I just picked up the DJI Air 3 and I’m absolutely loving the dual-camera setup, but I’m struggling to get that smooth, cinematic motion blur in bright daylight. Since both the wide-angle and the 70mm medium telephoto lenses have fixed apertures, I know I need a solid set of ND filters to manage my shutter speed. I’ve been looking at options from Freewell and PGYTECH, but I’m torn between getting a standard ND kit or a variable ND (VND) set for convenience. I’m particularly worried about color shifting or loss of sharpness when switching between the two sensors. For those of you flying the Air 3, which specific brand or kit provides the best color consistency and image quality across both lenses?
You might find this useful - I've been flying drones professionally for years, and honestly, I've seen way too many people stress out their gimbal motors with heavy VNDs. Seriously, be careful with that extra weight on the Air 3's dual-lens setup... it's a bit more delicate than it looks. I would suggest checking out these alternatives:
1. PolarPro DJI Air 3 Vivid Collection - Pricey but the glass is elite for that cinematic pop.
2. NiSi DJI Air 3 Filter Kit (6 Pack) - These have insane color consistency between the wide and the telephoto lenses. Pro tip: Check out comparison vids on YouTube by Ed Ricker; he does deep dives into color shifts. Also, basically ALWAYS run a gimbal calibration after putting a new filter on. Dont skip this!! It prevents long-term motor wear and ensures everything is balanced. good luck!
For your situation, I got the Freewell DJI Air 3 All Day Filters 8-Pack. No color shift between lenses. Basically amazing price and consistency compared to VNDs. Ur gonna love em!!
Tbh, I think people overcomplicate the brand choice. If youre more of a DIY enthusiast who likes to handle your own gear maintenance and color grading, you dont always need the most expensive pro-level kits. I have found that building a custom setup with some of the more affordable options works pretty much just as well if you know how to manage your own workflow.
Late to the party but I totally feel u on the struggle. I went through this exact same thing last year when I first started flying. > "For your situation, I got the Freewell DJI Air 3 All Day Filters 8-Pack. No color shift between lenses." I gotta agree with the first reply—fixed filters are definitely the way to go over VNDs for this drone. Honestly, VNDs can sometimes introduce slight color shifts when youre jumping between the wide and the tele lenses, which is a total headache in post. I actually started with a variable set but switched to a standard fixed kit because the color consistency was just way more reliable across both sensors, right? It’s a bit of a hassle to land and swap 'em out, but the sharpness on that 70mm lens is literally worth the extra effort. tbh ur gonna appreciate the consistency. gl!
Sooo, just catching up on this thread. In my experience, I would suggest going with PGYTECH for your filters. I've been flying for several years now and have gone thru plenty of different setups, but I've found that sticking to a standard fixed set from them is the best move for consistency across both lenses. Here is why I recommend this approach:
1. Image Quality: VNDs are convenient, but they're sooo much more likely to cause cross-polarization or color shift between the two sensors.
2. Cost: Honestly, you'll save a lot of money just getting a basic kit from PGYTECH instead of pricey variable ones.
3. Performance: I'm very satisfied with how their glass performs—no complaints about sharpness at all. It basically works well every time. You really dont need a massive bundle; just get any standard fixed set from them and youre good. It’s definitely the most practical way to get that cinematic look without overspending. cheers! 👍
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@Reply #5 - good point! honestly dont overthink it too much. ive been flying dji rigs since the early days and gear fatigue is a real thing. after a few years you just want something that works without a fuss. most of the points made here are spot on: