DJI Mavic 2 Pro Review: Does Its Adjustable Aperture Still Matter?

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro remains interesting for one reason that many newer compact drones still do not offer: a 1-inch, 20MP camera with an adjustable f/2.8–f/11 aperture. That gives the pilot more direct control over exposure in bright light and makes the drone a worthwhile used option for a photographer who values that control. Its age, 907g weight and older video specification mean it is no longer an automatic recommendation.

It is best judged against the price of newer alternatives. If it is close in cost to a DJI Air 2S or a newer model, the newer drone is usually the easier choice. If it is clearly cheaper and in good condition, the variable aperture and solid 1-inch sensor still give it a distinct purpose.

Why the adjustable aperture matters

The Hasselblad L1D-20c camera uses a 1-inch, 20MP sensor, a 28mm-equivalent lens and an aperture adjustable from f/2.8 to f/11. Aperture changes how much light reaches the sensor. At f/2.8, the camera can use a faster shutter speed or lower ISO in dim light; in bright sun, stopping down can help control exposure without always relying on an ND filter.

For video, this can make it easier to keep a natural shutter speed when the light changes. It is not a replacement for careful exposure or ND filters in every situation, and the small sensor will not create the shallow depth of field of a large camera. But it gives more control than the fixed-aperture lens on many drones.

Photo and video quality

The Mavic 2 Pro can capture 20MP JPEGs and DNG RAW files. RAW is useful when a scene has bright clouds and dark land below, because it gives more room to adjust highlight and shadow detail during editing. It also records 10-bit Dlog-M and HLG video, which are intended for grading or compatible HDR playback rather than a quick file sent straight from the drone.

Its 4K limit is 24, 25 or 30fps at up to 100Mbps. That is still enough for polished landscape and travel footage, but it cannot match newer drones for 4K/60 slow motion or higher-resolution capture. There is no optical zoom on the Mavic 2 Pro; that was a feature of the separate Mavic 2 Zoom model.

Design, controller and storage

The Mavic 2 Pro folds into a manageable travel bag, but its 907g take-off weight is significant compared with today’s sub-250g drones. The controller has a small LCD for essential flight information, while a phone provides the live camera view in DJI GO 4. This is usable, but it is an older controller experience and phone compatibility should be checked before buying second-hand.

The aircraft has 8GB of internal storage for emergencies, but that is not enough for a normal shooting day. A compatible microSD card is essential. Check the battery condition, gimbal lock, propellers, controller cables and charging equipment as part of any used purchase; these are more important than a tidy-looking airframe alone.

Flight time and obstacle sensing

DJI rates the Mavic 2 Pro for up to 31 minutes in still air at a steady speed. That is a best-case figure, not 31 minutes of useful filming. Wind, cold, climbing and a sensible landing reserve all shorten real-world flights, so a spare battery is more valuable than trying to use every last percentage.

It has obstacle sensors in several directions, but “omnidirectional” does not mean invulnerable. Thin wires, branches, poor light, side-facing sensors and high speeds all limit what the system can detect. Sport mode reduces the available safety assistance. Treat the sensors as an extra layer of warning, not a reason to fly close to anything.

Hyperlapse and automated modes

Hyperlapse, ActiveTrack and QuickShots can help create a repeatable move, particularly while learning. Hyperlapse is useful because the drone automatically assembles a moving time-lapse, but you still need to plan a safe route and account for the light changing over time. Tracking a person or vehicle also requires space around the drone; obstacle sensing is not a substitute for judgement.

UK rules are a real limitation

The Mavic 2 Pro is a 907g legacy drone. In the UK, it can be flown in the A2 “near people” category only if the pilot holds an A2 Certificate of Competence and follows the relevant distances; otherwise it falls under A3 rules. A3 means staying at least 150m from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas, and 50m from uninvolved people. It also requires a Flyer ID and Operator ID. Read the current CAA Drone Code before buying: a light drone can be far easier to use in the places most people actually want to film.

Mavic 2 Pro versus Air 2S and Mavic Air 2

The DJI Air 2S has a similarly sized 1-inch 20MP sensor, but adds 5.4K capture, 4K/60 and a newer safety system. Its fixed f/2.8 lens is simpler, so the Mavic 2 Pro retains an advantage when manual aperture control matters. The DJI Mavic Air 2 is lighter and can record 4K/60, but its 1/2-inch sensor and fixed lens make it the less photography-focused choice.

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• 1-inch 20MP sensor with DNG RAW and 10-bit video options.
• Adjustable f/2.8–f/11 aperture gives useful exposure control.
• Foldable design and up to 31 minutes of claimed flight time.
• Multiple-direction sensing and thoughtful automated modes.

Limitations

• 4K tops out at 30fps, with no optical zoom.
• 907g brings much stricter practical UK flying limits than a sub-250g drone.
• Older app, controller and battery ecosystem need careful checking on the used market.
• Obstacle sensing is not reliable enough to prevent every collision.

What you need besides the drone

A fast microSD card, a spare healthy battery and a protective case are the basics. ND filters can still be helpful for video, even with the variable aperture. If you buy through this site, this is an affiliate link: check current DJI Mavic 2 Pro options on Amazon. It may earn GottaPics a small commission at no extra cost to you.

30-second decision

Buy the DJI Mavic 2 Pro only if the used price is clearly attractive and you specifically value its 1-inch Hasselblad camera with an adjustable aperture. It can still produce good photos and carefully shot 4K video.

Choose the Air 2S when you want newer video capabilities and a stronger all-round package. Choose a newer sub-250g drone when portability and practical UK flying freedom are more important. The Mavic 2 Pro is a specialist used buy, not the default modern choice.