I am a drone newbie, and my best drone is a DJI Spark.
I want to get FPV googles but not to race, but for an immersive experience when I fly.
Are the DJI goggles (anywhere between 399 and 438 depending on the exact model on Amazon) the very best I can get?
Here are a few caveats:
- I have a rather large head (26 inches in diameter)
- I wear corrective lenses
- I don't race, but I would like the best immersive experience
- I would prefer a wide angle and big screen (mainly for safety since the Spark only has forward obstacle avoidance)
What can you recommend?
Shall I get the DJI goggles and, if yes, what model/version?
Thanks!
I have used the DJI goggles for over a year - the original white version. If you are not flying a racing drone, there's no point in getting the racing RE version of the DJI goggles.
I highly recommend the DJI goggles. However, if you go the route of DJI goggles, you can not go back to a cheap setup. They are that much better.
If you have not ever flown FPV, there is a less expensive way to see if you will like it. You can get an app called the Litchi app, and use your phone with a less expensive VR set of goggles - can be as little as $10. This set up will cost between $35 and $50. I started out this way, and it was a good experience. It was an inexpensive way to see how the FPV experience works. However, my phone lagged with or without goggles. If you have an iphone, or strong android phone, your experience will be better than my experience with the Litchi/cheap FPV route. The chief difference between DJI goggles, and the litchi with phone route is the screen resolution, and it is a significant difference. Had my phone worked better; however, I may not have upgraded to the DJI goggles.
If you do use Litchi, be sure that the DJI GO4 app is not running in the background. If it is running in the background, there will be a conflict between the Litchi app and the DJI app.
I highly recommend the DJI goggles. However, if you go the route of DJI goggles, you can not go back to a cheap setup, so I recommend starting out with a cheap setup.
Assuming corrective lenses means eye glasses, the DJI goggles are designed to be used in conjunction with eye glasses. You may also make use of corrective lenses installed into the goggles. DJI sells a set; however, many people, if not most, prefer the brand Focus Fixers, which are also designed to 'snap' into the DJI goggles.
When you are ready, consider purchasing the DJI goggles second hand. Many people buy the goggles, and don't use them, so they eventually sell them. Often, the second hand price is $200 to $250. They are not hard to find used. I bought mine used, and they were brand new; essentially.
Regarding the wide screen to avoid hitting objects, if you are at an altitude sufficient enough, you will not need to be concerned with obstacle avoidance. If you are flying low, then stop the drone. While hovering, rotate the drone in a circle to better understand your environment before proceeding.
For many of us, the DJI goggles are the preferred way to fly a drone. There is nothing else like it. If you cannot make use of a spotter, then you will be breaking the FAA rules/guidelines/law. I fly out in the middle of nowhere, so I am not overly concerned with making use of a spotter. I realize there is risk, but the loss is all on me, so it's a chance I'm willing to take. In all honesty, I doubt anyone uses a spotter.
The Spark is a great drone. However, it is limited. One day, you may acquire a DJI Mavic Pro (original version can be purchased for as little as $500, now; often with multiple
batteries.). The DJI goggles are designed for use with the Mavic Pro. The combination of the MP with the goggles is remarkable.
Hope this helps
Good luck.
