The best Air 2S tablet holders [The 3 types to consider]

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Typical DJI remote controls rely on smart devices to view the first-person video stream of the drone. The smart devices are clipped onto the remote control and are typically smartphone-sized screens. However, some people want to use tablets as they provide a much larger viewing area and allow you to view your flight in much more detail.

The best Air 2S tablet holders include the HeiyRC extender bracket, the full body clip CYNOVA 4-13.5 Inch Drone Tablet Holder and the FPVtosky for those who want to keep their tablet holder on their remote.

There are many benefits to utilising a tablet for viewing your first-person video stream. Including:

  • larger viewing screen
  • more details viewable
  • easier access to software buttons
  • able to turn up the brightness for direct sunlight
  • longer battery life

However, some aspects of using a tablet holder also need to be addressed, such as the balance of the remote control and the ease of packing up afterwards.

This article will go through all the things you need to know about choosing the best air 2S tablet holder and the different types you can select from.

In a hurry – these are best

If you are in a hurry and need to make a decision right now, here are the best tablet holders in each category.

CYNOVA 4-13.5 Inch Drone Tablet Holder

There are three types that I have highlighted, including extender brackets, full-bodied clips, and no disassembly iPad holders.

Tablet holderLink
HeiyRC – best small adapterView current price
CYNOVA – Best full body holderView current price
FPVtosky – Best permanent holderView current price

Each of these would suit a different pilot, but overall, the no disassembly type will hold a tablet and be much easier to use as you do not need to take it off the remote control between uses.

Extender bracket type

The RC-N1remote control that comes with the air 2S has an expandable area for attaching a smartphone.

The 2 rods that stick up from the remote control can be used for third-party accessories.

The first type of iPad holder is the extender which clips onto the smartphone clamp and provides a surface on which to mount your iPad.

HeiyRC – best small adapter

The best currently available is incredibly cheap at only $9.39.

This iPad holder is the best for people looking for a very inexpensive way to hold a range of tablets it folds down to an incredibly small size and is lightweight, which makes it easy to carry with you during your drone flying adventures.

The tablet holder is suitable for a remote controller that comes with the Mavic air 2S, mini two, or the Mavic air 2.

It weighs only 0.6 for answers but can hold up to 20.38 ounces.

It has a wide compatibility including:

  • iPad
  • iPad mini
  • iPad air
  • iPad pro with no case
  • iPad air 2
  • Galaxy Tab S4
  • and many more

It will not fit the iPad pro 12.9 inch as it is not big enough.

The extender features an adjustable arm and a soft and anti-scratch surface which holds your iPad at a comfortable viewing angle. It has a quick-release feature from the remote control, making it very easy to set up. However, it does not stay permanently on your remote.

Full body Clip

Another type of iPad holder for the DJI Mavic air 2S is one where the clip holds on to the entire remote control. The benefit of utilising a tablet holder that grabs onto the entire remote control is that it is much more stable and provides a solid surface for your tablet.

Unfortunately, it adds a significant amount of bulk to the remote control and needs to be removed each time after use.

CYNOVA 4-13.5 Inch Drone Tablet Holder

The best currently on the market, includes the affordable drone tablet holder from CYNOVA at  US$26.99.

The great thing about this iPad holder is that it can hold cumbersome tablets and is suitable for tablets from 4 inches to 13.5 inches in length. The positioning of the tablet over the remote control means that the centre of gravity is less likely to be pulling your tablet and remote control away from you.

The addition of a land yard will help you balance this easily.

It has a one click extension button design and has many configurations due to its ability to rotate around multiple joints.

It is compatible with:

  • the iPad mini five
  • iPad air 2
  • iPad air 4
  • iPad pro

It snaps over the remote control which makes it very secure and it is very unlikely to fall off. Making this iPad holder much safer for people who need to move around a lot during their flight.

No disassembly type

the last type of iPad holder for your DJI Mavic air 2S is one in which the holder stays permanently on the remote control. The benefits of this type are that it is very quick and easy to set up, and the compact design means it can travel attached to your drone remote control.

No need to be searching in your bag for the lost accessories.

FPVtosky

One of the most highly rated at the moment is sold by FPVtosky.

The iPad holder is permanently fixed to the tablet stand and is directly folded onto the remote control. The iPad holder is fixed firmly to the rear of the remote control with double screws. This makes it very easy to attach and control even very large iPad or tablets.

Compatible with:

  • iPad Mini (7.9in)
  • iPad (9.7inch)
  • iPad Air (10.5inch)
  • iPad Pro ( 11inch)
  • Galaxy Note (10.1inch)
  • Galaxy Tab S7 (11inch)
  • Other 7-12 inch tablets

It is compatible with any tablet from 7 to 12 inches and not with the iPad pro 12.9 inch or mobile phones.

That said, if you want to use your mobile phone after installation, it does not affect mobile phone use as it allows you to use the original phone holder.

This tablet is equipped with a lanyard hook so that you can rest it comfortably during your flight and take some of the strain off your wrists.

The set also comes with the 90° USB cables so you will be set up and ready to go with your new iPad holder when it arrives.

Tablet holder buyers guide

If you are in the market for a tablet holder, plenty of options are available to you to the point where it can be quite overwhelming. Here are the important aspects of what to look for in a tablet holder for your air 2S.

Size of your tablet

The most important aspect to check for is that the tablet holder is suitable for the size of your tablet.

Some of the very large tablets such as the iPad Pro 12.9 inch are not supported by a wide range of tablet holders.

For most people, however, there will be many options for you.

Disassembly

One of the most annoying aspects of flying a drone is setting up your drone before the flight. If you are doing something out of the ordinary or using third-party accessories it can be hard to keep track of all of the different components that need to come together before your flight.

I like that some of these iPad and tablet holders do not need to be removed from the remote control and are permanently fixed to the phone stand.

Choose one that does not interfere with the use of the phone holder and permanently fixes to your remote control if you want a super easy pre-flight setup.

Folded size

Many of the tablet holders fold down to a small size.

I like to travel as minimally as possible and always look for the smallest accessories that I can carry. I do not like accessories that are bulky or irregular shape as I find them hard to take with me in my everyday carry bag.

Weight distribution and balance

adding a large tablet to the remote control can easily change the weight distribution and balance of the remote control.

Many tablet holders push the centre of balance further away from the drone pilot, which means that your wrists will have to work harder to keep the screen facing you.

The clip type that positions the tablet closer to the centre of the remote control is better for your wrists. However, you can use a tablet holder with a lanyard connection to make it easier.

Anti-scratch

Tablets can be very expensive, so I would choose a tablet holder with an anti-scratch and soft pads on the points that connect to your tablet.

Materials

You’ll find that most of the iPad and tablet holders for drone remotes are fabricated from plastic. However, any pivot points or attachment points should be a much more sturdy material and have metallic screws if they are permanently attached to the remote control.

Plastic is fine for the lightweight form hugging components but any weight bearing joints and arms must be a much stronger material to be long-lasting.

Wrapping up

This article has been through the three types of tablet holders suitable for holding a large range of tablets on your DJI remote control for the Mavic Air 2S.

Most people would benefit from having a permanently attached tablet holder on their remote control that does not stop the pilot from using the smartphone holder.

Make sure you choose a tablet holder made of a strong material with metallic or reinforced plastic parts around the load-bearing areas.

Aim for an iPad and tablet holder that holds your screen at a comfortable viewing angle and does not move the sense of balance too far away from the pilot. If the centre of balance is changed significantly, ensure a secure place to attach a lanyard for longer flights.

The Author

Dr Andrew Stapleton is a Drone pilot, Writer and YouTuber with a PhD in science. His drone footage has been featured on TV (ABC Documentary) and he has written and/or produced videos for Science Alert, COSMOS magazine, and Australia's Science Channel among others. He has been a drone pilot for many years and has flown many types of drones.