SmallRig RS 3 Mini Extended Vertical Arm (4196) for DJI RS 3 Mini

The essentials

If you’re using a DJI RS 3 Mini and you want more reliable, calmer handling when switching between horizontal and vertical shooting, this SmallRig RS 3 Mini Extended Vertical Arm (4196) is a practical add-on. On paper, it’s designed specifically for the DJI RS 3 mini gimbal, with an extended vertical arm and a dedicated extension mount plate.

The headline idea here is fairly straightforward: the extension arm is 15mm longer than the original one, which is intended to lower the camera’s centre of gravity. That can matter when you’re balancing heavier setups or simply want the gimbal feel to be a touch more stable, even as you change shooting orientation.

What it actually does for your setup

This isn’t a “more features, more menus” kind of accessory. It’s the sort of part that changes how your rig behaves and how easy it is to switch orientations in the field.

With the extended arm and the accompanying mount plate, you can move between horizontal and vertical shooting more conveniently. There’s also a clear auxiliary levelling scale on the mount plate, which is meant to make levelling easier and switching less fiddly when you’re mid-shoot.

A small but important detail: the description notes it uses an anti-off design. That’s the right direction for an accessory that’s meant to sit securely and consistently on your gimbal, rather than one that you need to babysit every time you tighten and loosen.

Here’s a concrete example of how this tends to play out in real use: say you start a take in landscape for a talking-head, then need a quick cut for vertical social. Instead of guessing alignment or spending ages re-levelling, the auxiliary scale is there to help you get back to a similar starting point more quickly.

Key points to consider before buying

This accessory is built for the DJI RS 3 Mini, so it’s not something you’d treat as a universal upgrade. If you don’t already have that specific gimbal in your workflow, you may find it’s not the right direction to spend money.

Also, while the 15mm extension is intended to lower the centre of gravity without blocking camera movement, it’s still an addition to your physical setup. If your shoot often involves tight spaces (small studios, cramped tripod stations, or areas with limited clearance), you’ll want to think about whether the extra length could be a nuisance in those environments.

It’s not perfect for every scenario, but if you regularly do both landscape and portrait-oriented takes, this is the kind of accessory that can reduce friction rather than just add complexity.

Where it shines (and where it may fall short)

Where it shines is in its focus on switching orientation cleanly. The extended vertical arm, the levelling scale, and the stated intention around centre of gravity all point to a goal: smoother handling when you reconfigure between horizontal and vertical.

It may not be the best choice if you mostly shoot in one orientation, or if you don’t want to change the geometry of your rig at all. For occasional vertical shots, a simpler workflow could be enough. In other words, this makes more sense when vertical/horizontal switching is part of your routine.

Compatibility is also a “worth noting” area. The description mentions support for various cameras and gives examples like Sony FX3 with a 24-70mm lens, Canon R5 with 24-70mm lens, FUJIFILM X-T5 with 16-55mm lens, and GH6 with 12-60mm lens. That’s useful context for sizing and balance, but it doesn’t remove the need to double-check that your specific camera plus lens combination and mounting approach are what you expect.

Tech summary

• Name: SmallRig RS 3 Mini Extended Vertical Arm, Extension Mount Plate for DJI RS 3 Mini - 4196
• Type: Gimbal extension arm and mount plate accessory for DJI RS 3 mini
• Compatibility focus: Designed for DJI RS 3 Mini
• Extension length: 15mm longer than the original arm

Quick FAQ

Is it only for the DJI RS 3 Mini?

Yes, the product is described as specially designed for the DJI RS 3 mini gimbal, so it’s not presented as a universal arm.

Does it help with vertical shooting?

It’s explicitly built around easier switching between horizontal and vertical shooting, including a levelling scale to help with alignment.

Will the extension stop camera movement?

The description says it would not block camera movement, but it’s still sensible to check clearance with your own camera and lens setup.

Is it meant for heavier camera builds?

Lowering the centre of gravity is part of the design intent (via the 15mm extension). That suggests it’s aimed at improving stability with your camera setup, but exact results depend on what you mount.

Should you buy it?

It’s worth considering if you own a DJI RS 3 Mini and you frequently shoot in both landscape and portrait orientation, because the extended arm and levelling scale are there to make reconfiguration less awkward. You’re also likely to appreciate it if stability and a lower centre of gravity are priorities in your build.

You may want to skip it if you mostly stick to one orientation, or if your typical shooting spaces are so tight that an extra 15mm extension could get in the way. It may not suit you either if you’re using a different gimbal system, since this accessory is designed around DJI RS 3 mini compatibility.