10 Best Camera Counterweights for Stable Gimbal Rigs in 2026

Written by: Editor In Chief
Published on:

The right counterweight can make a gimbal easier to balance, smoother to operate, and less demanding on its motors. This roundup covers compact clip-on weights, adjustable kits, and heavier-duty options for camera and smartphone stabilizers.

Use the comparison and buying advice below to match weight capacity, mounting hardware, and compatibility with your specific gimbal setup.

Best 10 Camera Counterweights Picks for 2026

Best Adjustable Kit

NEEWER GA001 Gimbal Counterweights

NEEWER GA001 Gimbal Counterweights
  • Multiple mounting positions
  • Two stackable 100g weights
  • Broad DJI, Zhiyun, and Moza compatibility

Best For: Flexible gimbal balancing and long-lens setups

Best Heavy-Duty Weight

Manfrotto 023 10 lbs Counterweight

Manfrotto 023 10 lbs Counterweight
  • 10-pound maximum recommendation
  • 4,300g counterweight
  • Designed for substantial support loads

Best For: Heavy-duty camera-support balancing

Best Single Add-On Weight

SMALLRIG AAW2285 200g Counterweight

SMALLRIG AAW2285 200g Counterweight
  • Single 200g stainless-steel weight
  • Stackable 1/4-inch-20 connection
  • Mounting plate sold separately

Best For: Adding weight to compatible SMALLRIG gimbal plates

Smartphone Gimbal Flexibility

CamKix Counterweight Set

CamKix Counterweight Set
  • 24g clip plus four 10g screws
  • Stackable 1/4-inch mounting design
  • Fits 18–22mm clamp widths

Best For: Smartphone gimbals with added accessories

Simple Fixed-Weight Expansion

NICEYRIG 3.5 oz Pair

NICEYRIG 3.5 oz Pair
  • Two 3.5-ounce stainless-steel weights
  • 1/4-inch-20 screw and threaded hole
  • Supports additional counterweights

Best For: Compatible Zhiyun stabilizer setups

Best Modular Pick

SMALLRIG 100g Removable Counterweight

SMALLRIG 100g Removable Counterweight
  • 100g stainless-steel counterweight
  • Stackable 1/4-20 screw and threaded hole
  • Mounting plate required and sold separately

Best For: Fine-tuning compatible DJI Ronin and Zhiyun gimbals

Best Two-Piece Set

NICEYRIG 50g Counterweights

NICEYRIG 50g Counterweights
  • Two 50g stainless-steel weights
  • Adjustable in 50g increments
  • Supports 1/4-inch stacking

Best For: Flexible balancing of heavier-sided camera setups

Best Clamp Kit

NICEYRIG Adjustable Counterweight Clamp

NICEYRIG Adjustable Counterweight Clamp
  • Includes 3.5-ounce counterweight
  • Four 1/4-20 threaded mounting sides
  • Adjustable 23mm to 36mm height

Best For: Positioning added weight on compatible DJI and Zhiyun gimbals

Best Adjustable Kit – NEEWER GA001 Gimbal Counterweights

The NEEWER GA001 is a flexible option for camera counterweights when you need to balance long-lens setups across several popular gimbals. Its clamp offers multiple mounting positions, while the two included 100g weights can be stacked without tools.

Best For: Gimbal users who want adjustable positioning and broad compatibility.

Pros:

  • Compatible with many DJI, Zhiyun, and Moza gimbals.
  • Multiple 1/4-inch threaded mounting points support flexible placement.
  • Includes two stackable 100g aluminum-alloy counterweights.

Cons:

  • The maximum weight recommendation is 100g.
  • It is not water resistant.

Choose this kit if tool-free installation and positioning flexibility matter more than carrying a large counterweight load.

Best Heavy-Duty Weight – Manfrotto 023 10 lbs Counterweight

The Manfrotto 023 is a substantially heavier camera counterweight designed for applications requiring up to 10 pounds of balancing weight. Its 4,300g construction makes it better suited to compatible support equipment than compact handheld gimbal kits.

Best For: Camera-support setups that need a high-capacity 10-pound counterweight.

Pros:

  • Supports a maximum recommended load of 10 pounds.
  • Heavy 4,300g construction provides substantial counterbalancing mass.
  • Made by Manfrotto and manufactured in Italy.

Cons:

  • Its large, heavy design is less portable than compact gimbal weights.
  • It is not water resistant.

This is the clear choice for high-load support applications, but its size and weight make it unsuitable when you need a small, easily transportable gimbal accessory.

Best Complete Gimbal Kit – SMALLRIG 3125 Counterweight Kit

The SMALLRIG 3125 combines a mounting clamp with two 100g weights, making it a practical camera counterweights kit for balancing long-lens cameras on compatible gimbals. Its 1/4-inch threaded design allows additional weights to be stacked for different setups.

Best For: Gimbal users who want a compact, corrosion-resistant kit with expandable balancing.

Pros:

  • Designed specifically for balancing long-lens camera setups.
  • Includes a clamp and two 100g counterweights.
  • Stackable through multiple 1/4-inch-20 threaded holes.
  • Compact aluminum-alloy and stainless-steel construction.

Cons:

  • The listed maximum weight recommendation is 100g.
  • Compatibility is centered on specified gimbal systems.
  • It is not water resistant.

Consider the 3125 when you want a ready-to-use, compact kit and the ability to adjust balance by stacking compatible weights.

Best Single Add-On Weight – SMALLRIG AAW2285 200g Counterweight

The SMALLRIG AAW2285 is a standalone 200g camera counterweight for adjusting the balance of compatible gimbals. Its built-in 1/4-inch-20 screw and threaded hole let you stack additional weights, but a compatible mounting plate is required and sold separately.

Best For: Users who need a single 200g add-on for a SMALLRIG-compatible gimbal mounting system.

Pros:

  • Provides 200g of balancing weight in one unit.
  • Built-in screw-and-hole design supports stacking.
  • Stainless-steel construction offers corrosion resistance.
  • Textured surface helps increase friction during installation and removal.

Cons:

  • A mounting plate is sold separately.
  • It is not water resistant.
  • It is less suitable if you need a complete clamp-and-weight kit.

This weight makes sense when you already have the appropriate mounting plate and want a stackable 200g addition rather than a full balancing package.

Adjustable Stainless-Steel Balance – NICEYRIG 150g Counterweight Set

For camera counterweights on compatible DJI Ronin and Zhiyun gimbals, this NICEYRIG set provides two removable weights totaling 150g. Use the 100g and 50g pieces in the quantity needed to offset a heavy-sided camera setup.

Best For: Camera operators using compatible DJI or Zhiyun stabilizers who want two weight options.

Pros:

  • Includes 100g and 50g weights for adjustable balancing.
  • Uses a 1/4-inch screw and 1/4-inch threaded hole.
  • Stainless-steel construction offers corrosion resistance.
  • Compatible with NICEYRIG mounting clamps 323 and 324.

Cons:

  • Compatibility is centered on listed gimbal systems and suitable mounting hardware.
  • The set is not water resistant.

This is a straightforward choice when you need flexible counterweight sizing rather than a single fixed weight. Confirm your gimbal and clamp arrangement before buying.

Smartphone Gimbal Flexibility – CamKix Counterweight Set

This CamKix set is designed for smartphone gimbals that become difficult to balance with cases, lenses, microphones, or other attachments. It combines a clamp mount with stackable screws for adjustable camera counterweights.

Best For: Smartphone gimbal users adding lenses, cases, microphones, or other heavier accessories.

Pros:

  • Includes one 24g counterweight clip and four 10g screws.
  • Stackable 1/4-inch screw and threaded-hole design supports adjustment.
  • Anti-skid clip surface is designed to help prevent scratches.
  • Compatible with several DJI, Zhiyun, and Feiyu gimbals listed by the manufacturer.

Cons:

  • The clip fits objects measuring 18 to 22mm wide.
  • It is not water resistant.
  • Compatibility may not extend beyond the listed gimbal types and similar models.

With multiple small weights and a clamp, this is the most adaptable option here for smartphone rigs. Check the mounting width and your gimbal model before ordering.

Simple Fixed-Weight Expansion – NICEYRIG 3.5 oz Pair

These NICEYRIG camera counterweights provide a pair of 3.5-ounce stainless-steel weights for balancing heavy-sided cameras on compatible Zhiyun stabilizers. Their threaded design also allows additional counterweights when more adjustment is needed.

Best For: Zhiyun Weebill and Crane users who need a two-piece 3.5-ounce balancing set.

Pros:

  • Two 3.5-ounce weights are included.
  • Each weight has a 1/4-inch-20 screw and threaded hole.
  • Supports adding more counterweights when necessary.
  • Compatible with NICEYRIG mounting clamps 323 and 324.

Cons:

  • Provides one fixed weight size rather than multiple weights in the package.
  • Compatibility is focused on listed Zhiyun stabilizer series and suitable clamps.
  • The weights are not water resistant.

This pair suits buyers who already know that a 3.5-ounce counterweight is appropriate for their rig. Its threaded expansion design leaves room for further balancing adjustments.

Best Modular Pick – SMALLRIG 100g Removable Counterweight

For camera counterweights that can adapt as your rig changes, the SMALLRIG AAW2284 provides a 100g stainless-steel option for balancing cameras on compatible DJI Ronin and Zhiyun gimbals. Its threaded design lets you add more weight when needed, though a compatible mounting plate is sold separately.

Best For: Gimbal users who want a stackable, corrosion-resistant 100g counterweight.

Pros:

  • 100g stainless-steel construction
  • Stackable through its 1/4-20 screw and threaded hole
  • Textured surface helps increase friction during installation and removal
  • Works with several separately available SMALLRIG mounting plates

Cons:

  • Mounting plate is sold separately
  • Not water resistant

This is a flexible choice when you need to fine-tune gimbal balance with one or more weights. The available 50g and 200g SMALLRIG options also make it easier to build a more tailored setup.

Best Two-Piece Set – NICEYRIG 50g Counterweights

If you prefer to adjust camera counterweights in smaller increments, this NICEYRIG set includes two 50g stainless-steel weights for a combined 100g. The built-in 1/4-inch screw and threaded hole support adding the appropriate amount for heavier-sided cameras on several DJI, Zhiyun, and FeiyuTech gimbals.

Best For: Shooters who want two separate 50g weights for flexible gimbal balancing.

Pros:

  • Includes two 50g counterweights
  • 50g increments allow more controlled adjustment
  • Built-in 1/4-inch screw and threaded hole enable stacking
  • Stainless-steel construction is corrosion resistant

Cons:

  • Maximum listed weight recommendation is 50g per item
  • Mounting clamp compatibility is specifically listed for NICEYRIG clamps 323 and 324
  • Not water resistant

With two individually usable pieces, this set is practical for balancing heavier-sided cameras such as the BMPCC 4K or 6K. Confirm that your gimbal and mounting hardware match the listed compatibility before buying.

Best Clamp Kit – NICEYRIG Adjustable Counterweight Clamp

For camera counterweights that need a mounting solution as well as added mass, this NICEYRIG kit combines an adjustable clamp with a 3.5-ounce counterweight. Its four-sided, threaded design and height adjustment help position the weight on compatible DJI and Zhiyun gimbals.

Best For: Gimbal users who need an adjustable clamp and included 3.5-ounce weight for heavier camera bodies.

Pros:

  • Includes an adjustable clamp and 3.5-ounce counterweight
  • Four sides feature 1/4-20 threaded holes for mounting flexibility
  • Height adjusts from 23mm to 36mm
  • Rubber pad helps prevent scratches

Cons:

  • Supplied weight is limited to 3.5 ounces
  • Not water resistant
  • Aluminium-alloy clamp may require careful positioning for a secure fit

This kit stands out when a standard threaded counterweight alone is not enough and you need adjustable positioning. Its broad listed compatibility covers newer DJI RS models along with several Ronin and Zhiyun gimbals.

How We Picked These Camera Counterweights

We selected these Camera Counterweights based on compatibility, weight options, mounting design, adjustability, and usefulness across common gimbal setups. The list includes products for DJI, Zhiyun, Moza, Manfrotto, and smartphone stabilizers, with options ranging from lightweight 50g pieces to a 10-pound production counterweight.

Because gimbal balance depends on the exact camera, lens, cage, microphone, light, and mounting position, compatibility should be treated as a starting point rather than a guarantee. Always confirm the product listing and your stabilizer’s supported accessories before ordering.

Quick Comparison

Best For Recommended Type What to Look For
Small mirrorless gimbals 50g–200g removable weights Compact screws, clamps, and fine adjustment
Smartphone gimbals Counterbalance clips Low weight and a phone-safe mounting point
Modular camera rigs Multi-piece counterweight kits Several weight combinations and broad compatibility
Large video or studio setups Heavy-duty counterweights High capacity, secure attachment, and stable support hardware

Key Buying Factors for Camera Counterweights

Weight and Adjustability

Choose the lightest weight that corrects the imbalance. A kit with multiple pieces is often more practical than one large weight because it lets you tune the rig after changing a lens or accessory. Small increments are especially useful for mirrorless cameras and smartphones.

Compatibility and Mounting

Check whether the counterweight uses a dedicated clamp, a standard screw, or a proprietary mounting point. Confirm thread size, clamp clearance, and the supported gimbal models. A weight can be physically attachable but still unsuitable if it interferes with the tilt, roll, or pan axis.

Build Quality and Security

Look for durable metal construction, firm clamps, and hardware that resists loosening during movement. Rubber contact surfaces can help protect the gimbal or cage while improving grip. Avoid adding weight where it can swing, strike the gimbal, or obstruct controls.

Balance and Motor Load

Counterweights should correct a specific balance problem, not compensate for an overloaded rig. After installation, rebalance every axis with the gimbal powered off, then run the stabilizer’s auto-tuning process if available. Excessive weight can increase motor strain, reduce battery life, and create unwanted vibration.

Who Should Buy Which Camera Counterweights?

Choose a small removable 50g–100g option if you need precise adjustment for a compact camera or lens. A 150g–200g kit is better for rigs with cages, microphones, quick-release plates, or other accessories that create a modest offset. Smartphone users should favor a purpose-built counterbalance clip rather than adapting a heavy camera weight.

For users who frequently change cameras or accessories, a multi-piece kit offers the most flexibility. A heavier Manfrotto-style counterweight is better suited to larger production equipment and supported mounting systems, not lightweight handheld gimbals. Whichever option you choose, prioritize secure attachment and exact compatibility over maximum weight.