Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro Kit Review: Gimbal with AI tracking for demanding creators

Has Hohem released the best gimbal in 2026 with the Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro Kit? The company, known for its AI-supported stabilization solutions, presented the MT3 Pro for the first time at CES 2026 and immediately received the Red Dot Award 2026. After several weeks of intensive use, I can say that this gimbal, which replaces the iSteady MT2 Kit (our test), deserves the attention. Our test reveals more.

Technical data of the Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro Kit

Model	iSteady MT3 Pro Kit
Load capacity	2.500 g
Mechanical range	Pan	360° Infinite rotation
	Roll	-45° to 45°
	Tilt	-188° to 188°
Special features	AI tracker with fill light, Hohem Joy app, detachable remote with display
Tracking detection	People, animals, vehicles, other objects
Tracking detection	0.5m to 5m
Tracking distance	0.5m to 7m
Follow focus	Supported
Battery capacity	4,350 mAh
Battery life	up to 20h
Weight	1.070 g
Dimensions	338 x 150 x 199 mm (unfolded); 216 x 295 x 65 mm (folded)
Display	1.4 inch LCD touchscreen
The price	€ 579.99 *

Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro Kit Test: The scope of delivery

The kit package is one of the strongest arguments for the surcharge compared to the MT3 Pro alone. In addition to the gimbal itself, the Pro Kit comes with a bidirectional briefcase grip, a smartphone clamp, an action cam adapter, a tripod, the Spot Mini motor with focus motor rail and all the necessary connection cables, and the whole thing comes in a sturdy carrying case.

The case is the quiet highlight of the package. It is compact enough for hand luggage, has molded inserts for all components and reliably protects the setup. Anyone who transports the gimbal regularly will not want to be without it after their first trip. Alternatively, a backpack carrying system would be more practical for some creators, but the solution is well thought out for classic suitcase transport.

Via Bluetooth, the gimbal enables wireless trigger control for compatible cameras and smartphones via the Hohem Joy app. Also included are USB-C control cables for wired camera control if Bluetooth is not an option. In practice, this means that you can start and stop recording without touching the camera. Via remote, gesture control or gimbal button.

What is missing and should definitely be improved in the next model: a replaceable battery. In addition, the scope of delivery only includes a quick guide that outlines the most important settings in eight steps. Theoretically, there is a video tutorial for each point, but the QR codes for this did not (yet?) work with our test model.

Complete amateurs are therefore left somewhat alone with the settings. Example: The Quick Start Guide does not explain what the Spot Mini motor included in the scope of delivery is actually intended for and how to connect it.

Design and workmanship of the iSteady MT3 Pro

The first impression when unpacking is clear: the Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro kit feels incredibly classy and high-quality and is well above its price class in terms of workmanship. The housing is made of high-quality aluminum with a matte surface that hardly shows fingerprints and reacts robustly to external influences. No creaking, no play in the joints, no cheap-looking plastic parts in exposed areas. The overall impression is that of a well thought-out tool for professionals.

When unfolded, the MT3 Pro measures 338 × 150 × 199 mm and weighs 1,070 grams. Compact enough for everyday transportation, solid enough to hold the 2.5 kilogram payload with real control. In direct comparison with the DJI RS 5, the MT3 Pro is almost identical in size, but weighs an incredible 400 grams less. Which can make a huge difference in everyday use. And that is more than remarkable in terms of the technology installed, but more on that later.

The handle is covered in textured rubber and sits comfortably in the hand, even during longer spins. For users with larger hands, the slightly thicker grip of the MT3 Pro provides a particularly secure hold, especially with heavier camera setups. For hands on the smaller side, however, the grip can lead to fatigue sooner during sessions lasting several hours.

The Teflon-coated axis arms are a real difference to the competition: when balancing, the arms glide with a precision that is noticeably different from the hard metal-on-metal feel. Anyone who regularly balances gimbals knows how much frustration a stiff axle can cause. Hohem has found a sensible detailed solution here that actually saves time in everyday use.

Nevertheless, there is one small point of criticism: the bidirectional briefcase handle, which is connected via the extension port on the right-hand handle, must be tightened very firmly. It can come loose during operation if it is not secured correctly. It can be loosened, but for a device in this price range, the fit should be mechanically more reliable. A self-locking thread would help here. Visually, Hohem has opted for a simple black with subtle orange accents – a design that won the Red Dot Award 2026 and looks professional without being obtrusive.

Equipment, structure and features

Anyone unpacking and setting up the MT3 Pro for the first time will need a little patience when balancing it. This applies to every professional three-axis gimbal. Non-professionals should therefore take their time. However, the Teflon-coated joints make the process more pleasant than expected. As soon as the camera is correctly balanced, the gimbal starts reliably and keeps the alignment stable.

Assembly is relatively simple, even without instructions, and can be completed in just a few steps. However, newcomers should allow around 40-60 minutes for balancing and correct adjustment until everything is ready for use. The only point of criticism when balancing: The tilt and roll axles are a little stiff.

The most important feature that sets the MT3 Pro apart from the competition is the built-in AI tracking system. Unlike many other gimbals, which rely on a smartphone app for tracking and therefore have potential delay and connection problems, the MT3 Pro works with its own 2-megapixel AI sensor directly in the gimbal. Tracking works completely autonomously. Without a cell phone, without an app, without latency due to Bluetooth detours.

According to the manufacturer, the AI model has been trained with millions of images and recognizes people, pets, vehicles and buildings. Tracking can be activated in three ways: via a double tap on the touchscreen of the detachable remote, via gesture control directly in front of the AI camera or via the physical buttons on the gimbal. All options work perfectly. In the practical test, I mainly started the tracking by double-tapping on the remote, but the gesture control also recognizes the hand signals perfectly.

The detachable touchscreen remote is the second unique selling point of the Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro. This feature has come a long way in the development of the Hohem iSteady series: the detachable remote panel was first introduced on the iSteady V3 (our test) and expanded on the iSteady M7 (test) to include live feed transmission from the AI sensor. The MT3 Pro now builds on this mature system. The 1.4-inch display transmits the image from the built-in AI camera via Bluetooth with a range of up to 10 meters. Beginners to gimbal operation in particular will appreciate the camera balance diagnostic tools on the remote’s display.

The bidirectional twist grip in the kit package considerably expands the range of possible uses. It can be attached to the extension port and enables both classic two-handed handling and briefcase mode for low-angle shots directly from the ground. In combination with the remote, you can then shoot completely contact-free: Gimbal on the ground, frame via the display, start tracking, trigger shutter. All from a distance of up to 10 meters.

The second generation of the Fast Vertical Switch is relevant for vertical content creators. Switching from landscape to portrait format is possible in exactly four steps without dismantling or rebalancing the setup. This saves noticeable time on set for daily work for TikTok, Instagram Reels or YouTube shorts. Simply detach the mounting plate and bring it into a vertical position thanks to the dual slot for the camera handle. And that’s it. It really couldn’t be simpler.

Particularly cool: The follow speed can be set separately for each of the three axes in steps from 1 to 100. Two new modes are also available: Smooth Follow for smooth parallel tracking and Tight Follow for fast orbit shots. This is a depth of adjustment that is not a matter of course for gimbals in this price range and provides real added value for experienced creators.

Features of the iSteady MT3 Pro Kit

The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro is designed as a 4-in-1 gimbal and is suitable for system cameras, smartphones, action cams and, thanks to the included Spot Mini Motor, follow-focus setups for film productions. At the heart of the equipment is the iSteady 10.0 stabilization system, currently the most powerful generation of motors from Hohem.

Hohem claims to have increased the motor power by 40 percent compared to the previous generation, which should noticeably improve control with heavier payloads and long focal lengths. I was able to confirm this in my tests: even with a 70-300mm lens and an additionally mounted directional microphone, the gimbal kept its cool without wobbling or breaking off stabilization.

The payload of 2.5 kilograms doesn’t sound spectacular at first, but in practice it covers the majority of professional setups. A Sony A7 IV with a 24-70mm f/2.8, a Canon R5 with 15-35mm or even a Blackmagic Pocket 4K can be used without any problems. Anyone working with a compact mirrorless and a moderate zoom will remain well within the safe range. Of course, larger cinema setups weighing more than 2.5 kilograms no longer belong in this class.

The built-in Arca-Swiss clamp holder is a feature that is not a matter of course in this price range. It allows seamless use with cages and L-brackets without additional adapters. If you are already working with a SmallRig cage, you can attach the gimbal directly to it without any conversion time. With the Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro, the camera mounting plate system also has a two-part design so that the camera can be removed from the gimbal and placed directly on a tripod without having to re-balance it afterwards.

It sounds like a small thing, but it regularly saves valuable minutes in everyday filming. The fine-tuning knob allows the camera to be moved forwards and backwards with millimetre precision for perfect center of gravity centering. Anyone who has ever spent hours balancing a setup that just wouldn’t balance knows how much this is worth.

The Spot Mini Motor in the kit completes the package for cinematic shots on another level. It is a 90-gram attachment with three speed settings for precise focus pulls and controlled zoom movements that attaches to the zoom ring of the lens. A tool for anyone who wants to combine two-handed gimbal ergonomics with cinematic follow focus control. The weight is so low that it hardly changes the handling.

Battery life and app connection

The MT3 Pro works with a 4,350 mAh battery, which, according to the manufacturer, provides up to 20 hours of runtime. However, this is under optimal conditions without tracking activated. In real shooting days with active AI tracking, remote use and regular camera movements, experience has shown that you end up with around 12 to 13 hours, which is still enough for a full working day. And: which is still more than almost all competitors. Very impressive then.

After a long day of outdoor shooting with intensive use of all features, there was still capacity left. This is remarkable for a gimbal in this performance class. However, the problem already mentioned remains a real point of criticism: the battery is permanently installed and cannot be changed during operation. Replaceable batteries would significantly improve usability during long productions. Anyone shooting productions lasting several days without fixed charging times must either connect a power bank via USB-C or plan breaks. Hohem should definitely address this in the next generation.

The app connection runs via the Hohem Joy app, which is available for iOS and Android and offers access to advanced settings, firmware updates, programmable movement modes for timelapses and other shooting modes. Functionally, the app is stable and fulfills its purpose. However, it does not achieve the sophistication and user-friendliness of the DJI Mimo app, which still sets the standard in this respect. This hardly matters for everyday basic use, as the gimbal masters all core functions without the app. So you don’t really need the app at all.

Bluetooth connectivity also enables wireless shutter control for supported cameras and smartphones, while the included USB-C control cables provide a reliable alternative for wired camera control. The built-in fill light strip with adjustable brightness and color temperature is a nice extra for on-the-go shooting without additional light.

Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro Kit in practical test

The Hohem MT3 Pro Kit delivers powerfully in practice and is a serious working gimbal that performs strongly in virtually any situation. The iSteady 10.0 algorithm reliably eliminates the small micro-vibrations that make shots look amateurish. During walk shots through uneven terrain, fast pans and long static shots, the image remains pleasantly smooth and clean.

When tracking people, the AI sensor impresses with its fast response and stable subject tracking, even if the subject briefly disappears behind an object and then reappears. The gimbal usually finds the subject again independently. Recognition in low light is also absolutely impressive, although tracking naturally reaches its limits here (without fill light). The system occasionally reacts somewhat sluggishly to vehicles and highly accelerated movements, but usually keeps the subject in focus very well. However, there is nothing to complain about when it comes to tracking people and animals. This works almost perfectly.

The combination of detachable remote and live feed opens up completely new shooting possibilities for solo creators. Place the gimbal on the ground, frame it via the display, start tracking and trigger the shutter at the right moment. All this from up to 10 meters away, without the need for an assistant. This transforms the MT3 Pro from a pure handheld stabilizer into a fully-fledged remote setup that leaves almost nothing to be desired in practice.

The Spot Mini motor enables clean rack focus moves, as you would normally expect from a movie theater. With three adjustable speed levels, slow, dramatic focus shifts can be realized as well as fast focus jumps for dynamic action scenes. The motor works in both landscape and portrait mode, which makes it particularly useful for vertical content.

The only thing that would speed up the workflow considerably would be auto-axis locking during setup and dismantling. This feature is still missing on the MT3 Pro, but is already standard on other gimbals in this price range. Anyone who sets up and dismantles the gimbal several times a day will miss it.
In direct comparison with the DJI RS5, the Hohem MT3 Pro Kit has clear advantages: The built-in AI tracking without app dependency and the detachable remote with live feed are features for which you would either have to buy a separate transmitter system from DJI or fall back on other solutions. The price of 579.99 euros for the kit is therefore more than fair for what is delivered.

Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro Kit Review: Conclusion

The combination of strong stabilization, flexible ergonomics and outstanding AI tracking makes the Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro Kit one of the most complete gimbal solutions currently available on the market. The built-in AI tracking without the need for an app, the detachable remote with live feed at 10 meters, 2.5 kilograms of payload and the Spot Mini Motor in the kit package are strong arguments. If you switch between mirrorless, smartphone and action cam, this is the most versatile tool in this price range. It also has a really impressive battery life, an elegant design and a high-quality, robust housing.

For those who switch between different camera systems on a daily basis, the MT3 Pro Kit in 2026 is probably the most versatile partner in this price segment. The fixed battery, the lack of auto-axis locking and occasional pan shake are the only weak points worth mentioning. For anyone looking for a professional gimbal with real AI intelligence, the Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro Kit is a clear recommendation.