Drones accessories are the small things that keep a drone flying safely and make the footage better: spare propellers, ND filters, a hard case or backpack, a landing pad, propeller guards, fast memory cards and charging gear. Many come in a bundle with a new drone, others you add as you learn what you need. Tell us your drone and the items on your list, and drone shops and resellers in your area quote you directly with price, stock and delivery. Sending a request is free and there is no obligation.
The accessories most pilots end up buying
- Spare propellers: cheap, light and the first thing to chip. Carry at least one full set.
- ND filters: darken the lens so video can be shot at a slower shutter speed in bright South African sun, which gives smoother motion.
- Hard case or backpack: protects the drone, controller and batteries in a car boot, on a hike or as hand luggage.
- Landing pad: keeps dust, sand and grass out of the motors and gimbal on take-off.
- Propeller guards: useful for learners and for flying close to trees or walls.
- Memory cards: a fast, high-endurance card that can keep up with high bit rate video.
Batteries and chargers are covered on drone batteries.
What to check before you buy
Accessories are made for a drone family, so give the exact model. Filters and propellers that fit badly can upset the gimbal or cause vibration. Watch the weight too: guards, lights and larger filters all add grams, and on a mini drone that can matter. Original accessories cost more, while good third-party ones are often fine for cases, pads and bags. For broken arms, motors and gimbal parts rather than add-ons, see drone parts.
Accessories and the rules
No accessory changes the rules. SACAA guidance for private flying says to fly in daylight, keep the drone in sight, stay below 150 ft (about 46 m) and keep about 50 m from people, buildings and public roads. A strobe light makes the drone easier to see, but it does not turn a night flight into a legal one. A longer-range antenna does not let you fly beyond where you can see the drone. If you fly for money, the pilot still needs a Remote Pilot Licence and the company an operator certificate.
What it costs and how to compare quotes
Single accessories sell for about R279 to R2,800 each, from a set of propellers to a good hard case or filter set. A fly-more style bundle can be cheaper than buying items one by one, so ask for both. Compare quotes on the same item: number of filters in a set, case size and whether the drone fits with batteries fitted, original or compatible, warranty, stock and delivery cost.
What to include in your request
- The exact drone model you fly
- Each accessory you want and how many
- Original only, or good third-party items as well
- Whether a bundle is an option
- Delivery address or collection
Drone Accessories for different clients
- Hobbyists and families: a case, spare props and a landing pad for holidays and weekend flights
- Farmers and growers: dust-proof cases and landing pads for flying from dirt roads and lands
- Estate agents and developers: ND filters for smooth listing videos in bright midday sun
- Builders, engineers and installers: tough cases and spare props for daily flights on dusty sites
- Mines, plants and utilities: rugged cases and memory cards for inspection teams on the move
- Photographers, film crews and agencies: full ND filter sets and fast memory cards for film and wedding work
- Security companies and estates: propeller sets and landing pads kept ready for patrol launches
- Municipalities, schools and NGOs: propeller guards and cases for school clubs and training groups
Frequently asked questions
Which drone accessories should I buy first?
Do I really need ND filters on a drone?
Are third-party propellers safe?
Who sends me the accessory quotes?
Drone Accessories by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg