Full disclosure: some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions in this article are my own. If you (dis)agree, I invite you to open a discussion in the comment section.
As you probably know if you have been following my work, I am quite the organisation nerd. I like my photography gear dialled in, cleanly packed, and ready to go at a moment’s notice. For years, my drone setup lived inside my main camera bag, alongside lenses and bodies. It worked, but never felt ideal. Often I head out just to fly my drone, or I don’t need it at all, so I started looking for a more flexible way to organise my drone gear without constantly repacking everything.
That’s when I first started using the f-stop Drone Case (Large), which quickly became part of my workflow with the Mavic 3 Pro. It handled months of use in Icelandic conditions without any issues, but with the move to the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, it was clear I needed something bigger. So I was genuinely looking forward to the release of the f-stop Drone Case XL, designed to accommodate the newer & larger generation of drones.
Over the past few months, I’ve been putting the f-stop Drone Case XL through its paces with my Mavic 4 Pro in all kinds of conditions and even the most challenging winter weather. Curious how it fits into my workflow and whether it lives up to expectations? Let’s take a closer look.
The new f-stop Drone Case XL looks really sleek and now comes in the black DuraDiamond fabric as opposed to green with the smaller versions.
The inside of the f-stop Drone Case XL is just like you’d expect it if you are changing from the previous Large model.
Why You Need a Dedicated Drone Case If You’re a Photographer
If you’re a photographer flying a drone like the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, you’ve probably realised that the included case isn’t designed with your workflow in mind. These cases are fine for basic storage, but they don’t integrate well with a photography setup that includes a lot of other camera gear. Most photographers already rely on a dedicated camera backpack, making that bulky DJI drone bag unnecessary and often impractical.
While it’s possible to store your drone inside your camera backpack’s internal camera unit, it’s not the most efficient solution. A dedicated drone case, that fits inside your photography backpack, offers a far more flexible and efficient approach. It allows you to quickly remove or include your entire drone setup depending on your needs, without disrupting the rest of your gear. Heading out to shoot landscapes without flying? Leave the drone case behind. Going out purely for aerial photography? Grab the drone case and go, no need to bring your full camera kit.
In short, a well-designed drone case improves organisation, protects your gear, and speeds up your workflow. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a noticeable difference for photographers who regularly switch between ground and aerial shooting.
The original Mavic 4 Pro bag that comes in the box is quite a nice bag if all you do is use your drone. However, most photographers carry a lot more gear and need a less bulky, more streamlined way to carry their drone with their other gear.
Does the f-stop Drone Case XL Fit the DJI Mavic 4 Pro?
Short answer: yes. The f-stop Drone Case XL swallows my DJI Mavic 4 Pro with the RC Pro 2 controller attached, plus six spare batteries in their charging docks, my filters, cables and a few spare propellers. Nothing rattles and nothing gets crushed.
And that’s not a given any more. A lot of the popular drone cases were built around the older Mavic 3, and the Mavic 4 Pro is a bigger body with a chunkier controller, so some of them no longer close properly around it. The XL was the one that actually fit without a fight, so it’s the one that stayed in my bag.
If you’re still choosing which drone to fly, I break down the best drones for every budget in a separate guide.
What I Like About The f-stop Drone Case XL
There is a lot to love about the f-stop drone cases and this new version designed for DJI Mavic 4 Pro is no different.
This new extra large version, which I am using, is sized 31cm (length) x 18cm (with) x 18cm (height), which means it has plenty of volume to fit more than just your Mavic 4 Pro. The build quality is great. The fabric used in the outer shell is again the outstanding f-stop DuraDiamond (now in a sleeker black) which means the drone case is weather resistant, while the inside feels soft and sufficiently padded to keep your gear safe. I have used several backpacks (for example the f-stop Ajna photo backpack) and previous drone cases in heavy rain and did not experience any issues. The stitching is great, as well as the zippers. Even with tension on the zippers (when I inevitably stuffed more than I should have inside the case) held up exceptionally well.
The design of the drone case XL is larger than previous models to accommodate the Mavic 4 Pro but still feels compact, yet spacious. The drone case zips open entirely which means you can easily access both sides of the case. Because of this design you might not be able to immediately get to your drone gear inside your photo backpack, but it allows you to carry more within the same volume. It fits A LOT of things, which you will read about further on in this article. It fits all of my drone gear with ease. Because this is an extra large version, don’t just get more space to fit your Mavic 4 Pro batteries (inside of the dock!) but also larger magnetic pockets which are great for spare parts.
The f-stop Drone Case XL is made out of high quality materials with f-stop’s DuraDiamond fabric, YKK zippers and welded inside pockets with magnetic locks.
The f-stop Drone Case XL fits an incredible amount of drone photography gear.
Organising your drone photography gear inside of the f-stop Drone Case XL is easy and effective. Once opened, both sides have a zipped cover, one being a mesh and the other a cover with several pockets and storage possibilities. This means that when you open the drone case nothing will fall out. The pockets have magnetic covers which allow you to easily access what’s inside while not having to worry about things falling out. In both halves of the drone case you will find velcro dividers which you can adjust to fit your specific drone model.
One of the things I like most is the fact I can easily leave it behind when needed, or carry only the drone case. There are always scenarios where I won’t use my drone, for example when I am going to photograph birds such as on the puffin workshop I host. I also sometimes want to take only my drone, for example when we go hiking in certain parts of the highlands that show better from an aerial perspective I will only bring my drone. The drone case XL fits easily into my photo backpack, as will be the case with almost every f-stop backpack depending on how large your internal camera unit is. I have tested it with Ajna, Tilopa and Shin but also with another backpack I use, the Ortlieb Atrack 45L, when things need to be extremely waterproof during zodiac-heavy workshops.
A final benefit, which is really important if you travel a lot, is that it can be treated as a personal item on a plane. I have been in one situation where the airport staff made me weigh my carry-on backpack, which can be very stressful when you carry a lot of gear. With this f-stop drone case, it’s super easy to take it out and treat it as a handbag, or personal item. I highly recommend attaching Peak Design Anchor Links and put a Peak Design Leash strap inside of your drone case.
Want to leave your drone behind? Just take the Drone Case out of your bag. Need only your drone gear? Just take only the drone case. Traveling on an airplane? Add a strap to it and treat it as your personal item. There are many practical sides to using this case.
What I Don’t Like About The f-stop Drone Case XL
A review without honest critique is just marketing, so here are my niggles. At $119.99 it isn’t cheap for a soft case, and you feel that when a hard shell can cost about the same. It’s soft-sided, so it’s brilliant as carry-on or inside a backpack, but I wouldn’t check it as luggage without a hard case around it. Neither of those has pushed me to replace it, but you should know it going in.
How I Organise My DJI Mavic 4 Pro & Other Drone Photography Gear Inside The f-stop Drone Case XL
Before I can delve into how I have organise my f-stop Drone Case XL, I want to share what drone photography gear I use today so you can truly understand how much this fits. If you want to get the most out of that kit, I cover the full workflow in my online drone photography course.
I use the DJI Mavic 4 Pro in combination with the DJI RC Pro 2 remote controller. Inside of the drone case, I have 7 batteries (one inside the drone), the remote controller, a 160 watt Anker charging brick, a CPL filter, two USB-C cables, two Mavic 4 Pro battery charging docks, spare propellers, spare memory cards, spare control sticks and an Apple AirTag.
On a side note: I recommend having separate AirTags for your drone case, photo backpack and even internal camera unit when you often split up your gear.
There are many different ways to organise your Mavic 4 Pro inside of this drone case. Thanks to the velcro dividers, you can finetune it to your liking.
On the side with the mesh cover, I keep my Mavic 4 Pro, which has a battery inside of it, together with the DJI RC Pro 2. I also keep the Anker 160W power adapter, two USB-C cables (both rated for charging and fast data transfer) and a CPL filter. Thanks to the mesh, the Mavic 4 Pro and the DJI RC Pro 2 can stick out of the divider a little bit as they are taller than the actual depth of the case.
On the other side, I keep everything else. Inside of that section of the Drone Case XL, I keep two battery docks which each house 3 batteries. I’ve labeled each battery with a number so I can more easily rotate between batteries so they degrade evenly. In the sleeve, with the various pockets, I keep the spare propellers, memory cards, spare control sticks, a strobe light and an AirTag.
All of this fits very comfortably and the f-stop Drone Case XL zips up without effort.
In the compartment without the mesh you can find both of my battery docks with a total of 6 batteries.
In the compartment with the mesh cover, you can find my Mavic 4 Pro with a battery, the DJI RC Pro 2 controller, a charger, two USB-C cables for charging and data transfer and a CPL filter.
Of course, most people probably won’t carry 7 batteries and two charging docks like I do. The most common scenario and used layout is likely that you carry a Mavic 4 Pro, a battery dock with batteries, a remote (DJI RC 2 or DJI RC Pro 2), charging cables that came in the box (even the 240 watt fast charger) and spare parts. Below is an example of what that setup may look like for you.
In the compartment without the mesh you can place both the controller and a battery dock with 3 batteries.
In the compartment with the mesh cover, you can place the Mavic 4 Pro (with a battery) and all of your charging equipment.
f-stop Drone Case XL vs Shimoda Drone Core: Which One Fits the Mavic 4 Pro?
The case I get asked about most as an alternative is the Shimoda Core Unit Drone Pro. It’s a lovely bit of kit and cheaper than the f-stop, so it’s a fair question. Until recently there was a catch, and it was a big one for us Mavic 4 Pro owners: the original Drone Pro core was designed before the Mavic 4 Pro launched, and reviewers who tried it reported that the newer drone with its RC Pro 2 controller was too tight a squeeze to really fit.
That has now changed. Shimoda have released the Core Unit Drone Pro 4, a bigger second version of the drone core built specifically for the Mavic 4 Pro. It is $89.95, it weighs 0.6 kg, and it measures 29.5 x 20.1 x 16.5 cm on the outside with 27.9 x 18.5 x 15 cm of usable space inside. Shimoda list it as SKU 520-474 in black and SKU 520-475 in the Boa colourway, and their own product page says it holds the drone, the controller, spare batteries and filters.
One thing I want to flag, because it matters for this exact kit: Shimoda’s own copy says the case is made for a Mavic 4 Pro with “an RC Pro controller”. They do not name the RC Pro 2 anywhere I can find on that page. The original Drone Pro core is still sold alongside it at $79.95, so if you fly the Mavic 4 Pro the Pro 4 is clearly the one to be looking at. To be clear: I haven’t had the Pro 4 in my own hands yet, so everything above comes from Shimoda’s published specifications rather than from me packing my own kit into it.
Here’s how the two stack up on the numbers:
| Feature | f-stop Drone Case XL | Shimoda Core Unit Drone Pro 4 |
| Price | $119.99 | $89.95 |
| External size | 31.5 x 18.5 x 18.5 cm | 29.5 x 20.1 x 16.5 cm |
| Weight | 0.56 kg | 0.6 kg |
| Fits Mavic 4 Pro plus RC Pro 2 | Yes | Built for the Mavic 4 Pro (Shimoda do not name the RC Pro 2) |
| Shell | DuraDiamond weather-resistant | Nylon ripstop water-resistant |
| Battery capacity | Drone plus 6 spares in my kit | Drone plus controller and spare batteries (Shimoda) |
| AirTag tracking | Yes (I add one) | Yes (built-in sleeve) |
| Carry style | Standalone case | Modular core for Shimoda Action X packs |
| Warranty | See f-stop support | 5 years |
Now that the Pro 4 exists, I’ll get one in and test it against the f-stop myself and update this comparison with real-world results rather than spec sheets. For now, the f-stop Drone Case XL is the case I trust for paid work in Iceland and Greenland.
DJI Mavic 4 Pro Case FAQ
Does the f-stop Drone Case XL fit the DJI Mavic 4 Pro?
Yes. It fits the Mavic 4 Pro with the RC Pro 2 controller attached, along with spare batteries, filters and cables. It was the case that actually closed around my current kit without forcing it.
f-stop Drone Case XL or Shimoda drone core: which is better for the Mavic 4 Pro?
The f-stop is still my pick, because it is the one I have actually packed and flown with. Shimoda have now released the Core Unit Drone Pro 4 at $89.95, built specifically for the Mavic 4 Pro, which fixes the fit problem the original Drone Pro core had. I have not tested the Pro 4 in hand yet, so treat that as a spec-sheet comparison rather than a verdict.
How many batteries fit in the f-stop Drone Case XL?
In my setup I carry the drone plus six spare batteries in two charging docks, so seven in total, alongside the controller, filters, cables and a few spare propellers.
Is a hard case or a soft case better for the Mavic 4 Pro?
A soft case like the f-stop XL is better for daily fieldwork and carry-on travel because it’s lighter and quicker to work from. A hard case is worth it if you check your gear as luggage or want maximum crush protection.
Can I use the f-stop Drone Case XL as carry-on for flights?
Yes, it’s compact enough to go inside my carry-on or a larger backpack. For checked luggage I’d still add a hard case, since a soft case isn’t built to take baggage-handler abuse.
Conclusion
The f-stop Drone Case XL is just like its smaller siblings, which I used with the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, a core item in my photography bag. It has made my life more convenient. I can easily leave my drone behind (or take only my drone with me), while also carrying more gear with me. The f-stop Drone Case XL is very durable and hasn’t shown any out of the ordinary wear during the time I have used it. Even when putting it through its paces in Iceland’s harsh environment, the materials hold up extremely well. I am very happy with it and I can only recommend it if you are considering adding a case such as this one to your setup.
If you are interested in the photography gear I use, please have a look at my Gear page.
Buy the f-stop Drone Case (Extra Large) for DJI Mavic 4 Pro, DJI Air 3/3s (fits the battery dock) or similarly sized drones: https://jvn.photo/go/dronecasexl
Buy the f-stop Drone Case (Large) for DJI Mavic 3 series or similarly sized drones: https://jvn.photo/go/largedronecase
Buy the f-stop Drone Case (Small) for DJI Mini 2/3/4/5 series or similarly sized drones: https://jvn.photo/go/smalldronecase
DISCOUNT
The Drone Photography Masterclass – Video Course
Nigel Danson & Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove‘s complete drone photography video masterclass will explore everything you need to know to start creating the best aerial photographs using any type of drone in more than 55 videos. Whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced drone pilot, this video course contains a vast amount of information to level up your drone photography skills.
Learn Drone Photography With My E-Book
Want to learn how to get the best results with your newly purchased drone? I wrote the most comprehensive guide available on drone photography which teaches you a technique to get the DSLR-like results out of even the cheapest drones.
In 125 detailed pages I explore everything you need to know to start creating the best photographs using any type of drone. Whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced drone pilot, this e-book contains a vast amount of information to level up your drone photography skills.
What to Expect?
- A 125-page educational PDF about nature drone photography with very detailed explanations
- Which drone to get for photography and why
- Important settings and configuration options
- A list of useful skills & tips
- A list of useful accessories and what not to buy at all
- How to research locations for drone photography
- How to compose with a drone and insight into Jeroen’s thought process with plenty of examples
- Thoughtfully planning ahead for your drone shoot
- The how and why of creating bracketed images
- The how and why of shooting HDR panoramas
- What challenges you might face and how to deal with them
- Common mistakes & how to deal with them
- How to stitch your panoramas together
Use EBOOK20 to get 20% off your Nature Drone Photography (E-Book) purchase!
Discover Jeroen’s Photo Workshops in Iceland, Greenland & Beyond
Ready to take your photography to the next level? Join me, Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove, on unforgettable photo workshops in Iceland, Greenland, Antarctica and other exciting destinations. Whether your passion is wildlife photography, bird photography, landscape adventures, or mastering drone photography, each workshop is designed to give you hands-on guidance in some of the world’s most spectacular locations.
From puffins in the midnight sun to Arctic foxes in the wild, from glaciers and volcanoes to dramatic coastlines seen by drone – these journeys are more than workshops; they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Group sizes are kept small, ensuring personal mentoring and plenty of shooting opportunities.
Looking for something specific? Check out Jeroen’s…
- Wildlife & Bird Photography Workshops (Puffins, Arctic Foxes)
- Drone Photography Workshops
- Photo Workshops in Iceland
- Photo Workshops in Greenland
- Photo Workshops in Antarctica
Spots are limited – secure your place today!
Are You Looking For A Specific Photo Workshop?
All Upcoming Photography Workshops With Jeroen
Explore all upcoming photography workshops with Jeroen and take your skills to the next level in some of the world’s most extraordinary locations. From the volcanic landscapes of Iceland to the ice-filled fjords of Greenland and the wildlife-rich polar regions such as Antarctica, each workshop is designed to help you grow creatively while experiencing unforgettable moments in the field. Browse all upcoming departures below and find your next adventure!
LAST SPOT
LAST SPOTS
OPEN FOR BOOKINGS
OPEN FOR BOOKINGS
LAST SPOTS
WAITLIST
WAITLIST
WAITLIST
WAITLIST
WAITLIST
WAITLIST
WAITLIST
WAITLIST
WAITLIST
Choosing the right photography workshop is about more than just visiting iconic locations. It’s about experience, safety, timing, and personal guidance. Below you’ll find honest reviews from photographers who have joined me on landscape, wildlife & drone photo workshops in Iceland, Greenland and other locations. These testimonials reflect real experiences in small groups, hands-on instruction in challenging conditions, and the level of care Jeroen aims to bring to every workshop.
Support Jeroen’s Work
As an independent photographer, Jeroen partially relies on your support to keep producing worthwhile content such as blogs, photographs, books and much more. If you want to support his work, it is possible to do so by buying his e-books & books.
You can also sign up to the newsletter to stay up to date on new blog posts, projects, workshops and other interesting information.
Thank you for considering!
