The most useful DJI Air 3S upgrades are spare batteries, the Air 3 Series charging hub, the Air 3S ND filter set (ND8/32/128) and DJI Care Refresh. After that, add spare propellers, a propeller guard for close work, and a DJI RC 2 if you're flying with a phone controller. Many Air 3 accessories also fit the Air 3S.
1. Spare batteries
The Air 3S Intelligent Flight Battery ($270) gives up to 45 rated minutes. Two or three batteries make a full shoot possible. Air 3 batteries also work in the Air 3S, but they don't support Off-State QuickTransfer. See Air 3S batteries and chargers.
2. Charging hub
The Air 3 Series Battery Charging Hub ($76) charges three batteries in sequence, combines leftover charge into one pack, and works as an 82 W power bank. Pair it with a USB-C PD charger of 60 W or more. DJI's 100W adapter charges a battery in about 60 minutes.
3. ND filters
The Air 3S ND Filter Set ($109) cuts light so you can keep a slower shutter in daylight for natural motion blur. Each filter covers both cameras. ND8 suits overcast days, ND32 typical sun, and ND128 bright sun on water or snow. Buy the set made for the Air 3S; DJI lists it for the Air 3S only. More in Air 3S ND filters.
4. DJI Care Refresh
DJI Care Refresh 1-Year (Air 3S) ($164) gives you two replacements in a year for a set fee, including water damage, and one can be used for a flyaway if the drone was bound to your account. You must buy it before activation or within 48 hours of it. See DJI Care Refresh.
5. Propellers and guard
- Air 3 Series Low-Noise Propellers ($13 a pair) fit the Air 3S. Keep a spare pair in your bag. See Air 3S propellers.
- The Air 3 Series Propeller Guard ($19) is for indoor and close-quarters flying. See Air 3S propeller guards.
6. Controller upgrade
The standard Air 3S kit uses the RC-N3 with your phone. The DJI RC 2 ($406) adds a bright 5.5-inch screen and faster setup. The RC Pro 2 is for pros who need a 2000-nit screen. See Air 3S controllers.
7. A recommended microSD card
The Air 3S has 42 GB of internal storage, but a card is still smart. DJI recommends the Lexar 1066x and Kingston Canvas Go! Plus (64 to 512 GB, V30). See Air 3S SD card.
What to skip
- Third-party "high capacity" batteries. DJI doesn't make an extended Air 3S battery.
- Goggles. DJI goggles don't currently work with the Air 3S.
- Heavy mounts and lights that cut flight time; see Air 3S lights if you need a strobe.
The easy route
The Air 3S Fly More Combo bundles three batteries, the hub and a bag at a lower total price. See Air 3S Fly More Combo, or shop the DJI Air 3S.
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