Flying my drone and capturing stunning aerial footage has always been a passion, but I often struggled with inconsistent lighting conditions. Bright sunny days meant blown-out highlights, and reflections off water or glass ruined otherwise perfect shots. I knew I needed a solution to gain more control over my drone’s camera settings, especially for maintaining that cinematic look with proper motion blur. Not addressing these issues meant compromising on image quality and losing those potentially breathtaking aerial moments, which would be a real shame after investing in a capable drone like the DJI Mini 4 Pro.
If you’re into aerial photography or videography, especially with a drone like the DJI Mini 4 Pro, you’ll quickly realize the camera is limited by the available light. On bright days, the shutter speed has to be very fast to avoid overexposure, which results in choppy-looking video because of the lack of motion blur (breaking the ‘180-degree rule’). Reflections can also be a major problem, washing out colours and hiding details. That’s where drone filters come in. They act like sunglasses for your camera lens, allowing you to slow down the shutter speed and control reflections. The ideal user for these types of accessories is someone who wants to elevate their aerial content beyond basic snapshots and clips, aiming for more professional-looking results with better exposure, richer colours, and smoother video motion. If you only plan on flying occasionally in consistent, overcast conditions or aren’t bothered by harsh light issues, you might not need a full set of filters. However, for anyone serious about maximizing the potential of their drone camera in varied outdoor lighting, a quality filter set is essential. Before buying drone lens accessories like these, consider the types of filters included (ND, PL, CPL, UV), the quality of the optical glass and coatings (multi-coated is best for durability and clarity), the weight of the filters (crucial for not affecting drone gimbal performance), and ease of installation and removal. Compatibility with your specific drone model is non-negotiable, as a poor fit can be frustrating or even unusable.
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Introducing the NEEWER Filter Kit
The NEEWER ND/PL Filter Set Compatible with DJI Mini 4 Pro is designed specifically for this popular drone model, promising to give pilots better control over light and reflections. This particular kit comes as a 6-pack, including a UV filter, a CPL filter, and four ND/PL combination filters (ND8/PL, ND16/PL, ND32/PL, ND64/PL). The idea behind these filters is to combat issues like overexposure and glare, helping achieve proper exposure settings for cinematic video and vibrant photos. Compared to potentially using separate ND and CPL filters, the ND/PL combination offers a convenient all-in-one solution. While DJI offers its own filter options, NEEWER often positions itself as a provider of high-quality, cost-effective alternatives. This specific set caters to DJI Mini 4 Pro owners looking for a comprehensive solution for varying light conditions without breaking the bank. It might not be the ideal choice for someone who only needs a basic UV filter or prefers the flexibility of separate ND and CPL filters.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my experience and available information:
Pros:
* Comprehensive set covering various lighting needs.
* High-quality HD optical glass with multi-layer coatings.
* Lightweight design doesn’t impact gimbal performance.
* Convenient combination of ND and PL in one filter.
* Includes UV filter for lens protection.
Cons:
* Some users have reported initial fit issues requiring minor adjustment.
* Fixed ND/PL stops mean carrying multiple filters instead of one variable ND.
* Potential for slight colour variance depending on filter and angle (as reported by some users, though not my primary experience).
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Deep Dive into the Features and Performance
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how these filters perform in real-world use. The NEEWER filter kit is designed to address the core challenges of aerial imaging in diverse lighting scenarios, and each component plays a specific role.
The UV Filter: Protection and Clarity
First up is the UV filter. While modern drone cameras are less susceptible to UV haze than older film cameras, this filter serves a vital purpose as a physical protector for the delicate front element of your drone’s lens. It acts as a shield against dust, dirt, fingerprints, and potential scratches. It’s far cheaper to replace a UV filter than to repair or replace a damaged drone lens. Beyond protection, a high-quality UV filter should be completely transparent and not negatively impact image quality. The NEEWER UV filter in this set seems to fit the bill; I leave it on whenever I’m not using another filter, giving me peace of mind that my lens is safe. It doesn’t introduce any noticeable degradation in sharpness or colour.
The CPL Filter: Cutting Through Glare and Boosting Colour
The CPL filter, or Circular Polarizer, is a game-changer for tackling reflections and enhancing colours. When shooting aerials, you often encounter reflective surfaces like water, windows, wet pavement, or even shiny foliage. These reflections can obscure details and wash out the scene. A CPL filter works by selectively blocking polarized light, which is the type of light that bounces off non-metallic surfaces and causes glare. By rotating the filter (before taking off, as you can’t rotate it mid-flight), you can control the degree of polarization and effectively minimize or eliminate these unwanted reflections.
The benefit of using the CPL filter is immediately apparent when flying over lakes, rivers, or cities with lots of glass buildings. Instead of seeing a bright, reflective surface, you can often see through the water’s surface or get a clearer view of what’s behind a window. Additionally, CPL filters enhance colour saturation and contrast, particularly in the sky and greenery. Blue skies become deeper and more vibrant, and clouds stand out more dramatically. Green leaves appear richer and less shiny. This effect is purely optical and makes your footage look more vibrant and professional straight out of the camera, requiring less post-processing.
The ND/PL Filters: The Best of Both Worlds?
Now, for the core of the set: the ND/PL filters. These combine the light-reducing power of Neutral Density (ND) filters with the reflection and colour control of a Polarizer (PL) filter. This is incredibly convenient, as bright conditions often require both light reduction *and* polarization.
* ND Function: The neutral density aspect reduces the amount of light entering the camera sensor by a specific number of “stops.” This allows you to use slower shutter speeds even in bright sunlight. Why is this important? Primarily for video. To achieve a natural-looking motion blur (like the human eye sees motion), the rule of thumb is to set your shutter speed to roughly double your frame rate (e.g., 1/50s for 25fps, 1/60s for 30fps). In bright light without an ND filter, achieving this shutter speed would result in a massively overexposed image. With the NEEWER ND/PL filters, you can bring your shutter speed down to the desired level while maintaining correct exposure. The set includes ND8/PL (3 stops), ND16/PL (4 stops), ND32/PL (5 stops), and ND64/PL (6 stops), giving you a range of options for different light levels, from moderately bright to very sunny. For photography, slower shutter speeds enabled by ND filters can create effects like smoothing out water or making clouds appear streaky in long exposures.
* PL Function: As with the dedicated CPL, the PL component in these filters helps reduce glare and boost colours simultaneously. When using an ND/PL filter, you’ll need to rotate it *before* attaching it to the drone lens to achieve the desired polarization effect. Since you can’t rotate it once it’s on the drone and airborne, you need to aim the drone in the general direction you’ll be shooting and adjust the filter rotation beforehand. This requires a bit of practice and foresight, but the results are worth it.
Using the NEEWER ND/PL filters has dramatically improved my video quality. I can consistently shoot at the recommended shutter speed, giving my footage a smooth, professional look. The polarization effect works just as well as the dedicated CPL, cutting through reflections and enhancing colours. Having the different stops (ND8/PL to ND64/PL) is crucial, allowing me to select the right filter for conditions ranging from partly cloudy to bright mid-day sun. While one user mentioned potential colour shifts with variable ND filters, I haven’t experienced significant colour cast issues with these fixed ND/PL filters, which is a relief. They seem to maintain colour neutrality quite well.
High Definition Optical Glass and Multi-Coatings
The quality of the glass and coatings is paramount for any filter, especially for a drone where every gram counts and clarity is key. NEEWER states these filters use HD optical glass with 30 layers of multi-functional coatings on both sides. In practice, this glass is crystal clear and doesn’t seem to introduce any significant loss in sharpness or detail. The multi-coatings are designed to be water-repellent, scratch-resistant, and oil-proof. This is incredibly important for drone filters, which are exposed to the elements. Rain, mist, dust, or fingerprints can easily ruin a shot. The hydrophobic and oleophobic properties make them much easier to clean in the field, and the scratch resistance adds durability for handling and storage. I’ve found them relatively easy to wipe clean, and they’ve held up well against minor scuffs from handling and filter changes.
Lightweight and Durable Frame
Finally, the physical construction matters. Drone filters need to be as light as possible to avoid affecting the gimbal’s calibration and performance. The NEEWER filters feature an ultra-slim aluminum alloy frame. At just 0.03oz (1.3g) each, they are incredibly lightweight. This minimal weight ensures that the drone’s gimbal operates smoothly and the drone flies without issue. The aluminum frame also provides durability, protecting the glass elements. Installation involves gently twisting off the stock lens cover and snapping the filter into place. It’s generally straightforward, though I did encounter a slight initial stiffness with one filter, similar to what one user reported about a potential fit issue, but it was manageable and didn’t require modification in my case. They feel secure once attached but are still easy enough to remove when needed. The included filter case is compact and protects the filters well during transport, which is essential when packing your drone bag.
Overall, the performance of this filter set has been impressive. The combination of ND and PL effects in a single filter is a significant convenience, and the range of stops covers most bright conditions I encounter. The optical quality is excellent for the price, and the coatings provide valuable protection and ease of maintenance.
What Others Are Saying
Looking around online, many other users share positive experiences with this NEEWER filter set. Reviewers frequently praise the quality of the optics and construction, especially given the price point. The effectiveness of the ND/PL combination in controlling exposure and reducing glare is often highlighted as a major benefit for achieving cinematic video. Users appreciate the included compact case and find the filters easy to install, noting they don’t negatively impact flight performance. While the vast majority are satisfied, a small number of users did report a minor issue with the fit initially requiring a slight tweak, and one mentioned a colour variance issue that they experienced. However, the overwhelming sentiment appears to be very positive regarding the value and performance these filters offer for the DJI Mini 4 Pro.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Struggling with bright conditions and unwanted reflections can severely limit the quality of your drone footage, leading to blown-out skies, washed-out colours, and choppy video. This compromises the impact of your aerial shots and prevents you from getting the best results from your DJI Mini 4 Pro. The NEEWER ND/PL Filter Set is a superb solution to these problems. Its key strengths lie in providing a comprehensive range of light reduction and polarization options, utilizing high-quality, multi-coated glass, and maintaining a lightweight design perfect for the drone’s gimbal. For anyone looking to take their aerial photography and videography seriously and gain greater control over their image quality in varying light, this set is an excellent investment. To check out the NEEWER ND/PL Filter Set for the DJI Mini 4 Pro and see the current pricing, Click here.
Last update on 2025-07-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API