Improve your videography with the Hohem iSteady MT2 gimbal kit

While Apple and Android smartphones can take some pretty impressive photos and videos, they are by no means a worthy replacement for DSLRs, superzooms, action cameras, and other types of cameras. Smartphone hangers such as DJI Osmo Mobile or Hochem iSteady V3which we’ve covered before are great for creating smooth videos using smartphones while you or the camera (or both) are in motion.

Hochem iSteady MT2 can also use smartphones to record video, but is designed to work with traditional cameras – and is therefore a heavier, more durable and more complex device than a smartphone gimbal. This is a three-axis camera gimbal that can swivel, rotate, and tilt while keeping your expensive camera securely mounted.

It also has an attachable AI tracking module that’s 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, this is an excellent solution for intermediate and professional videographers.

We highly recommend spending some time learning how to mount and easily remove the camera you intend to use, as this takes a bit of time with DSLRs in particular. Unlike most smartphone gimbals, the camera mount uses an L-shaped bracket, a few attached screws, and a variety of locking knobs and switches to ensure that once secured, the camera doesn’t move unexpectedly.

With plenty of optional accessories, if your camera has a Micro USB, Mini USB, USB-A, USB-C, or even TRS/TRRS, cables are included to allow you to control the camera and reverse charge. The iSteady MT2 can also communicate with some cameras via Bluetooth, just like a smartphone.

Beginners should also take the time to familiarize themselves with the controls using the included paper and online manual, as well as check out Hohem’s helpful manual. YouTube video to any initial questions you may have before departure. Whether you use MT2 with a smartphone or camera, you will need the free Hohem Joy app from the website App Store.

It is important to note that before you begin, you should watch the manual or various video reviews to learn how to install and balance the camera in the gimbal. This is crucial for smooth and reliable operation, and if you change cameras, you will have to balance the gimbal.

Once you’ve done this and become familiar with how to operate the gimbal’s controls and modes, you’re ready to start walking around with the iSteady MT2. Depending on which parts of the hand are locked or unlocked, you can shoot video in Pan Follow (PF), Pan & Tilt Follow (PTF), All Lock (L) or All Follow (POV) modes.

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

Hochem calls this gimbal kit a kit, meaning that unlike most smartphone gimbals, there’s more to it than just the gimbal itself. Included in the box is a lightweight carrying case with plenty of space for essential accessories, including a retractable stand, L-bracket, smartphone mount, various cables to connect a variety of digital cameras, and more.

It must be said that Hohem definitely does not favor iSteady MT2 buyers, unlike some other gimbal manufacturers. Everything you need to get started, other than a camera and some time spent watching videos or written tutorials, is right in the case.

The gimbal itself weighs 653 g (1.44 lbs) and has a built-in 2600 mAh battery that provides up to 17 hours of use. However, if you use the included AI tracker and fill-light unit, it will significantly reduce battery life.

The AI ​​Tracker is a clever little device that allows users to set up a rig on legs and take the shot themselves. Subject may use hand gestures – see details. useful YouTube Video – To turn tracking on and off or change the frame whether they want to be on the left, right or center of the frame.

One of its downsides is that its magnetic connection to the bracket is not very strong, so it is very easy to accidentally tear it off, for example when trying to remove a camera lens cap. Another downside is that the fill light is bright but doesn’t have much spread, making it only useful for close-ups.

The iSteady MT2 gimbal and its extensive contents in the case (not to scale).

The magnetic fill light with AI Vision sensor, which was included in our review kit but is also available as an additional purchase, can be attached and turned on, and then the subject can control the mode, activate the sensor, and frame themselves inside. shot. This allows the camera to follow the subject if they move and allows them to frame themselves in the center, left or right of the frame.

For best results, keep the subject two to five feet away from the camera when performing control gestures. These include an “OK” gesture to start tracking, an open hand “stop” gesture to stop tracking, and a two-handed “crop” gesture to crop or change the tracking frame.

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

If your camera is one of those models that is not supported, you can still enable video recording, zoom, or the shutter button on the camera itself.

Despite its low price among handheld camera gimbals, the Hohem iSteady MT2 is not intended for tourists or casual photographers. It takes time to set up and change cameras, time to learn all the controls, and time to lock and unlock gimbal parts and master modes, depending on your camera’s compatibility.

It can be used more casually if all you need is simple pan, tilt and roll stabilization, or if you have an unsupported but fairly lightweight camera. Smartphone mounting is much easier, although it does require a little more work than dedicated Hohem smartphone mounts such as the iSteady V3.

We would recommend the iSteady MT2 kit to videographers and YouTubers who want to start doing more outdoor or stage videography that requires fluid motion, especially those who shoot with action cameras or DSLRs. It’s also a significant improvement over cheaper smartphone-only gimbals with cable control and AI tracking.

One of its outstanding features is the ability to install smartphones or cameras both vertically and horizontally with the same control quality. If you are serious about creating videos for FaceTime and Instagram or Shorts for YouTube, this stabilizer can match your portrait And landscape photography needs.

However, we must stress that it does take some time and training to fully get the hang of, and the quality materials mean it’s a little heavier than regular smartphone gimbal users are used to. An optional selfie stick extension is available for high-angle shooting, but balancing requires even more arm strength.

We’re hoping that the next version of the Magnetic Light and AI Tracker will attach more securely to the gimbal – it’s always been the first thing we’ve had to dislodge when we’ve had to manually handle the camera or iPhone. We once saw a module fall to the ground from the 14th floor – we returned it completely undamaged, but would not like to repeat this trick.

The iSteady MT2 can serve as a poor man’s Steadicam in a pinch, as long as it has a compatible camera and you take the time to learn it. We recommend HochemiSteady V3 smartphone stabilizer if you just need something simple and functional for video selfies, walking tours, and other everyday uses.

• Great price for a portable camera gimbal.
• The included brackets allow you to securely mount a vertical or horizontal camera or smartphone.
• AI tracker makes cart tracking and shooting easy
• The kit includes a lightweight case for the stabilizer and all accessories.

First-time users and previous users who have only used the stabilizer on a smartphone will find the initial setup difficult.
• USB charger (preferably 5V-2A) is not included.
• Error codes may appear without a clear explanation of how to resolve them.
• Payload weight restrictions preclude the use of heavy zoom lenses.
• The combined weight of the camera and gimbal prevents long-term handheld use.
• AI tracker/light unit is easy to detach and lose

The iSteady MT2 kit is available directly on the website Hochem store for $329, includes free bag, remote control or extension cord free with purchase. It can also be purchased from on Amazon same price with magnetic light and AI tracker included, or $279 without tracker. There is also a smartphone-only version that includes an AI tracker for $229.