Drones, a man’s best friend… Capable of so much if used wisely, like cleaning windows, talking to people through a microphone, dropping off packages and helping you catch fish.
These amazing flying cameras offer a unique perspective and the ability to capture stunning footage from up above. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a videographer having the right accessories can take your drone experience to the next level.
In this article, we will help you answer the tough question of which drone accessories do I need. From extra batteries to ND filters and propellers. So let’s dive into it.
Essential Drone Accessories
Having more drone accessories is going to lead to getting more out of your drone experience. All DJI drones come in the box with a controller, charger, battery and drone.
Here are some of the essential drone accessories to take your flying to new heights!
1. DJI Fly More Kit
The Fly More Kit is a must-have accessory for any drone pilot. This kit includes
- Intelligent flight battery x2
- Carry bag
- Extra propellers x4
- Charging Hub
- ND filters x4
The extra propellers come in handy when you need to replace damaged ones or simply want to have spares on hand. And the carrying bag allows you to transport your drone safely and conveniently.
fly more kit
2. Extra Batteries
If you want to spend more time flying and less time charging, extra batteries are a must-have accessory. Having multiple flight batteries allows you to extend your flight time and capture more footage.
Drones like DJI Mavic 3 and DJI Air 3 can fly up to 45 minutes which is amazing but still easy to chew through the battery. Performing a Timelapse will use a whole battery to create a spectacular 15 second video.
3. Carrying Bag
The carrying bag is designed to protect your drone during transportation and provide convenient storage for all your drone gear.
The DJI Mini 3 backpack, for example, is specifically designed to fit the DJI Mini 3 and its accessories, making it easy to take your drone on the go.
4. Charging Hub
The charging hub allows you to charge multiple batteries simultaneously, saving you time and ensuring that your batteries are always ready for your next flight.
The DJI Avata and Mini 3 as well as all modern DJI drones are compatible with charging hubs that can charge multiple batteries at once.
5. DJI 65W Car Charger
Having the DJI 65W car charger is essential when on road trips or performing many flights in a day. This cigarette lighter car charger will charge your drone battery at the same speed as at home connected to the mains(amazing).
I tried other chargers and they were super slow to charge your drone.
DJI Car Charger
6. Extra Propellers
No matter how experienced you are as a drone pilot, accidents can happen! Especially if you’re flying in sports mode and turning obstacle avoidance off(watch out for those birds).
That’s why having extra propellers on hand is crucial. Propellers can get damaged during flight due to collisions or rough landings, but with spare propellers, you can quickly replace them and get back to flying.
7. ND Filters
Neutral density filters reduce the amount of light entering the camera lens, allowing you to capture well-exposed images in bright conditions. ND filters are particularly useful for landscape photography, as they help balance exposure and create stunning photos with rich colours and details.
Using an ND 512 or 1000 in the daytime with a 3 second shutter speed will allow you to create a long exposure shot, creating a swoosh-like image on say a waterfall, cars moving or waves at the beach.
ND Filters
8. DJI RC – Controller
The RC controller comes with a bright screen that is easy to see in sunny conditions, unlike the iPhone. Having this controller also means you don’t need your phone to fly.
The DJI RC controller allows for smoother movement of the sticks as well as improved range to connect to your drone whilst flying.
9. Propeller Guards
These accessories attach to the drone’s propellers, creating a protective barrier that helps prevent accidents and injuries. Whether you’re flying in a crowded area or navigating through tight spaces, propeller guards can provide an extra layer of protection.
DJI offers propeller guards that are specifically designed for their drones, such as the DJI Avata and DJI Mini 3. They’re also handy when flying indoors.
10. Landing Mat
A landing pad is a crucial accessory that helps protect your drone upon touchdown. It provides stability during takeoff and landing, ensuring a smooth and controlled landing experience. Works well on grass to prevent your propellers from hitting the grass.
Additionally, landing gear also helps protect the drone’s camera and gimbal from damage when landing on uneven or rough surfaces. Some fly more kits come with a landing mat.
11. Landing Legs
The landing legs attach to your drone and assist with take offs and landings.
They are a great way to protect the drone from getting scratched and also allow you to land in puddles or mud and not damage the drone.
12. Drone Memory Cards
Memory cards aka SD cards are where your drone stores all the footage and photos it captures. Having a spare is handy if you run out of storage space whilst out flying. One of the best is the Sandisk Extreme Pro which allows for fasting processing of 4K video footage.
When you get home you should transfer your footage onto a hard drive to keep it safe and so you can wipe the memory on your SD card.
13. Sunshade for Controllers
Don’t let the harsh sunlight in Australia hinder your flight experience – this clever sunshade attaches to your phone/ controller to ensure optimal visibility on bright days. Maintain control and precision without squinting or fighting glare, enhancing your aerial missions effortlessly.
14. Fishing Attachment Payload Release
Step up your fish game with ease by flying the bait out with your drone and getting into deep water within seconds. The drone fishing attachment can work wonders if you get the right one that works well.
You can also use your drone to scout for great fishing locations.
15. Hard Case
Last but not least we have the hard cases built for your specific drone. I have one for my Mavic 3 and it’s especially useful if you just want to carry your drone in a backpack instead of taking the whole Mavic 3 backpack which is big and weighty.
Key Highlights
1. The Fly More Kit is a must-have accessory that includes 3 extra batteries plus extra propellers and a carrying bag.
2. Extra batteries are necessary for extending your flight time and capturing more footage.
3. A charging hub is important for keeping your batteries ready to fly whenever you need them.
4. Extra propellers are crucial for preparing for unexpected accidents or damage during flight.
5. ND filters are essential for enhancing your aerial photography by reducing glare and improving image quality.
6. The DJI RC Controller offers precision and control for a better flying experience.
7. Propeller guards are necessary for ensuring safety during flight and protecting your drone from damage.
8. Landing mats helps protect your drone upon touchdown and provides stability during takeoff and landing.
9. Signal boosters can help expand your drone’s flight range, allowing you to explore further distances.
10. Memory cards with ample storage capacity are crucial for never running out of storage mid-flight.
Wrap Up
The key DJI drone accessories to buy are the fly more kit with the extra batteries, carry case, extra propellers and ND filters.
Don’t forget memory cards to storage your footage. Signal boosters improve and extend ranges. Stay ready with a charging hub and protect your gear with landing gear and a carrying bag.
Maximize your drone’s potential with the right drone accessories and get the professional looking shots to wow the world!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are ND Filters Used For?
ND filters, or Neutral Density filters, are essential accessories for drone photography and videography. They reduce the amount of light entering the drone’s camera, allowing you to capture properly exposed photos and videos even in bright lighting conditions.
ND filters are particularly useful for aerial photography, as they help to prevent overexposed images and videos. They are available in different levels of light reduction, such as ND4, ND8, and ND16, allowing you to choose the appropriate filter depending on the lighting conditions.
Is the DJI RC Pro Controller Worth the Investment?
The DJI RC Pro Controller is a high-quality remote control designed specifically for DJI drones. You won’t need to use your Android mobile device to fly your drone. Here are some of the features to help you decide whether it’s worth it:
- The DJI RC Pro remote controller features the O3+ transmission system, enabling a maximum video transmission range of 15km and ultra-low latency of 120 ms.
- Boasting a 5.5-inch 1080p display with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, the controller ensures clear visibility even in bright sunlight. Engineered for top-notch performance
- Equipped with a high-speed processor, the DJI RC Pro guarantees robustness, stability, and seamless operation with each flight.
- View videos at 4K/120fps using H.264 and H.265 codecs, and expand your creative horizons by installing third-party apps.
- Compatible Aircraft Models: DJI Mavic 3, DJI Mavic 3 Cine, DJI Air 2S. The DJI RC Pro will extend its support to additional DJI aircraft in the future.
How Can I Extend My Drone’s Flight Time?
To extend your drone’s flight time, you can invest in extra batteries and an intelligent flight battery. Having multiple batteries allows you to quickly swap them out when one runs out of power.
The intelligent flight batteries are for drones like the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro. They are designed to provide longer flight times and can be a valuable addition to your drone accessories. Avoid letting your batteries get below 15% to preserve battery function.
Which is the Best Drone Editing Software?
LightCut is the official mobile video editing software recommended by DJI and it’s free. It’s quick and easy to do.
Adobe Lightroom is the drone editing software for pictures. Adobe Premiere Pro is great professional video editing software.
How Do Signal Boosters Work?
Signal boosters are accessories that can enhance the range and signal strength of your drone. They work by amplifying the signals between your drone and the remote control, allowing for a more stable and reliable connection.
Signal boosters are particularly useful when flying in areas with obstacles or interference that may affect the signal quality. They can extend the flight range of your drone and provide a better overall flying experience.
How Far Can Drones Fly?
Modern day drones are capable of flying really far, but how far can a drone fly? DJI Air 3 is capable of flying 32km, whilst the DJI Mavic 3 can fly up to 30km. These are two of the best consumer drones on the market.
I'm Matt, a writer and drone photographer with over 6 years in the field. I specialize in all things drones – from buying guides and editing tips to monetization strategies. My goal is to help enthusiasts and professionals alike navigate the exciting world of aerial photography and videography, sharing insights that turn drone passion into expertise and opportunity.
