ND Filter- What do you think of this concept

[Mr. Moe]

Looking around for ND Filters for my Mavic and of course saw all the ones you snap or twist right over the lens, read and saw all the videos that said just be gentle with the install and removals, etc... So was looking on Alliexpress and saw these and thought hmmm.

What do you all think. I say great concept, how well do they filter is my next question.

 

[Plawa]

If you're so concerned about video quality you are considering an ND filter you really shouldn't be considering slapping a $8 piece of curved plastic in front of the lens...

 

[Robert Mitchell]

Looking around for ND Filters for my Mavic and of course saw all the ones you snap or twist right over the lens, read and saw all the videos that said just be gentle with the install and removals, etc... So was looking on Alliexpress and saw these and thought hmmm.

What do you all think. I say great concept, how well do they filter is my next question.

The bubble covers are never the best solution, if quality video is your goal. They are made of plastic and are never optically correct. Plus, due to their design, they are always going to introduce flare and reflection.

If you're not looking for quality, then they are probably ok for casual use, but then if you're not looking for quality, why bother with an ND at all?

 

[Lake_Flyer]

(G)(F)lare all over the place.

 

[Mr. Moe]

Thanks for the advice. I will go with the regular style.

 

[ronk]

Thanks for the advice. I will go with the regular style.

Good choice. You are a wise man!

 

[dvarapala]

What do you all think. I say great concept, how well do they filter is my next question.

First of all, I never fly with a gimbal cover on because it blocks the ventilation intake on the front.
Secondly, I would be concerned that the curved plastic is going to distort the image. Filters should be flat, just like the lens.
Third, these are made of plastic, not glass. Glass > plastic.

That's what I think.

 

[FASTFJR]

Pure junk!

 

[Neebles]

Thanks for the advice. I will go with the regular style.

They really are easy to put on and take off. Just be careful and leave the gimbal lock on while putting the filter on. If you dont leave the filter on, put the gimbal lock back on before removing. Pretty soon it will become habit...Take off protective bubble, put on filter, remove gimbal lock...... After shutting down, put on gimbal lock, remove filter, replace protective bubble. Ive gotten to a point, that unless its really sunny, or really dark, I just leave one of the filters on.

 

[Marko9219]

NO, NO, NO! Period.

 

[born2drone]

I only use the proper DJI filters for UV intensity cut down where I live.

 

[GlenT]

And lastly, you cannot adjust the polarization of that dome filter. Where as with normal circular polarizers, you can rotate to compensate. It is an interesting if not novel idea though. This dome resolves one problem (having to fit a tiny filter to the lens) whilst introducing another (not adjustable).

 

[Plawa]

It's an ND, not a CPL

 

[GlenT]

It's an ND, not a CPL

I need sleep... My mistake.
In this case it has more merit. Yet still has the issue of flare, but having an ND filter that also protects the gimbal is a good selling point.

 

[daisy-girl]

Where as with normal circular polarizers, you can rotate to compensate.

What is your technique for rotating the CPL filter without damaging the gimbal/camera? Thank you.

 

[Plawa]

What is your technique for rotating the CPL filter without damaging the gimbal/camera? Thank you.

Eyeball it off the camera, remember the orientation, carefully install it... that's what I do.

 

[GlenT]

What is your technique for rotating the CPL filter without damaging the gimbal/camera? Thank you.

Same as Plawa. Look through the filter with your eye in the direction you plan on filming at. Rotate so the desired polariztion is achieved, then fit to lens at this angle.

 

[daisy-girl]

Eyeball it off the camera, remember the orientation, carefully install it... that's what I do.

Do you replace the gimbal lock after it has finished warming up?

 

[Plawa]

Not sure I follow.. I install the filter before I turn the drone on

 

[daisy-girl]

Not sure I follow.. I install the filter before I turn the drone on

Not sure I follow.. I install the filter before I turn the drone on

I'm asking because the Polar Pro rep told me to rotate the filter in front of the lens, but that's impossible!