I bought a mini 3 and that was pushing my budget, so Ive been trying to save on some accessories. So far Im 1 for 3

The good:

I got this next strap gizmo for my RC N1 controller and Im really pleased. It fit the remote perfectly and the strap adjust to a good length for me - Im 6ft tall and long arms - and seems to be reasonable good quality materials.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PQ3HJMJ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

The bad:
I ordered the Skyreat prop holder but it seems way to tight to me. It wants to bend the props when I put it on and thats not ok. Ive ordered the DJI version. Hoping its better.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B24W38H3?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I also ordered two cheap strobes and they certainly are cheap. In my work shop they seemed bright enough, but on the bird they are almost impossible to see even just 100 ft away at dusk. They are way to directional as well. I put one on each side of the drone low down on the body hoping I would be able to see them. One flashing red and one green. The drone has to be positioned just perfectly for me to see them. Even then they are just not bright enoough. Maybe if they were both white they might be more visible, but that doesnt help with orientation. They are going back. Gonna try a better brand next time.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B972WZ56?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I also ordered a variable ND filter, but I cant review it yet - the box was empty!! I'll update when/if I actually get one.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BC962SKZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1


Sorry - thought I knew how to post valid links but cant seem to get them to work.

The DJI prop holder is much better and cheaper than the 3rd party ones,  it's shapped to the drone and doesn't compress the props.

I got the DJI prop holder today and its a huge improvement over the other one. However, its a pain to put on. By the way on Amazon the DJI holder is more expensive than the third party versions.

Anyway, I just ordered another even less expensive one to try. It looks like it will be much easier to put on/off. Its the $7.99 two piece one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/produc ... 00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Also - I got the replacement variable ND filter today and there was actually one in the box! Its raining hard and solid over cast, so all I have done so far on testing is take the drone out on my deck and point it in different direction, at the sky etc. The darkest setting is way too dark, but the lightest setting looked like it would be about right for these conditions. Will need a nice sunny day to tell how well it works on a bright day.

I need to relearn how juggle F-stops, ISO, ect rather than using Auto all the time. I was good at that many years ago with my Canon Rebel, but cell phones have ruined me!

I got the cheap two piece prop holder linked above and I almost really really like it - almost.  Its much much easier, faster and less fiddly to get on/off than the DJI strap.

The smaller clip that goes on the bottom of the drone works perfectly. Holds the props in place with virtually no pressure on the blades. They can easily slide around under the clip. A lot less pressure on the blades than with the DJI.

However, the larger clip for the top of the drone is too tight and bends the tips of the props a good bit. I tried using a heat gun to change the bend angles but was not able to get it loose enough for my comfort level. Im sure it will bend the prop tips over time and thats not good.

So then I tried them on opposite sides and found that the smaller clip works perfectly on top or the bottom and the large clip is too tight either way.

So Im going to return the DJI prop holder and order another one of these cheap clip holders and just use two of the smaller clips. Total cost for two of these is about $16 where the DJI costs about $22. So Im saving money even with ordering two.

This might fit better on the Mini 3 Pro, but for the non-pro mini 3 you will need two of them. Still a good deal compared to the DJI. So much easier to use and no pressure on the blades - plus cheaper.