Libec TH-G3 Gimbal – Up to 3.6Kg Payload, Unlimited 360° Movement and Large Battery

November 15^th, 20193

by Jakub HanNovember 15^th, 2019

Libec TH-G3 is a new one-handed gimbal that can carry payloads between 0.5 and 3.6kg (1.1 – 7.9 lb). It offers four follow modes, 360° roll action, unlimited movement on all three axes, and up to 18 hours of battery life. After connecting to a smartphone with the Libec app, there are additional controls and motion time-lapse available.

Libec TH-G3 Gimbal. Image credit: cinema5D

The Japanese company Libec has been known mostly for their tripods and other grip products and accessories. It seems, however, that they are expanding their product portfolio now. During Inter BEE 2019 show they introduced their first gimbal Libec TH-G3. What are its features?

Libec TH-G3 Gimbal

Libec TH-G3 supports a payload range of 0.5kg to 3.6kg (1.1 – 7.9 lb), which puts it to the same category as DJI Ronin-S, MOZA Air 2, Zhiyun Crane 3 LAB and similar-sized gimbals. It offers an unlimited 360° movement on all three axes.

Libec TH-G3 Gimbal. Image credit: cinema5D

The gimbal functions in three different positions. Libec calls them “Top Down mode”, “Bottom Up mode”, and “Pen Light mode”. It basically only reflects how the gimbal is being held – upright, grip above the arms, or behind them in a horizontal position. Of course, this gimbal also offers the popular 360° roll feature which works in “Pen Light Mode” by moving the joystick.

Libec TH-G3 gimbal has four follow modes including “Pan Follow Mode”, “Pan & Tilt Follow Mode”, “Lock Mode”, and “Roll Follow Mode”. These can be switched by pressing the Mode button. Action Mode, which can be activated by pressing the “Mode” button three times, provides higher motor strength for faster movements.

Libec TH-G3 Gimbal. Image credit: cinema5D

The TH-G3 is compatible with the majority of mirrorless and DSLR cameras. By connecting the camera to the gimbal with a standard connection cable, users can control the camera’s shutter and focus. There is no list of supported cameras from Libec yet.

When it comes to battery, maximum working time for setups with a 0.5kg payload is 18 hours and for setups with a 3.6kg payload, it is 12 hours. The gimbal weighs 1,470g without batteries, so it is rather on the heavy side.

Under the gimbal’s grip, there is a 1/4″ screw hole and a 3/8″ screw hole for various attachments, like the included mini tripod which becomes an extended grip when folded. The sliding plate is compatible with Libec, Manfrotto and Sachtler heads, allowing users to quickly swap between camera supports onsite without the need to change sliding plates.

Libec TH-G3 Gimbal. Image credit: cinema5D

Libec also offers a smartphone app for the gimbal. When connected, it offers additional adjustment options, like motor balancing to match the camera’s weight or speed adjustments. Smartphones with the Libec app can also act as a remote control for the gimbal and can trigger motion time-lapse. After setting up the route point on the motion time-lapse, users can preview the route.

Libec TH-G3 Key Specs

Payload: 500g – 3600g (1.1lb – 7.9lb)
Operation time: 12-18 hours (depending on the payload) static operation under proper balance
Charging time: 6h
Input voltage: min. 11.2v, standard 14.8V, max. 16.8V
Operation current: min. 150mA, max. 7600mA
Operation temperature: min.-10℃ (+14℉), standard +25℃ (+77℉), max.+45℃ (+113℉)
Tilt angle range: 360° unlimited rotation
Roll angle range: 360° unlimited rotation
Pan angle range: 360° unlimited rotation
Following deviation in static state: min.±0.01°, max. ±0.03°
Following deviation in motion state: min.±0.05°, max. ±0.1°
Product dimensions: 192mm x 79mm x 460mm (7.6″ x 3.1″ x 18.1″)
Weight: 1,470ｇ/ 3.2lbs (excluding batteries)
Accessory mounts: 1/4″ and 3/8″ mounting/screw holes
Connectors: 8V/2A power accessory port, Camera control port
User interface: Bluetooth 4.0

Price and Availability

The Libec TH-G3 gimbal will be available from January or February 2020. The price should be slightly above $400, but it has not been finalized yet. The company is considering offering an improved warranty service with their products.

Libec TH-G3 Gimbal. Image credit: cinema5D

By looking at this gimbal’s features, I don’t really see any unique selling point, to be honest. It is more or less on par with other manufacturer’s offerings. I like the fact it offers unlimited 360° rotation on all three arms and high capacity battery. On the other hand, its roll axis motor blocks the view of the rear screen, and the gimbal itself is quite heavy.

I think its success comes down to what the final price and the warranty services will be. The gimbal market is definitely a very saturated one and it is extremely hard to bring new innovations there nowadays.

What do you think of the new Libec TH-G3 gimbal? What kind of one-handed gimbal do you use? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.