Hi, I’m looking for a drone for my father. It needs to be beginner-friendly and cost around $150-200 CAD. The main use would be recreational, so a decent camera, moderate range, and good battery life would be helpful.
The issue is the insane amount of overpriced junk being marketed. I want to avoid being scammed, especially by something like the Black Falcon. Any advice would be much appreciated!
You could try getting a used DJI Mini 1 with a few batteries.
Shan said:
You could try getting a used DJI Mini 1 with a few batteries.
If you’re lucky, you might find one for around $100 on local marketplaces like Facebook. Most are listed closer to $200, though.
Shan said:
You could try getting a used DJI Mini 1 with a few batteries.
Are you talking about the Mavic Mini Fly More combo for $100? That’s super cheap. I’ve never seen one that low, but I actually have one I’d sell if you’re interested.
@Jai
I’ve come across a few in that range before.
Corey said:
@Jai
I’ve come across a few in that range before.
In my area, the cheapest listed on Facebook Marketplace is $250. It seems to depend on location. Finding one for $100 would be a steal!
@Jai
Here in Houston, there’s a Mini 2 Fly More combo for $200. I’m probably going to get it.
Corey said:
@Jai
Here in Houston, there’s a Mini 2 Fly More combo for $200. I’m probably going to get it.
Mini 2 for $200? That’s a great deal. I’ve got a Fimi Mini 3 arriving today. I’ve heard mixed reviews about it, but I wanted to try something different from DJI. If it doesn’t work out, I might try another brand like Potensic or C-Fly. I just want to experiment with something new.
@Jai
I’ve heard reliability can be an issue with other manufacturers, but it’s worth a shot.
Corey said:
@Jai
I’ve heard reliability can be an issue with other manufacturers, but it’s worth a shot.
True, but I like tinkering with new tech. I just want to find a good non-DJI option to try out different features and systems. That said, DJI still seems to be the best overall.
@Jai
There’s someone selling an Autel Evo Lite+ for $250 near me. I’m wondering if it’s worth it.
Corey said:
@Jai
There’s someone selling an Autel Evo Lite+ for $250 near me. I’m wondering if it’s worth it.
Aren’t those usually over $1000? If it’s legit, that’s a crazy good price.
@Jai
I think you should check it thoroughly before buying. Deals like that can sometimes be too good to be true.
You might want to check out Holy Stone drones on Amazon. They’re great for beginners and have some pro features. The prices are reasonable too.
Clove said:
You might want to check out Holy Stone drones on Amazon. They’re great for beginners and have some pro features. The prices are reasonable too.
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll take a look tonight.
What’s the main purpose of the drone? Is it for taking photos and videos or just for the fun of flying?
If it’s for videos, something like the DJI Mini series is a good option. If you’re looking for an exciting flying experience, FPV drones are thrilling, but they’re pricier and have a steep learning curve. It feels like you’re really in the drone when you fly FPV.
If your budget is limited to around $150, I’d recommend looking at the LYZRC L200. It’s probably the best you can get in that price range, and you might even find it for under $130.
Stay far away from Black Falcon drones. I ordered two with warranties for $175, and the quality was terrible. They felt like toys that might last 10 minutes. When I tried to return them, they kept offering partial refunds and restocking fees. After some legal back-and-forth, I finally got a full refund and was told to keep the drones. Honestly, I’m considering donating them, but I worry they might disappoint whoever gets them.
Avoid buying DJI drones directly from their online store. My order has been stuck with DHL for weeks, and I haven’t been able to get a refund or replacement. If you go for DJI, make sure you’re buying locally or from a reliable US-based seller.