Hohem iSteady MT2 can be used with both smartphones and cameras. Image Source: Hohem
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Hohem iSteady MT2
3.5/5 Buy on Amazon
If you have ever used a smartphone stabilizer, the Hohem iSteady MT2 is a more durable and professional stabilizer — A handheld camera stabilizer that provides smooth motion, AI tracking and digital control for your iPhone, DSLR or other cameras.
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 gimbals like the DJI Osmo Mobile or the Hohem iSteady V3, which we’ve reviewed before, are great for creating smooth videos with smartphones when you, the camera, or both are on the move.
The Hohem iSteady MT2 can also use smartphones to record video, but it’s designed to work with traditional cameras — and as such, it’s heavier, sturdier, and more complex than a smartphone gimbal. It’s a three-axis camera gimbal that can pan, roll, and tilt while still holding your expensive camera securely.
It also has an attachable — and it’s easy to lose if you’re not careful — An AI tracking module that, with the included mini tripod, can let the camera follow you on its own. For the price, it's great value for money for mid- to high-end videographers.
Getting Started
We highly recommend taking the time to learn how to mount and easily dismount the camera you intend to use, as it takes a bit of time, especially with DSLRs. Unlike most smartphone stabilizers, securing the camera requires an L-shaped bracket, a few screws attached, and quite a few locking knobs and switches to ensure the camera doesn’t move unexpectedly once secured.
With a host of included accessories, if your camera has a Micro USB, Mini USB, USB-A, USB-C, or even TRS/TRRS connector, cables are included to allow for both camera control and reverse charging. The iSteady MT2 can also communicate with select cameras via Bluetooth, just like it can with a smartphone.
Beginners should also take the time to familiarise themselves with the controls using the included paper and online manual, as well as watch Hohem’s helpful YouTube videos for any initial questions you may have before heading out. Whether you’re using the MT2 with a smartphone or a camera, you’ll need to grab the free Hohem Joy app from the App Store.
It’s important that you watch the manual or various video walkthroughs before you get started to learn how to mount and balance your camera in the gimbal. This is critical for smooth, reliable operation, and if you change cameras, you’ll need to re-balance the gimbal.
Once you’ve done this and learned how to operate the gimbal’s controls and modes, you’re ready to take your iSteady MT2 for a spin. 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: Sports (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.
The Kit and Kaboodle
Hohem calls this stabilizer kit a kit, which means that unlike most smartphone stabilizers, there’s more to it than just the stabilizer itself. It comes with a lightweight carrying case with room for essential accessories, including an extendable stand, an “L” bracket, a smartphone mount, various cables for connecting different digital cameras, and more.
It should be said that Hohem definitely doesn’t skimp on the little things with the iSteady MT2, unlike some other gimbal manufacturers. Everything you need to get started, aside from the camera and some time spent watching videos or written tutorials, is right in the case.
The gimbal itself weighs 653g (1.44lbs) and has a built-in 2600mAh battery that provides up to 17 hours of use. However, if you use the included AI tracker and fill light, this will significantly reduce the battery life.
The AI Tracker is a clever little device that allows users to mount the rig on its feet and position themselves in the frame. The subject can use hand gestures (detailed in a helpful YouTube video) to turn tracking on and off, or change the frame if they want to be left, right, or centered in the frame.
One of its drawbacks is that its magnetic connection to the bracket is not very strong, making it very easy to accidentally rip it off when you're trying to, for example, remove the lens cap of your camera. Another drawback is that the fill light is bright, but doesn't have much diffusion (making it only good for close-ups).
The iSteady MT2 gimbal and its extensive case contents (not shown to scale).
AI Tracking and Camera Control
The magnetic fill light with the AI Vision sensor, which was included in our review kit but is also available as an optional purchase, can be attached and turned on, and then the subject can control the mode, activate the sensor, and frame themselves in the frame. 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, the subject should be between two and five feet from the camera when performing the control gestures. These include an OK gesture to start tracking, an open hand “stop” to stop tracking, and a two-handed “framing” gesture to frame or re-frame the tracking.
If your camera is one of the supported models and is connected to the gimbal via a control cable, there is a zoom lever and shutter button on the handle facing the operator, with the shutter button where your index finger would naturally be. This also allows you to use the multi-function control wheel on the left side of the handle to focus or roll.
If your camera is one of the unsupported models, you can still trigger video recording, zoom, or the shutter button on the camera itself.
Conclusions
Despite being priced at the lower end of the handheld camera gimbal price range, the Hohem iSteady MT2 is not designed for tourists or casual shooters. It takes time to set up and change cameras, time to learn all the controls, and time to lock and unlock parts of the gimbal and master the modes, depending on your camera compatibility.
It can be used for more casual purposes too, if you need simple pan, tilt, and roll stabilization – or have an unsupported but fairly lightweight camera. Mounting a smartphone is much easier, although still a bit more work than Hohem’s dedicated smartphone gimbals like the iSteady V3.
We would recommend the iSteady MT2 kit to videographers and YouTubers looking to get into more street or staged videography that requires smooth movement, especially those shooting with action cameras or DSLRs. It's also a significant step up from cheaper smartphone-only gimbals, thanks to its cable control and AI-powered tracking.
One of its standout features is the ability to mount smartphones or cameras both vertically and horizontally with the same level of control. If you’re serious about making FaceTime and Instagram videos or short YouTube clips, this gimbal could meet your portrait and landscape photography needs.
We must stress, however, that it does take some time and training to fully master, and the high-quality materials mean that it’s a little heavier than regular smartphone gimbal users are used to. An optional selfie stick-style extension is available for higher-angle shots, but it will require even more hand strength to balance.
We hope the next version of the Magnetic Light and AI Tracker will attach to the gimbal more securely – it was always the first thing to shift when we had to pick up a camera or iPhone. We once watched the module fall 14 stories to the ground – we got it back, completely unscathed, but we wouldn’t want to repeat the stunt.
The iSteady MT2 can serve as a poor man's Steadicam in a pinch if you have a compatible camera and have taken the time to learn how to use it. We'd recommend the Hohem's siSteady V3 smartphone gimbal if you just need something simple and effective for video selfies, hiking, and other everyday uses.
Advantages of the Hohem iSteady MT2 Kit
- Great price for a handheld stabilizer
- The included brackets allow you to securely mount your camera or smartphone in a vertical or horizontal position
- AI tracker makes tracking and shooting from a dolly easy
- The kit includes a lightweight case for the stabilizer and all accessories
Disadvantages of the Hohem iSteady MT2 Kit
- Initial setup can be challenging for first-time or first-time users of the stabilizer. smartphones
- 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
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Where to buy the Hohem iSteady kit MT2
The iSteady MT2 kit can be purchased directly from the Hohem store for $329, which includes a free bag, remote, or extension cord as a gift with purchase. It is also available from the company on Amazon for the same price with the Magnetic Light and AI Tracker included, or for $279 without the tracker. There is also a smartphone-only version that includes the AI tracker for $229.
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