For the DJI Mavic 3 Classic, use DJI's Mavic 3 Classic ND filter set with ND8, ND16, ND32 and ND64. Because the Classic has an adjustable f/2.8 to f/11 aperture, you need less ND than fixed-aperture drones: in bright sun, f/5.6 with ND16 or f/2.8 with ND64 gets you close to 1/50 or 1/60 at ISO 100.
Why the aperture changes the ND math
Most small DJI drones have a fixed aperture, so ND filters are the only way to slow the shutter in daylight. The Mavic 3 Classic's Hasselblad camera can stop down from f/2.8 to f/11, a range of four stops. Each full stop (f/2.8 to f/4, f/4 to f/5.6, f/5.6 to f/8) halves the light, just like one step of ND.
That gives you two tools. The best results usually come from:
- f/2.8 to f/5.6 for the sharpest image.
- ND filters for the rest of the light reduction.
- f/8 to f/11 only when you've run out of ND, since very small apertures soften fine detail through diffraction.
Target shutter speeds
| Frame rate | Target shutter |
|---|---|
| 24 or 25 fps | 1/50 |
| 30 fps | 1/60 |
| 50 or 60 fps | 1/100 or 1/120 |
| 120 fps slow motion | 1/240 |
Which filter and aperture
Starting points at ISO 100 for 1/50 to 1/60:
| Light | Option A | Option B |
|---|---|---|
| Bright midday sun | f/5.6 + ND16 | f/2.8 + ND64 |
| Hazy sun | f/4 + ND16 | f/5.6 + ND8 |
| Overcast | f/2.8 + ND8 to ND16 | f/4 + ND8 |
| Golden hour | f/5.6, no filter | f/4, no filter, at 60 fps |
For 60 fps, open up one stop or use one step lighter ND than the table shows. Check the histogram, since real light varies a lot.
D-Log needs two more stops of reduction
D-Log starts at ISO 400, two stops brighter than ISO 100. If you shoot D-Log, use two more stops of reduction: one ND step stronger plus one stop smaller aperture, for example. D-Log M starts at ISO 100, so the table above applies directly.
How to set exposure
- Fit the filter with the drone powered off. Hold the gimbal gently.
- In DJI Fly, switch to Pro mode.
- Set ISO to the profile's minimum (100 for Normal, HLG and D-Log M; 400 for D-Log).
- Set the shutter, then adjust aperture until the exposure meter is centered.
- If you're outside f/2.8 to f/5.6, change the filter instead.
Will the Mavic 3 Pro filters fit?
No. The Mavic 3 Pro has a three-camera gimbal and uses its own filter set. The Classic uses filters made for its single Hasselblad camera. Check the product name before you buy, or ask us through our contact page.
Do you need ND filters for photos?
Rarely. For stills, a fast shutter keeps images sharp, and you can stop down to f/4 to f/5.6 for landscapes. ND filters help for creative long exposures and motion-blurred hyperlapse frames.
For full settings, see best Mavic 3 Classic settings and Mavic 3 Classic LUTs, or shop the DJI Mavic 3 Classic.
Related guides
- Best DJI Mavic 3 Classic camera settings for photo and video
- Which ND filters for the DJI Mavic 3 Pro? Settings guide
- DJI Mavic 3 Classic LUT: D-Log M to Rec.709 color grading
- DJI Mavic 3 Classic night mode and low-light video: what to expect
- DJI Mavic 3 Classic photo and video quality: what to expect
- How to shoot a hyperlapse with the DJI Mavic 3 Classic
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