Best ND Filters for DJI Mini 5 Pro - ND8 to ND128 Sets

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Best ND filters for DJI Mini 5 Pro? A set from ND8 to ND128

The easiest option is to buy an ND filter set from ND8 to ND128 that is listed as compatible with the Mini 5 Pro. That range darkens the image by 3 to 7 stops and covers most sunny days.

DJI sells its own set of ND8, ND32 and ND128. According to the retailer Jessops, it is designed for long exposures and bright light, for example for timelapse. Sets from other brands usually add intermediate strengths and a polarizer.

Only buy filters that clearly state compatibility with the Mini 5 Pro. We explain why in the last section.

Why use ND filters if the aperture is fixed

The Mini 5 Pro has a 1-inch sensor and a 24 mm lens with a fixed f/1.8 aperture. You can't stop it down to limit the amount of light in full sun.

That leaves two things: shutter speed and ISO. ISO can only be lowered to a certain point, so on a bright day the shutter speed becomes very fast.

Filmmakers stick to the rule that the shutter speed should be roughly double the frame rate. At 25 fps that is 1/50 s, which gives smooth, natural motion. Without a filter in the sun, the drone will force much faster shutter speeds, and the motion will look choppy, like footage from action cameras.

An ND filter works like sunglasses for the sensor. It lets you return to the right shutter speed without changing the lens, which can't be stopped down anyway.

Fun fact: The Mini 5 Pro has an f/1.8 aperture, slightly narrower than the f/1.7 on the Mini 4 Pro. According to Tom's Guide, the difference is negligible.

We chose the sets based on two criteria: their description states compatibility with the Mini 5 Pro, and they cover a range of ND filters, often together with a polarizer.

ND Filters for the DJI Mini 5 Pro We Recommend

Which filter for which light, and what a CPL is

The rule is simple: the stronger the light, the darker the filter. Set your target shutter speed, for example 1/50 s at 25 fps, and fit the weakest filter that keeps the image from being overexposed.

In slightly overcast light, start with an ND8, which darkens by 3 stops. In brighter conditions, reach for an ND32 (5 stops). ND128 is 7 stops and is the filter for very strong light and long exposures, including timelapse.

Six-filter sets also include intermediate strengths, such as ND16 and ND64. They make it easier to hit your shutter speed when the light changes with the clouds.

A CPL is a polarizer, not an ND filter. It removes glare from water and leaves, so it comes in handy at a lake, by the sea, or in a forest. The image looks more saturated because the white sheen disappears.

A polarizer darkens the image only slightly, so it can't replace an ND. Many sets include both types, which gives you flexibility in changing weather.

Lightweight filters don't interfere with the gimbal. Even so, don't stack several at once, because it needlessly adds weight in front of the lens.

How to check compatibility and when an ND1000 is useful

Filters are designed for the housing of a specific camera, so a set made for another Mini drone won't necessarily fit the Mini 5 Pro. Before you buy, make sure the title or description explicitly lists the Mini 5 Pro. A generic "for DJI Mini" is not enough.

Also check exactly what is in the set: which ND filters, whether there is a polarizer, and whether the filters have their own frame for mounting on the drone. This matters because the range of strengths differs between manufacturers.

Fun fact: for its own set, DJI chose ND8, ND32, and ND128, which are filters of 3, 5, and 7 stops (Jessops). It skips every other step, so the set is short but the range is wide.

ND1000 and other very strong filters, from ND256 upward, are used for long-exposure photos. They are too dark for ordinary filming, so for most people a set going up to ND128 is plenty. An ND1000 only makes sense when you want to blur water or clouds in a photo in full sun.

A separate article covers the microSD card for the Mini 5 Pro, because at a bitrate of up to 130 Mb/s in 4K 120 fps, the card matters too.

Frequently asked questions about filters for the Mini 5 Pro

Which ND filters for the DJI Mini 5 Pro?

Choose an ND8 to ND128 set listed as compatible with the Mini 5 Pro. It covers 3 to 7 stops of darkening. It's a good idea if a CPL polarizer is included as well.

How do you attach an ND filter to the DJI Mini 5 Pro?

The filter goes onto the drone's lens, preferably with the device switched off. Mounting details depend on the set, so follow the manufacturer's instructions. Lightweight filters don't interfere with the gimbal.

Which ND filter for sun on the Mini 5 Pro?

In strong sun, start with an ND32, and in very bright light reach for an ND128. Set the shutter speed to about twice the frame duration, that is 1/50 s at 25 fps, and choose the filter so the image isn't overexposed.

Does the DJI Mini 5 Pro have a variable aperture?

No, the 24 mm lens has a fixed f/1.8 aperture. In sunlight, you control the light only with shutter speed, ISO, and an ND filter.

What is the difference between an ND filter and a CPL?

An ND darkens the whole image so you can use a longer shutter speed. A CPL is a polarizer that removes glare from water and leaves. They are two different tools and are often useful together.

Sources

• DJI: Mini 5 Pro specs - manufacturer page (dji.com)
• Jessops: DJI Mini 5 Pro ND Filter Set (ND8/32/128) - industry article (jessops.com)
• Tom's Guide: DJI Mini 5 Pro review - industry article (tomsguide.com)
• Space.com: DJI Mini 5 Pro drone review - industry article (space.com)