The DJI RS 4 carries a tested payload of 3 kg (6.6 lb), the RS 4 Mini carries 0.4 to 2 kg (0.88 to 4.4 lb), and the RS 4 Pro carries 4.5 kg (10 lb). Payload means everything on the gimbal's camera plate: body, lens, battery, card, filters, cage and any monitor or mic mounted on the camera. DJI says the RS 4 and RS 4 Pro handle most mainstream cameras with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens.
Payload and gimbal weight
| RS 4 Mini | RS 4 | RS 4 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tested payload | 0.4 to 2 kg | 3 kg | 4.5 kg |
| Gimbal weight | About 890 g (with plate) | About 1066 g | About 1242 g |
| Grip | Built in | BG21, about 203 g | BG30, about 265 g |
| Arms | Aluminum alloy | Aluminum alloy | Carbon fiber |
| Built for | Compact mirrorless, vlog cams, phones | Mirrorless with standard zooms | Heavier mirrorless and small cinema rigs |
The total you hold is the gimbal plus your camera rig. An RS 4 with grip is about 1.27 kg before the camera.
What counts toward the limit
- Camera body with battery and memory card
- Lens, lens hood, filters and adapters
- Cage, top handle, focus motor, wireless transmitter, mic or light mounted on the camera
Accessories mounted on the gimbal body (the NATO or RSA ports, or the grip) aren't carried by the motors the way camera-mounted gear is, but they still add weight to your arms.
Tip: weigh your complete camera rig on a kitchen scale. If you're within about 10% of the limit, balance carefully and expect less headroom for fast moves and wind.
Which setups fit
RS 4 Mini (up to 2 kg). Compact mirrorless bodies with small primes or kit zooms, vlog cameras and, with DJI's RS 4 Mini Phone Holder, smartphones. Note the 0.4 kg minimum: very light compact cameras may be too light to balance. DJI also recommends not using a cage with the RS 4 Mini's quick-release plate.
RS 4 (up to 3 kg). Most full-frame mirrorless bodies with a 24-70mm f/2.8, plus a small monitor or mic. Long, heavy telephoto zooms may not balance even under 3 kg, because of their length.
RS 4 Pro (up to 4.5 kg). Bigger mirrorless and compact cinema setups with cages, focus motors and wireless video. DJI also raised motor torque on the Pro for heavier rigs.
Before buying, check your exact camera and lens in DJI's Ronin Series Compatibility search. Our RS 4 camera compatibility guide explains how.
Why balance matters more than the number
A rig under the payload limit can still fail to balance if the lens is long or front-heavy. DJI includes a lens-fastening support with the RS 4 and recommends it for long or heavy lenses. If the rig can't sit still with the motors off, it's not balanced, and the motors will work harder, drain the battery and may overheat. See how to balance the RS 4.
Older and newer models
- DJI RS 3 Mini: 2 kg tested payload, like the RS 4 Mini.
- DJI RS 5: DJI's spec page lists a 3.0 kg tested payload, the same as the RS 4.
Which one to choose
- Under 2 kg and you travel light: DJI RS 4 Mini.
- 2 to 3 kg, typical full-frame with a zoom: DJI RS 4.
- Over 3 kg or a growing cinema rig: DJI RS 4 Pro.
Still deciding? Read is the DJI RS 4 worth it or see all gimbals.
Related guides
- DJI RS 4 Mini with Canon R5, R6 Mark II, R8 and R10
- DJI RS 4 vs RS 4 Pro: which do you need?
- Is the DJI RS 4 (or RS 4 Mini) worth it?
- Where to buy the DJI RS 4 and RS 4 Mini: Best Buy, Amazon, eBay or a dealer?
- DJI RS 4 firmware update and Ronin app guide
- Can you use the DJI RS 4 Mini with an iPhone?
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