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 actually been widespread. A lot in order that DJI has capped the variety of Avata 2 drones you should purchase at three items. DJI says it’s cancelling extra items bought past three. Certain, 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 all places. That mentioned, 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 Lady tends to keep away from third-party merchandise. They typically find yourself simply breaking extra shortly, or they’re not fairly off to snuff and have little points. However really in the case of filters, that’s hardly the case.
Don’t panic simply because Avata 2 filters are bought out just about in all places
The perfect third-party firms that make ND filters
DJI has been an knowledgeable in making drones for greater than a decade. It’s morphed into an knowledgeable 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 a couple of different motion digicam equipment and mounts, although their filters are among the many most revolutionary of their sort. For instance, PolarPro launched the snap-on filter collection 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 inclined to have extra choices by way of equipment sizes and configurations.
The perfect options for DJI Avata 2 filters
And with that, these two firms supply what I contemplate one of the best options to purchasing Avata 2 filters immediately from DJI. These serve a spread of configurations and budgets, providing you with extra choices which may grow to be higher-quality — but extra reasonably priced — anyway.
A few of your greatest different choices for the official DJI Avata 2 filters embody:
Freewell ND Filters 4-Pack
For a budget-friendly choice, Freewell gives a 4-pack of ND filters (ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64) for simply $49.99. This equipment offers an excellent vary of sunshine discount for numerous taking pictures situations.
Freewell filters are inclined to have a hotter tint that Polar Professional filters.
Freewell particular person filters
Moderately 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 shouldn’t be 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. Should you’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 Equipment (Pre-Order)
Should you’re searching for a extra complete resolution, 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, providing you with extra management over glare and reflections. Annoyingly, it doesn’t ship till June 27, 2024.
If you 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 vibrant and reflective situations. It’s greatest for drone pilots searching for an ultra-saturated shade aesthetic. No polarization calibration wanted.
The Shutter Assortment is extra versatile, permitting you to cut back shutter speeds to cinematic ranges in all types 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, vibrant outside situations can overexpose the digicam sensor, washing out colours and particulars. ND filters act like sun shades for the digicam, lowering 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 one of the best footage, you’ll possible need some form of filter in your Avata 2’s digicam sooner fairly than later. And in case you haven’t been satisfied but, try my deeper dive into how ND filters can enhance your drone pictures.
And whereas I’ve named simply a few respected options, a number of different manufacturers supply appropriate 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 cosy match.
So, whereas the official DJI filters may be on non permanent maintain, these options from Freewell and PolarPro guarantee your Avata 2 footage maintains that crisp, cinematic high quality. Glad flying!