Let’s talk about the tools that keep your camera work steady. Specific to your needs, no wonder having a few at hand is the right call!

*Manfrotto Be Free 

*Gitzo traveler Series 1

*Peak Design Pro

*Sirui SVM-145 3-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod

*Sirui SVM-145 3-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod

*Joby Gorillapod

*Platypod

*DJI RS 4

*DJI Osmo Mobile 8 Smartphone Gimbal

*Hohem iSteady M7 AI Tracking Smartphone

*Hohem iSteady Q Smartphone Gimbal

First up are tripods:
For your Mirrorless or DSLR cameras, the choice for a lightweight option is the Manfrotto Be Free for the budget minded
Or the Gitzo traveler Series 1 when you want to up your game a bit. Both of these tripods are good choices for small and lightweight, with the Gitzo def at a higher price point.

Moving on up is the new Peak Design Pro units with some excellent design and engineering! They have keep all of the adjustments with a built-in tools for adjustments!

It’s not the extreme lightweight, even in the smallest size coming in at 3.7 LBS, but the load capacity is a generous 35 lbs!

and I recommend getting the carbon fiber version on any of these!

3 Legged Thing is a joyful company putting out a variety of tripod choice, a famous L bracket and just introduced a new camera strap system. Posting here as you should have a look, and a lot of choices in their line-up.

For a monopod, you can’t go wrong with the Sirui SVM-145 3-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod which also has a feature where you detach the bottom portion and have a tabletop tripod. Very useuful

Solidly built, you also add on a damped video head, and choose your own adventure on that available for your motion needs. I have the Sirui, and you can buy this with it included. I add different heads on it,

Every photographer should have at least one Joby Gorillapod in the kit.

Here is a link with a full line-up

The JOBY GorillaPod 3K PRO Rig this newer rig has versatile element to create a whole bunch of ways to put your camera in different ways, or build out a rig.

I have at least 5, and use depending on the weight of the camera I’m using. This bendable tripod came on the scene years ago and has continued to be a solid item.From the small where you can add a lume cube light, to the heavy duty where I have connected a heavy video camera and wrapped the legs around a railing.

There are some newer versions, that may look a little different but continue the quality.

Another must have is the Platypod.

Whether you are going ground level to shoot, or attaching this to a tree, this is a versatile tripod plate that you can get with a lot of optional accessories to do some secure camera positioning, you always hoped for.

Let’s talk gimbals.
A standard is of course, the DJI lineup.
DJI RS 4 Stabilizer with a 6.6 lb. payload capacity, you will be able you handle most mirrorless cameras and lens combos.

You can go with the combo kits, which have some of these accessories, but these SmallRig peices are excellent!  I highly recco getting the SmallRig Weight-Reducing Shoulder Strap, and the SmallRig 3028C Sling Handle

If you have spent any time hand holding a rig like this, even with a lighter mirrorless camera, the arm and wrist fatigue can be very real. Trust me, it’s a great investment!

The we get to the smartphone gimbals

DJI Osmo Mobile 8 Smartphone Gimbal

The updated gimbal stabilizer offers a Multifunctional Module and ActiveTrack 7.0 technology. It includes a magnetic phone clamp that supports smartphones up to 3.3″ wide in a fast-mounting interface, a built-in extension arm and tripod.

I will tell you that in the press scrums i’m in, I’ve seen a bunch of these tucked into back pockets, keeping the reporters’ footprint small.

One of the newest companies on the scene is Hohem
Hohem iSteady M7 AI Tracking Smartphone

For one of the most robust Phone gimbals around with, this is the rig you want to make sure your video is smooth, and when you need to do that low angle shoot, even tracking to the ground, the Hohem has a detachable control unit that has a video screen so you can make sure your footage is framed as you like.
Like I said when you shoot low, you want to make sure you are getting what you want without crawling on the ground.
With excellent tracking capabilities, and a light module that moves with your phone, this is the best unit in the category.
It may be crazy but one of my favorite features is the case that has been trimmed down in depth, but is sturdy enough to throw in a bag to transport to the next location.

Going even smaller and light than the DJI version, is the Hohem iSteady Q Smartphone Gimbal with Detachable Remote Control. So tiny!
$40 gives you the functionality of a selfie stick, a gimbal, and a tripod, all in one foldable, compact device. With a load capacity of 9.9 oz, the iSteady Q is compatible with most smartphones

There are a ton of choices out there, and you may see them in specials or TikTok shop, but I say buy with confidence from places like B&H photo/video, and your brick and mortar store where you live.

Put this gear in your hands and see how they feel, and if the fit your workflow.

And if it’s a gift BH is generous with return windows!