For drones, the best ND filters are the sets made for your exact model, and DJI's official sets are the safest choice: they're sized and weighted for the gimbal, they cover multi-camera drones in one piece, and DJI tunes them for even exposure. Third-party brands such as K&F Concept, H&Y, JJC, Freewell and PolarPro also sell drone and camera ND kits, often with more strengths; quality varies, so check fit, color neutrality and gimbal weight before buying.
Why model-specific matters on drones
A drone gimbal is balanced for the camera's exact weight. A filter that's too heavy or sits off-center can make the gimbal strain, drift or show a "gimbal motor overloaded" warning. See gimbal motor overloaded. Multi-camera drones also need one filter that covers every lens evenly.
Official DJI ND sets we carry
Mini 5 Pro ND set (ND8/32/128), $61. Three filters cutting 3, 5 and 7 stops. ND128 is the one you'll use in full sun with the Mini 5 Pro's bright f/1.8 lens.
Air 3S ND set (ND8/32/128), $109. Each 2.84 g filter covers both the wide and medium tele cameras. Included in the Air 3S Fly More Combo.
Mavic 3 Pro ND set (ND8/16/32/64), $197. Each filter covers all three cameras, and DJI tunes the tele section slightly differently so they expose evenly.
Third-party brands
Brands like K&F Concept, H&Y, JJC, Freewell and PolarPro sell:
- Drone kits with more strengths, polarizers (ND/PL) and sometimes variable ND.
- Screw-in and magnetic camera filters for mirrorless cameras and lenses, sold in many sizes.
What to check before you buy any brand:
- Exact model fit. "Mini 4 Pro" filters won't fit a Mini 5 Pro.
- Weight per filter, compared with the official one.
- Color neutrality. Strong NDs from cheaper glass can add a magenta or green cast. Test in daylight and compare with no filter.
- Coatings that resist water, oil and scratches.
- Return policy, in case it doesn't fit or tints.
Which strengths to buy
For a drone with an f/1.7 to f/1.8 lens at 24 to 30fps and ISO 100, start with roughly ND128 to ND256 in full sun, ND64 in haze, ND32 under bright cloud and ND8 near golden hour. Lenses at f/2.8 need 1 to 2 stops less. Full chart: which ND filter for drones.
A good set has three or four strengths spaced 1 to 2 stops apart. For the strength numbers, see ND filter numbers explained.
Fixed or variable ND?
Fixed filters are sharper and more consistent. Variable NDs are quicker to adjust but can show uneven darkening at strong settings and weigh more. On drones, fixed sets are the safer choice. More in variable ND filters.
For handheld cameras
The Osmo Pocket 3 has its own magnetic ND set from DJI (ND16/64/256).
New to filters? Start with what ND filters do.
Related guides
- Variable ND filters vs other ND types: are they worth it?
- What do ND filters do? ND filters explained for video
- Using ND filters for long exposures and motion blur
- Which ND filter should you use on a drone?
- Which ND filters for the DJI Air 3S? Settings guide
- Which ND filters for the DJI Mavic 3 Pro? Settings guide
Not sure which to pick?
Tell us what you'll fly and your budget. One of our drone pilots will reply with a recommendation.
Buying drones for a business, agency or store? Get wholesale pricing →
