ND vs ND/PL Filters for Drones: When the Polariser Helps
Researched from published specifications and verified owner reviews · updated 2026
The short answer
A plain ND filter only reduces light, which is what you need to keep the shutter near double the frame rate. An ND/PL adds a polariser, which cuts glare off water, wet roads and glass and deepens a blue sky. The catch is that polarisation depends on the angle to the sun, so a drone flying an arc produces a sky that changes brightness mid shot.
At a glance
| Freewell Air 3S split ND filter five pack | PolarPro ND/PL filter three pack for Mavic 4 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Reduces light | Yes | Yes |
| Cuts reflections | No | Yes |
| Effect changes with heading | No | Yes, strongly |
| Best for | Any moving shot, orbits, reveals | Static or short shots, water, glass |
| Light lost | The stated ND value | ND value plus polariser loss |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Choose the Freewell Air 3S split ND filter five pack if…
Choose plain ND for general flying, and particularly for orbits, reveals and any shot where the aircraft changes heading. Motion is what drone footage is for, and a filter whose effect is constant regardless of direction is the one that will not surprise you in the edit. It is also cheaper and loses less light for a given strength.
Check Freewell Air 3S split ND filter five pack on Amazon
Choose the PolarPro ND/PL filter three pack for Mavic 4 Pro if…
Choose ND/PL for shots over water, wet ground, glass or foliage, where a polariser removes glare that no amount of grading recovers, and for a sky that needs depth. Use it deliberately: set the rotation on the ground, keep the shot short or the heading constant, and be ready to accept a sky that changes if you fly an arc.
Check PolarPro ND/PL filter three pack for Mavic 4 Pro on Amazon
Related
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Questions people ask
+ Why does a polariser change during an orbit?
Because polarised light in the sky is strongest at ninety degrees to the sun, so as the drone circles, the angle between the lens and that band changes continuously. The sky darkens and lightens through the shot. It is not a fault and it cannot be dialled out in the air, which is why orbits and polarisers do not mix.
+ Does a polariser help with haze?
Somewhat, since it cuts scattered light, and it is not a substitute for shooting in good conditions. Early morning after rain is worth more than any filter. In heavy haze the contrast is simply not in the file, and pushing it in a grade brings up noise rather than detail.
+ How much light does a polariser lose?
Typically one to two stops on top of the ND value, which matters when you are already darkening the image. Factor that into the strength you choose, or you will end up with a shutter that is too slow rather than too fast. The shutter chart on this site lists the combinations.
+ Can you stack filters?
Do not on a drone. Stacking adds weight and thickness that a gimbal is not designed for, risks vignetting, and adds surfaces that cause flare. Drone filters are sold in single units for exactly this reason. Choose the right single filter for the light rather than combining two.
