to ~45 mph.
DJI offers multiple useful built-in modes. This includes the standard Upright, the helpful Underslung, and even Flashlight Mode. Underslung lets you hold the Ronin-S upside down, which is great for getting low-angle shots, while Flashlight positions the camera straight out in front of you, permitting more advanced rotational moves. SmoothTrack tech enables quick transitions from motion to control over the camera angle using the joystick and M button, basically setting it up for single-operator use. There is even a Sport Mode for fast-moving subjects. The Ronin-S can shift quickly from Upright to Underslung in one smooth motion during a shot, and it can move on each axis at up to 360° per second.
The Ronin-S is designed to be quite modular. The gimbal slides onto the grip/battery and then has two threads on the base for mounting. It also comes with a mini tripod that lets you sit it down (no separate stand!) and works as an extension for added comfort during operation. This design means you can mount it on various other setups, say, an RC car, for example. There are plenty of connections and ports along the grip and gimbal for expanding the feature set later on. One port is USB Type-C for charging and installing firmware updates. It comes with a 24W charger, which should get it completely juiced up in a couple hours.
In Use
Using it is quite intuitive. The joystick offers responsive movements and the rear trigger provides a great way to lock the angle quickly or tap to reset to facing forward. A benefit, in terms of control, is the Focus Wheel. However, now it only works with the Panasonic GH5 and GH5S, although more support is promised soon. This is one of the most exciting aspects of the gimbal, IMO, especially since it benefits directly from the one-handed design. You can even add a variety of accessories, including DJI’s own pro control wheels and systems.
With many camera systems (Canon, Panasonic, Nikon, Sony), you can start/stop recording or snap a photo with the Record button on the grip. This will vary, depending on exact models, so you are going to want to research this. Over time, I’m sure the list will expand to include more functions.
To get the most out of the Ronin-S, you will want to dive into the app. This provides all the advanced programming settings you could want, as well as access to other functions. The connection is very easy to set up using Bluetooth and, when you open the app, it only requires a quick tap to get it going. In the app, you can double-check your balance, do a quick test and then get a reading for each axis. This will be helpful for early setups because the motors are quite strong and can correct for poor balance without you even realizing it—even though this will result in limited performance. The advantage of having these motors is that you only need to get it very close, as opposed to exceptionally precise, making setup faster. Also in the app is an Auto Tune option, which will adjust all the other settings to match the current payload. You can configure up to three separate “Users” for different shooting scenarios.
For other advanced modes, the app is where you will find the settings and activate them. This includes Timelapse, Motionlapse, Track, and Panorama, all of which seemed to work quite well in our limited testing of them. For our purposes, we wanted to see how it would hold up for general use. There’s almost too much in this gimbal, so we used Auto Tune and made sure everything had “Excellent” balance, per the app.
We took the Ronin-S over to the B&H SuperStore to test its performance with a variety of standard settings and movements. We executed some quick pans, steady handheld shots, a long walking take, and a few spins—for variety—to see how it would handle more drastic movements. You can check out the video below, but I would say that the gimbal performed quite well. There were occasional hiccups when turning the Ronin-S but, I think that with some programming, it could be smoothed out. Also, you won’t eliminate the up-down movement of walking completely if you are moving at a decent pace, without some super-steady hands to keep it level, although the smoothness of the shots we captured is great. Overall, this gimbal is one of the best single-handed options out there, even though it does have a bit of weight.
Is the Ronin-S something with which you would like to be acquiring smooth footage? Do you have any questions about it? Make sure to ask any questions and share your thoughts in the Comments section, below!
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