Advanced Tracking in a Very Versatile Gimbal
The Hohem iSteady MT2 is packed with features designed to elevate mobile and camera-based videography. It’s a 3-axis stabilizer that offers smooth, stable footage for creators using mirrorless cameras, action cameras, and even smartphones. With AI tracking, a built-in fill light, and a wide range of controls, the MT2 caters to content creators looking for flexibility in a relatively affordable package. In this review, we’ll explore how it performs in real-world use.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things you notice about the Hohem iSteady MT2 is its robust build quality. Constructed from high-quality aluminum and composite materials, the gimbal feels both lightweight and durable. Weighing 653g, it’s light enough to carry for long shoots while still offering a payload capacity of up to 1.2kg. This makes it suitable for most mirrorless cameras, compact DSLRs, smartphones, and action cameras.
The gimbal comes neatly packed in a hard-shell carrying case, which includes various adapters and cables for different cameras. The Swiss-Arca plate system allows for quick mounting and release of cameras, making it simple to switch between devices mid-shoot. The inclusion of a magnetically stored screwdriver for adjustments is a thoughtful touch, ensuring you have all the tools you need during setup.
The MT2’s foldable tripod legs can be extended from the base, doubling as a grip extender for easier handheld use. The handle’s design makes the gimbal comfortable to use, even during extended periods. A bright OLED screen provides a clear view of the current settings, making it easy to adjust modes or calibrate the gimbal as needed.
Hohem iSteady MT2 AI Tracking and Fill Light
The standout feature of the iSteady MT2 is its AI tracking system. The AI sensor is mounted at the top of the gimbal and is responsible for tracking faces or objects in real-time. With simple hand gestures, you can control the tracking function, making it ideal for solo creators who need to stay centered in the frame while moving. Whether you’re delivering a vlog, shooting a tutorial, or conducting an online class, the AI tracking keeps you in focus without manual intervention. Hohem has done a very good implementation of the Ai tracking and I feel it is ideal for content creators and solo filmmakers. And if you add the Hohem remote control, you can adjust the headroom as well as remote on/off without having to walk to the gimbal. I think this is a game changer, in many respects.
In addition to tracking, the MT2 comes equipped with a built-in fill light. The light features RGB adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune the lighting for your environment. This is especially helpful when shooting in low-light conditions or when trying to create a particular mood or tone in your video. The light is bright enough to provide adequate illumination for vlogs or interviews but might not replace more powerful lighting setups for professional shoots.
Stabilization and Performance
Stabilization is where the Hohem iSteady MT2 shines. The 3-axis stabilization system is designed to smooth out movements and reduce vibrations, even in challenging environments. The 320° tilt and 360° pan allow for a full range of motion, while the Inception Mode provides a rotating barrel shot for dynamic, cinematic effects.
The gimbal features six different modes, including Pan Follow, Tilt Follow, All Lock, and Sport Mode. Each of these modes caters to different shooting needs, whether you’re capturing fast-moving action or slow, controlled movements. The Sport Mode is particularly impressive, allowing you to maintain stabilization even when moving quickly.
In practice, I found the MT2’s stabilization to be highly effective. Whether walking or running, the gimbal smoothed out the footage considerably, and its quick reaction time made it easy to keep the camera steady. Paired with a mirrorless camera, the results were professional-grade, with very few jitters or bumps noticeable.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is another strong point of the iSteady MT2. With a 2,600 mAh battery, it’s capable of lasting up to 17 hours if used optimally (with the gimbal fully balanced and without excessive use of the fill light). Even with AI tracking and the light at full brightness, the gimbal can last 6-8 hours, which is more than enough for a full day of shooting.
The gimbal charges via a USB-C port and takes approximately 3 hours to fully recharge. While not the fastest charging gimbal on the market, the long battery life ensures you won’t need to recharge too often during a typical shoot.
User Experience and Controls
The Hohem iSteady MT2 is packed with controls that offer great flexibility. The joystick allows for precise control over the tilt and pan movements, while the focus wheel offers fine-tuning for manual focusing. The multifunction wheel can be used to control zoom or focus, depending on the setup, and it also adjusts the brightness of the fill light.
The controls are relatively intuitive, although they may take a bit of time to master, especially if you’re new to gimbals. The Hohem Pro app offers additional control options, including remote operation, motor settings, and calibration tools. It’s a handy companion for anyone looking to get the most out of their gimbal.
Is the Hohem iSteady MT2 Worth It?
Overall, the Hohem iSteady MT2 is a well-rounded gimbal that offers excellent value for the price. With AI tracking, a built-in fill light, and solid stabilization, it’s a great tool for content creators looking to upgrade their mobile or camera setups. While it has a few minor shortcomings—such as limited compatibility with certain camera brands—the MT2 provides an impressive range of features at a competitive price point.
If you’re a vlogger, filmmaker, or YouTuber looking for a versatile, easy-to-use gimbal that doesn’t break the bank, the iSteady MT2 is definitely worth considering. There are other competitor gimbals that you might want to consider like the Feiyutech Scorp mini 2 and the Scorp 2.
We have secured some discount offers for the Feiyutech Scorp mini 2 and the Scorp. You can find them on our Deals Section. We hope this will make this an even better proposition.
Hohem iSteady MT2 Review
The Hohem iSteady MT2 is a versatile 3-axis gimbal featuring AI tracking, a built-in RGB fill light, and six shooting modes. With a 2,600 mAh battery, it offers up to 17 hours of runtime, making it perfect for vloggers, filmmakers, and YouTubers looking to stabilize their footage.
The Good
- Excellent AI tracking
- Long battery life
- Solid 3-axis stabilization
- Built-in RGB fill light
The Bad
- Some camera compatibility issues
- Requires manual calibration
- Slight learning curve for advanced features
- Fill light may not be bright enough for all environments
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Build Quality9
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Features9
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AI Tracking9
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Functionality9