Hohem MT3 Pro Gimbal: A Solo Creator's Dream

At this point, there are so many brands of gimbals that it can be hard to know which direction to go, especially with heavy-hitting names like DJI at the forefront of most publications and media outlets. But when I saw the MT3 Pro from Hohem, there was a standout feature that made me pause.

The Smart Solo Operator's Companion

The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro occupies a fascinating space in the 2026 market. It's a 4-in-1 hybrid gimbal designed to support everything from a smartphone to a mirrorless rig with a maximum payload of 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs). While it might not have the "tank-like" build of the DJI RS series (some of the axis locks are plastic and can feel a bit less premium), it counters with built-in features that make it a formidable tool for solo creators. This is especially so when looking at the MT3 Pro Kit, because this kit comes with everything you could need, from the Spot Mini Motor for follow-focus control, to the briefcase-style handle, as well as all the needed mounts for both mobile and mirrorless setups. The mirrorless mount also includes a quick and easy way to go from horizontal to vertical shooting (though you will most likely need to rebalance the gimbal).

The AI Advantage: Integrated and Intelligent

One of the feature differences between this and the DJI RS 5 is the AI Tracking Module. On the DJI, the AI module is a separate accessory that "locks in." In my opinion, I never really loved this about the DJI. While I understand that it's nice to be able to upgrade this module in the future, I feel like most upgrade potential will always be limited by the physical hardware of the gimbal. So even upgrading the module wouldn't really unlock any possible future advancements. Instead, this removable module becomes an added point of potential failure, as well as another piece that can get lost or forgotten.

The MT3 Pro integrates the AI module directly into the hardware. It is always there, and it is remarkably capable. In testing, I attempted to "break" the tracking by spinning rapidly and darting out of the frame. Even when I was able to escape the tracking, the gimbal was quickly able to reacquire lock when I reentered the frame. Crucially, it also doesn't just stick you in the center of the frame. While center tracking is the default, you have the ability to reframe yourself to any desired composition. The gimbal then maintains that specific offset, allowing for more cinematic, intentional compositions while still providing the freedom of automated tracking.

The Lighting "Monster"

The MT3 Pro features a built-in RGB modeling/fill light, which is a great "just in case" tool. However, depending on the balance points of your setup, this light could be in a good or bad position. Because the light is part of the gimbal that doesn't move when balancing, I found that with certain setups, the lighting position would change. For example, with my Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM lens, the light was right about at the axis of the lens.

But when I switched to my Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 G lens, which is much smaller and lighter, this caused the balance point of the camera to change. This also caused the position of the fill light to go below the axis of the lens. While this can be fine for situations where the light is being used as a fill light, this could be a very unflattering light if you find yourself needing it to be your only light source. In photography, we often call this "monster lighting" because the light source comes from below the subject's chin, which casts upward shadows that are generally unflattering for human subjects. The angle isn't terrible in this example, but it could get worse depending on your setup, and is something to keep an eye on if you think you will need this as a main light source.

The Detachable Remote LCD: A 150m Game Changer

The standout feature for me, and the main feature that caused me the most interest when first seeing this gimbal, is the removable LCD touchscreen. This isn't just a status screen; it's a fully functional remote with a built-in joystick and control buttons. During field testing, I found the remote to be incredibly responsive. I pushed the distance to roughly 150 meters before I lost signal. And while I could still easily control the gimbal, things got less smooth with the controls at around 100 m.

https://youtu.be/ZWnsz47xdS4

The DJI Comparison: What's Missing?

After recently reviewing the DJI RS 5, there were only really two big features I found myself missing. 

• Fine-Control Tuning Knobs: On the RS 5, you have dedicated knobs for micro-adjustments when balancing. The Hohem relies on a "slide and lock" method for the pan and roll arms. These arms can be a bit stiff, which often leads to overshooting when you're trying to make tiny adjustments. It's effective, but it lacks the surgical precision of the DJI.
• Auto-Axis Locks: This is a major quality-of-life difference. The DJI RS 5's ability to automatically unfold and lock its axes when powered on is a luxury you get used to quickly. With the MT3 Pro, you're back to manually flipping three separate locks every time you pack up or move locations. If you forget to unlock one, the motors will judder, which can be a bit of a learning curve for those used to automated systems (watching the gimbal auto-fold and unfold is also just super awesome).

What I Liked 

• Removable LCD screen with full gimbal control and impressively long distances.
• The Pro Kit comes with everything you could ever need for most scenarios.

What I Didn't Like

• I really missed the fine knob controls of the DJI RS 5, as well as the auto-folding and unfolding.
• I wish the built-in light were higher or somehow integrated into the moving mechanism of the gimbal so the lighting angle was consistent no matter the setup.

https://youtu.be/OISPbLwRLxg

Conclusion

The Hohem iSteady MT3 Pro is a tool built for the modern "hybrid" professional. It isn't trying to be a heavy-duty cinema crane; instead, it's a smart, versatile stabilizer that excels in solo-operator scenarios where you can't afford to lose an AI module or carry extra remote monitors. While it lacks some of the mechanical refinements of the DJI RS 5—like the auto-locking axes and the precision tuning knobs—it compensates with integrated intelligence and specialized tools like the Spot Mini Motor that are hard to beat for the price. If your workflow involves a mix of horizontal documentary work, vertical social content, and complex motion-controlled time-lapses, the MT3 Pro offers a level of "all-in-one" convenience that makes it a worthy addition to a professional gear bag. If you're new to video and want to build a strong foundation before investing in gear like this, Fstoppers offers a comprehensive course, Introduction to Video: A Photographer's Guide to Filmmaking, that covers the fundamentals. The MT3 Pro is a gimbal that trades mechanical luxury for functional, on-the-go efficiency.