Although 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 OsmoMobile or the Hohem iSteady V3which we’ve already reviewed, are perfect for creating smooth videos using smartphones when you or the camera, or both, are in motion.

THE Hohem iSteady MT2 is also capable of using smartphones for video recording, but is designed to handle traditional cameras – and is therefore heavier, more robust and more complicated than a smartphone gimbal. This is a three-axis camera gimbal that can pan, roll and tilt, all while keeping your expensive camera securely attached.

It also has a detachable – and easy to lose if you’re not careful – AI tracking module, which, with the help of its included mini-tripod, can allow the camera to track you on its own. For its price, it’s a great value for mid-level or professional videographers.

We highly recommend spending some time learning how to easily assemble (and easily disassemble) the camera you’re going to use, as it takes a bit of time with DSLRs in particular. Unlike most smartphone gimbals, attaching the camera involves an L-bracket, attached screws, and a number of grips and locking switches to ensure the camera doesn’t move unexpectedly once secured.

With a range of included extras, whether your camera has a Micro USB, Mini USB, USB-A, USB-C or even a TRS/TRRS connector, cables are included to enable both the camera control and reverse charging. The iSteady MT2 can also communicate with some cameras via Bluetooth, just like it does to communicate with the smartphone.

New users should also take the time to familiarize themselves with the controls via the included paper and online manual, and review Hohem’s helpful tips. YouTube videos for all your first questions before leaving. Whether you’re using the MT2 with a smartphone or camera, you’ll want to get the free Hohem Joy app from the App store.

It is important to consult the manual or various video reviews before starting, to learn how to mount and balance your camera in the gimbal. This is crucial for smooth, reliable performance, and if you change cameras you’ll want to rebalance the gimbal.

Once you’ve done that and looked at how to control the gimbal’s controls and modes, you’re ready to take your iSteady MT2 for a full ride. Depending on which parts of the arm are locked or unlocked, you can shoot videos in Pan Follow (PF), Pan&Tilt Follow (PTF), All Lock (L), or All Follow (POV) mode.

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 on its pan axis, while the tilt and roll axes are locked.

Hohem calls this gimbal assembly a kit, meaning that unlike most smartphone gimbals, it’s not just the gimbal itself. It comes with a lightweight carrying case with room for necessary accessories, including an extendable stand, an “L” bracket, a smartphone holder, various cables for connecting different digital cameras, and much more.

It must be said that Hohem does absolutely no harm to buyers of the iSteady MT2, unlike some other gimbal manufacturers. Everything you need to get started, except the camera and time spent with videos or written tutorials, is in the case.

The gimbal alone weighs 653g (1.44lbs) and has a built-in 2,600mAh battery that can last 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 small, smart unit that allows users to mount the device on its legs and get in on the shooting themselves. Subject may use hand gestures – detailed in a useful YouTube Video: To turn tracking on and off, or crop if they want to be left, right, or center of the frame.

One of the only downsides is that its magnetic connection to the mount isn’t very strong, making it very easy to accidentally remove when you’re trying to, say, remove the lens cover from the camera . The other downside is that the fill light is bright, but doesn’t have much throw, making it ideal only for close-ups.

The iSteady MT2 gimbal and its copious contents (not shown to scale).

The magnetic fill light with 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 the subject can then control the mode, activate the sensor and frame themselves inside. the shot. This allows the camera to track the subject if they move and allow them to frame in the center, left or right of the photo.

For best results, the subject should be two to five feet away from the camera during control gestures. These include the OK gesture to start tracking, the open hand “stop” to stop tracking, and the two-handed “frame” gesture to frame or reframe tracking.

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

If your camera is one of these unsupported models, you can still trigger video recording, zooming, or shutter release on the camera itself.

Despite its lower price than handheld camera gimbals, the Hohem iSteady MT2 is not intended for tourist 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 more casually if all you want is simple pan, tilt, and roll stabilization – or if you have an unsupported but fairly lightweight camera. Mounting a smartphone is much less complicated, but still a bit more work than Hohem’s dedicated smartphone gimbals like the iSteady V3.

We recommend the iSteady MT2 Kit to videographers and YouTubers who want to start doing more outdoor or on-stage videography that requires smooth motion, especially for those shooting with action cameras or DSLRs. It’s also a huge step up from cheaper smartphone gimbals, with its control cable and AI tracking.

One of its most notable features is the ability to mount smartphones or cameras vertically or horizontally with the same quality of control. If you are serious about creating Reels for FaceTime and Instagram, or Shorts for YouTube, this gimbal can meet your portrait And landscape shooting needs.

That said, we should point out that it takes time and study to fully master, and the quality of the materials means it’s a bit heavier than casual smartphone gimbal users will be used to. There is an optional “selfie stick” extension available for higher angle shots, but this will require even more arm strength to balance.

We hope the next version of Magnetic Light and AI Tracker will attach more firmly to the gimbal – it was always the first thing to dislodge whenever we had to mishandle the camera or iPhone. On one occasion we saw the module fall 14 stories to the ground – we recovered it, completely intact, but we wouldn’t want to repeat that particular stunt.

The iSteady MT2 can serve as a poor man’s Steadicam in a pinch, provided you have a compatible camera and take the time to learn it. We recommend Hohem’siSteady V3 smartphone gimbal if you just need something simple and capable for video selfies, walking tours, and other casual uses.

• Great price for a portable camera gimbal
• Included brackets allow secure vertical or horizontal camera or smartphone mounting
• AI tracker makes tracking and dolly shots easy
• Kit includes lightweight case for gimbal and all accessories

New and returning smartphone-only gimbal users will find initial setup complicated
• USB charger (preferably 5V-2A) not included
• Error codes may appear without a clear explanation on how to resolve them
• Payload weight limitations exclude the use of heavy zoom lenses
• The combined weight of the camera and gimbal discourages prolonged use of the handheld
• AI tracking/light unit is easy to disconnect and lose

The iSteady MT2 kit is available directly from Hohem Store for $329, which includes a free bag, remote control 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 $279 without the tracker. There is also a smartphone-only version that includes the AI ​​tracker for $229.