The Mavic Air 2 is a remarkable improvement over its predecessor and our top choice for a versatile flying camera. It offers a better range, longer battery life, excellent 4K/60p video quality and several new shooting features, all at the same initial price. Despite some minor issues, it’s an excellent option for both photographers and filmmakers.
Folded, the Mavic Air 2 is incredibly compact, measuring 180 x 97 x 84mm—about the size of a 500ml beer bottle. When unfolded, it measures 183 x 253 x 77mm. With a weight of 570g, it’s just over half the weight of the Mavic 2 Pro, making it highly portable and powerful for photographers and filmmakers. However, depending on local regulations, you might need to register the Mavic Air 2.
The Mavic Air 2 adopts the Mavic Pro series’ folding design, sitting low to the ground on its rear arms. This requires finding flat ground with short grass for take-off and landing to avoid propeller interference, which could cause erratic flights or crashes. Using a small landing mat can help in grassy areas. On hard, flat surfaces like tarmac or concrete, this isn’t an issue.
Specifications
- Sensor: 12MP 1/2-inch CMOS
- Camera Focal Length: 24mm (full-frame equivalent)
- Aperture: Fixed f/2.8
- Video: 4K MP4 & MOV, D-Cinelike, up to 240 fps
- Gimbal: 3-axis
- Weight: 570g
- Flight Time: Up to 35 mins
Pros
- Extremely easy to fly
- Compact, foldable design
- Significantly improved battery life
- High-quality stills and video
Cons
- Occasional camera feed stuttering
- Controller lacks a screen
Features and Flight
- The Mavic Air 2 has a top speed of 42mph and a flight time of 34 minutes.
- It has an improved range of 10km, compared to its predecessor’s 4km.
- The drone’s video feed might occasionally stutter and lock momentarily.
The Mavic Air 2 features new motors, electronic speed controllers, better battery technology and improved aerodynamics. These advancements allow flight speeds of up to 42mph in Sport Mode and a flight time of up to 34 minutes. This is a substantial improvement over the original Mavic Air’s 21-minute flight time and even exceeds the Mavic 2 models by three minutes. The extended flight duration and slower battery drain are significant benefits. The controller also has better battery life compared to its predecessor.
Flying the Mavic Air 2 is straightforward, thanks to its smart technologies, including OcuSync 2.0, which offers superior transmission between the controller and the drone compared to the original Mavic Air.
Photo and Video Quality
- The new sensor significantly enhances image quality.
- The Mavic Air 2 offers a fantastic range of shooting modes, including 8K Hyperlapses.
- High-resolution 48MP stills can be somewhat disappointing.
The Mavic Air 2’s image quality is vastly improved over its predecessor, primarily due to the new 12MP 1/2-inch Quad Bayer sensor, which produces cleaner images at all ISO levels. However, noise is still noticeable even at ISO 100, making ISO 400 the highest practical setting.
The camera lens has a full-frame equivalent focal length of 24mm with a fixed f/2.8 aperture. Despite this limitation and the lens focus being set to hyperfocal distance, the depth of field is sufficient to keep both close and distant landscape scenes sharp.
Design and Controller
- The redesigned body looks like a mini Mavic 2 Pro.
- The new controller includes OcuSync 2.0 for improved range.
- The weight of the Mavic Air 2 means you might need to register the drone.
In conclusion, the Mavic Air 2 is the best drone for most users, offering enhanced features, superior flight performance and excellent image quality. It provides a superb combination of power, portability and advanced capabilities, making it ideal for both stills photographers and filmmakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key improvements of the Mavic Air 2 over its predecessor?
The Mavic Air 2 boasts a superior range, extended battery life, improved flight performance and enhanced camera capabilities, including 4K/60p video.
How long does the Mavic Air 2 battery last on a single charge?
The drone offers up to 34 minutes of flight time, a significant increase from its predecessor, thanks to improved battery technology.
Is the Mavic Air 2 easy to transport?
Yes, the Mavic Air 2 features a compact, folding design that makes it highly portable. When folded, it is comparable in size to a 500ml bottle.
What kind of video quality does the Mavic Air 2 offer?
It can record video in 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second (fps), providing excellent clarity and smoothness in footage.
Does the Mavic Air 2 support any advanced shooting modes?
Yes, it includes features like 8K Hyperlapse and various intelligent flight modes for creative video capture.
What is OcuSync 2.0 and how does it benefit the Mavic Air 2?
OcuSync 2.0 is a transmission technology that offers improved connectivity and range between the drone and its controller, ensuring stable and reliable communication.
Are there any issues with the Mavic Air 2’s camera feed?
Occasionally, users may experience stuttering or momentary locks in the video feed, although this does not significantly affect overall performance.
Do I need to register the Mavic Air 2 with aviation authorities?
Depending on your location and local regulations, you may need to register the drone due to its weight and capabilities.
What accessories are recommended for flying the Mavic Air 2?
It’s advisable to have spare batteries, a landing mat for grassy areas and possibly ND filters for enhancing video quality in bright conditions.
Is the Mavic Air 2 suitable for both beginners and experienced drone pilots?
Yes, its intuitive controls and smart flight modes make it accessible for beginners, while its advanced features cater to the needs of experienced photographers and filmmakers alike.