Elevate your videography with the Hohem iSteady MT2 Gimbal Kit

Although Apple and Android smartphones can take very nice photos and videos, they are by no means a good replacement for DSLRs, Superzooms, action cameras, and other types of cameras. Smartphone gimbals like the DJI Osmo Mobile or Hohem iSteady V3, which we reviewed previously, are great for creating smooth videos with smartphones when you, the camera, or both are in motion.

the Hohem iSteady MT2 Likewise, it’s capable of being used with smartphones for video recording, but it’s designed to handle traditional cameras – and is therefore a heavier, sturdier and more cumbersome device than a smartphone holder. It’s a three-axis camera that can pan, pan, and tilt, all while keeping your expensive camera securely attached.

It also has an AI tracking module – which is easy to lose if you’re not careful – which, with the help of the included mini tripod, can allow the camera to follow you on its own. For its price, it represents a great value for intermediate or professional videographers.

We highly recommend that you spend some time learning how to easily mount and dismount the camera you will be using, as this takes time with DSLR cameras in particular. Unlike most smartphones, securing the camera involves an L-shaped bracket, some mounting screws, and a fair number of locking knobs and switches to make sure the camera doesn’t move in unexpected ways once it’s secured.

Thanks to a host of included extras, if your camera has a Micro USB, Mini USB, USB-A, USB-C or even a TRS/TRRS connector, cables are included to allow for camera control and reverse charging. The iSteady MT2 can also communicate with some cameras using Bluetooth, much like a smartphone.

First-time users should also take the time to familiarize themselves with the controls through the included paper and online manual, and take a look at Hohem’s helpful tools YouTube videos For any preliminary questions you may have before checking out. Whether you use the MT2 with a smartphone or a camera, you’ll want to grab the Hohem Joy app for free from the App Store.

Most importantly, you should check out the manual or various video reviews before starting, to know how to mount and balance your camera on the gimbal. This is critical for smooth, reliable performance, and if you change cameras, you’ll need to rebalance the gimbal.

Once you’ve done that, and gone over how to navigate the pivot’s controls and modes, you’re ready to play around with the iSteady MT2. Depending on which parts of the arm are locked or unlocked, you can shoot video in Pan Follow (PF), Pan&Tilt Follow (PTF), All Lock (L) or All Follow (POV).

There are two additional modes: Sport (S) mode for fast-moving subjects, and Initial (I) mode, named after the visually innovative film. The latter rotates the camera 360 degrees on its gimbal, while the tilt and roll axes are locked.

Hohem refers to this gimbal package as a kit, which means that unlike most smartphone gimbals, there’s more to it than just the gimbal itself. It comes with a lightweight carrying case with space for required accessories, including an extendable stand, an “L”-shaped stand, a smartphone holder, various cables for connecting different digital cameras, and more.

It has to be said that Hohem definitely doesn’t take on iSteady MT2 buyers, unlike some other gimbal makers. Everything you need to get started away from the camera and some time to spend with videos or written tutorials is in this bag.

The gimbal itself weighs 653 grams (1.44 lbs), and features a built-in 2,600 mAh battery that lasts for up to 17 hours of use. However, if you use the included AI tracker and fill light unit, it will reduce the battery time significantly.

The AI ​​Tracker is a clever little unit that allows users to set up the platform on its legs and shoot themselves. The subject can use hand gestures – detailed in Useful YouTube Video – To turn tracking on and off, or reframe whether they want to be to the left, right or center of the frame.

One of its only downsides is that its magnetic connection to the bracket isn’t very strong, which makes it very easy to accidentally pull it off while you’re trying to, say, remove your camera’s lens cap. Another downside is that the fill light is bright, but it doesn’t have much throw — making it only good for close-ups.

The iSteady MT2 gimbal holder and its abundant contents (not extensively shown).

The Magnetic Fill Light with AI Vision Sensor – which was included in our review kit, but also available as an optional purchase – can be plugged in and turned on, and the subject can then control the mode, activate the sensor, and frame themselves within the shot. This allows the camera to follow the subject if it moves, and allows it to be framed in the middle, left, or right side of the shot.

For best results, the subject should be two to five feet from the camera when making control gestures. This includes an OK gesture to start tracking, an open “Stop” hand to stop tracking, and a “Frame” hand gesture to frame or reframe the tracking.

If your camera is on the company’s list of supported devices and is connected to the gimbal by control cable, there’s a zoom lever and shutter button on the handle facing the operator, and a trigger button where your index finger would normally be. This also allows the multi-function control wheel on the left side of the handle to be used to focus or rotate.

If your camera is one of those unsupported models, you can still trigger the video recording, zoom, or shutter button on the camera itself.

Although priced at the lower end of handheld cameras, the Hohem iSteady MT2 is not intended for tourists or casual shooters. It takes time to set up and change cameras, time to learn all the controls, time to lock and unlock parts of the gimbal and master the modes, depending on the camera compatibility.

It can be used casually if all you want is simple tilt-and-swivel stabilization – or you have an unpowered camera but it’s fairly lightweight. Smartphone mounting is much less complicated, though it still requires a bit more work than Hohem’s dedicated smartphone tools like the iSteady V3.

We recommend the iSteady MT2 kit for videographers and YouTubers who want to start doing more outdoor or staged videography that needs flexibility of movement, especially for those who shoot with action cameras or DSLRs. It’s also a big step up from cheap smartphone-only gimbals with cable control and AI tracking.

One of its notable features is the ability to mount smartphones or cameras vertically or horizontally with the same quality control. If you’re serious about creating Reels for FaceTime and Instagram, or Shorts for YouTube, this theme can meet your needs and Landscape photography needs.

However, we must stress that it takes some time and study to fully master it, and the high-quality materials mean that it’s a bit heavier than average smartphone users are used to. An optional “selfie stick”-type extender is available for higher-angle shots, but that will need more arm strength to balance.

We hope that the next version of the magnetic light and AI tracker will be mounted on the gimbal more robustly – it has always been the first thing to be dislodged when we have to deal with the camera or iPhone. On one occasion, we watched the unit fall 14 stories to the ground, and we recovered it, completely undamaged, but we would not want to repeat that particular mission.

Given a compatible camera and the time to learn it, the iSteady MT2 can be a poor man’s Steadicam. We would recommend HohemiSteady V3 A smartphone gimbal if you just need something easy and capable for video selfies, walks, and other casual uses.

• Great price for a portable gimbal camera
• Included brackets allow for secure vertical or horizontal mounting of your camera or smartphone
• AI tracker makes tracking and snapshots easy
• The kit includes a lightweight case for the gimbal and all accessories

Only first-time and previous smartphone gimbal users will find the initial setup complicated
• USB charger (preferably 5V-2A) not included
• Error codes may appear without a clear explanation of how to resolve them
• Payload weight limitations rule out the use of heavy zoom lenses
• The combined weight of the camera and gimbal discourages prolonged handheld use
• The AI ​​tracking/lighting module is easy to disconnect and lose

The iSteady MT2 kit is available directly from Hohm Store For $329, which includes a free case, remote, or extension pole as a gift with purchase. It is also available from the company On Amazon Same price with the Light and AI magnetic tracker, or $279 without the tracker. There’s also a smartphone-only version that includes an AI tracker for $229.