Hohem Isteady MT2 is a 653g, 3-axis video zimbal. It can keep a lighter camera or phone up to 1.2 kg, and it can provide more stabilization for video than the IBIS system on cameras. How does it perform, and is it the right gimbal for you? Read on to find out!
Basic features
Like all video gimbals, the original process for Isteady MT2 is balanced in it your camera, and then turning it on. It comes with an L-bracket that makes your camera very easy to mount horizontally or vertically. You put the camera in the L-bracket using an arc-survese plate that also comes with the device, and there is a second Arca-Swiss attachment for the phone.
The balance process is quite simple. It is covered in manual A video on Hohem’s websiteThere is also a feature that allows you to fix the adjustment of the camera status so that the horizon is exactly the level, which is important for heavy cameras that can shift the horizon slightly if the gimbal flakes.
MT2 has a lot of control. In addition to the main trigger, it has found quite a few knobs that can control the camera, assuming that your camera model is supported. You can pull the focus, start and turn off the recording, and even zoom in or out on some cameras. There are also some smartphone-specific controls such as switching on the front camera. It all depicts it more completely than the average video zimbal.
And talking about linking this thing to your camera, there is a possibility that you will not have any problem because it comes with the imagination of all types of USB-to-camera cables. With a compact -carrying case, it is a filter or two in all vessels, or even a lav microphone enough to store enough room.
Finally, there is an app that you can download that provides some basic control and parameter adjustment, as well as firmware updates. But the app is not necessary, and all the features can be controlled on the zimbal itself.
Stabilization
Hohem Isteady MT2 has six basic stabilization mode:
- PAN Follow (PF): The original mode is where the tilt axis lock is locked. It keeps the horizon stable.
- PAN Follow Tilt (PTF): Like pan-folko mode, but there is tilt so the horizon is no longer stable.
- Point of View (Pov): All axes are unlocked, including forward-back axis
- Lock (L): Lock mode, where no ax runs.
- Sport (s): A fast, more aggressive mode that allows you to follow uncertain action
- Inspusion (ICP): An interesting mode that indicates the camera upwards and rotates it
Overall, stabilization is good, and is comfortable to use gimbal. Now, some readers may remember that I tested DJI RS4 Mini Not long ago, which is a slightly larger gimbal that supports 2 kg, but costs about $ 100 more and weighs 890 grams. So, how is the stabilization of Isteady MT2 compared?
Both are very similar and give comparatively stable footage for more basic movements. When the action became slightly more intense, I think the RS4 mini was slightly more stable, which is not very surprising because it is a large gimbal with a maximum load capacity of 2 kg. Generally, large gimbals will provide more powerful motors and more stabilization, but it definitely comes with a tradeoff for size.
Overall, when it comes to this stabilization power, I would say that Isteady MT2 is good for those who want a compact package that can still provide the soft tricks required for everyday videos. But, like a gimbal DJI RS 4 Mini The more demanding videos with crazy tricks are better favorable for videos, and where a small size is still something important. Finally, like a large rig DJI RS 4 Pro For intensive projects where film production is your only attention and you want to do really crazy tricks, such as to follow the death-bani Parkaur easily.
Tracking module
Hohem Isteady MT2 can be purchased in a kit with a trekking module – which, for now, sells for the same price as a gimbal without a tracking module. In any case, the tracking module connects to the zimbal and uses basic facial recognition to create gimbal follow faces. It is actually a very good feature, and it is especially useful to follow people or make single videos where you just want more than a stable shot.
The tracking module is activated by gestures and works very well. There is a gesture to start, stop and re -prepare. This can be directly activated and inactive from the zimbal in those cases. By default, it seems tuned for the wide-angle lens found on the phone, and I had to adjust it slightly to the shots close to the 50 mm lens.
Another interesting feature available with this gimbal is the filling light. Its power can be adjusted from 0% to 100%, and you can also adjust its color temperature from 2700K-6500k. But what I like the best, is that you can choose any color from 0-359, so you can color yourself blue, orange, purple, etc. for unusual results. Nifty.
The light is relatively small, but it works for quick Vlogging-style video in low light, especially if you are using relatively sharp aperture. This is definitely an improvement on overhead lighting.
Strength
My favorite aspect of Isteady MT2 is that it is small at only 653G, and still stable with cameras such as Nikon Z6 or Panasonic G9. MT2 is quite small that I will bring it with me on an international trip.
It is also good how easy it is to use Isteady MT2 out of the box. Unlike DJI RS4 Mini, it did not require registration with the smartphone app, which is a very large plus for me. And after it is configured, you can find a lot of basic controls by pressing the button.
Finally, MT2 can act as a power bank with 5W charging. This means that if you support USB charging, you can give an additional promotion of power to your camera, and you can also use it to power your phone.
Weaknesses
Hohem Isteady MT2 is a good product, but one thing that can be improved is a quick-relief plate. Rubber at the top is slightly less friction than the most quick release plates used by me in the top, and so I had to tease slightly from the average to stop any movement.
There is also a controller knob on the gimbal that can control pan and tilt. I wish it would have been slightly more resistance, as it is a bit difficult to keep the speed of the pan stable and slow. The speed of paning increases very quickly, and some practice is required to be done more slowly. In this case, I preferred DJI RS4 Mini’s panning joystick, which you can adjust to low paning speed when needed.
conclusion
Hohem Isteady MT2 is a great option for people with light cameras. Its small size means that it is ideal for travel or who carry too much gear. Stabilization works very well, and has enough features so that you can be very creative with your footage. Although not an ideal product, I recommend it overall and especially at this price.
If you feel that this gimbal may be right for you, consider getting it on B&H photo through the link given below. Buying any product through our affiliate link supports such independent reviews and photography advertises life!
If you have any questions, tell me in the comments.
