For the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, use DJI's Mavic 3 Pro ND filter set (ND8, ND16, ND32 and ND64). Each filter covers all three cameras at once. In bright sun at ISO 100, use ND16 on the Hasselblad camera at f/5.6, or ND64 when you also fly the fixed f/2.8 70 mm camera. Filters made for the original Mavic 3 or the Mavic 3 Classic don't fit the Mavic 3 Pro.
Why the three cameras need different amounts of ND
The Mavic 3 Pro's cameras don't share an aperture:
- Hasselblad 24 mm: adjustable f/2.8 to f/11. You can stop down to cut light.
- 70 mm medium tele: fixed f/2.8.
- 166 mm tele: fixed f/3.4, about half a stop darker than f/2.8.
Because one filter sits over all three lenses, pick the filter for the camera you'll use most on that flight. On the Hasselblad you can fine-tune with the aperture; on the teles you can't.
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 (Hasselblad slow motion) | 1/240 |
Which filter for which light
Starting points at ISO 100 for 1/50 to 1/60:
| Light | 24 mm Hasselblad | 70 mm (f/2.8) | 166 mm (f/3.4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bright sun | f/5.6 + ND16 or f/2.8 + ND64 | ND64 | ND32 to ND64 |
| Hazy sun | f/4 + ND16 | ND32 | ND32 |
| Overcast | f/2.8 + ND8 | ND8 | ND8 or none |
| Golden hour | f/4, no filter | None | None |
At 60 fps, use one step lighter filter (ND64 to ND32) or open the Hasselblad aperture one stop. Light varies a lot, so confirm with the histogram.
D-Log needs two more stops
D-Log on the Hasselblad camera starts at ISO 400, two stops brighter than ISO 100. Add two stops of reduction, for example ND64 instead of ND16. D-Log M starts at ISO 100 on all three cameras, so the table applies directly. Using D-Log M everywhere is the simplest choice for multi-camera shoots.
How to set exposure with a filter
- Fit the filter with the drone powered off, supporting the gimbal gently.
- In DJI Fly, switch to Pro mode.
- Set ISO to the profile minimum (100 for Normal, HLG and D-Log M; 400 for D-Log).
- Set the shutter for your frame rate.
- On the Hasselblad, adjust aperture until the exposure meter is centered. If you're outside f/2.8 to f/5.6, change filters.
- Switch to the tele you plan to use and check its exposure too.
Tips
- Avoid f/8 to f/11 for detail. Diffraction softens the 20 MP Hasselblad image. Use a stronger filter instead.
- Keep filters clean. Smudges show as haze, especially on the 166 mm.
- Photos rarely need ND. Use it for long exposures of water or motion-blurred hyperlapse frames.
- Take it off at dusk. Even ND8 costs three stops you may need in low light.
Do you need ND filters?
For cinematic video in daylight, yes. Without them the camera picks very fast shutter speeds, which makes motion look choppy. For quick clips and stills, you can fly without.
See best Mavic 3 Pro settings and Mavic 3 Pro LUTs for the rest of your setup, or get the Mavic 3 Pro ND filter set.
Related guides
- Best DJI Mavic 3 Pro camera settings for photo and video
- Mavic 4 Pro ND filters vs the electronic ND (eND) filter
- Which ND filters for the DJI Mavic 3 Classic? Settings guide
- Which ND filters for the DJI Mini 4 Pro? Settings guide
- Which ND filters for the DJI Mini 5 Pro? Settings guide
- Best DJI Mavic 3 Pro accessories worth buying
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 →
