Is the Ascend ASC 2680 better or worse than DJI mini drones?

Drone Reviews Forum
1

Hey everyone,

I don’t know much about drones, but I’ve always wanted one to use for filming. I saw the Ascend ASC 2680 at Costco for $69.99 and was wondering how it compares to DJI drones like the Mini series.

My friend has a DJI Mini, and it’s small, but that’s all I know about drones. Any advice would be great.

2

Honestly, it doesn’t compare at all. The video quality will remind you of an old flip phone camera.

3

These are the drones they expect us to buy when DJI gets banned. Sad.

4

If you want a reliable drone with decent quality, go for a DJI. If you want something that’s more of a toy, then the Ascend might be okay.

5

If you want to get into DJI drones, consider the Mini 4K. It’s way better than the Ascend and worth the investment.

6

Isle said:
If you want to get into DJI drones, consider the Mini 4K. It’s way better than the Ascend and worth the investment.

How does it compare to the Mini 2 SE? My friend has that one and says it’s decent.

7

@Lian
I have the Mini 4 Pro, but from what I know, the Mini 2 SE is like a scaled-down version with fewer features. The Mini 4K adds a better camera and a few more upgrades.

8

@Lian
The Mini 2 SE is very similar to the Mini 2 but with a lower price and slightly fewer features. It has basic functions like return-to-home and panorama photos but lacks obstacle avoidance. The Ascend can’t match any of these features and has a much worse camera.

9

@Bevin
Thanks! Based on what you said, it seems like:

  • Mini 2 SE: No 4K video, basic avoidance detection, older tech, cheaper.
  • Mini 4K: Can do 4K video, no advanced avoidance, newer and pricier.
  • Ascend: Not worth it at all.

Am I missing any key points? Articles online seem to lump these together, so it’s confusing.

10

@Lian
You’ve got most of it. The Mini 4K has better video quality but not much else over the Mini 2 SE. Both lack full obstacle avoidance, which is usually found on more expensive models like the Mini 3 Pro. The Ascend really doesn’t compare at all.

11

@Bevin
Got it. So if I’m flying through tricky areas like an abandoned mill, would these drones handle that well?

Also, what’s the advantage of RAW photos? Do they need editing afterward?

Lastly, would you say the Mini 4K is worth the price jump over the SE?

12

@Lian
For tight spaces like an abandoned mill, none of these drones have the obstacle avoidance you’d need for safety. RAW photos are uncompressed, so they give you more control over editing colors and details. If your budget allows, the Mini 4K is better for quality, but the SE is still solid for basic use.

13

Just looking at the packaging, you can tell it’s more of a toy than a real drone.

14

Comparing this to DJI is like comparing a water gun to a fire hose.

15

DJI is the gold standard for a reason. Cheaper drones like the Ascend can’t match their quality or reliability.

16

It’s a good starter drone if you don’t mind the lower quality. I still keep mine for risky situations where I don’t want to use my expensive DJI.

17

I bought this drone from Costco and it’s terrible. Unstable, bad quality, and struggles in wind. Returning it.

18

I’m not ready to splurge on a high-end drone. I just want something reliable for basic filming and scouting.

19

Lian said:
I’m not ready to splurge on a high-end drone. I just want something reliable for basic filming and scouting.

Go for the Mini 2 SE. It’s the best balance between price and performance.

20

@Smart
Where’s the best place to buy it, and how much does it usually cost?