Finding a competitive alternative can be challenging in a market dominated by DJI. However, several non-DJI drones offer impressive features at more accessible price points. This review will look at the Ruko F11PRO 2, a 4K drone with high-quality video, advanced flight features, and user-friendly controls, all at a budget-friendly price. We’ll explore its design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall value to see if it can stand up to the competition and meet the needs of both hobbyists and aspiring filmmakers.
Size- and weight-wise, the F11PRO 2 is between the MINI 4 Pro and the Air 3S. Weighing 357g, it has several disadvantages and advantages over lighter models. Many countries require drones over 250g to be registered and may require operators to obtain a specific license or certification. Also, heavier drones often face more restrictions, such as limitations on flying near airports, overpopulated areas, or above a certain altitude. On the other hand, the additional weight and more robust build often provide better stability in windy conditions, resulting in smoother footage and more reliable flights.
The Ruko F11PRO 2 has a built-in Remote ID module that allows authorities and other airspace users to identify and locate drones in real-time. This reduces the risk of collision, particularly in areas with high air traffic, and helps ensure safe drone operations.
Ruko F11PRO 2 hands-on review
Disclosure: I received this FAA-compliant drone for a product review collaboration with RUKO. Although the drone was offered for free, all opinions in this article remain mine, and the sponsor did not influence me.
Ruko is a rapidly growing drone manufacturer known for offering high-quality, feature-rich drones at budget-friendly prices. The company has a reputation for producing user-friendly drones catering to beginners and experienced pilots. Their mission is to make aerial photography and videography accessible to everyone without compromising on performance or technology. Besides drones, their product range includes Smart charging (power stations and portable solar panels) and Fun Toys (smart robots and RC cars).
A few weeks before Christmas, RUKO contacted me regarding a review cooperation for their latest two drones, the F11PRO 2 and the Veeniix V11PRO.
Ruko F11PRO 2: At a glance
The F11PRO 2 comes in the box with two flight batteries, data cables (RC-Phone), a Type-C charging cable, a set of spare propellers, a user manual (PDF available here), and, of course, the remote controller.
Although I compared the F11PRO 2 with DJI drones, it has more of an Autel-like sleek design with smooth curves. Those two frontal LEDs resemble the obstacle avoidance sensors on the EVO Lite and EVO Nano. With folded arms, the drone measures 6.5×3.54×2.56″, and when unfolded, it measures 13.78×15.16×2.56″. Remember first to unfold the front arms, then the rear ones. When collapsing, do it in reverse order.
On the belly of the drone, there is an optical flow stabilization sensor that ensures stable hovering in any environment. In addition to the frontal navigation lights, there are two status lights on the back (one under each rear landing skid). The 2s 3200mAh battery is loaded from the tail.
For easy transportation and storage, the Ruko F11PRO 2 comes in a handbag that can store up to 3 flight batteries (one in the drone and two in dedicated bays), the remote controller, and the drone itself. The bag has an internal zipped pocket for small accessories such as spare propellers and data cables.
Generally, the second-generation F11Pro features a solid, well-thought-out build. It feels sturdy in hand but not overly heavy, and the foldable design makes it easy to carry around. The materials seem durable enough to handle regular use, and everything fits together nicely, from the arms to the gimbal.
Ruko F11PRO 2: Camera Performance
Equipped with a 6K UHD camera, the Ruko F11 PRO 2 captures decent videos, perfect for both casual photography and more serious videography. Featuring a 3-axis gimbal, the footage is smooth without being affected by the drone’s vibrations. However, as you can see in my test videos, under certain conditions, there are some annoying horizontal lines on the sides that may be caused by reflections from the propellers, as CMOS sensors scan images line by line.
You can opt for 4K@30fps, 2.7K@50fps, 2.7K@30fps (smooth), or 2K@50fps (smooth) video mode. Photos can be taken with a resolution of up to 5700×3200 pixels.
The camera features a 5x digital zoom, and the lens angle can be adjusted from -90 ° to 0°. No information is provided regarding the image sensor size, EFL, FOV, or aperture.
Ruko F11PRO 2: Flight time
The F11PRO 2 comes with two batteries, offering a combined flight time of up to 70 minutes. Each 2S 3200mah lithium-ion polymer battery provides approximately 20–30 minutes of flight time, depending on your usage and weather conditions. For instance:
- Aggressive flying or windy conditions: Expect closer to 20-25 minutes.
- Casual flying or hovering in calm weather: You can get up to 35 minutes per battery.
Charging takes around 120 minutes per battery, which is standard for budget drones. The battery has four charging level indicators, an ON/OFF switch, and a Type-C port for charging.
The drone stayed in the air for nearly 32 minutes during my hovering battery life test. This test allowed the battery to be used down to 1%. I do not recommend pushing the batteries to their limits, as over-discharging can dramatically reduce their lifespan.
Ruko F11PRO 2: Remote controller and flight range
The F11PRO 2 is packed with a compact remote controller that has a built-in rectangle phone holder and removable stick ends (stored at the bottom of the RC). The beauty of the radio is the status screen that shows telemetry data such as flight distance, altitude, speed mode, and recording status. Additionally, the Take-off/Land, Speed, and Power buttons are on the front panel. It has two USB Type-C ports: the top connects to your phone, and the other allows you to charge the radio. The internal battery lasts for about 2–3 flights.
Ruko advertises the F11PRO 2 drone with a flight distance of up to 10,000 ft (3048 m). I conducted the range test for each drone I reviewed in the same location: an unpopulated open field, far from any airports, with no obstacles and minimal RF interference. At 70 meters, I flew up to 2,638 meters (8,803 ft) away before the fail-safe RTH (Return to Home) was triggered. There is no signal strength indicator in the mobile app, but the live video feed became intermittent (laggy and choppy) around 1,700 meters. Since it was foggy that day, it could have influenced the actual range. During the test, my phone was set to “Airplane mode” to prevent any external interference.
Pricing and availability
When I published my review, the F11PRO 2 was $459.99. Using the “Save50” discount code gave $50 off. For an extra $46.55, the Ruko Care Refresh offers the convenience of two replacements within a year. Whether you experience accidents, collisions, or water damage, you can have your product replaced for a small additional cost. This drone is also available on the company’s official Amazon store.
Key features
- [Be The Director of Your Life] Featuring a 6K camera and 4K/30fps video, F1PRO 2 lets you create personalized short films that celebrate your unique experiences. From family gatherings to outdoor adventures, unleash your creativity and turn everyday moments into cinematic masterpieces. Equipped with a premium Sony lens, it delivers exceptional image quality that outshines standard lenses. Capture finer details and richer textures in every shot, showcasing your world in vibrant color.
- [Stability Redefined] Experience the advantage of our 3-axis brushless gimbal, which provides superior stability and smoothness. With enhanced wind resistance, you can capture professional-level aerial footage with ease.
- [Low Noise for Quieter Flights] Lightweight and low-noise design helps reduce drone noise, offering a more enjoyable and quieter flying experience.
- [Built-in Remote ID] The drone broadcasts its location and identification information, ensuring safer airspace and better integration with other aircraft. This technology is now a requirement in many regions, helping authorities monitor drone activity and fostering responsible flying practices.
User experience and flight performance
It has a printed user manual and plenty of online support, so the learning curve should be quick, even for newbie pilots. Additionally, you can check Ruko’s YouTube channel for flight tutorials.
I tested the Ruko F11PRO 2 in various flight conditions, from extreme temperatures (-10°C/14°F) to super windy weather, and it flew with no problems. It has two flight speed modes: “Stable” and “Sport”. As it is not an FPV drone, you should not expect racecar speeds or extreme agility. The front LED lights increase visibility during low-light conditions.
If the drone loses connection with the remote controller, it will return to the take-off point automatically. I tested this feature, and it works flawlessly. It quickly fixes GPS- I’ve never seen 30+ satellites in my area. Since Remote ID is mandatory in some regions, I suggest checking if it works properly. You can use the OpenDroneID OSM free mobile app, which is available for Android devices on Google Play.
Ruko MINI APP
As mentioned before, the F11PRO 2 can be piloted without a mobile phone thanks to the RC’s built-in status LCD. However, using the Ruko MINI app is highly recommended to explore its full potential and maximize the user experience.
In addition to the control interface, the app provides access to video tutorials, drone manuals, warranty information, and direct customer support (via WhatsApp).
On the main screen, the top ribbon displays the aircraft and drone battery levels and the GPS status. The distance from the take-off point, flight altitude, and horizontal and vertical flight speeds are shown at the bottom of the screen.
Through the app, you can access a variety of camera modes, including Split Screen, Night Mode, Zoom, Vertical Screen, and Instagram-like filters. Additionally, the app offers autonomous flight modes such as GPS Follow, Orbit Flight, and Route Planning.
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