Which ND filter to use on a drone depends on the light, your frame rate and the lens. For a typical DJI drone with a fixed f/1.7 to f/1.8 lens at 30 fps and ISO 100, use about ND128 to ND256 in full sun, ND64 in haze, ND32 under bright cloud, ND16 on dull days and ND8 around golden hour. Aim for a shutter about double the frame rate, and use the filter set made for your drone.
Quick chart by light and frame rate
For drones with f/1.7 to f/1.8 lenses (Mini 5 Pro, Mini 4 Pro, Flip) at ISO 100:
| Light | 24 to 30 fps (1/50 to 1/60) | 60 fps (1/120) | 120 fps (1/240) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full sun | ND128 to ND256 | ND64 | ND32 |
| Hazy sun | ND64 | ND32 | ND16 |
| Bright overcast | ND32 | ND16 | ND8 |
| Dull overcast | ND16 | ND8 | None |
| Golden hour | ND8 | None | None |
Drones with f/2.8 lenses need about 1 to 2 stops less. Drones with an adjustable aperture, like the Mavic 3 Pro's Hasselblad camera or the Mavic 4 Pro's, can stop down to f/5.6 and use a lighter filter.
These are starting points. Snow, sand and water reflect extra light; shade and late afternoon need less.
The official set for each DJI drone
| Drone | DJI ND set |
|---|---|
| Mini 5 Pro | ND8, ND32, ND128 |
| Air 3S | ND8, ND32, ND128, covers both cameras |
| Mini 4 Pro | ND16, ND64, ND256 |
| Mini 3 | Mini 3 Pro set (ND16, ND64, ND256), which DJI lists as compatible |
| Flip | ND16, ND64, ND256 |
| Avata 2 | ND8, ND16, ND32 |
| Air 3 | ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64 |
| Mavic 3 Pro | ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64, covers all three cameras |
| Neo | No DJI set; see Neo ND filters |
Filters are model-specific. A set for one drone generally won't fit another, even within the same series. If you fly a model not listed here, such as a newer Neo, check DJI's accessory list for that drone.
How to check you picked the right one
- Fit the filter with the drone powered off.
- In Pro mode, set ISO 100 and your frame rate.
- Set the shutter to double the frame rate.
- Look at the histogram and exposure meter. Too bright: go stronger. Too dark: go lighter.
- Within about a third of a stop of the target shutter is fine. 1/50 or 1/80 at 30 fps still looks natural.
If the light changes a lot mid-flight, adjust ISO a little rather than landing every time; just keep it as low as you can.
True color and filter quality
"True color" means the filter doesn't tint the image. Cheap strong filters often add a magenta or brown cast and can soften the picture. DJI's own sets are made for each camera; DJI tunes the Mavic 3 Pro's filters differently over the tele camera so all three cameras expose evenly. Set white balance manually either way.
When not to use ND
- Photos, unless you want a long exposure.
- Dusk, night and indoors.
- Fast action where you want every frame sharp.
- Hyperlapse in daylight, unless you want blur on moving cars.
For the theory, read what ND filters do and ND filter numbers explained. For model-specific settings, see Mini 5 Pro ND filters.
Related guides
- ND filter numbers and stops explained (ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64)
- What do ND filters do? ND filters explained for video
- ND filter vs CPL (polarizer): what's the difference?
- ND filter vs exposure compensation: why ND still matters
- ND filter vs UV filter (and lens hoods): what's the difference?
- Best ND filters for drones and cameras: DJI vs K&F, H&Y, JJC and other brands
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