10 Best Camera Counterweights With Quick Release Mounts for 2026: Faster Balance, Less Setup Time

If you want faster rig balancing without sacrificing stability, the right counterweight setup can save time on every shoot. This roundup focuses on options that make adjustments simpler and more repeatable.

We looked for practical, compatible camera counterweights with quick release mounts that suit common gimbals, tripods, and camera support systems.

Best 10 Camera Counterweights with Quick Release Mounts Picks for 2026

Gimbal Balancing Kit – SmallRig 3125 Counterweight Kit

If you need camera counterweights with quick release mounts for balancing a long-lens setup on a gimbal, this SmallRig kit is built for that job. It mounts behind the camera with a clamp and thumbscrew, then lets you add weight where needed to fine-tune balance on supported stabilizers.

Best For: Shooters balancing heavier camera-and-lens combinations on DJI, Zhiyun, or Moza gimbals.

Pros:

• Includes a mounting clamp plus two 100g counterweights
• Stackable design with multiple 1/4"-20 threaded holes
• Compatible with many popular gimbals, including DJI RS series and Zhiyun Crane models
• Aluminum alloy and stainless steel construction for compact storage and durability

Cons:

• Mounts with a thumbscrew rather than a true quick release latch
• Only two counterweights are included in the kit
• Designed specifically for gimbal balancing, not general tripod use

Overall, this is a practical balancing solution if you want a compact, stackable counterweight setup for supported gimbals. It is especially useful when a long lens shifts your camera’s balance point rearward.

Quick Release Plate – ULANZI F38 Quick Release Plate

For camera counterweights with quick release mounts, the ULANZI F38 is more of a quick-swap base than a dedicated weight, but it is useful if you want fast transitions between a tripod, gimbal, stabilizer, monopod, or slider. The Arca-style 38mm design and 1/4"/3/8" compatibility make it a flexible mounting piece for multi-rig workflows.

Best For: Photographers and videographers who swap a camera quickly between support rigs.

Pros:

• Quick release system for fast changes between devices
• Universal Arca-Swiss 38mm slot on base and top plate
• 1/4" and 3/8" 2-in-1 base screw hole for broad compatibility
• Rubber pad helps protect the camera and keep it fixed in place

Cons:

• Not compatible with PD systems
• Does not include counterweights
• More of a mounting solution than a balancing accessory

This is a smart pick if your priority is faster rig changes rather than adding weight. It shines in setups where one camera moves frequently between stabilizers and support gear.

Single Add-On Weight – SmallRig 100g Counterweight

If you are building camera counterweights with quick release mounts, this SmallRig 100g piece is the kind of add-on weight you stack onto a compatible mounting plate. It is designed to help balance a camera on a gimbal by adjusting both quantity and position, and its threaded design makes expansion straightforward.

Best For: Users who already have a compatible counterweight plate and need extra 100g increments.

Pros:

• 100g stainless steel counterweight for gimbal balancing
• Stackable via 1/4"-20 screw and threaded hole
• Unsmooth surface adds friction for easier handling
• Works with SmallRig counterweight plates sold separately

Cons:

• Mounting plate is sold separately
• Single-weight purchase only, so it may need expansion for larger setups
• Compatibility depends on having a matching counterweight plate

This is a practical modular choice if you want to tune balance in small steps. It makes the most sense as part of a larger gimbal counterweight system rather than as a standalone accessory.

Compact Threaded Weight – CAMVATE 1.8 oz Counterweight

For camera counterweights with quick release mounts, this CAMVATE piece is a simple threaded stainless steel weight meant for balancing a camera on a gimbal or support rig. Its 1/4"-20 female-to-male design and stackable construction make it easy to pair with other compatible hardware when you need fine balance adjustments.

Best For: Shooters who want a compact threaded counterweight for modular balancing.

Pros:

• Compact 1.8 oz stainless steel counterweight
• 1/4"-20 female-to-male threading for modular use
• Stackable via 1/4"-20 screw and thread
• Suited to balancing camera setups on gimbals or support rigs

Cons:

• No included mounting plate or quick release base
• Single lightweight piece may not be enough for heavier rigs
• Basic design offers no extra setup features

This is a straightforward choice if you only need an individual threaded weight. It works best as part of a larger, modular balancing setup where small increments matter.

Quick-Release Mount Adapter – SMALLRIG HawkLock Quick Release Plate

If you’re shopping for camera counterweights with quick release mounts, this SmallRig adapter is really about speeding up swaps between cameras, monitors, lights, and other 1/4″-20 accessories. It uses a drop-in quick release design, a dual-locking baseplate, and a compact aluminum build to make mounting fast while still aiming for stable support.

Best For: Creators who want a compact quick-release mount for cameras, monitors, and lightweight accessories.

Pros:

• Quick lock/unlock design saves time versus screwing accessories on and off.
• Dual locking structure is rated for up to 5 kg dynamic load.
• 1/4″-20 screw compatibility works with cameras, monitors, lights, and more.
• Built-in rubber pads help protect against scratches and deflection.

Cons:

• Maximum dynamic load is limited to 5 kg.
• Designed for a small ecosystem of compatible HawkLock accessories.
• The bottom threaded hole is limited to devices with 1/4″-20 screws not over 6 mm.

This is a smart choice if your priority is fast attachment rather than a heavy counterweight system. It works best as a compact quick-release interface for lightweight camera rigs and accessories.

Gimbal Counterweight Set – NICEYRIG 150g Gimbal Counterweight Set

For shooters balancing a gimbal setup, this NICEYRIG option fits the camera counterweights with quick release mounts conversation because it adds removable weight in a simple, practical way. The set includes 100g and 50g stainless steel weights, plus 1/4″ screw mounting and a 1/4″ threaded hole for flexible attachment.

Best For: Gimbal users who need a removable 150g counterweight set to help balance uneven camera loads.

Pros:

• Includes two weights, 100g and 50g, for a total of 150g.
• Compatible with several popular gimbals, including DJI Ronin RS series and Zhiyun models.
• 1/4″ screw and 1/4″ threaded hole make it removable and adaptable.
• Stainless steel construction offers corrosion resistance.

Cons:

• Counterweight mount clamp is sold separately and referenced as compatible.
• Only addresses balancing needs, not quick camera swapping by itself.
• Weight amount may be insufficient for heavier rigs that need more adjustment.

This set makes sense when you need a straightforward way to shift balance on a gimbal without overcomplicating the rig. It is best viewed as a modular add-on for stabilizer balancing rather than a full mounting system.

Manfrotto-Style QR Plate – SMALLRIG 5" Gimbal Quick Release Plate

This SmallRig plate is a useful pick if you want camera counterweights with quick release mounts support on a DJI gimbal setup. It is built for selected DJI RS and Ronin models, switches between tripod, shoulder, and gimbal modes, and includes a bottom 1/4″-20 thread for optional counterweights or a counterweight kit.

Best For: DJI gimbal users who want a Manfrotto-style plate with balancing and accessory mounting options.

Pros:

• Designed for specific DJI RS, RSC 2, Ronin-S, and RS 3/4 series gimbals.
• Manfrotto-style quick release supports fast switching between shooting modes.
• Bottom 1/4″-20 thread can mount optional counterweights or counterweight kit 3125.
• Two mounting screws and top padding help prevent twisting and scratching.

Cons:

• Only works with selected gimbal models listed by the manufacturer.
• Not a universal counterweight system on its own.
• The plate is relatively specialized for DJI balancing workflows.

For DJI shooters, this is a practical bridge between quick release convenience and balance adjustment. Its real value is in combining fast camera changes with support for optional counterweights on compatible rigs.

OEM-Style Gimbal Balance – DJI Ronin 4D Counterweight

If you need camera counterweights with quick release mounts for a Ronin 4D setup, this counterweight is aimed at clean, direct balance tuning. It matches the OEM version at 294g and adds two 1/4-20 threaded holes so you can mount arms for locking off the gimbal.

Best For: Ronin 4D users who want an OEM-weight counterweight with threaded mounting points for added rigging options.

Pros:

• Matches the OEM version at 294g
• Two 1/4-20 threaded holes for mounting arms
• Includes 4 screws and a tool

Cons:

• Designed specifically around the Ronin 4D format
• Focused on threaded mounting rather than a quick-release clamp system

This is a straightforward choice if you want the same mass as the factory part and extra threaded attachment points. It suits users who prioritize balancing and rigid mounting over broader compatibility.

Fast Clamp QR Plate – Arca Swiss Quick Release Plate

This quick-release plate is a practical pick if you want camera counterweights with quick release mounts-style convenience for moving a camera between rigs, tripods, and gimbals. The plate and receiver use an Arca Swiss-style dovetail design, and the set is built with an aluminum mechanism for everyday use.

Best For: Shooters who want a fast camera swap solution for tripods, sliders, gimbals, and other compatible mounts.

Pros:

• Press-to-release design for fast camera changes
• Arca Swiss dovetail receiver with 1/4 and 3/8 sockets
• Top plate includes a universal 1/4 thread
• Anti-slip pad helps prevent slippage or rotation

Cons:

• More of a quick-release mounting solution than a counterweight
• Compatibility depends on Arca Swiss-style mounting use

As a mount accessory, this is all about speed and flexibility rather than adding ballast. It makes sense for creators who move frequently between setups and want a secure, simple release system.

Universal Balance Kit – Gimbal Counterweight Clamp Kit

For camera counterweights with quick release mounts needs on a balancing rig, this kit focuses on adjustable gimbal weight placement. It includes a mounting clamp plus 50g and 100g counterweights, and the clamp can be set up in different positions using multiple threaded holes.

Best For: Gimbal users who need flexible counterweight placement to balance heavier camera setups.

Pros:

• Includes mounting clamp plus 50g and 100g weights
• Compatible with stabilizer arms within 14mm
• Seven 1/4-inch threaded holes for repositioning
• Aluminum build with scratch-resistant pad

Cons:

• Built for balancing adjustments, not camera release speed
• Limited to stabilizer arms within 14mm

This kit is the most versatile option here for balancing, especially if you need to fine-tune placement on common gimbals. The threaded expansion points make it useful for dialing in weight distribution without overcomplicating the setup.

How We Picked the Best Camera Counterweights with Quick Release Mounts

We prioritized products that make balancing easier, install quickly, and work with widely used systems from DJI, Zhiyun, Manfrotto-style supports, and Arca-type clamps. Compatibility, weight options, build quality, and mounting convenience all mattered.

We also favored gear that reduces downtime when switching lenses, cages, or camera bodies, since that is where quick release hardware provides the most value.

Quick Comparison

In this category, the best choice usually depends on your workflow: fixed-weight counterweights for repeatable gimbal balancing, modular kits for flexibility, and quick release plates for faster rig changes. If you move between handheld, tripod, and gimbal use, a more adaptable setup is often worth it.

Key Buying Factors for Camera Counterweights with Quick Release Mounts

Compatibility

Check the thread type, plate standard, and gimbal model support first. A counterweight is only useful if it mounts securely to your exact rig without improvised adapters.

Weight Range and Adjustability

Look for sets that include multiple weight increments if you shoot different lens sizes or camera builds. Smaller steps make it easier to fine-tune balance.

Mounting Security

Quick release hardware should feel solid, lock positively, and resist twisting under load. Speed is helpful, but stable contact points matter more.

Workflow Speed

The best Camera Counterweights with Quick Release Mounts let you swap configurations quickly while keeping your balance settings close to where you need them. This is especially useful for run-and-gun shooting and event work.

Size and Portability

Compact kits are easier to pack and quicker to deploy on set. If you travel often, choose the smallest setup that still gives you enough balancing range.

Who Should Buy Which Camera Counterweights with Quick Release Mounts?

If you use DJI or Zhiyun gimbals regularly, a dedicated counterweight kit with model-specific support is usually the safest choice. If your priority is rapid rig changes across multiple platforms, a more universal quick release plate or clamp system makes more sense.

Creators who build lightweight mirrorless setups may only need a single removable weight, while shooters with heavier accessories should lean toward modular kits with multiple counterweight pieces. Pick the option that matches your most common camera build, not the heaviest one you own.