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 well-liked. 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 extra models bought past three. Positive, you may 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 all over the 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 rapidly, 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 offered out just about all over the place
The very best 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 workforce with the best experience.
That’s firms like PolarPro, which relies in Southern California and is primarily identified for making filters each for DJI drones and GoPro motion cameras. They producer a couple of 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 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 an alternative choice to main firms 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 inclined to have extra choices when it comes to package sizes and configurations.
The very best alternate options for DJI Avata 2 filters
And with that, these two firms provide what I contemplate the very best alternate options to purchasing Avata 2 filters immediately from DJI. These serve a spread of configurations and budgets, supplying you with extra choices which may transform 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 possibility, Freewell affords a 4-pack of ND filters (ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64) for simply $49.99. This package offers an excellent vary of sunshine discount for varied taking pictures circumstances.
Freewell filters are inclined 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 just isn’t pretty much as good. Shopping for Freewell filters individually prices $19.99 every. Which means you’d pay $80 to purchase all 4 individually, when you may get them within the 4-pack for $50. In case you’re going to purchase three filters, go for the 4-pack. However in the event 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)
In case you’re searching for 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, supplying 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 component. Use it to scale back shutter speeds and lower glare particularly in vivid 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 scale back shutter speeds to cinematic ranges in all kinds of sunshine circumstances.
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 outside 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 coming 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. Typically quick shutter speeds simply look means too jittery. Particularly on a fast-flying drone just like the Avata 2, that jittery-ness can compound.
For the very best footage, you’ll doubtless need some kind of filter in your Avata 2’s digital camera sooner relatively than later. And in the event 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 provide 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 comfortable match.
So, whereas the official DJI filters may be on short-term maintain, these alternate options from Freewell and PolarPro guarantee your Avata 2 footage maintains that crisp, cinematic high quality. Completely satisfied flying!