DJI’s New 75mm Lens Takes Drone Photography to New Heights

Drone enthusiasts and aerial photographers have reason to celebrate as DJI unveils its latest innovation: the 75mm 1.8 lens for the Inspire 3 drone. This groundbreaking addition to the DL lens series promises to revolutionize aerial imagery, according to photographer Benjamin Hardman, who shared his experiences testing the lens in various challenging environments.

Pushing Boundaries in Aerial Photography

The 75mm lens, weighing 269g with its hood, is slightly larger than its DL series counterparts. To maintain balance on the Inspire 3’s X9 Air camera, DJI implemented a creative solution using counterweights on the camera’s back and the gimbal’s main arm.

Hardman, who tested the lens in East Greenland and during a volcanic eruption, was “mind-blown” by its capabilities. “The 75mm lens gives us more compression and parallax than we’ve ever had access to before,” he explained, highlighting its potential for creating unique perspectives in nature photography.

Impressive Low-Light Performance

One of the standout features of this lens is its wide 1.8 aperture, which Hardman describes as a game-changer for low-light conditions.

“Utilizing the dual native ISO of the Inspire 3 camera, this now gives you the ability to really create depth of field if you’re a little closer to your subject,” he noted.

Revolutionizing Nature Photography

The lens’s ability to capture detailed shots from a safe distance opens up new possibilities for nature photographers.

Hardman shared an example: “If we take a waterfall for example, I’m able to get the entire flow of water to fill the frame in 4K without the drone being at any risk of getting wet.”

This capability not only ensures the safety of the equipment but also allows for capturing intimate details of natural phenomena that were previously out of reach.

Image Quality and Stability

Despite initial concerns about potential camera shake with such a long focal length, Hardman was impressed by the lens’s stability, even in windy conditions.

“You can just TRUST that this combination is going to work flawlessly like the other lenses in the set,” he assured.

The image quality across the frame received high praise, with Hardman noting, “We are getting beautiful, crisp, and clear imagery that is sharp all the way through the frame.”

DJI’s New 75mm Lens Photo Gallery

DroneXL’s Take

The introduction of DJI’s 75mm 1.8 lens for the Inspire 3 marks a significant leap forward in drone photography technology. Its ability to capture detailed, high-quality images from a distance not only enhances creative possibilities but also promotes safer drone operations in sensitive environments.

This development aligns with the growing trend of using drones for environmental monitoring and nature photography, as seen in recent articles about drone technology advancements. As drones continue to push the boundaries of aerial imagery, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in fields ranging from Wildlife conservation to disaster response.

What are your thoughts on this new lens and its potential impact on aerial photography? Share your opinions in the comments section below.

Photos courtesy of Benjamin Hardman / DJI