Best ND Filters for Mavic 2 Pro

Creating the perfect shot with your DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone can be difficult as any drone’s inherent propensity for higher elevations has them experience some of the brightest sunlight of any camera — but, with the use of filter kits, you can adjust the light and even polarization of any shot to allow for the smoothest framerate and highest-resolution image in any environment.

What is a Filter Kit?

As a bare-bones answer, a filter kit is an attachment to the lens of your Mavic 2 Pro that adjusts the light the camera receives to enhance the image. That being said, choosing the right filter for your specific environment and shooting goals can be difficult to navigate.

While many designers offer neutral density (ND) filters that simply reduce the light but don’t alter the characteristics of the shot, offering a more natural image — some ND filters come included with polarized lenses (ND/PL). And just like sunglasses, polarized lenses, while also reducing the light, can alter the characteristics of the images entirely — either by raising the contrast or increasing the color fidelity, for example.

Additionally, ND or ND/PL filters have to be chosen for the time of a day or weather conditions they are used in — so a kit with more options often works the best. As choosing the right filter is determined by your framerate, it also finds itself to be a derivative of the 180-degree rule with shutter speed.
For example, if you are shooting in 30 frames per second (fps), your shutter speed should be double that number — i.e. 1/60th. If you’re shooting in 60 fps, your shutter speed would be 1/120th, and so on.

That being said, your ND or ND/PL filters have to be adjusted to ensure that the exposure level (EV) rests comfortably. As another example, somewhere between -.3 and +.3 for a smooth 30 fps shot.

Why a Filter Kit Rather than Just One Filter?

With all that in mind, a filter kit is necessary to have because if your EV levels are off — closer to -.7 for that 30 fps shot for example — you might need to attach a lighter filter. On the other hand, if they are closer to +.7 for that shot, you might need a darker filter.

That being said, as it all comes down to personal preference as to what type of image you are looking for with your Mavic Pro 2 — choosing the right filter kit for the environment and aesthetic can be a difficult choice — and we’re here to make that choice easier with these four amazing options:

Polar Pro Cinema Series Filter — 6 Pack

First, on the list, the Polar Pro Cinema Series Filter Kit is a great starting point and all-around product package. With the inclusion of both ND and ND/PL filters, varying in degrees from 4–16 — this kit has almost everything you need for any environment. Featuring multi-coated glass to get the most dynamic detail, these filters give all your shots a truly spectacular, cinematic look.
And, designed specifically for the Mavic Pro 2, these sleek, gold-trimmed filters are extremely easy to install and remove.

Moment Mavic 2 Cine ND Filter — 6 Pack

Specializing in ND filters for the Mavic 2 Pro, these fiery red filters constructed with an aerospace aluminum frame by Moment are a remarkable way to achieve that beautiful cinematic blur when shooting. Additionally, with full gimbal functionality and weight akin to the default drone lens, these filters are perfect for any environment without sacrificing any optimization when flying.
Not to mention, their adherence to predominantly ND filters allows a great amount of autonomy when editing your images, later on, ensuring the most natural, scenic clarity.

Tiffen 6 Filter ND & ND/Polarizer Kit for DJI Mavic 2 Pro

The six-filter pack by Tiffen offers an amazing assortment of ND and ND/PL lenses to adhere to multiple apertures and shutter speed options. As it includes 2, 3, and 4 stop filters for both ND and ND/PL, this pack is perfect for extreme movement shots and every single one features waterproof and scratch-proof multi-coated glass.

While the ND filters help to darken the image overall, the ND/PL options increase the natural contrast, even so much as to control the reflections and reduce glares of shots over the water. And, with the simple rotation of the filter attached, the intensity of the effect can be raised or diminished with ease. Not to mention the sturdy metal case to house the filters safely during travel.

Freewell DJI Mavic 2 Pro Filters — ALL DAY — 8 Pack

Last but not least on the list, this 8-pack filter kit by Freewell offers the most variety of any other on the list. Comprised of razor-sharp optical glass, these 16-layers of multi-coated glass offer crystal clear clarity when shooting. With ND options ranging from 4–16 for stop filters, along with ND/PL options that range the same — this pack also includes the rarely seen Circular Polarizer Lens (CPL). This lens is designed as a go-between, as it works to prevent any unwanted reflections on various surfaces such as snow or windows. With a range of options for any time of day and any weather conditions, this filter-pack is a great starting point for any drone user.

Conclusion

Finding the right filter for your drone is exciting on two levels. The first is that you will be able to ensure the highest resolution image while minimizing any annoying reflections that take away from the shot — in other words, greater clarity and fidelity when shooting.

The second, and perhaps more exciting level, is that you are using your drone enough to distinguish the difference between the shots that really work, and the ones that don’t. While these filters are a starting point, they are also an amazing sign that you are well on your way to capturing some truly spectacular video and images with your DJI Mavic Pro 2 drone.

Guest Author: David Ridd