I’m new to drones and trying to decide between the DJI Air 2S and Mini 2. I’m sure I’ll eventually hit something, so I’m wondering if obstacle avoidance is worth the extra cost. I don’t plan to fly fast, but I do want to try flying between trees. How well does obstacle avoidance work on the Air 2S at low speeds? Is it reliable enough to be worth the investment?
I’d say go for obstacle avoidance. I’ve flown drones for years, and it’s saved me from crashing when the drone was out of sight or behind objects. It pays for itself quickly.
I just crashed my Mini 2 because I couldn’t see a tree in my way. I think it’s a good feature to have, but note that the Air 2S doesn’t have lateral sensors, which can be important in certain situations. Also, the Mini 2’s weight under 250g can be an advantage due to fewer restrictions.
I debated this myself and ended up going with the Air 2S for the better camera and sensors. If you’re worried about crashes, DJI’s Refresh plan could be worth checking out.
Obstacle avoidance on DJI drones is fairly basic compared to other brands like Skydio. It’s useful for big objects, but small branches or wires? Not so much. If this is your first drone, maybe start with the Mini 2. It’s cheaper to replace if you do crash.
Honestly, I find DJI’s obstacle avoidance can give a false sense of security. I recently crashed my Air 2S while it was auto-tracking because it didn’t detect branches. You still need to be cautious.
Consider other factors too. Depending on local regulations, the Mini 2’s lightweight may allow you to fly in more places. I switched from a Mavic Pro to a Mini 2 and fly more often now since it’s easier to carry around and use.
Obstacle avoidance might help avoid big objects, but for smaller obstacles like tree branches, it’s not reliable.
For a beginner, I think the feature can be worth it if you’re able to afford it. But the most important thing is taking time to build your skills. Practice flying slowly and get comfortable, since conditions can change how the drone behaves.
I started with the Mini 2 but upgraded to the Air 2S. Obstacle avoidance would have saved me from my first crash. Plus, the Air 2S is faster, more stable, and has a fantastic camera. If you’re serious about photos and videos, the Air 2S is worth it.
DJI’s obstacle avoidance can be overly sensitive when flying between trees and can prevent smooth flying through tighter areas. I recommend practicing slowly with prop guards if you’re interested in flying close to objects.