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The steady progress, strives and innovations in the world of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles technology have been so constant and unwavering over the years that drone lovers have seen drone accessories like never before. Drone kits, chargers, batteries, guards and goggles are just some of the amazing products that have hit the market since drones became prominent features of our 21st century lives.
Even as the world of drones continues to evolve, the inventions supporting the flying of drones has seen no shortages. These drone accessories have now grown to the point that they have become essentials if drone users are to fully explore the maximum range of possibilities that their drones truly offer.
Far from being even mere supporting equipment, some drone accessories have become such a potent presence in the repertoire of drone flyers that their absence can mar the experience of any drone pilot to the point of disappointment. For example, a drone propeller guard can easily be the difference between a drone being continuously functional for years or being destroyed on impact few months after it is purchased.
Many other drone accessories serve other purposes including those that extend functionality beyond the wildest imagination of drone users. Aerial photography is a sterling example of the extended capabilities of everyday drone being made into powerful devices that can capture beautiful eagle view perspectives like never before.
Whether it is for personal use on your own drones or as a gift to a drone lover or owner, purchasing a drone accessory will always be a wise use of money. It is worthy of note to point out that drone accessories are often customized for specific drones. It is therefore imperative that people who want to give gifts to drone lovers and users narrow down their search to the brand and model of the particular drone in question.
The Eight Best Drone Accessories Are Reviewed Below
Drone lovers all over the world can all agree that some accessories are nothing short of critical to the drone flying process. The additional comfort and ranging use they confer on simple everyday drones simply make some of them a must have. For this reason, we have put together some of the most formidable drones on the market.
1
Lowepro DroneGuard BP 250 Bag
The Lowepro DroneGuard 250 is a highly rated member of the impressive Lowepro DroneGuard BP 200 series. The BP 200 series is a range of drone bags specifically made to house and carry DJI Mavic drones. These bags are arguably an absolutely necessary set of accessories if you plan on carrying your drones and its other accessories around in a safe and convenient manner.
The Lowepro DroneGuard BP 250 is engineered to give the most protective design; a Compression moulded FormShell without making the bag heavier. This bag’s shape and focused lightweight technology, though crafted for Mavic drones, will conveniently house and protect just about any drone.
With a Cradle Fit pocket giving the BP 250 unusually roomy compartments, it can fit other drone accessories like a transmitter, about five extra batteries, a 10” tab, 15” laptop and a large smartphone. It also has a removable panel that enables re-organizing. Its elastic straps on either side was specially made for holding delicate drone parts and pieces.
Key Features:
- Compression-moulded FormShell technology
- Cradle Fit pocket
Specification:
- Brand: Lowepro
- Model: DroneGuard BP 250
Pros
- Protective technology
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Cannot serve as a makeshift helipad or drone landing pad
2
DJI FPV Remote Controller - Mode 2
The DJI Remote Controller is an integral component of the DJI FPV system. It is the element of this sophisticated First-Person View System that has the cohesive function of connecting the FPV Googles and FPV Air Unit. This gives the user free reign over control of parameters of the FPV Goggles, Camera and Air Unit.
The DJI’s dedicated control system is well suited for flexibility, giving the user the ability to apply it for specific purposes such as racing and freestyling. The numerous dials and buttons on this impressive device allow various options for configuration than earlier models of this device. The DJI Remote connects seamlessly with the DJI FPV Air Unit to enable the sending of instructions that are transmitted to the drone itself.
Even though the FPV Remote Controller is an optional component of this system, the undisputable advantage this device gives is that all the components in this system are capable of being adjusted remotely. A single flick of a button can change the parameters of either the drone (such as height and speed), the FPV camera (such as angle and zoom) and the air unit even while the drone is flying a long distance away from the pilot.
The presence of the FPV Air Unit and the Goggles in an FPV system makes any other third-party transmitters and receivers redundant. Given the extended capabilities this controller grants the drone, it is a must-have for every drone lover.
Key Features:
- Built in Battery
- Control Radius of 4000M
- Controller and Air Unit ultra-low latency
Specification:
- Brand: DJI
- Model: FPV Remote Controller – Mode 2
Pros
- Long distance control distance
- High battery capacity for long usage
- Low Latency for smooth transmission
Cons
- Cannot be used with non-DJI devices
- Works best only within the FPV system
3
DJI FPV Goggles
In a marvelous feat of visual technology, DJI has done the impossible in making a pair of googles capable of delivering the most crisp and clear 720p images with insane level refresh rates of 120Hz. The immersive technology plunges users into a world where they feel as though they are birds flying. It has a view that can be tweaked and adjusted to give the widest field of observation. The feed can be used in a 60fps option which is available in a High Definition Mode or a 120fps which comes a lower definition but much higher levels of performance in transmission speed.
This pair of googles are the fore front of cutting-edge technology when it comes to racing and freestyling flight usage. Of course, not only professional racers and freestyle lords are welcome to the party. This bad boy also packs a lot for mid-range explorers looking to carry out surveys or take snapshots and videos of high and long-range landscapes and water bodies.
Key Features:
- Focus Mode
- 720p 120 FramePerSecond Display
Specification:
- Brand: DJI
- Model: FPV Goggles – Ultra Low Latency
Pros
- Light and very comfortable for long usage
- Crisp 720p image and fast refresh rate
Cons
- More expensive than most FPV googles
- Can be used with only DJI devices
4
DJI FPV Air Unit
The DJI Air Unit system is the third member of the DJI FPV system. It is an impressive camera system that syncs with the DJI FPV goggles to show the wearer what is being captured. It may also be connected to a DJI FPV Remote Controller to enable the pilot adjust camera parameters and settings connected to this this powerful transmission system.
Housed in a tough aluminum case, an extraordinary amount of technology was put together to produce the sharpest images and videos via a HD 1080p 60fps DVR. These images and videos are transmitted through a seamless connection to the FPV goggles. Also, control instructions for the camera system are also picked up through a fast connection with the DJI Remote Controller. This interconnected system forms the holy trinity of professional drone racing and freestyle for DJI Mavic devices.
The Air Unit camera dons a 150-degrees wide angle lens to capture everything around the camera. Its impressive 8 channels transmission system means that there are different options for connecting the camera with the other components of the FPV system.
The DJI FPV Air Unit system is the last piece of a system that comes together to produce the most outstanding effects in the flying of drones.
Key Features:
- DVR system with1080p 60fps
- Rugged Aluminium Case
- At least eight channels
- Variable Antenna Technology
- Effective HDL FPV Transmission System
Specification:
- Brand: DJI
- Model: FPV Air Unit
Pros
- Over 4Km transmission/receiving range
- Sharp and ultra-wide camera system
- Adjustable picture mode, brightness and quality
Cons
- It overheats very fast
- Connects only to DJI goggles
5
InnoGiz Luminous Landing Pad
Drone launchpads are particularly popular for the protective qualities, hence money saving long term effects. They have the ability to boost the lifespan of drones from the safeguarding the give.
The InnoGiz Luminous Landing Pad is a modern drone landing pad that is making most people rethink what they have always known about drone landing pads. The first significant thing about these drones is the increased size. At 46” width, this landing pad is made such that pilots can land drones of any size on it without much maneuvering. It is perfect for a wide variety of drones from large Helicopters like the Mavic Pro to the tiniest drones like the Mini Mavic.
When it comes to protection, this drone landing pad offers the best protection money can buy without packing on too much weight. A common damage that occurs to drones is caused by the propeller damage landing on grass surfaces. The InnoGiz landing pad can be set up in wet, rocky, sandy or grassy environments to ensure the safety of drones and their moving and more delicate parts such as propeller and cameras. The high-quality material fashioned from waterproof nylon also means it shields the drone from moisture.
The InnoGiz is specially designed with a two-pattern set for different applications. It has a special luminous orange surface effect that gives off light in dark environments. This design is superior to that of reflective strips that merely use reflect available lightening. Two set of nails also ensure the landing pad is always fastened to the ground.
Wherever the terrain or the condition, the compact design means the InnoGiz landing pad can easily be folded and packed in a nylon zipper bag for easy carriage to drone flying and landing sites.
Key Features:
- 46” wide pad
- Special Luminous Effect
- Portable nylon zipper bag
Specification:
- Brand: InnoGiz
- Luminous Landing Pad
Pros
- Special Luminous effect for low light conditions
- Big enough to hold even the biggest drones
- Set of nails holds it down in case
Cons
- A bit more bulky than older types
- More expensive than most landing pads
6
Quick Release Propeller Guards
Many drone users want to fly their drones in locations featuring many obstacles like indoor locations or areas with dense vegetation. Propeller guards reduce the danger of damage to the drone’s fragile areas and moving parts such as the cameras or the propellers. Drone guards also help prevent accidents such as the drone’s blades coming in contact with body parts.
It is important to note that like most drone accessories, manufacturers make custom drone guards, usually sold separately from the drones themselves. The DJI Phantom 3, 2 and 1 generic drone guard is covered here because of the range of drones it can comfortably cover.
The DJI Phantom Guards have a quick release feature that aids the easy fastening and detaching of the guards. They prop guards also have a lightweight and toned-down design that ensures it does not impede the functioning of the propellers.
Perhaps the most convenient feature of this propeller guard is the multi-functionality it offers. It offers a multiple compatibility making it able to work with three types pf DJI phantoms. If you want to guarantee a longer lifespan for your drones, propeller guards of this type and form are the way to go.
Key Features:
- Quick Release Feature
- Lightweight Design
Specification:
- Brand: Drone Pit Stop
- Model: DJI Phantom 1, 2 & 3 Drone Prop Guards
Pros
- Multiple Compatibility
- Light and unobtrusive design
- Easy to attach to drones
Cons
- The appropriate screws have to be selected
- At certain positions during flight, guards might obstruct camera
7
Anker PowerCore 26800
One of the pesky little things about most drones is their limited power capacities especially when used intended for use in outdoor capacities for long periods of time. Even though most drone manufacturers offer custom extra drone batteries to meet this need, it is often more convenient to have generic power sources that can be used to charge on the go. This is where power banks or external battery storages come in.
The Anker PowerCore 26800 is one of the most impressive external batteries that money can buy. The extra advantage is that this is a generic power bank that can charge almost any digital electronic device. Apart from charging most new drone models and their accessories, laptops, tabs, digital watches and other devices can be charged on the go. With an impressive Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, the PowerCore 26800 allows compatible devices to charge almost at a rate 100% faster than normal.
At 26800mAh of power, the capacity of this extra storage device is colossal. Its hard surface also ensures durability in case of falls. Connect it to most DJI devices and more recent drone models as you walk along and the drones get juiced up at pretty decent charging speeds. Out of box, you also get a 2X Micro USB Cable, a travel pouch and a guide.
Drones are known for their appetite when it comes to power consumption. The versatility and wide-ranging compatibility of this product makes it the perfect power source for drones and drone accessories. Every drone lover and user ought to have this device.
Key Features:
- High-Speed Charging for compatible devices
- Ultra-High Capacity
Specification:
- Brand: Anker
- Model: PowerCore 26800
Pros
- Fast charging for some devices
- Can be easily used on the go
- Can be used as a generic charger for different brands of devices
Cons
- Can be used for only drones with USB charging ports
8
Hooshion Universal Adjustable Lanyard Neck Strap Shoulder Sling Belt
Lanyards are straps that can be affixed to the drone remote control in order to hang it from the drone pilot’s shoulders or neck.
At first glance, it might seem unnecessary to someone who does not have a lot of experience with drones but experienced drone pilots understand that holding the remote control while flying a drone can quickly become a strain to the arms. Such tiredness might impact the drone piloting experience in a quite unsavory manner.
It may also be that you want your hands free for other activities such as snacking while flying your drone. The Hooshion Lanyards are powerful straps that have become quite popular for sometime now. They are suitable for a wide range of drone remote controllers. An enlarged neck design ensures comfort to the users. A strong enhanced metal buckle attaches the lanyard tightly to the controller, making a fall practically impossible.
The high-quality material of the Hooshion lanyard makes it durable and shields it from continuous wear and tear, safeguarding your device while you walk around with them hanging around your neck.
Key Features:
- Adjustable Shoulder Strap
- Leather plus nylon material
- Enhanced Buckle design
Specification:
- Brand: Hooshion
- Model: Universal Adjustable Lanyard
Pros
- Can be adjusted for various users
- Strong buckle ensures device is safe
Cons
- Stitching may itch after prolonged usage
Buying Guide Questions
Drone accessory buying usually comes with the hassle of knowing the answer to basic questions that pertain to drone usage and buying. To this end, some frequently asked questions about drone usage are answered in this article.
What does DJI stand for in drones?
DJI stands for “Da-Jiang Innovations”. Da-Jiang is a Chinese technology company whose headquarters is in Shenzhen, Guangdong. It also has factories around the world. The company is famous for its state-of-the-art drone and drone accessories. The name can be broken down to “Da” and “Jiang” which respectively mean “Big” and “Boundary”. The phrase is part of a larger Chinese saying that can roughly be translated to “Great ambitions have no boundaries”. This is supposed to be a testament to the company’s commitment to innovate in a way that pushes the boundaries.
What do I need to buy a drone lover?
Drone lovers’ accessory needs may vary from person to person. A list of factors such as piloting capability, drone usage, drone type etc. may dictate what each individual requires or needs.
The best way to know what to give a drone user is to find out what drone type they fly. For DJI Mavic drones, the DJI FPV system is definitely one of the most luxurious gifts you can give. For indoor drone users, a drone propeller guard is the most thoughtful gift. There is not one-size-fits-all answer to buying a drone lover a gift. The best gift will change from situation to situation depending on the factors listed above.
Do I need a drone landing pad?
The necessity for drone landing pads depends on the environment in which the drone is being used. Most propeller accidents and damage usually happen when propellers get caught around tall grass during landing. Drone landing pads prevent such occurrences. It is strongly advisable to carry along a drone landing pad for outdoor drone usage because It may be hard to predict the nature of the terrain you may encounter as a drone pilot, you can always minimize risk if you stick to indoor RC drones.
How do you fold a drone landing pad?
The landing pad is first folded in two halves, forming semi-circle. The inner section of the bottom part is then folded upwards in such a way that the landing pad is now in a series of three concentric loops that are smaller than the initial landing. Detailed video descriptions of this process can be found on the internet.
Conclusion
The most important thing to understand about drone accessories is that they are usually subject to custom manufacturing. This means that most drone manufacturers produce custom accessories for a drone or set of drones. This means that every drone accessory buyer must check their drone model compatibility for every drone accessory they want to purchase.
Other factors that must be considered are budget level for drones. More generic drone accessories may be the way to go if you have a smaller budget. This is because in the long run more money can be saved by applying these same accessories to future drones that may be bought. What matters at the end is that adequate research is done to ensure that best compatible drones in the market are purchased. A good rule of thumb for best drone features is this list we have compiled.