Which ND filters are recommended for cinematic shots on DJI Air 3?

In my experience, picking filters for that dual-lens system is kinda tricky! I've spent a lot of time comparing them and honestly, the Freewell DJI Air 3 Bright Day 6-Pack ND/PL Filters is my top pick. They're LITERALLY amazing at keeping colors consistent across both cameras. If ur looking at alternatives, the PGYTech DJI Air 3 Filter Set Professional ND 8 16 32 64 is also fantastic, but I think Freewell gives u more bang for ur buck. For bright midday sun, you'll basically live on the ND32 or ND64 to keep that motion blur smooth!! If it's crazy bright, you might even need an ND128. The official DJI Air 3 ND Filters Set (ND8/16/32/64) is super high quality glass-wise, but it just doesn't have the higher strengths for those peak summer days. Tbh, go with Freewell for the versatility... it makes such a difference! gl!

Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, Freewell is the gold standard for a reason, but since ur looking at brands, I wanted to share a more budget-conscious perspective. I've been flying drones for 4 years now and I've learned that you dont always have to drop top dollar for clean glass. While those Freewell DJI Air 3 Bright Day 6-Pack ND/PL Filters are killer, I've been super satisfied with the PGYTech DJI Air 3 Filter Set (Professional) - it's a bit cheaper and the build quality is actually great. If you're really looking to save, the K&F Concept DJI Air 3 ND Filter Set 4-Pack (ND8/16/32/64) is a solid choice too. For bright midday sun, you'll basically always need the ND32 or even the ND64 to keep your shutter speed right... ND16 is usually better for late afternoon. Anyway, hope that helps you decide! 👍

Sooo, I've been flying these things for about six years now and I've learned the hard way that cheap glass is a total trap. I once bought a 'budget' kit for my old Mavic and it ruined an entire client shoot with this nasty green tint that was literally impossible to fix in post... honestly it was a huge disappointment and a total waste of cash. For your situation, I would suggest going with the Freewell DJI Air 3 Bright Day 6-Pack ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64, ND128, ND256. I've found that Freewell is basically the gold standard for DJI stuff because they dont mess with the color profile too much. Unfortunately, the official DJI Air 3 ND Filters Set (ND8/16/32/64) is okay, but it lacks the heavier strengths you'll need for really bright days and the case is kinda bulky. In bright midday sun, you're highkey gonna need these:
* ND32 for slightly overcast or late morning light
* ND64 for that harsh overhead midday sun
* ND128 if ur shooting over high-glare stuff like sand or water I actually tried the PGYTech DJI Air 3 ND Filter Set (ND 8 16 32 64) but they were not as good as expected, honestly. I had issues with the fitment being a bit loose on the dual-lens housing... kinda sketchy when you're 400 feet up. My biggest lesson learned is that you get what you pay for with optics. If you want that smooth 180-degree motion blur without the 'jello' effect, dont skimp on the glass. gl!

So basically the consensus is that the Freewell kits mentioned earlier are the gold standard for keeping the dual cameras in sync, though some folks reckon budget glass is okay if ur careful. From a technical/safety standpoint, I’ve gotta warn you to be super careful with the weight and fit!! I remember using a cheapo set years ago on an older rig and it literally gave me gimbal overload errors mid-flight... definitely not something you wanna deal with when ur drone is way up there. My current setup is really lightweight because I'm paranoid about those tiny motors burning out. For bright midday shots, I usually find an ND64 is the absolute minimum to hit that 180-degree shutter rule without blowing out the highlights. Honestly, just make sure they clip on *perfectly*. If there's any wobble, it can actually cause micro-vibrations that ruin ur 4K footage. Safety first, always! gl with the new drone! 👍

Regarding what #4 said about "So basically the consensus is that the Freewell..."

• I have to agree that gimbal health is often overlooked when people compare glass quality. Over the years, I have seen how even a few extra grams can throw off the motor calibration during high-speed maneuvers or in windy conditions. When comparing brands like DJI, Freewell, and PGYTech, the real differentiator isn't just the coating but the frame construction and weight distribution across that dual-lens housing. To give you a better technical breakdown, I need to know a bit more about your specific workflow:
• Are you planning to shoot mostly in D-Log M to maximize dynamic range, or do you prefer a profile that requires less post-processing?
• Do you prioritize having a polarizing layer integrated into the ND, or do you prefer standard NDs for more predictable exposure across both sensors? Getting the technical specs right now saves a lot of headaches in post-production later, especially when trying to match the colors between the wide and the telephoto lens.

> Which specific ND strengths are essential for bright midday shots? Jumping in here cuz I totally feel your pain with that midday sun! I remember this one time i was shooting desert dunes at noon and my footage was basically a white screen cuz my filters were way too weak. It was a nightmare lol. For real cinematic blur at high noon you absolutely need an ND64 or higher. Ended up grabbing the K&F Concept DJI Air 3 ND Filter Set ND8 ND16 ND32 ND64 and its been a total lifesaver for my wallet. Glass quality is actually super clean for a budget brand, which I love. The fit is solid too because I was paranoid about the gimbal stuff mentioned earlier, but they snap on perfectly and didnt budge even in sport mode! Honestly that ND64 is my go-to for those harsh summer days when the sun is directly overhead. It lets me keep my shutter at 1/50 or 1/60 without blowing out everything. Color stays neutral even on the tele lens which is usually where things go wrong. Its fantastic stuff for the price!