Dronelost.com – The DJI Air 3 is one of the most advanced and versatile drones on the market, with two powerful cameras that can capture stunning 48MP photos and 4K HDR videos. Whether you are a professional filmmaker, a hobbyist photographer, or a casual drone enthusiast, you can unleash your creativity with the Air 3 and its amazing features.
But to get the most out of your Air 3, you might want to consider adding some accessories to your kit, especially ND filters. ND filters, or neutral density filters, are like sunglasses for your drone’s cameras. They reduce the amount of light that enters the lens, allowing you to control the exposure, shutter speed, and aperture of your shots.
But not all ND filters are created equal. There are different types, sizes, shapes, and strengths of ND filters, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. How do you choose the best ND filters for your Air 3? And how do you use them effectively?
In article, we will answer these questions and more. We will review the best ND filters for the DJI Air 3, based on their quality, performance, features, and price. We will also give you some tips and tricks on how to use ND filters for your Air 3, and show you some examples of the amazing results you can achieve with them. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
What are the different types of ND filters?
There are two main types of ND filters for the Air 3: circular and square. Circular ND filters screw directly onto the lens of the Air 3, while square ND filters require a filter holder that attaches to the lens. Each type has its pros and cons, depending on your preferences and needs.
Circular ND filters
Circular ND filters are the most convenient and easy to use type of ND filters for DJI Air 3. They are lightweight, compact, and simple to install and remove. You just need to screw them onto the lens of the Air 3, and you are ready to go.
Circular ND filters come in two varieties: fixed and variable. Fixed ND filters have a fixed strength, or light reduction, that cannot be changed. Variable ND filters have a variable strength, or light reduction, that can be adjusted by rotating the outer ring of the filter.
Fixed ND filters are more affordable, consistent, and reliable than variable ND filters. They are ideal for situations where you know the exact amount of light reduction you need, and you don’t need to change it frequently. However, fixed ND filters are less versatile and flexible than variable ND filters. You might need to carry multiple fixed ND filters of different strengths, and switch them depending on the lighting conditions.
Variable ND filters are more expensive, complex, and prone to errors than fixed ND filters. They are ideal for situations where you need to adjust the amount of light reduction quickly and easily, without changing the filter. However, variable ND filters can introduce some issues, such as color casts, vignetting, cross polarization, or loss of sharpness, especially at the extreme ends of the range.
Square ND filters
Square ND filters are the most versatile and flexible type of ND filters for the Air 3. They are larger, heavier, and more complex to use than circular ND filters. You need to attach a filter holder to the lens of the Air 3, and then slide the square ND filter into the holder.
Square ND filters come in two varieties: regular and graduated. Regular ND filters have a uniform strength, or light reduction, across the entire filter. Graduated ND filters have a variable strength, or light reduction, from top to bottom, or from side to side, of the filter.
Regular ND filters are similar to fixed circular ND filters, but they have some advantages. They are more durable, as they are less likely to get scratched or damaged. They are also more compatible, as they can fit any lens size with the right adapter ring. However, regular ND filters are also more expensive, bulky, and cumbersome than fixed circular ND filters. You might need to carry a large case with multiple regular ND filters of different strengths, and swap them depending on the lighting conditions.
Graduated ND filters are unique to square ND filters, and they have some advantages. They are useful for balancing the exposure between the bright sky and the dark foreground, or vice versa, in landscape photography. They allow you to darken or lighten specific areas of the image, without affecting the rest. However, graduated ND filters are also more difficult to use than regular ND filters. You need to align the transition line of the filter with the horizon or the edge of the subject, and adjust it as you compose the shot.
Best DJI Air 3 ND Filters for 2023
Now that you know how to choose and use ND filters for the Air 3, let’s take a look at the best ND filters for the Air 3. We have selected these ND filters based on their quality, performance, features, and price, and we have included both circular and square ND filters, and both fixed and variable ND filters, for your convenience. Here are our top picks:
1. DJI ND Filters Set for Air 3
The DJI ND Filters Set for Air 3 is the official ND filter set from DJI, designed specifically for the Air 3. It consists of four circular fixed ND filters: ND4, ND8, ND16, and ND32, which correspond to 2, 3, 4, and 5 stops of light reduction, respectively.
The DJI ND Filters Set for Air 3 is made of high-quality optical glass, with a multi-layer coating that reduces reflections, flare, and ghosting, and enhances the colors and contrast of the images. The DJI ND Filters Set for Air 3 is also lightweight, compact, and easy to install and remove, with a magnetic design that snaps onto the lens of the Air 3.
The DJI ND Filters Set for Air 3 is ideal for beginners and professionals alike, who want a simple and reliable ND filter set for the Air 3, that covers a wide range of lighting conditions and creative effects. The DJI ND Filters Set for Air 3 costs $59, and you can buy it from the DJI online store or other authorized dealers.
2. Freewell All Day 8 Pack ND Filters for Air 3
The Freewell All Day 8 Pack ND Filters for Air 3 is a comprehensive ND filter set from Freewell, a leading brand of drone accessories. It consists of eight circular fixed ND filters: ND4, ND8, ND16, ND4/PL, ND8/PL, ND16/PL, ND32/PL, and ND64/PL, which correspond to 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 stops of light reduction, respectively, and also include a polarizer that reduces glare and reflections, and enhances the colors and contrast of the images.
The Freewell All Day 8 Pack ND Filters for Air 3 is made of premium optical glass, with a 16-layer coating that reduces reflections, flare, and ghosting, and enhances the colors and contrast of the images. The Freewell All Day 8 Pack ND Filters for Air 3 is also lightweight, compact, and easy to install and remove, with a magnetic design that snaps onto the lens of the Air 3.
The Freewell All Day 8 Pack ND Filters for Air 3 is ideal for advanced and professional users, who want a versatile and complete ND filter set for the Air 3, that covers a wide range of lighting conditions and creative effects, and also includes a polarizer for extra enhancement. The Freewell All Day 8 Pack ND Filters for Air 3 costs $99.99, and you can buy it from the Freewell online store or other authorized dealers.
3. PolarPro Variable ND Filter for Air 3
The PolarPro Variable ND Filter for Air 3 is a high-end ND filter from PolarPro, a renowned brand of drone accessories. It is a circular variable ND filter that can adjust from ND4 to ND32, which corresponds to 2 to 5 stops of light reduction, by rotating the outer ring of the filter.
The PolarPro Variable ND Filter for Air 3 is made of cinema-grade glass, with a 16-layer coating that reduces reflections, flare, and ghosting, and enhances the colors and contrast of the images. The PolarPro Variable ND Filter for Air 3 is also lightweight, compact, and easy to install and remove, with a magnetic design that snaps onto the lens of the Air 3.
The PolarPro Variable ND Filter for Air 3 also features a hard stop at the minimum and maximum settings, to prevent cross polarization and vignetting, and a laser-etched scale on the outer ring, to indicate the exact ND value.
The PolarPro Variable ND Filter for Air 3 is ideal for intermediate and professional users, who want a premium and convenient ND filter for the Air 3, that can adjust to different lighting conditions and creative effects, without changing the filter. PolarPro Variable ND Filter for Air 3 costs $79.99, and you can buy it from the PolarPro online store or other authorized dealers.
4. K&F Concept Variable ND Filter for Air 3
The K&F Concept Variable ND Filter for Air 3 is a budget-friendly ND filter from K&F Concept, a popular brand of camera accessories. It is a circular variable ND filter that can adjust from ND2 to ND400, which corresponds to 1 to 8.6 stops of light reduction, by rotating the outer ring of the filter.
The K&F Concept Variable ND Filter for Air 3 is made of optical glass, with a multi-layer coating that reduces reflections, flare, and ghosting, and enhances the colors and contrast of the images.
The K&F Concept Variable ND Filter for Air 3 is also lightweight, compact, and easy to install and remove, with a magnetic design that snaps onto the lens of the Air 3. The K&F Concept Variable ND Filter for Air 3 also features a hard stop at the minimum and maximum settings, to prevent cross polarization and vignetting, and a scale on the outer ring, to indicate the approximate ND value.
The K&F Concept Variable ND Filter for Air 3 is ideal for beginners and intermediate users, who want an affordable and flexible ND filter for the Air 3, that can adjust to different lighting conditions and creative effects, without changing the filter. The K&F Concept Variable ND Filter for Air 3 costs $29.99, and you can buy it from the K&F Concept online store or other authorized dealers.
5. Neewer ND Filter Kit for Air 3
The Neewer ND Filter Kit for Air 3 is a basic ND filter kit from Neewer, a cheap brand of camera accessories. It consists of three circular fixed ND filters: ND4, ND8, and ND16, which correspond to 2, 3, and 4 stops of light reduction, respectively.
The Neewer ND Filter Kit for Air 3 is made of optical glass, with a multi-layer coating that reduces reflections, flare, and ghosting, and enhances the colors and contrast of the images. The Neewer ND Filter Kit for Air 3 is also lightweight, compact, and easy to install and remove, with a magnetic design that snaps onto the lens of the Air 3.
The Neewer ND Filter Kit for Air 3 is ideal for beginners and casual users, who want a basic and cheap ND filter kit for the Air 3, that covers a wide range of lighting conditions and creative effects. The Neewer ND Filter Kit for Air 3 costs $19.99, and you can buy it from the Neewer online store or other authorized dealers.
How to use ND filters for the Air 3?
Once you have chosen the best ND filters for the Air 3, how do you use them effectively? Here are some tips and tricks:
- Install the ND filter properly: Before you attach the ND filter to the lens of the Air 3, make sure it is clean and free of dust, fingerprints, or smudges. Use a soft cloth or a lens pen to wipe the filter gently. Then, screw the circular ND filter onto the lens, or slide the square ND filter into the holder, carefully and securely. Make sure the filter is aligned and centered with the lens, and there are no gaps or leaks of light. If you are using a variable ND filter, make sure the outer ring is not too tight or too loose, and you can rotate it smoothly. If you are using a graduated ND filter, make sure the transition line is aligned with the horizon or the edge of the subject, and you can adjust it as you compose the shot.
- Set the camera settings accordingly: After you attach the ND filter to the lens of the Air 3, you need to adjust the camera settings accordingly. The ND filter will reduce the amount of light that reaches the sensor, so you need to compensate for the exposure. You can do this by using a slower shutter speed, a wider aperture, or a higher ISO, or a combination of these. However, you should also consider the effect you want to achieve, and the limitations of the camera. For example, if you want to create a long exposure effect, you should use a slower shutter speed, but not too slow that the image becomes blurry or noisy. If you want to achieve a shallow depth of field, you should use a wider aperture, but not too wide that the image becomes soft or distorted. If you want to maintain a consistent exposure and shutter speed for video, you should use a fixed ISO, but not too high that the image becomes noisy or grainy. You should experiment with different camera settings, and check the histogram and the live view on the DJI Fly app, to find the optimal exposure for your shot.
- Use a tripod or a gimbal: When you use an ND filter for the Air 3, you are likely to use slower shutter speeds than usual, especially for long exposure effects. This means that any movement or vibration of the Air 3 or the camera can affect the sharpness and clarity of the image. To avoid this, you should use a tripod or a gimbal to stabilize the Air 3 and the camera. A tripod or a gimbal can also help you compose the shot more precisely, and keep the same framing and focus throughout the exposure. You can use the DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller, the DJI Smart Controller, or the DJI Fly app on your smartphone or tablet, to control the Air 3 and the camera remotely, without touching or moving them.
- Use a timer or a remote shutter: Another way to avoid movement or vibration of the Air 3 or the camera when using an ND filter is to use a timer or a remote shutter. A timer or a remote shutter can help you trigger the shutter without touching or moving the Air 3 or the camera, which can cause camera shake or blur. You can use the DJI RC-N1 Remote Controller, the DJI Smart Controller, or the DJI Fly app on your smartphone or tablet, to set a timer or use a remote shutter for the Air 3 and the camera. You can also use the DJI Mimo app on your smartphone or tablet, to edit and share your photos and videos from the Air 3.
- Use a polarizer or a UV filter: Besides ND filters, there are other types of filters that can enhance your images from the Air 3. A polarizer or a UV filter can help you reduce glare, reflections, and haze, and improve the colors and contrast of your images. A polarizer or a UV filter can also protect the lens of the Air 3 from scratches, dust, or moisture. You can use a polarizer or a UV filter alone, or in combination with an ND filter, depending on the effect you want to achieve. However, you should also be aware of the potential drawbacks of using a polarizer or a UV filter, such as loss of light, color casts, or vignetting.
ND filters are essential accessories for the DJI Air 3, as they can help you control the exposure, shutter speed, and aperture of your shots, and create amazing effects, such as long exposure, shallow depth of field, or balanced exposure.
However, choosing and using ND filters for the Air 3 can be challenging, as there are different types, sizes, shapes, and strengths of ND filters. We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you, and that you have learned something new and useful about ND filters for the Air 3.