Best Drone Accessories – The Essentials
So now that you’ve bought a drone, you may be wondering what the best accessories are for it. This list covers our top 20 choices that you should consider investing in.
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Top Drone Accessories
1. High Capacity Memory Cards & Hard Drives
Most drones come with a memory card. You’ll probably want to invest in some larger capacity cards when you consider the amount of space 4K video files take up. You’re going to need them if you don’t want to run out of space while you’re shooting.
There are many different brands of cards out there to choose from in a range of different capacities. Many drones use MicroSD cards.
I recommend SanDisk 32GB Extreme microSDHC UHS-I Memory Card. It’s also available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 400GB, 512GB and 1TB. I prefer to use cards with a capacity of 32GB or 64GB. It forces you to back up your work more frequently.
It’s always a good idea to have multiple backups of your work. In addition to memory cards, save copies to a hard drive. The Transcend StoreJet 25M3 is a good value and shock-resistant, speedy, rugged portable hard drive.
It has been drop-tested to US Military standards, and offers more protection to the internal parts in the event it’s dropped. It’s ideal if you plan on taking an external drive with you while traveling.
2. Spare Batteries
Spare batteries are an absolute necessity. A fully charged battery will normally provide up to 31 minutes of flight time.
I carry three batteries with me and think that’s the least amount you should have with you when shooting. There’s nothing worse than a battery going dead when you planned a day of flying.
3. Car Charger
In addition to having extra batteries, a car charger is a good drone accessory to invest in. It’s handy to be able to charge batteries in the car, especially while traveling.
If you have DJI drones they do sell DJI dedicated car chargers. Another option is a more versatile car inverter.
The BESTEK DC 12V to AC 120V Power Inverter includes 2 USB ports and AC outlets, to charge multiple devices while you’re on the go. So, you can plug in your laptop, camera, and phone too.
4. Drone Battery Charging Hub
We mentioned earlier that spare batteries are a necessity so that you can have more flight time. A drone battery charging hub charges multiple batteries at the same time, so you don’t have to wait around for one to charge before charging the next one.
5. Battery Safe Bag
Drones are powered by lithium-ion batteries. This type of battery can present a potential flight threat, due to the amount of heat and energy it can release should it short-circuit.
So, if you plan on getting onto an airplane with your drone, a battery safe bag is highly recommended. A battery safe bag is the safest way to transport drone batteries. It can lessen any damage from combustion and reduces the chance of igniting another object.
There are different size battery safe bags available, so get one that is sized for your batteries.
6. Spare Propellers
Most drones come with an extra set of propellers. There’s a good reason for that… Accidents can happen, and if you crash your drone, the propellers are going to take a hit.
It is never a good idea to try to fly with damaged propellers, so get some spares, and carry them with you.
7. Propeller Guard
If you are just learning to fly your drone, consider getting some propeller guards. They fit around your propellers and protect you from damaging them if you bump into anything.
8. Propeller Straps and Holder
Propeller straps and holders prevent them from being damaged during transport and when they are in storage. It keeps the propellers from rotating, breaking, and scratching up the drone.
9. Aircraft Sleeve
Any accessory that offers an additional way to protect your drone is worth the investment. Aircraft sleeves are small pouches and are fairly inexpensive.
10. Carrying Case
Keep your drone and accessories safe and protected with a carrying case. There are many options on the market including backpacks, small and large hardshell, or soft cases. Investing in good a case is well worth it.
11. Landing Pad
Protect your drone when landing and taking off in tall or wet grass, sand, or dirty areas with a landing pad. They are extremely portable and most of them come with a carrying bag.
12. ND & Polarizing Filters
ND and polarizing filters reduce reflections as well as reduce the amount of light that enters your lens. When you block some light you can open the iris, reduce your shutter speed, and shoot longer exposures to get cinematic images in brighter environments.
13. GPS Tracker
Some manufacturers include drone trackers with their drones. However, if your drone didn’t come with one, there are a variety of GPS trackers you can add on. You can choose from dedicated drone trackers or general-purpose GPS tracking devices. Both will get the job done.
Lost drones can occur from signal loss, bad weather, piloting errors, or any number of other reasons. You may think none of these things will ever happen, but it doesn’t hurt to add some additional protection for your drone.
14. Drone Repair Tool Kits
Owning a drone means knowing how to do repairs on it. Sometimes things go wrong when you’re out flying, and you may have to make a quick fix. A tool kit is a necessity for any drone pilot.
15. Drone Monitor Hood
A monitor hood shields your remote control LCD screen and smartphone from direct sunlight. It prevents glare and reflections on your screens, so you have a clear view of what you are shooting on a sunny day.
16. Night LED Accessory
If you are a commercial pilot and you plan on flying at night, you will need to have a bright enough LED light to comply with the rules for FAA Part 107.
LED lighting can be used creatively to light your subject from above, aerial light-painting, and long exposure photography. Use it commercially for inspections, surveillance, and security.
17. Remote Controller Lanyard
A lanyard is a strap that you can attach to the remote control and wear around your neck so you can keep your hands free to do other tasks. It’s a must-have for drone pilots that don’t want to risk their controller being damaged by laying it on the ground.
18. Photography Gloves
Photography gloves are handy to have when flying in cooler weather. They keep your hands warm and all you have to do is flip back thumb, middle & index finger caps to free your fingers to operate the drone.
19. Drone Decals and Stickers
Customize your drone with decals and stickers. You can find all kinds of stickers to personalize your drone. They’re an inexpensive and fun way to make your drone stand out.
20. Drone Insurance
Last but not least on the list is drone insurance. Whether you’ve just started flying or have been at it for a while, investing in a drone insurance protection plan is a must if you want to protect your investment.
If you have a DJI drone, consider their DJI Care Refresh Program. It is a 12-month service plan that provides complete and comprehensive coverage should your DJI drone be damaged during normal use. Normal product warranties don’t cover accidental damage.
No matter what brand of drone you own, you should consider some type of insurance. Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy may cover damage that takes place on your property, however, this will not cover commercial use. Check with your insurance agent to see what is covered under your policy.
There are dedicated insurance plans for drones and if you fly commercially, I recommend researching some companies for more comprehensive coverage. Many policies have liability coverage available that covers property damage or bodily injuries that have been caused by the drone.
Some commercial drone insurance is available by the hour, month, or year. Find a policy that covers the protection you need.
Best Place to Buy Drone Accessories
You can find drone accessories in your local camera shops or retail stores. Amazon offers a wide selection of drone accessories at reasonable prices. Adorama is a good source as well. They put together really great bundles too, which can save you quite a bit of money. I’ve been ordering photography equipment from both for many years.
Final Thoughts on the Best Drone Accessories
There are a lot of great drone accessories available. Choose the ones suitable for your needs. It’s easy to go a little crazy and purchase accessories you may never use.
Do you have a favorite drone accessory that didn’t make the list? Drop it in the comments.
Come have a look at The Best Drones for Photography in 2021 HERE.
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