These tables summarise my » lightweight gimbal-based motorised panorama setups, using an APS-C or a Full-frame camera (as of March and August 2025). The setups are identical except for the camera and lens. Both are suitable for wearing on a bicycle; the tripod fits inside the bag. Pictures of the bag and its contents are at the bottom of this page.
See DJI RS4 Mini Notes for more background.
APS-C: Sony ZV-E10 II + 60mm + DJI RS4 Mini version – weight-checked
| Component | weight g |
|---|---|
| Camera: Sony ZV-E10 II + battery, SD card, wrist-strap, QR Plate | 417 |
| Lens: Sigma 60mm f/2.8 DN Art E-mount + hood | 198 |
| Camera + lens: | 615 |
| DJI RS4 Mini gimbal + QR clamp/slider + USB cable | 873 |
| Vanguard Veo 3 GO 204CB tripod | 635 |
| Tripod + gimbal: | 1,508 |
| Accessories (cable, spare battery, Allen keys, etc.) | 87 |
| Contents total: | 87 |
| Vanguard Vesta Aspire 41 backpack + necessary dividers etc. | 735 |
| Total: | 2,945 |
Full-frame: Sony α7CR + 90mm + DJI RS4 Mini version – weight-checked
| Component | weight g |
|---|---|
| Camera: Sony α7CR + battery, SD card, wrist-strap, QR Plate | 547 |
| Lens: Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary FE-mount + hood | 344 |
| Camera + lens: | 891 |
| DJI RS4 Mini gimbal + QR clamp/slider + USB cable | 873 |
| Vanguard Veo 3 GO 204CB tripod | 635 |
| Tripod + gimbal: | 1,508 |
| Accessories (cable, spare battery, Allen keys, etc.) | 87 |
| Contents total: | 87 |
| Vanguard Vesta Aspire 41 backpack + necessary dividers etc. | 735 |
| Total: | 3,221 |
Notes (these apply to both tables):
- The above are listed top-down, as seen when assembled.
- The gimbal listed is 3-axis and self-levelling, so no levelling base is needed.
- The tripod listed has a variable height column so no column extender is needed.
- The RS4 Mini QR plate (grey) is safer than the RS4 QR plate (black, and also 32g).
- A Leofoto 45mm QuickLink is optional; if used, add 68g (socket is 53g and plate is 15g).
Here is how I pack the camera/lens, gimbal, and tripod into the backpack (in these images the camera is the ZV-E10 and the lens is the larger Sony 18-135mm zoom). The tripod is on top, resting on a padded divider/flap, because it is the first item needed. Click either thumbnail for a larger image.
 Pack opened, including tripod |  Pack opened, tripod removed |
DJI RS4 Mini gimbal overview
RS4 Mini with Sony ZV-E10-II & Sigma 60mm lens
Click for a larger image
The DJI Ronin app allows controlling the head from a smartphone with Virtual joystick (simple remote control), Time lapse, Panorama, and other options. Its Panorama option allows multi-row and repeat panoramas which are especially useful. It also offers both auto-locking and auto-fold (activated when switching the gimbal on or off) with very little extra weight. These are very useful time-savers.
The gimbal can be attached directly to a tripod; I prefer to use a Leofoto 45mm QuickLink socket and plate to avoid having to rotate the head onto the tripod screw (and also allow quick testing on different tripods); this requires a spacer or rubber washer to attach the plate (with 3/8″ fitting) to the 1/4″ socket on the gimbal.
See DJI RS4 Mini Notes for more.
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This page was last edited on 2026-03-15 by mfc.