What ND filters should I actually get for the Pocket 3? Im leaving for Mexico this Friday so I need to order tonight.
Ive seen Freewell recommended but heard the magnets are kinda weak and might fall off while I'm hiking. Should I just get the DJI ones instead or are they overpriced? Got like 70 bucks to spend...
Stumbled on this while preping for my next shoot. Like someone mentioned, the magnet strength is a big deal when you're moving fast. Over the years, I've tested dozens of these gimbal filters, and optical clarity usually comes down to the specific nano-coatings they use. I once lost a cheap one in a canyon because the magnet was just too weak for the gimbal's startup calibration torque. Before I point you to a specific set tho, are you mainly shooting handheld vlogs or trying to get those super smooth motion blur landscapes? If you're hiking, you need filters that don't just stay on but also don't cause nasty color shifts in the high-noon Mexico sun. I've had really solid results with the K&F Concept DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Magnetic ND Filter Set 4-Pack ND16 ND32 ND64 ND128. They use 28 multi-layer coatings which basically stops reflections better than the cheap generic stuff. Plus, they're well under your 70 dollar budget. TL;DR: Grab the K&F set for the price-to-performance ratio. Just decide if you want fixed NDs or a VND for speed first.
> "I've seen Freewell recommended but heard the magnets are kinda weak" Unfortunately, my testing with those has been pretty disappointing lately. I ran some spectral analysis on the K&F Concept DJI Osmo Pocket 3 ND Filter Kit and the infrared leak was way worse than I expected for the price. Not as good as expected when youre shooting in harsh sunlight like you'll find in Mexico. I also had major issues with the Neewer 6-Pack ND Filter Set for DJI Osmo Pocket 3 where the magnets just didn't have the N52 grade holding power needed for active hiking. Its frustrating when the glass is okay but the hardware lets you down. Quick tip: Wipe the gimbal lens with a clean cloth before snapping the magnet on. Any skin oil significantly reduces the friction that keeps it from sliding off. Honestly, the manufacturing tolerances on these tiny magnets are just way too wide...
I've been using these tiny gimbals since the original Osmo, and tbh, you really gotta be careful with magnetic filters. I actually lost an expensive one trekking through a trail once because it snagged on my gear and just vanished... super annoying. For Mexico, you're gonna need something reliable for that bright sun. I've used the Freewell DJI Osmo Pocket 3 ND Filter All Day 6-Pack for a while and they've stayed on fine, but I always double check the seating before I start walking. I would suggest this:
Just saw this. Like someone mentioned, magnet strength is a huge deal when you are moving fast. I have been using these tiny cameras for years and losing a filter in the middle of a hike is the worst.
Works great for me
Would love to know this too
Regarding what #5 said about "Just saw this. Like someone mentioned, magnet strength..." - it's basically the most important thing to worry about! If you're hiking around Mexico, you don't want to be looking at the ground every five minutes. I've been using these gimbals forever and I'm totally obsessed with the PGYTECH DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Filter Set (ND 8 16 32 64). They are fantastic! The magnets are super snappy and I've never had one budge, even when I'm moving fast or the gimbal is doing its startup dance. The optical quality is amazing too, really crisp with no weird tint. If you want another sleeper pick, look at the Kase Magnetic ND Filter Set for Osmo Pocket 3. Their magnet tech is seriously top-notch and usually stays right under that 70 buck limit. You're gonna love the footage you get with these, they make such a huge difference in that bright tropical sun... it makes everything look so cinematic! Definitely get your order in tonight so you're ready for Friday. Have an amazing trip!