oldbones

I have had drones for a while now. Actually, bought my first one from another AgTalker here a few (maybe more than a few) years ago. It was the old DJI Phantom 1 with a GoPro camera hanging on the gimbal. My "go to" today is still the Phantom 4 Pro Plus. I always like the DJI controllers with built-in screens vs using your cell phone. That's my preference. 

I also have a Mavic Pro and a Mavic mini.

My suggestion which I would be spending your money for, is to consider the latest DJI Mini 4 Pro Plus#mce_temp_url#. Should be about $1160. The "Plus" means it comes with slightly larger capacity batteries (heavier) that give you more flight time. I also would disregard flight time ads. Standard batteries might give  you 30 minutes, the "Plus" batteries might give you 45 minutes. Those flight times are based on flight conditions. Hovering takes more power. Flying in windy conditions (10 mph+) takes more battery. Also, after  you've let the batteries sit a few days, they purposely drain themselves to about 75% capacity. Anyway, with the "Plus" package I'd guess between 30-40 minutes flight time, which is plenty on one battery. Always keep in mind that if you fly away with a tail wind, it's going to take a lot longer for the drone to get back than it did getting to wherever you went. Don't want to run out of fuel coming home due to a headwind. If it's really windy out (15-20 mph) the drone will use up power fighting to hold it's attitude & altitude. 

If you get the "Plus" version, it means that LEGALLY you need to register the drone w/the FAA. Not the end of the world. Costs $5 and you get a registration number for THAT drone, just like an airplane has. This is because the bigger batteries supposedly put the Mini 4 Pro Plus over the 249 gram limit thus requiring registration. Personally, I'd get the bigger batteries & spend the $5 for registration. It's an online registration through the FAA website. If you fly recreationally, you do not need any big deal FAA license for yourself, but you and every drone operator in the USA does need to take an online, passable test that will give you a certificate when you've completed it less than an hour later. No cost! I recommend going to this website to take the test. They don't sell you anything, plus it's a good site to subscribe to (free) in order to keep up to date with drone information. Go to UAV COACH#mce_temp_url# and take this free test known by the FAA as "TRUST". Everyone passes it. 

What else can you do with them besides photos? Well, I don't know. Flying them purely for the effect of flying is fun also. Like owning a gun....what all can you do with it? But, I'm guessing you'll enjoy your photos more than you think. Oh, and please remember that you don't/won't use your drone for anything involving money....period. You don't scout your fields for down corn or wet spots, or anything like that. You just like to fly around and chase lightning bugs.....that's your story & stick to it. But, I'm sure it's legal to look down to verify your postion. You might notice the corn condition while you're looking down also. Otherwise you get involved with needing a commercial license. If you definitely want to make the drone pay for itself legally (!!) then you need to get a commercial UAS license, known as a Part 107 license. Not the end of the world, but probably not necessary.

One final thing. 99% of drones to my knowledge are mfg in China. Some may be assembled in USA, but probably mfg in China. If you're worried a drone is some kind of spy device from the Chinese, then don't bother. But, with the tariffs happening, you might want to buy sooner than later. The bigger DJI drones are already going up, I understand, due to the tariffs. Supposedly the little consumer drones aren't increasing yet. Not sure what will happen in the future.

That's what I would do with your money. But whatever, good luck.