As a passionate drone enthusiast, I often found myself frustrated by bright lighting conditions. Flying my DJI Mavic Mini/Mini 2/SE meant dealing with blown-out highlights, washed-out colours, and choppy video footage, especially during midday sun or golden hour. I knew there had to be a way to gain more control over the camera’s exposure, as leaving it on automatic settings simply wasn’t cutting it. Without the right tools to manage the light hitting the sensor, achieving that cinematic look or properly exposed stills felt impossible, severely limiting creative potential.
- 【Compatible with Mavic Mini/Mini 2/Mini SE】NEEWER 3-pack ND8+ND16+CPL Lens filter set is specifically designed for the DJI Mavic Mini/Mavic Mini 2/Mini SE camera. Take this kit with you anywhere...
- 【30 Multi Layer Coated HD Optical Glass】 The filters are made of HD optical glass with a great light transmission and a high definition quality. The double sided multi layers of NANO coatings are...
- 【Lightweight and Quick Installation】 Each weighs only 0.76-0.8g and will not negatively affect your drone gimbal. The aluminum alloy frame with friction-enhanced pattern is easy to install and...
What to Look for in Drone Camera Filters
Drone camera filters like neutral density (ND) and circular polarizer (CPL) types are essential tools for aerial photographers and videographers. They primarily help solve the problem of excessive light, allowing you to control shutter speed for smoother video (by adhering to the 180-degree rule) and enabling creative long-exposure effects in stills. They also combat glare and boost colours. The ideal customer for drone filters is anyone who flies a compatible drone and wants to elevate their image and video quality beyond basic automatic settings, particularly in varying or bright lighting conditions. If you only ever fly indoors or in consistently overcast conditions and are happy with auto modes, you might not need a comprehensive filter set. In such cases, you might only occasionally need a CPL filter for specific reflective surfaces, or potentially no filters at all.
Before investing in drone filters, consider the specific drone model you own to ensure compatibility, as filters are often designed for precise fitment. Look for high-quality optical glass with multi-layer coatings for durability, scratch resistance, and minimal colour cast. Lightweight design is crucial, especially for smaller drones like the DJI Mini series, to avoid overloading the gimbal and causing errors. Finally, assess your shooting needs – different ND strengths (ND8, ND16, ND32, etc.) are suitable for varying light levels, and a CPL filter is invaluable for managing reflections.
- 【Complete Camera Lens Filter Kit】This lens filter set includes all the filter accessories you need for filming outdoors: ND2 ND4 ND8 neutral density filter, CPL, UV and FLD filter, collapsible...
- 【58mm Lens Filter Accessories】This NEEWER lens filter accessory kit offers 9 pieces for your choice: UV/CPL/FLD filter, ND2/ND4/ND8 filter, tulip lens hood, collapsible rubber lens hood, snap on...
- 【58mm Filter Accessories】This lens kit is an essential addition to your photography toolbox with a 0.43x wide angle lens, a 2.2x telephoto lens, UV/CPL/FLD filters, a set of neutral...
Introducing the NEEWER Filter Kit
The NEEWER 3 Pack ND Filter Set Multi Coated HD Optical Glass ND8+ND16+CPL Filter Compatible with DJI Mavic Mini/Mini 2/ SE /2SE is a specific kit designed to address the challenges of flying DJI’s popular mini-drones in different lighting conditions. This set promises to give drone pilots better control over their camera’s exposure and image quality. When you purchase this kit, you receive three essential filters: an ND8, an ND16, and a CPL filter, along with a protective storage case and a cleaning cloth. Compared to potentially more expensive official DJI filters or other third-party options, this NEEWER set aims to offer a cost-effective solution without compromising too much on quality, specifically tailored for the DJI Mini series drones. It’s ideal for pilots who are ready to move beyond automatic camera settings and start capturing more professional-looking footage. It’s likely not the best choice for pilots with larger, heavier drones or different brand drones, as the fitment is designed specifically for the DJI Mini line.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my experience and user feedback:
Pros:
* Excellent value for a set of three essential filters.
* High-quality optical glass with effective multi-layer nano-coating.
* Lightweight design doesn’t negatively impact the gimbal on compatible drones.
* Easy and secure installation process.
* CPL filter is highly effective at reducing glare and enhancing colour.
Cons:
* Manual camera settings on the drone are often necessary to see the full benefit.
* Fitment might be problematic or non-functional on non-compatible drone models.
* Can occasionally be a bit fiddly to attach perfectly the first time.
A Closer Look at the NEEWER Filter Set’s Capabilities
Having spent considerable time using the NEEWER 3 Pack ND Filter Set with my compatible DJI Mini drone, I can confidently say these tools have fundamentally changed how I approach aerial videography and photography. The ability to control light and manage reflections is paramount for achieving professional results, and this kit provides just that. Let’s dive into the specifics of each component and its impact.
30 Multi Layer Coated HD Optical Glass Construction
The foundation of any good filter is the quality of its glass. The filters in this set are made from HD optical glass, which is crucial for maintaining image sharpness and clarity. Poor quality glass can introduce distortions or reduce resolution, which is the last thing you want when capturing breathtaking aerial views. In my experience, the glass on these NEEWER filters is indeed very clear, and I haven’t noticed any degradation in image quality that could be attributed to the filter glass itself.
Beyond the glass, the multi-layer NANO coating is a significant feature. A total of 30 coatings (15 on each side) provide multiple benefits. Firstly, they enhance light transmission, ensuring that the filter doesn’t unduly reduce the overall light reaching the sensor beyond the intended effect (e.g., the light reduction from the ND effect). Secondly, these coatings are designed to be waterproof, oil-proof, and scratch-resistant. This is particularly important for drone filters, which are exposed to the elements. I’ve flown in conditions with light mist, and any moisture beads right off the filter surface, making cleaning simple. Similarly, fingerprints or smudges wipe away easily without leaving residue or scratching the surface. This durability means the filters hold up well to regular use and handling, which is a big plus for gear that travels with you. The NANO coating also effectively reduces glare and reflection from the filter surface itself, preventing internal reflections that can cause flares or reduce contrast, especially when shooting towards the sun or other bright light sources. This is distinct from the CPL filter’s function, which works on reflections *from* the scene you’re shooting.
Lightweight Design and Quick Installation
One of the most critical considerations for accessories on small drones like the DJI Mini series is weight. The gimbal on these drones is sensitive, and adding too much weight can lead to gimbal overload errors, reduced flight time, and potentially unstable footage. Each filter in this NEEWER set weighs only between 0.76-0.8g. This extremely low weight is absolutely vital and ensures that adding a filter does not negatively affect the drone’s gimbal performance or impact its sub-250g takeoff weight (important for regulations in many regions like Canada and the US). I can attest that with these filters attached, my Mini 2 flies just as smoothly, and I’ve never encountered a gimbal overload error directly caused by the filter weight.
Installation is also straightforward. The filters feature an aluminum alloy frame with a friction-enhanced pattern, making them easy to grip. They are designed to clip directly onto the drone’s camera lens assembly. Once aligned correctly, they snap into place securely. Removal is just as simple – a gentle pull detaches them. The design fits closely to the lens, which helps prevent them from easily becoming loose during flight, even when flying in sport mode or windy conditions. While some users noted it can be a *little* fiddly to get them perfectly aligned and clipped on initially, once you do it a couple of times, it becomes second nature. The secure fit is confidence-inspiring when your drone is high in the air.
Understanding and Using the ND8 & ND16 Filters
Neutral Density (ND) filters are essentially sunglasses for your drone’s camera. Their primary purpose is to reduce the amount of light entering the lens without affecting the colour balance. Why would you want to reduce light? For video, the goal is often to achieve a cinematic look by setting the shutter speed to roughly double your frame rate (the 180-degree rule). For example, if shooting at 24 frames per second, you ideally want a shutter speed of around 1/50th of a second. In bright sunlight, the camera’s shutter speed would automatically be much faster (e.g., 1/1000th sec or faster) to prevent overexposure, resulting in video that looks overly sharp and “jittery” due to lack of natural motion blur. An ND filter allows you to slow down the shutter speed while still achieving correct exposure.
* ND8 Filter: This filter reduces the amount of light by 3 stops (allowing 1/8th of the light to pass through). It’s typically useful on partly cloudy days or during sunrise/sunset when there’s still a good amount of light, but you need to drop the shutter speed a bit. For example, if your desired shutter speed is 1/50th and the ambient light would normally require 1/400th, an ND8 brings you much closer.
* ND16 Filter: This filter reduces the amount of light by 4 stops (allowing 1/16th of the light to pass through). This is your go-to filter for midday or medium sunlight conditions when the light is much stronger. If the camera would normally use a shutter speed of 1/800th to expose correctly, the ND16 lets you drop it to around 1/50th.
Using these ND filters requires you to take control of your drone’s camera settings, specifically setting the shutter speed manually. While the drone’s automatic exposure might adjust ISO slightly, relying solely on auto mode with an ND filter might not yield the desired results, as the camera tries to compensate in other ways. The real benefit comes when you manually set your desired shutter speed and let the ND filter manage the amount of light. For photography, these filters also allow for longer exposures in bright light, useful for blurring motion like water or clouds, creating a smooth, ethereal effect.
The Versatility of the CPL Filter
The Circular Polarizer (CPL) filter is perhaps the most instantly gratifying filter in the set for many users. Unlike ND filters which reduce *all* light evenly, a CPL filter selectively blocks polarized light – that is, light waves vibrating in a specific direction. This type of light is often caused by reflections off non-metallic surfaces like water, glass, wet leaves, or even atmospheric haze.
By rotating the outer ring of the CPL filter, you can control the amount of polarized light that passes through. This allows you to:
* Eliminate Reflections: Reduce or completely remove reflections from water surfaces, allowing you to see beneath the surface, or from windows and other reflective objects. This is incredibly useful for capturing details that would otherwise be obscured by glare. I’ve personally seen a dramatic reduction in glare when shooting over lakes or glass buildings.
* Increase Color Saturation and Contrast: By cutting through atmospheric haze and reducing polarized light bouncing off surfaces, the CPL filter can make colours appear more vibrant and saturated. Blue skies become deeper, clouds stand out more distinctly, and foliage appears richer. The effect is often subtle but makes a noticeable improvement, particularly in landscape shots.
* Improve Image Clarity: By reducing glare and haze, the overall clarity and contrast of the image are enhanced.
The CPL filter on this NEEWER set has a rotatable element with a subtle marking to help you gauge the degree of polarization. Finding the optimal position usually involves rotating the filter while observing the effect on your drone’s live feed, particularly when pointing towards reflective surfaces or the sky. It’s a dynamic tool that you adjust based on the scene and lighting conditions. It’s important to note that on some drone cameras (like older models or non-DJI clones tested by users), the exact positioning of the camera sensor might mean the CPL needs to be slightly off-center to cover the full field of view without vignetting, which can occasionally make it feel less secure or require careful positioning to avoid interference with gimbal movement at extreme angles. However, on the specified DJI Mini models, it generally fits and works correctly.
Overall, the combination of ND and CPL filters in this kit provides a powerful set of tools to overcome common lighting challenges in drone photography and videography. While they require a slight learning curve, especially getting comfortable with manual camera settings, the benefits in terms of image quality and creative control are well worth the effort.
What Other Users Are Saying
Looking across various user feedback, the sentiment around the NEEWER 3 Pack ND Filter Set is largely positive, especially concerning its value and performance on compatible DJI Mini drones. Many users praise the quality of the coated optical glass and note that the filters effectively reduce glare with the CPL and manage light with the ND filters, allowing for better exposure and richer colours, particularly when using manual camera settings. The lightweight design is frequently mentioned as a key benefit, ensuring no interference with the drone’s gimbal. Installation is generally found to be easy and secure. Some reviewers who tried the filters on non-DJI drone models did encounter fitment issues, especially with the CPL filter partially obstructing the view or not staying securely attached, highlighting the importance of using these filters with the specific drone models they were designed for.
Final Thoughts on Enhancing Your Drone Photography
Dealing with challenging light and unwanted reflections can severely limit the quality of your aerial footage and photos, leaving you with overexposed skies, washed-out colours, or distracting glare. This not only affects the aesthetic appeal of your work but also hinders your ability to capture the scene as you envision it. The NEEWER 3 Pack ND Filter Set Multi Coated HD Optical Glass ND8+ND16+CPL Filter Compatible with DJI Mavic Mini/Mini 2/ SE /2SE offers a practical and affordable solution to these problems. It provides essential tools to control exposure, introduce natural motion blur, and eliminate glare. With high-quality coated glass, a lightweight design that’s safe for your gimbal, and easy installation, it’s a great investment for any DJI Mini series pilot looking to significantly improve their aerial imaging results. If you’re ready to take control of your drone’s camera and capture stunning shots regardless of the lighting, this filter set is definitely worth considering. To learn more and check out the product, Click here.
Last update on 2025-07-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API