DJI Mavic 2 Zoom

The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom, released by DJI in August 2018, marked a turning point for consumer‑grade aerial photography by combining compact fold‑away design with a genuine optical zoom lens. Building on the success of the original Mavic Pro, the Zoom model introduced a 2× optical zoom and 4× digital zoom, allowing pilots to frame subjects from a distance without moving the aircraft, a capability previously limited to professional cinema drones. Powered by a 385‑gram carbon‑fiber frame and a 1,250‑mAh battery, the drone can fly up to 31 minutes and reach speeds of 72 km/h, while maintaining a stable flight envelope thanks to a three‑direction obstacle‑sensing system and GPS‑enhanced positioning. The camera, a 12‑megapixel sensor with a 1/2.3‑inch CMOS, supports 4K video at 60 fps and includes DJI’s OcuSync 2.0 transmission, delivering a reliable 10‑km video feed. The Mavic 2 Zoom’s blend of portability, optical zoom, and advanced safety features helped democratize professional‑level aerial cinematography, influencing subsequent drone designs and expanding the role of unmanned aircraft in journalism, real‑estate, and search‑and‑rescue operations. Its launch price of roughly $1,350 positioned it as an affordable option for serious hobbyists, further accelerating market adoption of high‑quality drone imaging.