Whether you are purchasing your first quadcopter or are looking to upgrade the one you already have, reading reviews is a great way to determine which one is right for you. The following review takes an in-depth look at the 3D Robotics Iris+ Multicopter, including its specifications and features, as well as pros and cons, before delivering a final verdict.
Specifications
The 3D Robotics Iris+ bundle includes the quadcopter, remote controller, 3DR telemetry radio, set of four legs, lithium ion flight battery, charger, tool kit, and an operation manual with a flight checklist.
Additional specifics include:
- A wingspan of 21.7 inches, which is considerably larger than the average wingspan of 17.7 inches.
- When fully charged, it has an average of 16 to 22 minutes of flight time, depending on payload capacity. It typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes to fully charge it.
- Maximum payload capacity of .8 lbs or 400 grams.
- The remote control is equipped with on-screen telemetry to provide instant flight data and can be used with a PC, MAC, or Android device.
- Includes a NuttX real-time operating system, an advanced processor, and sensor technology from ST Microelectronics®.
Features
While developing the Iris+, 3D Robotics made every effort to include features that hobbyists would really appreciate and enjoy.
Features include:
- Flight Protection: When the battery starts to run out, it will automatically land itself or return to an appointed home spot.
- Auto Mission Planning: Using the Pixhawk Mission Planning application, you can preplan your entire flight path. Using your smart device, you can configure your path and waypoints before you get started. Without you having to steer it, it will take off, follow the path you set out for it, and come back with footage that it perfectly sequenced.
- Geofencing: This allows you set parameters for your flight. If it exceeds this boundaries, it will automatically return to the spot where it launched.
- Integrated LEDs on every arm to ensure easy directional awareness.
- Follow Me technology: The Follow Me function requires a GPS-enabled Android device to work. When Follow Me is on, the Iris+ follows the GPS signal, while keeping the camera focused on you to catch outstanding, highly targeted footage.
The Good
There are plenty of advantages associated with the Iris+, starting with how smoothly it flies. The Iris+ is exceptionally stable, allowing you to create amazing films and sharp photos. (Even when printed out, the photos are incredibly high quality.) Another advantage is the low base price, especially when you consider all that it can do when combined with the various accessories, such as the GoPro, you can add.
It is also worth noting that numerous users have reported that it is very easy to operate and fly, even for beginners.
The Bad
There are plenty of advantages to purchasing the Iris+, but there are also disadvantages to consider. While you can easily use the Iris+ directly out of the box, you are almost certain to need additional accessories for it to function as you have planned. For example, you will need to purchase a gimbal and a GoPro Hero3+ if you plan to record video in flight. If you plan to view the recording while it is still in the air, you will also need to invest in a first-person view (FPV) kit. This adds a significant amount to the original purchase price, which may be more than you had planned to spend and is definitely a con.
An additional con is the large remote control, which can be intimating right out of the box. However, with a little effort (and the operation manual), you can figure it out. Once you finally figure it out, you’ll really like it, especially the built-in telemetry.
The Verdict
When you consider all it has to offer, the 3D Robotics Iris+ is definitely a quadcopter worth considering, even if you do have to purchase important accessories separately. Not only does it have a reputation for creating outstanding photos and videos, but it is has a number of great features and it is easy to use, which is ideal for someone who doesn’t have much experience with drones.
Overall, the Iris+ is a great option, especially when you can purchase it on sale.
Also read our review on the 3DR Solo Drone Quadcopter!
3D Robotics Iris+
Pros
- Exceptional stability
- Easy to operate and fly
- Buil-in flight protection
- Automated flight path planning
Cons
- First-person view kit and other accessories not included
- Larger than usual remote control
