Tbh the R1 is a total beast—it’s heavy and tall because of that integrated grip—so you’ve gotta be reallyyy careful about the clearance. If you want to save some cash without risking your gear's safety, here are a few practical options: • DJI RS 3 Pro - Since the newest version is out, you can snag these used or refurbished for a way better price. It has the same payload capacity and build quality, so it’s super reliable for a heavy rig like the R1.
• Zhiyun Crane 4 - This is a solid workhorse. It’s usually priced lower than the competition but handles heavy setups like a champ. It has these balance indicator lights that are actually helpful to make sure you aren't straining the motors.
• Feiyu SCORP Pro - Ngl, it’s an underdog, but the dual-handle design is killer for documentary work. It helps distribute the R1's weight so your wrists dont give out during long shoots. Basically, just make sure you get an extended quick-release plate. The R1 is taller than most bodies, and standard plates can be a nightmare to balance properly.

DJI RS 4 Pro is the best choice.

This ^

Jumping in here... I've been down this road trying to balance heavy gripped bodies and it's usually a headache. I actually tried out the Moza Air 2S 3-Axis Gimbal for a documentary project last year. The battery is great, but be careful with the R1 because the clearance between the eyepiece and the rear motor can get super tight when you're tilting. I also gave the FeiyuTech SCORP Pro Detachable Gimbal a spin. It's a lot more budget-friendly than the top-tier brands, and the physical controls are actually pretty intuitive once you get the hang of them. The main downside is the calibration... it's a bit of a manual process compared to the auto-tuning on newer rigs. If you go that route, make sure to double-check your balance every time you swap lenses, otherwise you'll hear those motors straining. Just some food for thought if you're looking for something outside the usual DJI bubble... it's definitely doable if you're patient with the setup.

DJI RS 4.

Man I wish I found this thread sooner. Would have saved me so much hassle.