Freewell Lenses for the DJI Pocket 3

Elevating Your Footage with Specialized Filters

Freewell has a reputation for producing top-tier filters and accessories, and their latest release for the DJI Pocket 3 is no exception. This new set of Freewell lenses for the Pocket 3 includes an ultra-wide lens, a macro lens, and a 1.1x anamorphic lens. Each lens serves a specific purpose, catering to different shooting styles and needs. I got my hands on these lenses and decided to put them through their paces to see how they perform in real-world shooting scenarios.

Ultra-Wide Lens: Expanding Your View

The first of the Freewell lenses for the Pocket 3 is the ultra-wide lens and this is perfect for anyone who wants to capture more in their frame, especially when filming landscapes, cityscapes, or tight indoor spaces. One of the best features of this lens is that you can pair it with ND filters, which allow you to adhere to the 180-degree rule for smoother, more natural-looking motion in video. I found the image quality to be sharp with no noticeable distortion, which can sometimes be a concern with ultra-wide lenses. It’s a great tool for vloggers and filmmakers looking to enhance their shots without compromising image quality.

The ultra-wide lens also stands out because it’s compatible with Freewell’s ND filters. The filters are easy to attach, and they help control exposure when shooting in bright conditions. For instance, using an ND32 filter with the ultra-wide lens provided excellent results, maintaining balanced skin tones and preventing harsh light from ruining the shot. However, in very bright environments, I found the ND32 to be just a bit too bright, while the ND128 was slightly too dark. A ND64 would have been the perfect middle ground, and I found myself wishing Freewell had included that option.

Macro Lens: Incredible Detail for Close-Up Shots

If you’re someone who loves capturing intricate details up close, the macro lens will be your best friend. This lens was a pleasant surprise. While I initially thought it would be difficult to use, especially for handheld shots, it truly shines when mounted on a tripod. The macro lens allows you to get incredibly close to your subject, revealing details that would otherwise go unnoticed, such as the texture of a zipper or the fine print on a piece of fabric.

The focus range is very narrow, so I recommend using it in a controlled environment. Handheld shooting can result in shaky footage because the slightest movement throws the subject out of focus. But when used properly, the results are stunning. This lens is particularly useful for nature enthusiasts who want to capture small objects like flowers, insects, or even the dew on leaves. I found it to be a niche but powerful addition to the DJI Pocket 3’s capabilities.

1.1x Anamorphic Lens: Cinematic Footage on a Budget

The 1.1x anamorphic lens is the star of this set, adding a cinematic touch to your footage. While it doesn’t offer the extreme stretch that you might get from other anamorphic lenses, the 1.1x magnification is subtle enough to give your footage that sought-after widescreen, cinematic look. This lens is ideal for anyone wanting to give their content a more polished, professional feel without investing in expensive cinema cameras.

One of the standout features of the anamorphic lens is its ability to retain image quality when paired with ND filters. For example, adding an ND filter allowed me to follow the 180-degree shutter rule, ensuring smooth motion blur in my footage. The lens performed well in various lighting conditions, and I was particularly impressed by how it handled flare. It gave the footage a subtle but attractive horizontal flare that enhances the cinematic quality without being overdone.

ND Filter Performance and Exposure Control

What is really interesting and unique is that these Freewell lenses for the Pocket 3 come with a selection of ND filters with these lenses, including ND16, ND32, and ND128. These filters are essential for controlling exposure, especially when shooting outdoors in bright sunlight. However, there’s a noticeable gap between the ND32 and ND128 filters. The ND32 was slightly too bright on sunny days, while the ND128 was a bit too dark. An ND64 would have been the perfect solution for those mid-range lighting conditions, and its absence was a bit frustrating. Hopefully, Freewell will address this in future releases, as it’s a noticeable gap for anyone shooting in varied lighting conditions.

The filters themselves are easy to attach and remove and they work great, no vigneting of any kind. However, one downside is that if you decide to use your standard ND64 freewell filter with these lenses, and yes, they will lock onto, but not as securely and neatly as the supplied with the lenses, it will cause slight vignetting around the edges of the frame that will require some cropping in post-production if you’re aiming for a clean, professional look.

Build Quality and Design

The Freewell lenses for the Pocket 3 attach to the Pocket 3 using magnets, which makes them incredibly easy to swap out on the go. However, the magnets don’t feel as strong as I’d like them to be. In controlled environments, such as vlogging or simple handheld shooting, they hold up well. But in more demanding situations—like cycling or any activity with a lot of movement—I found that the lenses could pop off unexpectedly. This is definitely something to be mindful of if you plan to use the lenses in more action-packed scenarios.

While the lenses themselves are well-made and produce sharp, high-quality images, I do wish the magnetic attachment system felt a bit more secure. This would give me more confidence when using the DJI Pocket 3 in more rugged environments.

Conclusion: Are Freewell Lenses for the DJI Pocket 3 Worth It?

Overall, I’m really impressed with what Freewell has done with this set of lenses for the DJI Pocket 3. They add a lot of versatility to an already capable camera. The ultra-wide lens, macro lens, and 1.1x anamorphic lens each serve a unique purpose and do a fantastic job enhancing the camera’s functionality. While there are a few minor issues, such as the missing ND64 filter and the slightly weak magnets, these don’t detract significantly from the overall experience.

If you’re looking to take your DJI Pocket 3 footage to the next level, this set of lenses is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, cinematic scenes, or close-up details, Freewell has you covered with a well-rounded set of tools.

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