ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Insta360 Move 2 Professional Creator bundle is priced at $189.
- It has an extended deal with than the earlier mannequin, a extra secure tripod, and a handy magnetic clamp system.
- There is no such thing as a chilly shoe out there to your mic, and Android help is a little bit of an afterthought.
extra shopping for selections
Observe ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
As we speak’s smartphone cameras are so good which you could be a content material creator with out spending hundreds on a devoted digital camera. The optical picture stabilization they’ve can also be excellent, however you possibly can seize extra artistic pictures and shoot in tougher circumstances with a smartphone gimbal.
Insta360’s newest smartphone gimbal, the Flow 2 Pro is likely one of the greatest choices out there, with superior options and an inexpensive worth.
Additionally: I tested the best iPhones in 2025: Should you buy the 17, Air, or Pro Max?
I have been utilizing the unique Insta360 Move gimbal since 2023, primarily to seize B-roll for my e-bike and operating shoe critiques. It is a first rate gimbal, however I’ve to increase the deal with and tripod legs to suit my hand, and one leg broke so the tripod was now not useful. I additionally needed to take away my cellphone circumstances to make use of the prolonged clamp connector plate in order that was a bit cumbersome.
The very first thing I observed concerning the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro smartphone gimbal was the longer deal with with silicone grip on the entrance. The tripod was redesigned in order that three steel legs lengthen down three inches from the bottom after which out to create a stable platform that holds my iPhone 17 Professional Max even when the telescoping stick, which extends out eight inches, is absolutely deployed.
Along with the improved deal with design and tripod stability, the creator bundle contains the brand new magnetic cellphone mount that attaches to the again of the iPhone’s MagSafe connector. The magnetic cellphone mount additionally serves as a dependable kickstand to your cellphone with a steel ring that extends all the way down to prop up your cellphone in each portrait and panorama orientation.
Assist for Apple DockKit implies that greater than 200 iOS apps work with the gimbal with none further equipment, permitting creators to make use of their favourite apps with the gimbal because the on-site digital camera operator. I personally want to make use of the Insta360 app with the gimbal and that gives the final word expertise with its Deep Monitor 4.0 monitoring system, however the beauty of this package is that Insta360 helps your personal preferences.
With superior AI monitoring, the gimbal will transfer and preserve the chosen topic, or topics, in view all through the recording. You can even use one other cellphone and even your supported Apple Watch as a distant for the gimbal so you’ll by no means miss out on being part of a gaggle shot once more.
The Insta360 Move 2 Professional has an built-in selfie stick that extends eight inches that can assist you seize selfies with the rear digital camera, nevertheless it additionally has a small selfie mirror on the again of the cellphone mount. I discovered this handy because the gimbal strikes round, and plan to seize extra selfie footage with the higher rear cameras.
Additionally: I’ve tested every iPhone 17 model, and I’m recommending something different this time
One facet struggled with on the unique Insta360 Move gimbal was utilizing the thumb controls. The directional pad and contact delicate ring have been redesigned for improved ergonomics and I used to be in a position to rapidly use the assorted taking pictures modes with out getting overwhelmed by the choices.
The Move 2 Professional supplies as much as 10 hours of battery life and features a USB-C port so you possibly can high off your cellphone and preserve taking pictures for hours. The creator bundle additionally features a small gentle that attaches to the accent USB-C port to offer centered gentle in low gentle circumstances. The Highlight accent is offered for simply $14.99. An AI tracker module, with an included gentle, can also be out there for $39.99 and it supplies AI monitoring in third occasion apps for Android and iOS customers.
Additionally: I found a $170 mobile gimbal that rivals my DJI – and it’s easy to set up
The Insta360 Move 2 Professional is clearly optimized for the iPhone, however most core options can be found on Android within the Insta360 app. Those that are not out there on Android are multi-person monitoring, Lively Zoom monitoring, and smartphone distant management. If you wish to use the Move 2 Professional with an Android cellphone, I like to recommend the AI Tracker module to make the most of Insta360’s superior AI recognition algorithms.
One last function I’ve examined out a few instances is the built-in teleprompter operate that helps pasting your script into the Insta360 app. You’ll be able to then mount your cellphone and file with the selfie front-facing digital camera whereas studying the teleprompter. You’ll be able to have the textual content scroll along with your specified timing and even rotate the rear dial to scroll the textual content up the show. I extremely advocate you take a look at the tips and tricks article from Insta360 to optimize your use of the Move 2 Professional gimbal.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
Though I like taking pictures on my Sony Alpha digital camera, my smartphone is at all times with me and lets me seize extra constant content material. Tthe Insta360 Flow 2 Pro gimbal is small and lightweight, so it additionally has been touring with me all over the place. The gimbal unfolds and allows you to mount your cellphone in seconds so I plan to make use of it much more so as to seize higher content material to share with household, pals, and different viewers.
