Drone photography and videography have revolutionized the way we capture the world from above. But to get truly cinematic shots, your gear needs to go beyond just the drone itself. The right lenses and filters can elevate your footage—sharpening details, balancing light, and boosting color accuracy. Here’s a guide to the best lenses and filters every drone pilot should consider.
Why Lenses and Filters Matter
While many drones come with built-in cameras, adding or upgrading lenses and using the right filters can help you:
- Control exposure and reduce glare
- Improve contrast and saturation
- Capture smoother footage in bright light
- Achieve more cinematic results
Best Lens Options for Drones
Note: Many consumer drones like DJI Mavic and Mini series don’t have interchangeable lenses, but higher-end models like the DJI Inspire or cameras like the Zenmuse X7 do.
1. Wide-Angle Lenses
- Ideal for landscapes and large scenes
- Provide a broader field of view
- Available for DJI Inspire and drones with interchangeable cameras
Recommended:
- DJI DL 16mm Lens (Zenmuse X7)
- Freewell Wide-Angle Lens for DJI Mavic 3
2. Telephoto Lenses
- Great for wildlife, architecture, or hard-to-reach areas
- Provide zoomed-in views without losing resolution
Recommended:
- DJI DL 50mm Lens (Zenmuse X7)
- DJI Mavic 3 Pro (comes with a built-in telephoto)
Must-Have Drone Camera Filters
Most drone pilots can benefit from using high-quality filters. Here are the essentials:
1. ND (Neutral Density) Filters
- Reduce light entering the lens
- Allow smoother video with proper motion blur
- Perfect for bright daylight flying
Recommended:
- PolarPro ND Filter Sets (Mavic & Air series)
- Freewell ND Filters (Budget-friendly and high quality)
2. CPL (Circular Polarizer) Filters
- Reduce reflections and glare from water, glass, and other surfaces
- Improve color contrast, especially in skies
Recommended:
- Moment CPL Filter
- PGYTECH Circular Polarizer
3. ND/PL Hybrid Filters
- Combine benefits of ND and CPL
- Excellent for complex lighting conditions
Recommended:
- Freewell ND/PL Hybrid Filter Kit
- Skyreat ND/PL Filters for DJI Air and Mavic
How to Choose the Right Filter Strength
For ND filters, use these general guidelines:
- ND4: Overcast or early morning
- ND8: Cloudy to partly sunny
- ND16: Bright sunlight
- ND32+: Harsh midday light or snow/beach environments
Always check your frame rate and shutter speed to dial in cinematic motion blur (aim for a 2x shutter speed to frame rate ratio).
Conclusion
If you’re serious about drone photography or filmmaking, investing in the right lenses and filters is a must. They not only enhance the quality of your shots but give you more creative control over your final result. Whether you’re flying a DJI Mini or a professional rig, there’s a filter kit or lens upgrade that can take your aerial imagery to new heights.
