As a videographer, one of the biggest challenges you face is keeping a steady shot. Gimbals are technology’s solution to this problem, but even lower quality devices often come at a steep price beyond the means of someone like me who lacks the budget of a high-end productions studio. Luckily, the Gudsen Moza Air has stepped in to offer a professional quality DSLR gimbal at amature level prices, so I can get the shots I need without taking out a second mortgage.
With the Zhiyun Crane 2 firmly in its sights, but with a lower retail price of $599, will the Moza Air steal some of the Zhiyun’s loyal fans?
What’s in the box
The Moza Air gimbal comes in a convenient hard plastic carrying case with custom cut interior foam to hold the gimbal and its included accessories.
Seriously tough carry case for the DSLR Gimbal
A dual handle included in the box adds the convenience of two-handed operation to the gimbal. Three batteries with a compatible charger make sure the Moza Air is ready to play with right out of the box.
Gudsen claims their gimbal stabilizer is capable of 4 to 8 hours of continuous use depending on the weight of the camera and the angle of the platform. A USB cable, camera control cable and lens support complete the set.
The carry case has perfectly shaped cutouts. (MOZA Thumb controller optional)
Gudsen offer a package that includes the optional Moza thumb control for remote access and you can buy a sturdy tripod separately for extra stabilization and time-lapse shots.
Constructed of sturdy aluminum, the DSLR stabilizer weighs 2.4lbs with the batteries installed, and is capable of handling up to 5.5lbs payload. The stabilizer has sizeable platform which is capable of full 360 tilt, roll, and yaw motion.
Gudsen have designed a new quick release plate that is compatible with Manfrotto 501PL and Arca Swiss, so moving from gimbal to tripod and back again is a breeze.
A joystick on the main handle controls platform motion but the unit also comes equipped with built-in Bluetooth to allow dual operator mode using the thumb controller or the Moza Assistant app. You can download the smartphone app from the iOS App Store, or from Google Play.
MOZA Assistant on iOS and Android
It’s clear Gudsen has built this gimbal for convenience and versatility, but would it live up to its promise?
Gudsen Moza Air – Usability
The Air is fairly simple to use so there wasn’t much of a learning curve.
Three modes are available to aid in flawless video execution:
1. Yaw mode will smoothly follow side to side motions and will hold the camera level.
2. Yaw/tilt adds the ability to tilt the camera without sacrificing the shot.
3. Full-lock mode keeps all three possible motions locked unless you control the gimbal manually using the joystick.
There are several options for mounting the camera; on top, underneath, or straight up from the gimbal.
The MOZA Wireless Thumb Controller is a must have accessory for the Gudsen MOZA Air, for any serious videographer, especially if you are using the dual handle mount. The MOZA wireless thumb controller is an intuitive assistant with the ability to control your camera’s functions, the gimbal’s movement, gimbal tuning, and calibration.
The thumb controller offers control over basic camera functions such as start/stop recording and camera focus adjustment, one of the most desired features of the new Zhiyun Crane 2. Although buying the thumb controller increases the total price it is still lower than the Crane’s retail price.
Watch the video below for an intro and instructions on using the thumb control.
Could anything be improved in the Moza Air Gimbal?
Mounting the camera is where I ran into my first potential issue.
No matter which way I mounted my DSLR, the Moza Air blocked the rear side of the camera. For me this isn’t an issue because my Canon Rebel T6i features a flip-out monitor but it could be an issue for those with a stationary screen, like the Sony mounted on the gimbal below.
It is tricky to view the LCD screen when mounted in the gimbal.
This problem is not exclusive to the Moza Air though and you can work around it by mounting an external monitor somewhere on the unit or by peeking into the space between and working with what you can see.
It can also be a bit awkward to handle due to its lightweight construction. This means the heaviest point is always the mounted camera, so I found it a bit uncomfortable when I was using the stabilizer for a long time. Although this is not unique to the Air, and doesn’t detract much from its functionality, You can add extra support by using the dual handle provided in the package.
Moza Air Review Summary
In all, the Moza Air was a pleasure to use and did exactly what Gudsen claimed it would. Another thing I should add is that it is compatible with all mirrorless cameras. That’s an impressive feat considering the competition is either more expensive, or has a lower load capacity. This makes the Moza Air the best mirrorless gimbal for the money. So, here is a breakdown of what I found:
Pros
- Sturdy carrying case
- Dual operator ability
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
- Covers rear stationary camera monitors
- Can be uncomfortable when using the single handle
Gudsen Moza Air – The Bottom Line
All things considered, the Gudsen Moza Air exceeded my expectations. With high quality results at such an affordable price, the unit is perfect for amateurs looking for professional results that were out of reach to people on a tight budget.
Videography veterans will also find themselves pleased with the strong, lightweight design, especially if they prefer heavier mirrorless cameras.
And my absolute favorite feature? The Moza Air allows me to worry less about my bank account and more about what really matters; getting the perfect shot.
Current Price on Amazon US: 
Current Price on Amazon UK: 
Still not sure if the Gudsen MOZA Air is the right gimbal? Check out our Zhiyun Crane 2 preview, or and other 3-axis handheld gimbal reviews.
Official Links
Specs
| Mechanical Performance | |
|---|---|
| Gimbal Weight | 2.4lbs\1.1kgs |
| Max Payload | 5.5lbs\2.5kgs |
| Gimbal Dimensions | 90mm x 88mm x 294mm |
| Working Temperature | -5C ~ 55C |
| Camera | |
| Supported cameras |
|
| Working Performance | |
| Mechanical Endpoint Range | Yaw Axis: ±360° continuously Tilt Axis: ±360° continuously Roll Axis: ±360° continuously |
| Angular Vibration Range | 0.02° |
| Connectivity | |
| Bluetooth | BLUETOOTH 4.0 |
| Bluetooth Control Range | 5m |
| Control Interface | 2.4G |
| 2.4G Remote Control Range | 50m |
| USB Connection | Input: Micro USB Output: Mini 10PIN |
| CAN | Generic CAN Protocol |
| Battery | |
| Model | 26350 |
| Capacity | 2000mAh |
| Battery Life | 4~8hrs |
| Voltage | 3.7V |
| Working Temperature | 0C – 40C |
Mine stopped working after a year. It has terrible horizontal drift that customer service said is a “quality issue,” and now I have to PAY MORE MONEY to ship it back to Hong Kong. I should have saved my money for a more reputable gimbal.