| • Heavy duty build | • Very stable flight |
| • Carries larger cameras | • Dual motors for reliability |
| • Power to carry about 2 lbs | • Automated Flight & Follow Me |
The 3DR X8 plus is a strong octocopter that can be purchased in three varieties – DIY, X8+ or X8-M. I’m focusing on the X8+.
It has a very durable frame design that is both sturdy and light weight. The arms are made of aluminum, giving this drone a very robust feel.
Its eight motors give it the power to carry nearly a 2 lb payload. They also serve as a safety feature should a motor go out mid-flight.
Since this is a 3D Robotics drone, it comes with the hands free flight planning software, Pixhawk autopilot system and 3PV Follow me.
I like to think of the 3DR X8 as an IRIS+ on steroids. Same ease of flight, but a heck of a lot stronger.
Pros
- Built tough
- Dual motors give more lift
- Very easy to fly
- Extremely steady Loiter
- Excellent for professional camera use
Cons
- Payload reduces flight time
- Not very agile
- Heavier than most other drones
- Challenging gimbal installation
Specifications
| Size: | 13.7 inches X 20.1 inches X 11.8 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
| Weight: | 5.6 lbs |
| Max Payload: | 1.7 lbs, additional payload possible up to over 1 kg with reduced flight time |
| Battery: | 4S 14.8V 10,000mAh 10C Lithium Polymer |
| Flight Time: | 15 minutes |
| Controller: | FlySky FS-TH9X with FrSky telemetry module (Included) |
| Camera: | Gimbal Kit for GoPro Hero (Gimbal and Camera Sold Separately) |
| GPS: | Yes (3DR u-blox GPS with Compass) |
| Return Function: | Yes (Return to Launch) |
| Mobile/Tablet App: | Yes (Android Only) |
| Autopilot: | Yes (32-bit Pixhawk) |
| FAA Registration: | Required (FAA Page) |
Complete Review
3D Robotics calls the 3DR X8 Plus a ready-to-fly (RTF) heavy-duty copter for good reason. This drone is the Tonka of drones. It’s not built like any other.
It weighs in at nearly 6 lbs (5.6 lbs to be exact) and is primarily made from aluminum. It has 8 motors, but it’s not your typical octocopter. Rather, it’s an X frame with four inverted propellers.
This design gives the X8 more reliability and flight protection if any one motor should burn out. Its robust design also makes it great for real world use.
The strength and design of the 3DR X8+ allows it to carry 1.7 lbs. You can load it up with a little over 2 lbs, but you’re going to get less than 15 minutes of flight time.
This ability to carry such heavy payloads means this drone is built for work. It can carry professional sized cameras for zoomed in photography or filming. It can also be rigged to carry payloads from one point to another.
The 3DR X8 is ready to fly with minimal assembly. It also includes 3D Robotics automated mission planning with all settings ready to go right out of the box. Connecting everything up is pretty straightforward.
The most difficult assembly and calibration is the Tarot Gimbal for the GoPro Hero. But it’s a really nice gimbal once it is set-up properly. If you’d like, there are options for professional gimbals.
3D Robotics says that the X8+ can carry professional quality cameras like the Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera and optional lenses. It can also carry professional point and shoot cameras like the Panasonic LX100 or the Canon S110.
It is also equipped with 3DR’s Third Person View Follow Me technology (3PV Follow Me). The 3DR X8 will follow you and keep its camera focused on you during its flight.
Included is the Pixhawk autopilot system and the DroidPlanner 2 software, so you can plot out your flight plan and let the X8 go. You can also use the Region of Interest (ROI) function to record a single spot as it flies its route.
Although this machine is built for professional use, it is still pretty easy and fun to fly. However, it is not as nimble and aerobatic as other drones made of lighter material.
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