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 irrespective of the place you store, Avata 2 ND filters appear to be offered out just about in all places. That stated, it is likely to 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 typically find yourself simply breaking extra rapidly, or they’re not fairly off to snuff and have little points. However truly relating to filters, that’s hardly the case.
Don’t panic simply because Avata 2 filters are offered out just about in all places
The very best third-party firms that make ND filters
DJI has been an skilled in making drones for greater than a decade. It’s morphed into an skilled 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 crew with the best experience.
That’s firms like PolarPro, which is predicated in Southern California and is primarily identified for making filters each for DJI drones and GoPro motion cameras. They producer just a few different motion digicam equipment and mounts, although their filters are among the many most progressive of their form. 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 picture gear 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 package sizes and configurations.
The very best alternate options for DJI Avata 2 filters
And with that, these two firms supply what I take into account one of the best alternate options to purchasing Avata 2 filters instantly from DJI. These serve a spread of configurations and budgets, providing you with extra choices which may develop into 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 affords a 4-pack of ND filters (ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64) for simply $49.99. This package gives an excellent vary of sunshine discount for numerous capturing 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 package named above a la carte. Per filter, the worth will not be nearly as good. Shopping for Freewell filters individually prices $19.99 every. Which means you’d pay $80 to purchase all 4 individually, when you will get them within the 4-pack for $50. In case 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)
In case you’re in search of a extra complete answer, PolarPro is providing a 5-filter package (ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64, CPL) for pre-order at $70. This package 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 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 reduce glare particularly in vivid and reflective situations. It’s greatest for drone pilots in search of 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 types of sunshine situations.
Avata 2 filters: must you wait, or purchase third-party filters now?
Drone pilots, particularly these aiming for skilled or inventive outcomes, depend on filters for 2 key causes. Firstly, vivid out of doors situations can overexpose the digicam sensor, washing out colours and particulars. ND filters act like sun shades for the digicam, 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. 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 one of the best footage, you’ll probably need some type of filter in your Avata 2’s digicam sooner slightly 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 alternate 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 is likely to be on momentary maintain, these alternate options from Freewell and PolarPro guarantee your Avata 2 footage maintains that crisp, cinematic high quality. Completely happy flying!
