- Magnetic Counterweight Kit (Universal)
- Ulanzi VIJIM VL120 Bi-Color LED
- SmallRig Arca-Type Quick Release Plate
- RØDE VideoMic GO II
- Insta360 Invisible Selfie Stick Mini
- Manfrotto PIXI Evo Mini Tripod
- Baseus 20,000 mAh PD Power Bank
Even the smartest gimbal struggles if your phone is lens-heavy, audio is windy or lighting is flat. During six months of daily shoots I tested dozens of add-ons. Below are the seven best gimbal accessories 2025 that improved my footage the most, with expanded hands-on notes so you know exactly why each one matters.
1. Magnetic Counterweight Kit (Universal)
A heavy lens or metal case can throw any phone gimbal off balance. A universal counterweight ships with stackable discs so you can fine-tune within seconds. I balanced an iPhone 16 Pro Max plus a Moment anamorphic and MagSafe battery in under thirty seconds by placing weight close to the tilt axis, which keeps motor strain low and heat minimal. For mirrorless rigs I use a heavier counterweight on the plate to offset front-heavy zooms without pushing the motors to their limits.
- Tool-less attach and fast balance
- Stackable weights cover different lens setups
- Strong magnets can mark soft cases
Check out the Moment Universal Counterweight on Amazon
2. Ulanzi VIJIM VL120 Bi-Color LED
The VL120 is a credit-card LED with a soft diffuser and a 3,100 mAh battery. It dials from 3,200 K to 6,500 K, mounts via cold shoe or 1/4-inch thread and is bright enough to lift faces at arm’s length without harsh shadows. I clip it to DJI OM 7 Pro’s shoe for golden-hour reels, and I also side-mount it on a Zhiyun to add product highlights. Pass-through USB-C keeps it running from a power bank during long takes.
- Pocket size with soft diffusion
- Wide CCT range and simple mounting
- Plan on topping up after an hour at medium power
Check out the VIJIM VL120 on Amazon
3. SmallRig Arca-Type Quick Release Plate
Stop threading screws on and off. This SmallRig Arca-type plate lives on the camera while the matching clamp stays on your tripod or gimbal. The chamfered edges self-center in the clamp, and the built-in hex spanner hides in the base so you cannot lose it. I moved a Sony A7 IV from RS 4 Mini to tripod a dozen times at a wedding without alignment fuss.
- True Arca compatibility and anti-twist design
- Built-in tool and fold-out supports for ground shots
- Costs more than generic plates yet saves time every shoot
Check out the SmallRig Quick Release Plate on Amazon
4. RØDE VideoMic GO II
Internal phone mics pick up wind and handling noise. The VideoMic GO II adds crisp, directional audio at only 80 g and supports USB-C digital recording to phones or laptops. I run a short cable along the roll arm with a velcro tie to avoid cable slap, and I use the furry windshield for coastal shoots. RØDE Central lets you enable filters when using USB mode, which is handy for fast cleanup.
- Lightweight with analog or USB-C modes
- Plug-and-go simplicity for run-and-gun
- No on-board low-cut in analog mode
Check out the RØDE VideoMic GO II on Amazon
5. Insta360 Invisible Selfie Stick Mini
For walk-and-talks I screw the Invisible Selfie Stick into the gimbal’s base. It stays out of frame in 16:9 while adding pleasing parallax, and at roughly 40 cm extended it doubles as a counterbalance for heavy phone lens rigs. The quarter-inch thread and rubber gasket keep it snug during movement.
Check out the Insta360 Invisible Selfie Stick on Amazon
6. Manfrotto PIXI Evo Mini Tripod
Hyper-lapse, time-lapse and static B-roll all need a stable base. The PIXI Evo extends its legs, locks at two angles and holds up to 2.5 kg. Rubber feet grip slick floors, and the metal ball head resists creep even with a compact mirrorless on an RS 4 Mini. It is heavier than plastic mini tripods yet far more stable. Check out the Manfrotto PIXI Evo Mini Tripod on Amazon
7. Baseus 20,000 mAh PD Power Bank
Shoot days stretch and batteries wilt. The Baseus Adaman series recharges gimbals and phones quickly. If you want extra headroom for tablets or small laptops, the 65 W 20,000 mAh model on Amazon is a solid pick. I clip the bank to my belt and run a 30 cm USB-C cable to the gimbal so balance remains unchanged. The digital readout shows remaining capacity which helps plan long sessions.
Check out the Baseus Adaman2 Power Bank 30W 20000mAh on Amazon
Final thoughts
Start with a counterweight and a small LED since they solve most beginner issues. Add a microphone, quick-release plate and mini tripod as your workflow matures. Finally, carry a PD power bank for all-day reliability. These seven accessories elevate basic gimbals into pro-quality rigs without wrecking your budget.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do counterweights fit every phone gimbal?
Most magnetic kits fit DJI, Insta360, Hohem and Zhiyun clamps. Double-check magnet polarity before snapping on.
Will a fill light drain my gimbal battery?
External lights have their own battery, so the gimbal battery is unaffected.
How heavy can a mic be before the gimbal struggles?
Stay under 100 g for phone gimbals; mirrorless rigs handle heavier mics.
How do I keep cables from ruining balance?
Use the shortest USB-C or Lightning cable possible and route it along the roll arm with a velcro tie.
Is a power bank safe while filming?
Yes, but mount it low on the gimbal handle to avoid shifting the centre of gravity.
