$125 2axis GoPro brushless gimbal - the G-D2 from Walkera

Only a year ago, 2 axis brushless gimbals weighed 400grams and cost $500 - and now Walkera is selling their latest gimbal the G-2D, which is very lightweight at 134grams, and costing only $125.  click through for my thoughts on this new lightweight gimbal. 

 It goes so fast, just yesterday good gimbals were heavy, expensive and complicated to program.   Thats changing quickly, and the new G-2D from Walkera definately is a step in that direction.  This is a dedicated GoPro gimbal, perfectly balanced for the GoPro,   its inexpensive, costing only $125, and its very light,  I measured it to be 134 grams.   But almost equally important for me,  the gimbal is RTF (ready to fly)  there is no programming required, just plug it into power and go fly.

 Notice the V1 and V2 adjustment holes in this picture,  here you can with the provided screw-driver easily adjust the level of pitch and roll.  no need for a laptop.   Plugging the gimbal into the reciever is straight forward, simply connect the cables according to the description on the gimbal controller.

 Walkera have managed to make enough space that its possible to insert / remove a micro SD card while the GoPro is attached to the gimbal.  Its not, its a bit "fiddely" but pretty easy once you get used to it.    Personally I prefer using a couple of rubber-bands instead of the hex-screw-mounted bracket Walkera have provided to fix the camera, but thats a matter of taste for sure.

 My sample of the gimbal shipped in the kit with the x350PRO quad,  and contained one of my favorite features for this gimbal, the quick-mount rail system,  which you can order separately with part #G-2D-Z-07p  it is a feature every gimbal on the market should think about, as it makes mounting and removing the gimbal, litterally a matter of seconds.    
I personally think this should be included in the standalone gimbal box, unfortunately it is not, however, with a gimbal kit that cost only $125 I am not going to loose sleep over this omission and will simply order the quick-release separately.

 Reviews should have a conclusion at some point...   So how do I like the G-2D brushless gimbal?

There are pro's and con's.  its a good little gimbal, it works well out of the box, it is easy to plug in.  it is not as "competent" and smooth as the xAircraft STELLA, but then it is also only $125 compared to almost $300   I would say it is very good value for the money,  one should particularly note how light it is, that is a huge benefit over heavier gimbals as your quad flies much nicer with a light gimbal.  
So YES.  in conclusion.  I like the Walkera G-2D gimbal,   and would say if you are looking for a reasonably priced 2 axis gimbal in the $125 range..  then the G-2D is a good fit and highly recommended.

The box for the standalone G-2D gimbal kit.

Inside the box, the gimbal itself is safely protected in generous amounts of foam. 

The kit contains the RTF (ready to fly) gimbal and a bag of allen wrenches and connectors.

The power connector cable terminates in a standard JST plug, that suits me fine as I use JST for all "extras" on my quads.   the JR style servo cables are a bit short,  but I have plenty of longer floating around.  if you need some, search for "male to male servo wire" on ReadyMadeRC.com

 

The parts chart for the G-2D gimbal,  I have circled the quick-release track in red.   I cant imagine you ever needing new motors, but you may want ot get some spare dampening balls right away. 

 

I got this gimbal from WalkeraHelicopterSupply.com  - click for the product page - 

My previous review of the $250 budget 3axis gimbal  - Click to read - 

My previous review of the $295 xAircraft STELLA gimbal - Click to read - 

Comments

[Daniel]

Nice post

[Bo Lorentzen]

Hey Ayman,

the runner could probably carry it, you would need to rotate the IMU module so you could top-mount it, the runner will fly much better with this mounted center top. but it probably borderline. ;-)

[Ayman]

Hey Bo, thanks for the review.

Do you think it is possible to attach it to the runner 250 when you are just touring rather than racing?

[lada]

ahoj . mam gimbal G2D mam dotaz jde koupit nova ridici jednotka Gimble main control board. /? a cena.

[Bo Lorentzen]

Hello Charles, the gimbal will work on the Phantom 1 and up. however Im not sure it will fit a GoPro1. Sorry.

[Charles Johnson]

Will this gimbal work on a DJI Phantom 1.1.1 and Gopro 1 camera

[Bo Lorentzen]

Hey Chris, I have been attaching it to my Phantom with two strips of double-side 3M tape.. works perfectly.

[Chris]

I'm considering buying one of these.
I have heard that the mounting holes on this gimbal make the gimbal sit way forward on a Phantom 1 and thus make the battery door on the Phantom not open fully.
Can you give me any insight into this?

Thanks,
Chris