On a DJI RS 4, you control focus by attaching a DJI Focus Pro Motor to the lens and turning the gimbal's front dial, and you control zoom by flipping the joystick mode switch to zoom. Zoom works with Sony power zoom lenses and Clear Image Zoom on supported cameras, or with a Focus Pro Motor on the zoom ring. The RS 4 Pro can run two Focus Pro Motors at once (focus and zoom) and adds LiDAR autofocus. The RS 4 Mini doesn't support focus motors.
What each gimbal supports
| RS 4 Mini | RS 4 | RS 4 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Focus Pro Motor | Not supported | One motor | Up to two |
| Front dial | Bluetooth/cable focus, ISO, aperture, shutter, axes | Focus motor by default | Focus motor by default |
| Joystick zoom | Sony PZ and Clear Image Zoom | Sony zoom or motor | Sony zoom or motor |
| LiDAR autofocus, ActiveTrack Pro | No | No | Yes, with Focus Pro LiDAR |
The DJI RS 4 Combo adds a Focus Pro Motor, briefcase handle and carrying case, according to DJI's store.
Set up a Focus Pro Motor on the RS 4
- Mount the motor: fit the 15 mm rod into the motor's camera quick-release base, attach the base to the camera, slide the motor onto the rod, and tighten the knob once the gear meshes with the lens's focus ring.
- Connect it to the gimbal's focus motor port (USB-C). On the RS 4, the video transmission port can also connect a focus motor.
- Set the dial: slide up on the touchscreen, open Dial Functions and choose Focus Motor.
- Calibrate: swipe down to the control center, open Focus Motor Endpoints and run calibration, or set endpoints manually.
- Adjust torque (high, medium or low) under Focus Motor Torque if the ring is stiff or the motor slips.
Joystick zoom
- Push the joystick mode switch (beside the screen) up for zoom control; push it down for gimbal control.
- Sony power zoom: enable power zoom on the camera and connect by Bluetooth or the right control cable. The joystick then zooms PZ lenses, Clear Image Zoom or digital zoom on supported bodies.
- Motor zoom: put the Focus Pro Motor on the zoom ring, calibrate it, and set the motor to Z mode. The joystick then turns the zoom ring.
DJI's help center lists Bluetooth zoom support for the Sony FX3, A7S3, A7C, A7M3, A7M4, A7R3, A7R4, A9II, ZV-1, A6400 and A6600. You can also set the front dial to Bluetooth/Cable-Driven Focus & Zoom to zoom with the dial instead.
Dual motors on the RS 4 Pro
With two Focus Pro Motors, set the dial to Focus Motor and the joystick switch to zoom: one motor handles focus on the dial and the other zoom on the joystick. DJI notes that on lenses with focus and zoom rings close together, both motors may not fit on the same side; use a cage with dual rods. A motor on the aperture ring can control aperture, too.
Add the DJI Focus Pro LiDAR to the RS 4 Pro for LiDAR autofocus and ActiveTrack Pro. Set the M button to LiDAR AF/MF to toggle autofocus.
RS 4 Mini
DJI's RS 4 Mini FAQ says it does not support Ronin focus motors, the LiDAR Range Finder, the Ronin Image Transmitter or the 3D Focus System. It does support joystick zoom for Sony PZ lenses and Clear Image Zoom, and the front dial can drive camera focus or settings over Bluetooth or cable on supported cameras.
What about the Zenmuse X9 focus motor?
The Zenmuse X9 Focus Motor is made for the Zenmuse X9-6K and X9-8K cameras on the DJI Ronin 4D. It's not an RS 4 accessory. For the RS 4 series, use the DJI Focus Pro Motor.
Troubleshooting
- Motor won't move: check the cable and port, set Dial Functions to Focus Motor, and recalibrate.
- Slipping gear: tighten the rod knob so the motor can't shift, and raise torque.
- Joystick won't zoom: confirm the switch is up, the camera supports zoom control, and Bluetooth or the cable is connected.
Choosing a gimbal for lens control? Compare RS 4 payload and is the RS 4 worth it. Shop the DJI RS 4 or RS 4 Pro.
Related guides
- DJI RS Intelligent Tracking Module: setup and compatibility
- DJI RS 4 firmware update and Ronin app guide
- DJI RS 4 modes explained: PF, PTF, FPV, 360 roll and push mode
- DJI RS 4, RS 4 Mini and RS 4 Pro payload: which cameras fit?
- DJI RS 4 accessories: plates, handles and cases
- DJI RS 4 battery life and the BG70 battery grip
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