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 in search of 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 purchase at three models. DJI says it’s cancelling further models 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 regardless of the place you store, Avata 2 ND filters appear to be offered out just about all over the place. 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 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 offered out just about all over the place
One of the best third-party corporations 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 corporations have lengthy been consultants in making lens filters. And I say, depart the job to the group with the best experience.
That’s corporations 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 revolutionary of their variety. 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 straightforward 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 corporations for area of interest photograph tools and equipment, like drone filters. Their stuff tends to be cheaper than PolarPro and in some methods a bit lesser high quality. However in addition they are likely to have extra choices by way of equipment sizes and configurations.
One of the best alternate options for DJI Avata 2 filters
And with that, these two corporations supply what I take into account the perfect alternate options to purchasing Avata 2 filters instantly from DJI. These serve a variety of configurations and budgets, supplying you with extra choices that may change into higher-quality — but extra reasonably priced — anyway.
A few of your greatest different choices for the official DJI Avata 2 filters embrace:
Freewell ND Filters 4-Pack
For a budget-friendly possibility, Freewell presents a 4-pack of ND filters (ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64) for simply $49.99. This equipment supplies a superb vary of sunshine discount for varied capturing circumstances.
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 provides customers extra choices by providing every of the filters within the equipment named above a la carte. Per filter, the worth just 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. Should you’re going to purchase three filters, go for the 4-pack. However when you actually solely need one or two, it can save you with the a la carte possibility.
PolarPro DJI Avata 2 Filter Equipment (Pre-Order)
Should you’re in search of 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 comparable 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 factor. Use it to cut back shutter speeds and minimize glare particularly in shiny and reflective circumstances. It’s greatest for drone pilots in search of an ultra-saturated coloration 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 circumstances.
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, shiny out of doors circumstances 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 getting into and stopping this “blown-out” look.
Secondly, ND filters permit for slower shutter speeds, which creates a fascinating movement blur impact in movies, mimicking the cinematic really feel of slow-motion footage. Generally 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 probably need some type of filter in your Avata 2’s digital camera sooner moderately than later. And when 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 alternate options, a number of different manufacturers supply appropriate ND and PL filters for the Avata 2. When selecting replacements from corporations 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 alternate options from Freewell and PolarPro guarantee your Avata 2 footage maintains that crisp, cinematic high quality. Glad flying!
