Batteries/drone ban/tariffs conundrum

[singram]

Hello all. So one by one my Mini 2 batteries(approx 4years old) have slowly started to swell to the point to where I figured it best to just dispose of all 3 them. I could try to source legit DJI batteries(expensive!), but I'm wondering if this is just a sunk cost fallacy given the direction things are currently going in. My primary interest in getting into drones in the first place roughly 5yrs ago was for photography, but I've since bought a mirrorless camera and a set of nice lenses to scratch that itch.

Still though, I'm very much interested in aerial cityscape photography(and I'd REALLY hate to just let my drones go), but I cant help but feeling like I'm just kicking the can down the curb. I buy a set of 3 authentic DJI batteries, only to risk clipping a tree branch and finding myself with no repair/replacement option is worrying. Even more so for my much newer and expensive Mavic 3.

As alot of us in the US are in the same boat, I'd love to hear some insight. Short term, would you replace all 3 batteries with authentic DJI ones and rock on? Thoughts on non-OEM? Long term, is it even worth it? For the cost of a mavic battery and 3 oem Mini batteries, I can pick up a nice prime lens for my camera. IDK, the thought of just letting it go sounds heartbreaking.

Thanks!!

 

[Jim Martin]

I would go with OEM batteries. I wouldn't want to take the risk with drones that have no effective manufacturer warranty, and are becoming increasingly difficult to repair or replace.

I also have a DSLR and nice glass to go with it, but I am not about to give up on drone photography. Since the import bans, I am flying more cautiously, but I'm not going to stop flying and taking photos until I have no choice.

 

[mavic3usa]

My opinion is a bit different when I think about batteries in general and other electronics on the market.

A healthy mix of OEM vs aftermarket batteries has always been my strategy. Obviously you take into account the price, availability, the seller, the battery performances, and other direct features but also look at how long you've had your drone and if it has a warranty, etc. At this point, older drones like the Mini 2, Air 2, Mavic 2, Avata 1 and maybe even Mini 3 series/Mavic 3 series....those drones have been around for awhile and so has a robust set of aftermarket batteries. So far none of those batteries that have lasted this long on the open aftermarket are tagged as ineffective or dangerous or putting your drone at risk. If we are being honest, most batteries are pretty similar and if there were problems, we would hear about it by now. DJI doesn't block other batteries and they don't load their smart batteries with any magic secret sauce so why continue to overpay for OEM?

I like to keep it 4 to 1. For every 4 OEM batteries, I will buy 1 aftermarket battery. Knockoff gets used a lot less than the others but it's there and I might use it occasionally . Over time, you get used to it and eventually you find out DJI probably bought those batteries, put their name on it, marked it up. For older drones, it might make sense for a 3 to 1 or even 2 to 1 strategy. Obviously I wouldn't buy aftermarket batteries marked down 75% and I would stay away from Aliexpress (that's where the biggest scammers lurk).

Maybe this is the new strategy for 2025 going forward. The old days are over, the old way of doing things....are over. It might be time to evolve. Change is hard. Still, I believe we are right in the middle of the preparation phrase so it's not too late to pretend like the good times continue to roll for just a few more months longer and then it's Go time.

I am a "prepper" when it comes to drones. Consider buying full kits to have backup drones (which coincidentally comes with....the batteries).