SmallRig Aluminium Handle 2786 for DJI Ronin and Zhiyun Crane gimbals (cold shoe, 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 mounts)
Product description
If you’re regularly handheld with a gimbal, a side handle is often the difference between “I can keep going” and “my arm is done”. The SmallRig Aluminium Handle 2786 is built to sit alongside select DJI Ronin/SC/RS models, RSC 2, and Zhiyun Crane 2S/Crane 2/V2, plus Moza Air 2/AirCross 2—so you get a more stable grip and mounting options without giving up much usability.
It’s a fairly practical add-on: it reduces arm fatigue over longer takes, and it gives you places to attach accessories while you work. It’s not trying to be a complete rig on its own, but it does help you organise a shoot where you need hands-on control and quick access to extras.
Key takeaways
On paper, the 2786 earns its keep through three things: a side grip meant to make holding easier, multiple mounting threads (including 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 style options), and an integrated cold shoe for an accessory. There’s also a rubber cushion at the bottom to improve friction so the handle locks in more firmly.
There’s one small “depends” point: the handle can be reconfigured to be left- or right-handed, but SmallRig notes you’ll need to remove the 1/4" and 3/8" screws and interchange their positions to switch directions. If you’re the sort of user who never wants to think about setup, that’s worth bearing in mind.
What you’ll notice in use
In real shooting terms, the promise here is comfort and control. A side handle lets you distribute load more naturally—so after a walk-and-talk, a repositioning sequence, or a longer indoor session, your forearm is less likely to feel strained.
It also makes adding accessories more straightforward. With the integrated cold shoe and the extra threaded mounting points, you can set up things like small attachments (depending on what you use). And if you like mounting to a tripod plate or platform, the threaded holes on the bottom are there for that kind of integration.
A concrete example: if you’re doing a gimbal-assisted interview setup and you need a consistent hand position for smooth pans, using the side handle can help you keep the same grip while you adjust your camera framing. Add a small accessory on the cold shoe, and you reduce the need to reach around the rig mid-take.
Key features
The side handle includes several mounting options and practical hardware:
- Multiple 1/4"-20 threads and 3/8"-16 threads are provided for accessory mounting, including ARRI-style threads.
- An integrated cold shoe is built in for accessory attachment.
- There are threaded holes on the bottom that allow attaching a tripod plate.
- A rubber cushion at the bottom is designed to increase friction between the handle and the camera/gimbal assembly for firmer locking.
- A flat head screwdriver is included, and it’s stated to store on the bottom of the side handle.
It’s also designed with “universality for both sides” in mind: you can change the direction so it suits left-handed or right-handed shooting scenes.
What stands out (and what’s limiting)
What stands out is the combination of grip comfort and mounting flexibility in one piece. Many “handle only” add-ons help with fatigue but don’t offer much for accessories, this one, on the other hand, gives you threaded points and a cold shoe so you can build a cleaner setup.
The limitation is setup friction. Switching left- to right-handed configuration isn’t just a flip—it involves removing and re-positioning the 1/4" and 3/8" screws. If you frequently swap your dominant hand during production, this can get mildly annoying. Also, this is a handle for specific gimbal families listed by the product page, so it’s not something to treat as universally compatible across all rigs.
Who it’s for (and who should skip it)
This handle makes sense if you shoot with compatible DJI Ronin-series gimbals, Zhiyun Crane 2S/2/V2, or Moza Air 2/AirCross 2 and you want:
- a more comfortable grip to reduce arm fatigue
- extra mounting options beside the gimbal
- a left/right configuration you can tailor to your shooting style
It may not be the best match if you’re using a gimbal outside the stated product lines, or if you prefer not to do any reconfiguration with screws. It’s also less compelling if you’re only using short takes and you don’t actually feel arm fatigue or need accessory mounts.
Tech specs
- Name: SmallRig Aluminium Handle for DJI RS 4 Pro/RS 4/RS 3 Pro/RS 3/RS 2/RSC 2, Zhiyun Crane 2S/2/V2, Moza Air 2/AirCross 2 - 2786
- Type: Side handle for gimbals
- Mounting points: Multiple 1/4"-20 threads and 3/8"-16 threads
- Additional mount: Integrated cold shoe
- Bottom mounting: Threaded holes on the bottom for attaching a tripod plate
- Included tool: Flat head screwdriver (stored on the bottom of the handle)
- Hands orientation: Can be configured left-handed or right-handed by swapping the 1/4" and 3/8" screw positions
Is it worth it?
Buy the SmallRig Aluminium Handle 2786 if you’re already working with one of the compatible gimbal models mentioned and you want a side grip that’s genuinely aimed at reducing arm fatigue, while also giving you accessory mounting options (cold shoe plus threaded points). The rubber cushion detail is a sensible touch for stability.
Skip it if you’re using a different gimbal system, or if you dislike hardware changes—because switching it between left- and right-handed setups requires removing and re-positioning the 1/4" and 3/8" screws. For quick, casual shooting where you don’t need extra mounts or improved comfort, it may simply be more complexity than you need.
FAQ
Does the handle help with arm fatigue?
The product is designed specifically to reduce arm fatigue when shooting with your gimbal, mainly by changing how you hold and support the rig.
Can you set it up for left-handed or right-handed use?
Yes. It can be configured for left-handed or right-handed use, but the manufacturer notes you need to remove the 1/4" and 3/8" screws and interchange their positions.
What mounting options does it offer?
It includes multiple 1/4"-20 threads, multiple 3/8"-16 threads, an integrated cold shoe, and threaded holes on the bottom for attaching a tripod plate.
Is a tool included?
A flat head screwdriver is included and it’s stated to be stored on the bottom of the side handle.