Everything experienced drone pilots wish they had bought sooner

The One Thing That All New Drone Pilots Miss

You’ve finally unboxed your new drone after waiting several months.

Maybe you bought a DJI Air 3S, Mini 5 Pro, or any other well-known consumer drone. You’ve charged the battery, you’re in your favorite spot, the drone takes off into the air, and you begin filming some amazing aerial shots.

But reality sets in.

The battery lasts only 20-30 minutes.

The harsh sun overexposes all your footage.

The ground isn’t safe or clear for takeoff.

You left behind your memory card.

Your drone carrying case can’t fit everything you need.

These are problems almost all drone pilots will face at some point. Most consumer drones only come with the bare necessities needed to fly. But if you’re looking to do anything with your drone besides basic flight, you’ll realize there are several important drone accessories missing.

Luckily,

Some important drone accessories could change everything for you.

In this guide, we’re going to look at the most important drone accessories every pilot needs.

The Importance of Drone Accessories

Drone operators tend to concentrate only on their drones and forget about the equipment that makes flying easy.

With appropriate accessories for drones, you will be able to:

• Increase flight duration
• Increase image quality
• Save your drone
• Fly safely
• Organize equipment properly
• Perform operations professionally
• Avoid downtimes in the field

Whether you are an inexperienced or experienced drone operator, these accessories can change everything.

Essential Drone Accessories Checklist

1. Extra Intelligent Flight Batteries

The Essential Drone Accessory

There is one accessory that all drone users must consider buying immediately – extra batteries.

Consumer drones come with roughly the following specifications:

• 25 to 45 minutes of advertised flying time
• 18 to 35 minutes of actual flying time

Given takeoffs, landings, safety buffer, windy situations, and extra battery life, sometimes, a single battery may not be enough.

Here’s why you need extra batteries

• More filming time
• More surveying coverage area
• Less disruptions while on the move
• Emergency power backup
• Higher productivity

Recommendations

• Have a minimum number of:
• 3 batteries for recreational drone pilots
• 4 to 6 batteries for photographers
• Over 6 batteries for surveying flights

2. Multi-Battery Charging Hub

Save Time Between Flights

Charging batteries one by one is annoying.

A multi-battery charger helps charge several batteries in sequence or simultaneously.

Advantages

• Improved charging process speed
• Efficient battery management
• Inconvenience-free charging while traveling
• Less cord mess

This piece of equipment becomes necessary when you have more than two batteries.

3. High-Speed MicroSD Card

Never Run Out of Storage

A lot of pilots overlook the amount of storage capacity they need.

The most advanced drones provide:

• 4K Video
• 5.4K Video
• 10-bit images
• HDR videos
• RAW photographs
• Such files take up a lot of storage space.

Requirements

• UHS-I U3 class microSD cards
• V30 or better
• Trustworthy companies
• Write speeds over 300MB/s

Recommended Capacity

• At least 128GB
• Better to have 256GB
• 512GB for professionals

Always bring extra storage devices.

4. ND Filters

Secret to Getting High-Quality Cinematic Footage

One of the least-known drone accessories is the ND filter set.

The ND (Neutral Density) filters lower the light intake in the camera.

Advantages

• Natural motion blur
• Improved exposure
• Cinematic quality of footage
• Reduces glare
• Professional appearance

Popular ND Filter Strengths

• ND8
• ND16
• ND32
• ND64

Drone filmmakers cannot do without ND filters.

5. Landing Pad

Keep Your Drone Protected at Takeoff and Landing

It can be easily damaged by dust, sand, grass, rocks, and soil.

The landing pad gives you a safe and visible place for taking off and landing your drone.

Advantages

• Clean takeoffs
• Less dust absorption
• Improve sensor functioning
• Increase visibility
• Professional look

This particular drone accessory will come in handy when shooting in beach, desert, agricultural, and construction environments.

6. Drone Storage Case or Backpack

Safely Move Your Drones

Although consumer drones are lightweight and compact, they may easily be damaged from impact.

Here’s what a dedicated drone carrying case will help protect:

• Drones themselves
• Remote controller
• Batteries
• Filters
• Charging equipment
• Accessories

What to Consider When Choosing a Case

• Waterproof material
• Custom molded foam lining
• Shake and shock protection
• Comfortable straps
• Separate sections for accessories

Such a carrying case will help prevent pricey damages when moving your drone around.

Propeller Storage and Extra Propellers

Small but Vital Components

Propellers are one of the most commonly damaged parts of drones.

They can even get damaged due to brushing against objects such as branches.

Reasons to Always Bring Spare Propellers

• Replace in the field if necessary
• Increase the safety of the flight
• Decrease down-time
• Avoid unforeseen damages

Inspection of propellers before each flight is recommended.

8. Propeller Guards

Additional Protection for Novices

Propeller guards provide a shield to rotating propellers.

Best Used In:

• Indoor flights
• Novice pilots
• Limited spaces
• Areas with many obstacles
• Training missions

Despite the slight limitation on the flight time, they might help avoid crashes.

9. Screen Hood or Sunshade

Enhance Screen Viewability

Strong sunlight may cause problems seeing the controller screen clearly.

Sunshades enhance screen clarity by reducing screen glare.

Advantages:

• Better frame positioning
• Simple exposure management
• Greater flight control awareness
• Less eye strain

These cost-effective accessories can significantly improve your flying experience.

10. Portable Power Station or PD Power Bank

Charging Anytime, Anywhere

Working outside usually involves working far from power outlets.

Using a portable power station or a PD-compatible power bank enables

• Batteries
• Controllers
• Cell phones
• Tablets
• Computers

Best For:

• Surveyors
• Travelling professionals
• Outdoors creators
• Days of long flights

Using an extra power source, you’ll be able to power all systems on your drone for the entire day.

11. Tablet Mount

Larger Display, Higher Visibility

Many drone pilots usually move from using phones to using tablets.

The advantages of using a large screen include:

• Higher visibility of the map
• Clearer image viewing
• Simpler waypoints’ creation
• More convenient surveying

This is especially helpful for surveying and inspection jobs.

12 Lens Cleaning Kit

Keep Your Camera Clean!

Dust, fingerprints, and moisture can spoil your photos and video.

A small cleaning kit needs to consist of:

• Microfiber lens cleaner
• Lens brush
• Lens air blower
• Lens cleaning liquid

Having clean lenses will allow you to make clearer photos and videos.

13. GPS Tracker

Get Your Drones Back in Time!

Although rather seldom, drones may get lost due to various reasons.

A GPS tracker can help find them easier.

Benefits:

• Faster search
• Extra peace of mind
• Protects expensive equipment

This accessory is worth having for a frequent traveler.

14. Glass Screen Protector

Tempered glass screen protectors are a great tool to keep your drone controller screen or connected smartphone safe from scratches, fingerprints, and accidental damage while leaving touch sensitivity intact.

Why You Need a Tempered Glass Protector

• Protects against scratches and damages
• Keeps the screen clear and responsive
• Prevents fingerprints
• Ensures a long life for the screen
• Provides affordable protection for an expensive gadget

15. Drone Insurance and Care Plans

The Accessory That Is Invisible to Your Eyes

Pilots may pay attention to their equipment but often forget about safety and protection plans.

Drone care plans include:

• Accidental damage protection
• Fly-away insurance
• Water damage protection
• Replacement costs

Insurance becomes one of the wisest options when considering expensive drones.

Why Consider Fly More Combo

When buying a DJI drone, opting for the Fly More Combo is usually one of the best decisions that you will be making. By using a Fly More Combo, you won’t have to buy extra batteries or drone accessories separately because it comes equipped with additional intelligent flight batteries, a charging hub, extra propellers, and a carrying case.

Advantages of Using the Fly More Combo

• Increases your overall flight duration during each trip.
• Makes sure that there is less downtime when you rotate your batteries.
• Offers great value as compared to buying accessories separately.
• Includes necessary accessories that everyone requires ultimately.
• Good for photo or video sessions where perfection in shooting takes several attempts.
• Perfect for surveys or inspections that require extended operation hours.

Most DJI drones can provide sufficient battery life only for one operation cycle. The Fly More Combo will help you double or even triple your flight time, which will allow you to perform all required tasks, create new footage, and have fun flying without any interruption.

Pro Tip: When you need to choose either a larger capacity SD card or a Fly More Combo, go with the latter. Pilots run out of batteries way sooner than storage.

Recommended Drone Accessories by User Type

For Drone Photographers

Must-have drone accessories:

• ND Filters
• Extra Batteries
• High-Speed SD Cards
• Landing Pad
• Lens Cleaning Kit

For Drone Videographers

Must-have drone accessories:

• ND Filters
• Multiple Batteries
• Power Station
• Tablet Mount
• Carrying Case

For Surveyors and Mapping Professionals

Must-have drone accessories:

• Multiple Batteries
• Charging Hub
• Tablet Mount
• Power Station
• Weather Meter
• Landing Pad

For Travelers

Must-have drone accessories:

• Compact Backpack
• Extra Battery
• Foldable Landing Pad
• SD Cards
• GPS Tracker

How Much Money Should You Spend on Drone Accessories?

It would be best to have around 20 to 40 percent of your total drone budget spent on drone accessories.

Here are some suggestions:

Spending money on the right accessories is often more worthwhile than buying a costly drone.

Final Thoughts

Buying a drone is only the first step in your adventures with it.

The best drone pilots know that the drone alone is only one component of the entire system. Good drone accessories make flights safer, more efficient, extend flight times, and help take better pictures and videos.

If you are at the beginning stages, focus on acquiring additional batteries, a charging hub, ND filters, a landing pad, spare propellers, and a reliable carrying case. These drone accessories will offer the most value to you immediately and quickly become essential.

No matter what you intend to use your drone for, whether photography, videography, traveling, inspections, or surveying, getting appropriate drone accessories will definitely pay off in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important drone accessories?

Extra batteries, ND filters, spare propellers, a charging hub, and a landing pad are generally considered the most essential drone accessories.

Are ND filters necessary for drones?

Yes. ND filters help maintain proper shutter speed and produce smoother, more cinematic footage in bright conditions.

How many batteries should a drone pilot own?

Most pilots benefit from owning at least three batteries, while professional users often carry four to six batteries or more.

Do I need a landing pad?

A landing pad is highly recommended because it protects your drone from dust, debris, sand, and uneven surfaces.

What accessories should I buy first with a new DJI Air 3S or Mini 5 Pro?

Start with extra batteries, a charging hub, high-speed SD cards, ND filters, spare propellers, and a protective carrying case.