6 Best GoPro ND Filters To Get The Perfect Exposure

Introduction to GoPro ND filters: ND filters, short for neutral density filters, are optical accessories commonly used in photography and videography to control exposure and achieve creative effects. They work by reducing the amount of light entering the camera lens without affecting the color balance of the image.

GoPro ND filters are designed to uniformly reduce the intensity of all wavelengths of light, allowing photographers and videographers to control exposure settings in various lighting conditions.

The primary purpose of GoPro ND filters is to balance the exposure when shooting in bright environments, such as on sunny days or snowy landscapes. By reducing the amount of light entering the lens, GoPro ND filters help prevent overexposure and allow for proper exposure of both the subject and the background. 

Additionally, GoPro ND filters enable GoPro photographers to use wider apertures or slower shutter speeds, creating artistic effects like motion blur or long-exposure shots even in daylight.

Best GoPro ND Filters

Here’s a list of some of the best ND Filters for GoPro available online

1. REYGEAK 6-Pack Lens ND Filters for GoPro Set CPL ND8 ND16 ND32 ND64 ND1000 Compatible with GoPro Hero 11 10 9

The REYGEAK CPL + ND lens filter kit is specifically designed for GoPro Hero 11, Hero11 mini, Hero 10, Hero 10 BONES, and Hero 9 Black cameras. This kit includes ND filters with strengths of ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64, and ND1000, along with a CPL filter.

Constructed with high-grade multi-coated optical glass and an aluminum alloy frame, these filters ensure crystal-clear footage and a secure fit. The ultra-thin glass design avoids vignetting, maintaining the full view of your shots. With a high transmittance of over 99.5%, the filters do not compromise image quality.

The ND filters provide greater control over aperture, exposure time, and sensor sensitivity, allowing you to tailor your footage to your desired look. They effectively reduce the amount of light entering the sensor, eliminating washed-out photos and videos caused by bright sunlight.

The CPL filter plays a crucial role in removing unwanted reflections, such as scattered light and reflections from metal or water. By allowing only parallel light to pass through, it enhances color saturation and creates vibrant, captivating scenic images.

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2. PolarPro – Shutter Collection – Filters for GoPro Hero 9, 10 & 11

The ND filter kit engineered specifically for the HERO9 Black camera offers exceptional features to enhance your filming experience. Featuring CinemaSeries Glass with 16 coating layers, these filters effectively reduce flaring while providing protection against fingerprints and oils. The kit includes ND8, ND16, and ND32 filters, along with a minimalistic protective hard case for easy storage and transportation.

With the Adventure Assurance guarantee, you can feel confident in the performance and durability of your PolarPro gear during all your adventures. If you’re not satisfied, PolarPro offers a money-back guarantee.

Designed to replace the stock UV filter on the HERO9 Black camera, these filters not only provide superior optical quality but also offer a water-resistant seal, ensuring your camera remains protected in wet environments.

Overall, the ND filter kit for the HERO9 Black camera from PolarPro delivers professional-grade features, including advanced glass technology, convenient storage, and the assurance of high-quality performance for your filming needs.

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3. NEEWER 4 Pack Lens Filter ND Filter Kit Compatible with GoPro Hero 11 10 9

This ND filter is exclusively compatible with GoPro Hero 11, Hero 10, and Hero 9 cameras. Please ensure that you have the correct model before placing an order.

The ND filters offer great functionality by reducing the amount of light that reaches the camera’s film without compromising the color. This allows for increased control over the aperture, exposure time, and sensor sensitivity settings, enabling you to achieve a shallower depth of field or capture sharper photos.

Constructed with multi-coated HD optical glass, these filters provide excellent light transmission and ensure crystal-clear, high-definition video. They are also waterproof, oil-proof, scratch-proof, and reduce fingerprints and fogging. The filters maintain a low refractive index, deliver outstanding color neutrality, and ensure perfect target transmission.

The installation process is quick and easy. Simply unscrew the original filters counterclockwise and then turn the desired ND filter clockwise for rapid filter exchange.

Designed with a quality aviation aluminum frame, these filters are both lightweight and durable. They will not interfere with the functionality of your camera’s lens.

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4. K&F Concept 4-Pack ND/PL Lens Filter ND8/PL ND16/PL ND32/PL ND64/PL Compatible for GoPro Hero11 /Hero10 /Hero 9 Black

The ND/PL Filters Kit from K&F Concept is designed precisely for GoPro Hero 11, Hero 10, and Hero 9 Black cameras. It offers a range of high-quality filters to enhance your filming experience.

Constructed with imported AGC optical glass, these filters ensure no color shift and provide crystal-clear footage. The precise machine tooling guarantees a secure fit on your GoPro camera.

With 28 multi-layer coatings on both glass surfaces, the filters are waterproof and scratch-resistant. They maintain high transmittance of over 99.5%, preserving image quality while reducing light. The ultra-thin glass frame design avoids vignetting, ensuring a clear field of view. Please note that the glass has a hydrophobic coating and should not be used underwater.

These filters serve a dual function, combining ND and CPL capabilities. The ND filters offer 3/4/5/6 stops of light reduction, allowing for greater control over exposure settings. 

The CPL filters eliminate reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water and glass, enhancing colors and contrast to create vivid and captivating scenic images.

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5. TELESIN 4-Pack Lens Filter CPL ND8 ND16 ND32 Compatible with GoPro Hero 11 Hero 10 Hero 9 Black

The TELESIN CPL + ND Filter Kit is precisely engineered for GoPro Hero 11, Hero 10, and Hero 9 Black cameras, offering a range of high-quality filters to enhance your filming capabilities.

Crafted with high-grade multi-coated optical glass, these filters ensure high-definition and crystal-clear footage. The precise machine tooling guarantees a secure fit on your GoPro camera, providing peace of mind during your shooting sessions.

With a high transmittance of over 99.5%, these filters maintain excellent image quality while reducing the amount of light reaching the camera sensor. The ultra-thin glass design prevents vignetting, allowing for a clear and unobstructed view.

The ND filters included in this kit grant you creative freedom by giving you greater control over the camera’s aperture, exposure time, and sensor sensitivity settings. They help in reducing the amount of light entering the sensor, preventing washed-out photos and videos caused by bright sunlight. This results in better contrast and richer colors in your footage.

The CPL filter is specifically designed to eliminate unwanted reflections, such as scattered light in the air or reflections from metal and water surfaces. By allowing only parallel light to pass through, increases color saturation and creates deep, rich scenic images.

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6. Freewell Standard Day – 4K Series – 4Pack ND Filters Compatible with Hero11, Hero10, Hero9 Black

The Freewell 4K Series offers unmatched optics with handcrafted precision, specifically designed for compatibility with Hero11, Hero10, and Hero9 Black cameras. Their GimbalSafe technology ensures that each filter frame undergoes a lightweight test, guaranteeing no negative effects even when used on drones and gimbals.

The filter kit includes ND8, ND16, ND32, and PL filters, covering your needs from cloudy to normal sunny days. Additionally, the kit comes with a durable magnetic filter case for convenient storage and protection of the filters. With Freewell’s high-quality filters and thoughtful storage solution, capturing stunning footage is made easy and hassle-free.

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GoPro ND Filters: Beginner’s Guide

Benefits of GoPro ND filters

ND filters for GoPro cameras offer several benefits and play a crucial role in overcoming exposure challenges in different lighting conditions, ultimately enhancing the quality of your footage.

One primary benefit is the ability to achieve proper exposure to bright environments. When shooting in situations with intense sunlight or reflective surfaces, such as water or snow, the excessive light can lead to overexposure, loss of details, and washed-out images. 

By using ND filters, you can reduce the amount of light entering the GoPro’s lens, allowing for a more balanced exposure. This helps retain details in both the highlights and shadows, resulting in more pleasing and well-exposed footage.

Another advantage is the creative control ND filters provide. These filters enable you to use wider apertures or slower shutter speeds, which can yield various artistic effects. 

For example, by using a slower shutter speed with an ND filter, you can capture motion blur in moving subjects, creating a sense of dynamism and conveying a feeling of speed or movement. 

ND filters also facilitate long-exposure photography, allowing you to capture stunning time-lapse sequences or create silky-smooth water effects, even in bright daylight.

Furthermore, ND filters can improve the overall quality of your footage by reducing lens flare, ghosting, and other unwanted optical artifacts. These filters help maintain the image’s sharpness and contrast while minimizing issues caused by excessive light entering the lens.

Types of GoPro ND filters

There are different types of ND filters available for GoPro cameras, including fixed ND filters and variable ND filters. Here’s a breakdown of their characteristics, pros, and cons, along with recommendations for different shooting scenarios:

Fixed ND Filters for GoPro

Characteristics: Fixed ND filters have a specific light reduction factor, such as ND2, ND4, ND8, etc., indicating the amount of light they block.

Pros: Fixed ND filters offer consistent light reduction, allowing for precise control over exposure. They are typically affordable and straightforward to use.

Cons: As they provide a fixed light reduction, you’ll need to carry multiple filters with different strengths to adapt to various lighting conditions.

Recommendation:  Fixed ND filters are suitable when you have a clear idea of the lighting conditions you’ll be shooting in and want a consistent light reduction. It’s recommended to have a set of different strengths to cover a range of exposure scenarios.

Variable ND Filters for GoPro

Characteristics: Variable ND filters consist of two polarizing layers that can be rotated to adjust the amount of light reduction. They offer a range of light reduction factors.

Pros: Variable ND filters provide flexibility by allowing you to adjust the light reduction level smoothly. They are convenient as they eliminate the need to carry multiple filters.

Cons: Variable ND filters can introduce a slight color cast or image degradation, especially at extreme light reduction settings. They are typically more expensive than fixed ND filters.

Recommendation: Variable ND filters are ideal when you need to quickly adapt to changing lighting conditions or when you prefer a compact setup with fewer filters. They are particularly useful for video shooting or situations where you need to adjust exposure on the go.

When choosing either fixed or variable ND filters, it’s essential to consider the specific shooting scenarios you’ll encounter. If you anticipate shooting in a variety of lighting conditions and desire precise exposure control, a set of fixed ND filters is recommended. 

On the other hand, if convenience and adaptability are key, a variable ND filter offers flexibility and ease of use.

How To choose the right ND filter strength?

ND filters for GoPro cameras are available in various strengths, typically denoted by ND2, ND4, ND8, and so on. Each strength corresponds to a different level of light reduction. Here’s an explanation of commonly used ND filter strengths and their recommended use based on lighting conditions:

ND2: ND Filter for GoPro

This filter reduces the amount of light entering the camera by 1 stop or 50%. It is suitable for mildly bright conditions, such as cloudy or slightly overcast days. It helps balance exposure and prevents overexposure in moderate lighting situations.

ND4: ND Filter for GoPro

Offering 2 stops or 75% light reduction, the ND4 filter is useful in moderately bright conditions. It helps control exposure in situations with ample sunlight or when shooting in environments with reflective surfaces like water or snow.

ND8: ND Filter for GoPro

With a 3-stop or 87.5% light reduction, the ND8 filter is effective in bright lighting conditions. It is ideal for sunny days and situations where there is intense sunlight or high contrast between the subject and the background.

ND16 and higher: ND Filter for GoPro

These filters, such as ND16, ND32, or ND64, offer greater light reduction, typically ranging from 4 to 6 stops or more. They are suitable for extremely bright environments, such as snow-covered landscapes or shooting in direct sunlight. They help prevent overexposure and retain details in the highlights while enabling the use of wider apertures or slower shutter speeds.

The choice of ND filter strength depends on the specific lighting conditions you encounter. It’s recommended to have a variety of filter strengths at your disposal to adapt to different situations and achieve optimal exposure control. 

Assess the brightness of the environment and select the appropriate ND filter strength to maintain a balanced exposure and capture well-exposed footage with accurate color reproduction.

Where can you use ND filters for GoPro?

Outdoor Sports and Adventure

When engaging in outdoor sports or adventure activities in bright sunlight, such as surfing, skiing, or biking, ND filters help prevent overexposure and retain details in both the subject and the surrounding environment.

Landscape Photography

When photographing or filming landscapes, ND filters allow you to achieve a more balanced exposure between the bright sky and the foreground.

Waterfalls and Rivers

ND filters are invaluable when capturing waterfalls, rivers, or any moving water. By using longer shutter speeds made possible by the reduced light with ND filters, you can create a smooth, dreamy effect in the flowing water, resulting in stunning, ethereal imagery.

Cinematic Video Recording

If you’re aiming for a cinematic look in your GoPro videos, ND filters are essential. They allow you to use wider apertures or slower shutter speeds, creating a shallow depth of field and adding motion blur.

Time-lapse Photography

When shooting time-lapse sequences in bright daylight, ND filters enable you to use longer exposure times, resulting in smooth transitions and capturing the desired motion blur over an extended period.

Drone Photography and Videography

ND filters are useful for drone photography and videography as well. Drones often operate in bright, open environments, where overexposure is a common issue. ND filters allow drone pilots to achieve proper exposure, avoid blown-out highlights, and capture more balanced footage.

In conclusion

ND filters for GoPro cameras are essential accessories for photographers and videographers looking to control exposure and achieve creative effects. 

They help balance exposure in bright environments, prevent overexposure, retain details, and enable artistic techniques like motion blur and long-exposure shots. ND filters come in fixed and variable types, each with its pros and cons. 

It’s important to choose the right filter strength based on lighting conditions. ND filters offer benefits in various scenarios, including outdoor sports, landscape photography, waterfalls, cinematic video recording, time-lapse photography, and drone photography. 

Recommended ND filter options include the REYGEAK 6-Pack Lens Filter Set, PolarPro Shutter Collection, NEEWER 4 Pack Lens Filter ND Filter Kit, K&F Concept 4-Pack ND/PL Lens Filter, and TELESIN 4-Pack Lens Filter CPL ND8 ND16 ND32. 

These filters are made with high-quality materials and offer a precise fit, excellent light transmission, and superior image quality. By using ND filters, you can enhance the quality and creativity of your GoPro footage.

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