Is there a difference in ND filters?

R1Mavic · Apr 4, 2019

I use Neewer for less than $50 on my drones. I've had a set of Polar Pros and didn't notice a difference in my footage. Now I am seeing reviews for Freewell gear hybrid "all day" filters for $130. I mean...is there a difference?

msinger · Apr 4, 2019

I've tried nearly every brand of filter sold on Amazon. Here are the biggest differences I've noticed:

The quality and construction of the filter itself
The method used to attach the filter (most noticeable for filters that don't screw on)
The warranty offered by the seller

Footage-wise, I haven't noticed much of a difference when comparing filters side-by-side indoors. When outside, any tiny differences I was able to detect weren't noticeable.

dmcgrew · Apr 4, 2019

I don’t have anything to compare to but I got the f.stop labs filters and they’ve been great so far in the few times I’ve used them.

Amazon.com : Lens Filters for DJI Mavic 2 Pro Camera Lens Set, Multi Coated Filters Pack Accessories ND32, ND64, ND32/CPL, ND64/CPL (4 Pack) Upgraded: Works with Gimbal Cover : Camera & Photo

www.amazon.com

I never like cheaping out on products especially if there is a quality difference but from all the research I’ve done on YouTube and actually seeing these filters in use I have no complaints.

MAvic_South_Oz · Apr 4, 2019

Possibly / probably.
Good optics cost more.
Coated (low reflection) lenses cost more to make.

I said possibly too, because price doesn't always equate to quality.
It goes for everything, some people sell a mediocre product for top price, and people think it must be of high grade.

I bought a relatively pricey set of filters (NISI) doing so after seeing their experience in making filters for just about every type of camera on the market.
I also had a set of ebay filters (very cheap) given to me by my brother in law, he was sent them by mistake instead of the air ones he ordered, they told him to keep the Mavic Pro ones sent so he gave them to me.
I tested them side by side shooting the same thing over and over, and couldn't tell the difference . . . well, apart form the obvious improved video footage overall with filters over none.

They aren't coated with the anti reflection, so might give more lens glare when shooting towards the sun I guess, I hardly use them, but might use the ND4 for some very late light sometime (NISI set didn't have the ND4).

I just googled the Freewell 'All Day Filters' it is just a set, that supposedly covers you for any light, using one of 3 (plain) ND filters.
Looks overpriced for this, and I'm not a huge fan of the PL ones in their kit, they have limited real use unless you have loads of time to adjust / refit when shooting over water etc.

Not sure what drone you have . . .
Is one of these the set you found ?
Air . . . DJI Mavic Air Filters All Day 8 Pack
M2P . . . DJI MAVIC 2 PRO FILTERS - ALL DAY - 8PACK

Or is it a MP / MPP ?
They aren't sold as an all day package though by the looks.

Former Member · Apr 4, 2019

R1Mavic said:
I use Neewer for less than $50 on my drones. I've had a set of Polar Pros and didn't notice a difference in my footage. Now I am seeing reviews for Freewell gear hybrid "all day" filters for $130. I mean...is there a difference?

The answer is in your second sentence. If you didnt notice any difference in your footage, then spending big money for filters is ridiculous, and you could probably get by with the cheapest ones on the market. The only person you have to impress is yourself, so if the Neewers work for you, then use 'em! I agree that spending big money on accessories doesnt make sense if it doesnt make a difference to you or improve your flying experience.

bushie · Apr 4, 2019

I have a set of ND and NDPL Neewer filters. Am happy with their performance. Here I nearly always us the ND 32 due to the bright sunlight, but in early morning - late afternoon I will use the PL16