The extremely anticipated DJI Avata 2 has taken the drone world by storm, and with it comes the demand for its important equipment, too. That’s led to a present snag for pilots searching for the official DJI Avata 2 ND filters; they’re out of inventory at many retailers, together with DJI’s personal on-line store.
The Avata 2 has definitely been standard. A lot in order that DJI has capped the variety of Avata 2 drones you should buy at three items. DJI says it’s cancelling extra items bought past three. Positive, you will get round that by shopping for three from DJI, after which some from different retailers like Amazon and B&H. (And don’t overlook our favourite, little man RC sellers to buy from, GetFPV.)
However irrespective of the place you store, Avata 2 ND filters appear to be bought out just about in every single place. That stated, it may be a blessing in disguise. First off, some reviewers have discovered that — in some lighting circumstances — the filters give off a blue tinge. Secondly, the official DJI Avata 2 filters are costly. The official DJI Avata 2 ND Filters Set prices $79.
Usually, The Drone Woman tends to keep away from third-party merchandise. They usually find yourself simply breaking extra shortly, or they’re not fairly off to snuff and have little points. However truly on the subject of filters, that’s hardly the case.
Don’t panic simply because Avata 2 filters are bought out just about in every single place
The most effective third-party firms that make ND filters
DJI has been an professional in making drones for greater than a decade. It’s morphed into an professional in making cameras. However a pair different firms have lengthy been specialists in making lens filters. And I say, go away the job to the group with the best experience.
That’s firms like PolarPro, which relies in Southern California and is primarily recognized for making filters each for DJI drones and GoPro motion cameras. They producer just a few different motion digital camera equipment and mounts, although their filters are among the many most modern of their variety. For instance, PolarPro launched the snap-on filter sequence in 2012.
PolarPro’s drone filters are custom-engineered with a light-weight aerospace aluminum body to make sure simple set up. High quality is excessive, as PolarPro makes use of industry-leading CinemaSeries glass.
Freewell Gear additionally makes high quality filters. The corporate launched simply after PolarPro, once more providing a substitute for main firms for area of interest photograph gear and equipment, like drone filters. Their stuff tends to be cheaper than PolarPro and in some methods a bit lesser high quality. However additionally they are likely to have extra choices by way of equipment sizes and configurations.
The most effective options for DJI Avata 2 filters
And with that, these two firms provide what I think about the perfect options to purchasing Avata 2 filters straight from DJI. These serve a spread of configurations and budgets, supplying you with extra choices that may become higher-quality — but extra reasonably priced — anyway.
A few of your finest various choices for the official DJI Avata 2 filters embody:
Freewell ND Filters 4-Pack
For a budget-friendly choice, Freewell presents a 4-pack of ND filters (ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64) for simply $49.99. This equipment gives a great vary of sunshine discount for varied taking pictures situations.
Freewell filters are likely to have a hotter tint that Polar Professional filters.
Freewell particular person filters
Fairly than forcing you to purchase a 4-pack, Freewell offers customers extra choices by providing every of the filters within the equipment named above a la carte. Per filter, the worth isn’t nearly as good. Shopping for Freewell filters individually prices $19.99 every. Meaning you’d pay $80 to purchase all 4 individually, when you will get them within the 4-pack for $50. For those who’re going to purchase three filters, go for the 4-pack. However in case you actually solely need one or two, it can save you with the a la carte choice.
PolarPro DJI Avata 2 Filter Package (Pre-Order)
For those who’re on the lookout for a extra complete answer, PolarPro is providing a 5-filter equipment (ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64, CPL) for pre-order at $70. This equipment features a round polarizer filter alongside ND filters, supplying you with extra management over glare and reflections. Annoyingly, it doesn’t ship till June 27, 2024.
If you are going to buy the PolarPro Avata 2 Filter Assortment, you’ll have two choices, the Vivid Assortment, and the Shutter Assortment. Each are considerably related in that they each use Germany-made CinemaSeries glass.
The large distinction? The Vivid Assortment combines two filter results (ND + Polarization) right into a single glass ingredient. Use it to cut back shutter speeds and reduce glare particularly in brilliant and reflective situations. It’s finest for drone pilots searching for an ultra-saturated colour aesthetic. No polarization calibration wanted.
The Shutter Assortment is extra versatile, permitting you to cut back shutter speeds to cinematic ranges in all kinds of sunshine situations.
Avata 2 filters: must you wait, or purchase third-party filters now?
Drone pilots, particularly these aiming for skilled or creative outcomes, depend on filters for 2 key causes. Firstly, brilliant out of doors situations can overexpose the digital camera sensor, washing out colours and particulars. ND filters act like sun shades for the digital camera, decreasing the quantity of sunshine coming into and stopping this “blown-out” look.
Secondly, ND filters enable for slower shutter speeds, which creates a fascinating movement blur impact in movies, mimicking the cinematic really feel of slow-motion footage. Typically quick shutter speeds simply look approach too jittery. Particularly on a fast-flying drone just like the Avata 2, that jittery-ness can compound.
For the perfect footage, you’ll seemingly need some kind of filter in your Avata 2’s digital camera sooner moderately than later. And in case you haven’t been satisfied but, take a look at my deeper dive into how ND filters can enhance your drone images.
And whereas I’ve named simply a few respected options, a number of different manufacturers provide suitable ND and PL filters for the Avata 2. When selecting replacements from firms above the 2 I’ve named, guarantee they’re particularly designed for the Avata 2 to keep away from compatibility points and assure a comfortable match.
So, whereas the official DJI filters may be on short-term maintain, these options from Freewell and PolarPro guarantee your Avata 2 footage maintains that crisp, cinematic high quality. Blissful flying!