While DJI Ronin S was released quite a long time back, owing to its popularity and ease of use, it is still very popular with photographers. While this is a single-handed factor gimbal aimed at mirrorless cameras, its scalability to be used with DSLRs makes it a popular choice.
Main Features
3-Axis Stabilisation
Integrated Focus Wheel
Quick calibration using Auto-Tune
Creative Modes which are automated
Max 3.6Kg Load Capacity
Battery life of 12 hrs.
Light Weight of 1.8 Kg with attached grip
The first look gives you an impression of Ronin S being a solid built with good grip. It has 3-Axis stabilization motor that ensures you get silky smooth footage. In terms of control, Ronin S has a dedicated Focus Wheel, joystick and trigger. The Power, Start/Stop and M button are located on the grip.
The Ronin S is rated to 3.6 Kg, which is quite good and can balance even large zoom lenses like Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR and Sony E 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS LE.
The Ronin S supports remote control on select cameras from Nikon, Panasonic, Canon and Sony. You can find complete updated list of supported cameras and features on Ronin-S Support Page.
Handling and Performance
Thanks to its strong motor and great algorithm, Ronin S does a fabulous job of stabilizing your camera.
It performs regular movements like follow left, right, down or point up etc very well helping you track your subjects with ease. The gimbal can be used in three different ways like normal, underslung and flashlight. These modes aid you in holding the gimbal at waist level, up high or low close to ground.
It has a great battery life which lasts for almost 12 hrs in single charge.
Operating the Ronin-S
The controls are simple with user friendly interface and intuitive. You can use the M-button to access three SmoothTrack presets. The LED shows the preset you are currently using. Apart from these 3 settings, there is a fourth as well which is the Sport Mode. This mode helps you trach extremely fast movements.
The trigger located in front helps you control multiple functions. You can re-center the camera by double clicking this trigger. To reverse the camera by 180 degrees to take selfie, you can triple tap this trigger.
Handle has hard rubberized grip making it comfortable to hold and operate.
Remote Camera Control which comes bundled is one of the most useful features of Ronin-S. You can use either MCC (multi camera control) or RSS (remote start / stop). You can check the complete list of compatible cameras and lenses to find out whether it supports your camera gear or not.
Ronin-S has a 2400mAH battery which gives 12 hrs of shoot in single charge. The battery gets fully charged in around 2 hrs time. Apart from normal functions, the Ronin-S can perform functions like Capture, Timelapse, Hyperlapse, Panorama and Track. It has an inbuilt intervelometer to help you create good Hyperlapse.
Our Verdict
The Ronin-S has a design which makes it very easy to operate. It terms of weight of 1.8kg might appear alright to many but it does become heavy after mounting the camera and lens. This combined weight makes it challenging to shoot continuously for longer durations.
Its compact size coupled with smooth performance, certainly makes it a great option. But is it for you? Lets share what we really liked and/or disliked about this gimbal.
We liked:
Super easy to set up and calibrate
Remote camera operation with select camera models
Super smooth handling and operation
We didn’t like:
Remote camera support not across camera models
Battery charging adaptor not included in bundle
So if you are looking for a super smooth, easy to operate gimbal for your mirrorless camera and do not mind slightly heavy weight, this is the one for you.
You can buy Ronin S at https://futureforward.in/dji-ronin-s-handheld-gimbal-stabilizer-2